Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation designed the Young Farmers & Ranchers program to develop young people into the leaders that will someday guide the 100-year-old organization.

“There is no future without these guys,” MFBF President Mike McCormick says. “We’ve got to invest in them right now. We’ve got to get them hooked on the Farm Bureau message so they see the value of a membership and the importance of giving their time, because without them, there won’t be a Farm Bureau in the future.”

The program strives to educate young farmers about the purpose and function of Farm Bureau while providing them with opportunities to participate in the organization’s program structure. This prepares them to assume leadership roles within the organization in the future.

“I got involved in YF&R after I saw a flyer for the program in my local Farm Bureau office,” says Jay McBride, former State YF&R Committee member. “My involvement just snowballed from there. Taking that one little step to become involved has paid dividends for me.”

“YF&R allows you to build leadership skills, and those skills are invaluable because at some point, you’re time is going to come to step up into that next role,” 2022 YF&R Excellence in Agriculture award winner Alex Deason says. “It may come early or it may come later, but the more times you’re exposed to being in those positions, the better off you will be down the road. And that’s what YF&R does, it prepares you for that.”

The YF&R program is designed for young farmers, ages 18-35, who share an interest in improving themselves and agriculture. They are encouraged to use their own knowledge and the information gained about Farm Bureau to help formulate policies and programs that can lead to solutions to their problems.

“The average age of a farmer is 60 years old. Young farmers are going to have to step up and carry the torch,” says YF&R member Caleb Englert. “They’re not many of us young farmers, so it’s important for us to be a part of this for them to coach us.”

“I think other young farmers really need to understand that Farm Bureau is here to bat for them,” says YF&R member Michael Buckley. “This is the biggest tool farmers have in their pocket. Farm Bureau is here to help us continue our way of life.”

Members also have the opportunity to participate in a range of contests, including the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet, and activities, like county board meetings and regional YF&R meetings.

“I’m a very shy person, and through Farm Bureau, I’ve had to come out of my shell to talk to other people about what we do,” says Morgan McDonald, a former State YF&R Committee member and 2021 Achievement Award winner. “I feel like Farm Bureau has given me a place to be involved, and it’s taught me how to be a better advocate.”

Another benefit of the YF&R program is the networking opportunities across the agricultural industry.

“It’s nice to have established families who work just as hard as we do, and who understand our hours and that we cannot text you every single day of the week, but that are there when you need them. And, we get to be there when they need us,” says Katie Holtcamp, 2020 YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award winner.

MFBF’s mission is to create an environment in which Mississippi farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau members can have a better life and make a better living. That mission is on full display through the YF&R program.

“Give the program a try,” says State YF&R Committee member Anna Thames. “You will get something out of it, and you will meet people that will become your life-long friends. That’s what pushed us to keep participating in the beginning – we met some great people and wanted to continue those relationships.  Now, we look forward to continuing those throughout all of our years in Farm Bureau.”