Young Farmers & Ranchers

The Young Farmers and Ranchers program is designed to develop young people into the leaders that will someday guide Farm Bureau. Educating young farmers about the purpose and function of Farm Bureau and providing opportunities for them to participate in the program structure of Farm Bureau will prepare them to assume roles of leadership in the organization.

The YF&R program is designed for younger members, 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.

Each year, the Young Farmer & Rancher Department sponsors the YF&R Achievement Award. County winners compete at the district level and district winners compete at the state level. The state winner represents Mississippi in the American Farm Bureau YF&R Contest.

The YF&R Department also sponsors the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award each year. This contest is designed to recognize the accomplishments of contestants that derive the majority of their income from efforts other than agriculture but are involved in farming and Farm Bureau.

One of the most interesting and rewarding programs sponsored by the YF&R department in the Discussion Meet where young people get together to discuss issues and problems affecting their way of life. The deadline to register for the YF&R Discussion Meet is November 2.

In addition, the YF&R Committee hosts a Collegiate Discussion Meet each year. Registration is currently open for the YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet to be held on October 18 at Mississippi State University. Contact your Regional Manager for more information. The deadline to register is September 24.

The Young Farmers and Ranchers program also sponsors scholarships for deserving students. The 2020 application can be found below.

2020 YF&R Scholarship Application

For more information contact Samantha Laird at 601-573-7913.

2019 Young Farmers & Ranchers State Committee

REGION 1

Walt & Ashley Rambo
Sunflower
Term Expires 2019

Coy & Shasta Bland
Quitman
Term Expires 2020

REGION 2

Adam & Brittany Wright
Calhoun
Term Expires 2019

Justin & Suzanne Brooks
Yalobusha
Term Expires 2020

REGION 3

Billy & Brittany Rodgers
Humphreys
Term Expires 2019

Jay & Amber McBride
Holmes
Term Expires 2020

REGION 4

David & Kelli Russell
Okktibeha
Term Expires 2019

Hank & Leslie Harrington
Monroe
Term Expires 2020

REGION 5

Ben & Amanda Berry
Simpson
Term Expires 2019

Josh & Tori Slay
Scott
Term Expires 2020

REGION 6

Sean & Morgan McDonald
Jones
Term Expires 2019

Matt & Lisa Hammons
Smith
Term Expires 2020

REGION 7

Ross and Lacey Smith
Marion
Term Expires 2019

Josh & Amber Young
Walthall
Term Expires 2020

REGION 8

Taylor Hickman
Forrest
Term Expires 2019

Hayden & Emily West
Greene
Term Expires 2020

2019 State Young Farmer & Rancher Officers

Taylor Hickman – Chairman

Billy Rodgers – 1st Vice Chair

Sean McDonald – 2nd Vice Chair

Kelli Russell – Secretary