Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Program |
|||||||
|
The mission of the Arizona Farm Bureau's YF&R Program To get a look at what YF&R has coming up this year check out the 2010-2011 YF&R Program of Activities YF&R Membership is FREE in your first year! Click here to download an application (Check Young Farmer & Rancher Program and write "1st year free," then fax or send in.)
Fall Retreat Around the Corner! This fall's statewide Retreat will be held in Yuma Sept. 2-4. Arizona YF&R will provide a one-night hotel stay and all meals for members. If you're not a member, download the application (top of this webpage). CLICK HERE FOR RETREAT INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION.
A big thanks to Yuma County Farm Bureau and YF&R for helping organize this event.
Annual Meeting is coming up, and that means contests (and prizes!)
Achievement Award The Achievement Award competition is based on the operating efficiency of a young farmer or rancher. The winner is selected on the basis of effectiveness, creativity and leadership skills exhibited at both the community and Farm Bureau levels.
Discussion Meet The Discussion Meet is a panel-type discussion in which participants are judged on their ability to express ideas and opinions on the hottest issues driving agriculture. Participants attempt to influence each other by posing and answering questions. The goal is to reach a solution to a stated problem facing agriculture.
Excellence in Ag Award The Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community.) These contests afford members the opportunity to meet and compare skills with people of similar interests from outside the immediate community. 18-35 year-old members are encouraged to participate in these activities.
Collegiate Discussion Meet The Collegiate Discussion Meet is hosted by the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Program. This contest provides Collegiate Members the opportunity to become acquainted with hot agricultural issues and the YF&R Program. This event is held during the AzYF&R Annual Meeting.
Record Participation in State FFA Discussion Meet TUCSON- Thirty-two of Arizona FFA’s best participated in the 8th Annual FFA Discussion Meet during the State Leadership Conference. The winner received a $500 savings bond, sponsored by Arizona YF&R.
The discussion topics were “What can be done to encourage young people to get involved in the
 agricultural industry and remain there?” and “How can agricultural producers reach out to the public to gain their support on important issues impacting agriculture?”The finalists represented Basha, Red Mountain, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, Highland and Elfrida FFA Chapters. Congratulations to Jace Miller from Highland for winning this year’s event and the $500 savings bond. The runners-up all received $50 savings bonds from Arizona YF&R.
Day at the Capitol PHOENIX – On April 13th Young Farmer
 & Rancher Program members gathered to visit State legislators to discuss issues facing agriculture and show support for the ranchers along the international border.Members had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Department of Agriculture Director Butler, Representatives Pratt (R-23), Brown (D-5), and Konopnicki (R-5), along with Senators Garcia (D-27), Alvarez (D-25), and S. Allen (R-5).
“It’s best to be proactive rather than reactive in educating the public about the life sustaining industry of agriculture,” says Marcos Moore, Yuma County YF&R member and...CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
YF&R Members Attend National Leadership Conference TULSA, OKLAHOMA - Arizona Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher members recently attended the National Leadership Conference
 in February. Fifteen of Arizona’s best participated in and learned how to “Stand Up, Speak Out, and Shine,” the theme for this year’s event. Speakers and workshops focused on telling our Ag story, via interviews, social media, and personal contact. Two members competed with 37 other contestants in the Collegiate Discussion Meet. Caitlin Williams (University of Arizona) and Geoff Clark (Arizona State University) did a fantastic job through the first two rounds. Discussion topics were...CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
YF&R Collects Food to Help the Needy The first ever YF&R County Food Drive Contest was big success this year. All of the thirteen County Farm Bureau’s participated in the contest helping the YF&R group to collect 368 pounds of food and $936 in money donations, with Yavapai County bringing in the most donations. Yavapai will receive the donations along with $100 from the Young Farmers & Ranchers. Second place goes to Maricopa County who will be receiving $75 and third is Cochise County who will be receiving $50. A big THANK YOU goes out to all of the county Farm Bureau’s and their generosity in helping to collect donations for the needy!
 FFA Discussion Meet The FFA Discussion Meet is hosted by the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Program. This contest provides FFA Members the opportunity to become acquainted with hot agricultural issues and the YF&R Program. This event is run the same as the YF&R Discussion Meet, and is held at the FFA State Leadership Conference in Tucson every June.
Visit the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Program For more information on the AZFB YF&R Program or to join, contact Program Coordinator Bonnie Jones at yfr@azfb.org or 480-635-3615.
|
Members will be gathering for a great time! The Retreat will kick off with the Yuma County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting on Thursday. Friday's activities will include ag tours, community impact (clothing/food drive), trap shooting, and a mock discussion meet! Those that wish to participate in the opening weekend of dove hunting can go on Saturday morning.