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 Young Farmers and Ranchers program also sponsors scholarships for deserving students.
For more information contact Samantha Laird at 601-573-7913.

Registration Form

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23:

3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration

                           Beau Rivage – 875 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS

4:00 p.m.            Hotel Check-In

                           Beau Rivage – 875 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS

7:00 p.m.            Opening Reception

                           Beau Rivage

                                    Welcome and remarks

                                    Billy Tabb, MFBF YF&R Chairman

                                    Mike McCormick, MFBF President

                                    Reception Sponsor Spotlight

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

7:30 a.m.            Conference Registration Table Open

7:30 a.m.            Breakfast

                           Beau Rivage

                           8:00 a.m.      Breakfast Sponsor Spotlight

8:30 a.m.            General Session

                           Beau Rivage

                           8:30 a.m.      Welcome and Conference Overview

Billy Tabb, MFBF YF&R Chairman

                           8:35 a.m.      Opening Comments

Mike McCormick, MFBF President

                           8:45 a.m.      What Can Farm Bureau Do for You?

                                                Andy Brown, Regional Manager

                           9:00 a.m.      REAL CONVERSATION: Modern Farming and the Law: Recent and Emerging Trends

                                                Harrison Pittman, Director, The National Agricultural Law Center

                           9:45 a.m.      REAL ACTION: Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers

                                                Michelle Miller, Farm Babe

                           10:45 a.m.    Refreshment Break

                           11:00 a.m.    BREAKOUT SESSION 1 – Choose One

                                                Session A:       Soil Fertility Considerations for Sustainable Farm Productivity in

                                                                        Mississippi

                                                Dr. Bobby Golden, Rice Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service

                                                Session B:        What Does Posting, Tweeting, Snapping, and Going Live Have to

                                                                        do with Farming?

                                                Julie White, AFBF PAL Class 8 and Agricultural Literacy Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service

                                                Cameron Edwards, AFBF PAL Class 8 and Winghaven Lodge, Onton, Kentucky

                                                Session C:       Risk Management Options for Producers

                                                                        Bryan Doherty, Senior Market Advisor, Stewart-Peterson Group

                                                Session D:       Beautiful Things from Mississippi

                                                Dr. James DelPrince, Horticulture Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service

                           12:00 a.m.    Lunch

                                                Beau Rivage

                                                History of the Mississippi Maritime & Seafood Industry

Michelle Deane Peterson, Outreach Program Coordinator, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

                                                Luncheon Sponsor Spotlight

                           1:30 p.m.      BREAKOUT SESSION 2 – Choose One

                                                Session A:       Soil Fertility Considerations for Sustainable Farm Productivity in

                                                                        Mississippi

                                                Dr. Bobby Golden, Rice Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service

                                                Session B:        What Does Posting, Tweeting, Snapping, and Going Live Have to

                                                                        do with Farming?

                                                Julie White, AFBF PAL Class 8 and Agricultural Literacy Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service

                                                Cameron Edwards, AFBF PAL Class 8 and Winghaven Lodge, Onton, Kentucky

                                                Session C:       Risk Management Options for Producers

                                                                        Bryan Doherty, Senior Market Advisor, Stewart-Peterson Group

                                                Session D:       Beautiful Things from Mississippi

                                                Dr. James DelPrince, Horticulture Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service

                           2:30 p.m.      Time for Sightseeing and Networking on Your Own

                                                (List of Educational Opportunities and Area Attractions Provided)

6:15 p.m.            Depart Hotel for Dinner

7:00 p.m.             Dinner and Entertainment 

                           Beauvoir – 2244 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS

Featuring the Jason Miller Band

                           Welcome

                           Billy Tabb, MFBF YF&R Committee Chairman

                           Dinner Sponsor Spotlight

Announcement of 2018 Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Contest Winners

                           Mike McCormick, MFBF President

11:30 p.m.          Arrive Back at Hotel

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25

9:00 a.m.            Breakfast at Hotel

                           Beau Rivage

                           9:20 a.m.      Breakfast Sponsor Spotlight

                           9:30 a.m.      Time of Worship and Devotion

                                                Micah Ladner and Mike Entriken

                           10:00 a.m.    Closing Comments and Conference Adjournment

Mike McCormick, MFBF President

Billy Tabb, MFBF YF&R Chairman