Leadership Group

Every two years a select group of agriculturists is chosen to participate in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of farmers and ranchers with the leadership and confidence to represent agriculture at the local, state and national level. It focuses on personal growth, public speaking, media training, legislative awareness, issue advocacy and service leadership.

2023-2025 YF&R Leadership Group

YF&R Leadership Group Information

Overview and Objectives
The Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Group is a two-year journey that will expose, engage, and equip members to be leaders in Farm Bureau. Class members will be exposed to Florida farmers and ranchers, agricultural policy issues and process, Farm Bureau opportunities at the local, state, and national level and leadership tools. Class members will engage in advocacy, Farm Bureau activities at all levels, relationship building and networking. They will be equipped with training in media, communication, and public speaking in addition to other personal and professional skills developed during seminars. The program consists of thirteen (13) seminars, covering approximately 45 days.

Eligibility

• Applicant shall be classified as an active member as defined in Article 5, Section 2 of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) Bylaws.
• Applicant shall be a FFBF member in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year prior to the application deadline for Class 11 of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group (July 18, 2025).
• Applicant shall or will be at least 18 and no more than 35 years of age as of November 1 of the year their Class begins.
• Applicant shall not be a salaried employee of FFBF, a County Farm Bureau or its affiliates.
• Spouses may apply to the same class, individually or as a couple.
• The applicant’s character, reputation and personal life (as evidenced by references or inquiry) must be of the highest quality, reflecting potential leadership capability.
• Although there are no specific academic requirements, the applicant must be able to demonstrate potential to contribute meaningfully to seminar sessions and perform outside assignments as required throughout the two-year program.
• Applications must include the following items to be complete and accepted:
  • Two references. One reference MUST be from a board member of applicant’s County Farm Bureau (current or past), the other a non-family member. The Reference Evaluation Form can be found on Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s YF&R Leadership Group Page, please make sure you send your references the link to submit the form before the July 18, 2025, deadline.
  • Either a signed Employer Authorization Form or complete a Self-Employed Form. The forms can be found on the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s YF&R Leadership Group Page. Please have those printed, signed and scanned to upload in application.
  • Approval of their County Farm Bureau President (the application will have a field to select if they have been contacted and approve – they will be contacted before an interview is scheduled).

Expectations
It is a great commitment to sign up for this class, and class members will get out of the class what they put into it.

• Attendance: Attendance at every seminar for the entire program is expected. Class members who miss two (2) seminars, in part or in full, will be dismissed immediately from the class with no refund. Equally as important is promptness. By applying class members agree to always be prompt; for seminars, completing assignments and managing time.  If an emergency occurs, it is expected that class members will communicate this to the class coordinator immediately, providing as much advance notice as possible.
• Professionalism and Participation: Class members are expected to act responsibly and with integrity, representing themselves, their peers, and our organization. Class members must conduct themselves in a way that reflects well on everyone involved. This includes active participation in seminars and with class. Failure to do so may result in termination from the program. Adherence to these standards ensures the program’s continuation for future members.

Selection Timeline

Investment

• Florida Farm Bureau will invest up to $20,000 in each class member over the next two years.
• Class members are responsible for $500 of the total investment. *
• Invoices will be sent to class members in August and will be due October 1. The fee will be split into two payments, $250 in August 2025 and $250 in August 2026.

* Class members may cover the investment themselves or arrange sponsorship. Sponsorship suggestions include but are not limited to a County Farm Bureau, another agriculture organization, or employer.

Seminars
Below are the seminar dates and locations over the course of the two-year program.  As stated above, attendance at every seminar for the entire program is expected and essential to the success of the YF&R Leadership Group.  Please review these dates to ensure availability.

Contests, Awards & Recognition

Each year, active members in YF&R have the opportunity to compete in several programs that recognize their accomplishments and test their skills. There are three competitions, click the links below to learn more:

• • Achievement in Agriculture Award
  • Discussion Meet
  • Excellence in Ag Award
  • Collegiate Discussion Meet

YF&R members also have the opportunity to be recognized for their involvement in the community. Each year engaged members can apply for the Young Farmers & Ranchers Activity Award.