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YF&R Program's Purpose...To provide opportunities and activities to promote learning, growth, and leadership on issues that will enable 18-35 old agriculturalists to secure a better future in agriculture.
Calendar of Events
| June 13, 2008 |
FFA Discussion Meet- Tucson, AZ |
| July 2008 |
State Committee Planning Retreat |
| August 15-17, 2008 |
Summer Retreat- Flagstaff, AZ |
| November 5, 2008 |
Annual Meeting-Carefree, AZ |
Recent YF&R Events
5K FOR JA
 Four Farm Bureau Members recently ran in the 5K Run for Junior Achievment. The event was held at Tempe Town Lake on April 26, 2008. Over 1,000 runners participated in the 3.2 mile race and raised nearly $50,000 for the Junior Achievement Program. In addition to sponsoring a team, Farm Bureau also provided apples, bannanas, and oranges to all of the runners. Farm Bureau once again provided the water troughs to house the bottled water for event participants. A big Thank You to HIGLEY FEED for allowing YF&R to borrow the troughs for this event!
The YF&R Program partnered with Junior Acheivement last year to provide the non-profit education program with agricultural curriculum to use in kindergarden classes throughout Maricopa County. "The Many Hats Farmer Jeremy Wears" continues to be taught in Junior Achievement classes.
SPRING RETREAT
Eighteen YF&R Members recently traveled to Maricopa County for the YF&R Spring Retreat. After being acquainted with fellow members with Garbage Olympics, members learned about all of the YF&R Contests and participted in a mock Discussion Meet. Members volunteered at Arizona Ag Day at Schnepf Farms in the 'Meet Your Local Producer' booth and served the Farmer's Share Lunch to the community. Following the morning at Ag Day, members then toured the Queen Creek Olive Mill and Superstition Dairy. Members then headed to the Arizona Farm Bureau Office for a tour and dinner with President Rogers and Adam Hatley (VP of Maricopa County Farm Bureau). Members closed out the night with ice cream and a round of goofy golf.
The final day of the retreat allowed members to brainstorm and provide direction for the State Committee on fundraising and sponsorship efforts. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Spring Retreat!
Chair: Marcos Moore (Yuma
Vice Chair: Leslie Pierson (Maricopa)
AFBF YF&R Committee: Ana Kennedy (Pinal)
Alexandra and Jim Boyle (Maricopa), Jenna Clark (Maricopa), John and Amanda Hart (Cochise), Ty Kelly (Mohave), Todd Laurer (Cochise), Jason and Melissa Perry (Maricopa), Stefanie Smallhouse (Pima), Marguertie Tan (Navajo), Caitlin Williams (Pima), and Brian and Tiffany Willis (Navajo).
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
YF&R Members from around the State gathered this past February to attend the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The Arizona delegation gathered with over 800 other YF&R Members from accross the Country. Members learned how important it is to tell their story and secure their future in the agricultural industry.
Members also go to see a bit of Maryland agriculture on a day of tours. Members visited Camden Yards, Gettysburg, US Naval Academy, Oyster Processing, Bonita Farms, Waffle Hill Farms, Boyle Brothers Seed Cleaning, Mason Dixon Farms, and Boordy Vineyard.
AG FEST
YF&R Members recently participated in Ag Fest 2008. Eighteen members attended this event with their local Farm Bureaus. "This event allows the Representatives and Senators to see that there is a much younger generation in agriculture than what is perceived. It is important for them to see that we are here and we are fighting to keep this industry alive," says YF&R Chair Marcos Moore.
YF&R State/National Contests
Congratulations to Andy and Stefanie Smallhouse for their award-winning performance in the AFBF Achievement Award Competition!
Congratulations also to John Hart for a strong performance in the YF&R Discussion Meet!
Congratulations to Dee Wear on a great showing in the Collegiate Discussion Meet this past month!
Andy and Stefanie Smallhouse brought home a brand new Case IH Tractor! |
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 Farm Bureau 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 providesCollegiate Members the opportunity to become acquainted with hot agricultural issues and the Young Farmer and Rancher Program. This event is run just as the YF&R Discussion Meet
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 Young Farmer and Rancher Program. This event is run just as the YF&R Discussion Meet.
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