By Blake Jackson
This Valentine's weekend, over 600 young Missouri Farm Bureau members will gather for their annual Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Conference.
This event provides a valuable platform for young agriculturalists (ages 18-35) to connect, learn, and grow.
From college students to seasoned farmers, attendees come from diverse backgrounds but share a common passion for agriculture.
The conference fosters valuable relationships and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing modern agriculture.
A diverse range of breakout sessions will equip attendees with practical skills and knowledge. Topics include:
- Marketing and social media: Strategies for building a strong brand and engaging with customers.
- Soil Health: Understanding the critical role of soil in agricultural productivity.
- Policy Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers at the state and federal levels.
- Precision Agriculture: Utilizing technology like spray drones to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Risk Management: Navigating market volatility in livestock production.
- Farm Succession Planning: Facilitating crucial conversations within farm families.
- Consumer Education: Sharing farm stories to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.
The conference also features sessions on crop production, soil improvement, and pollinator health.
By providing valuable learning and networking opportunities, the YF&R Conference empowers the next generation of agricultural leaders to overcome challenges, innovate, and drive the future of farming.
Young people engaged in production agriculture are encouraged to join their local county Farm Bureau and consider attending the 2026 YF&R Conference.
Photo Credit: missouri-farm-bureau
Categories: Missouri, Business, General