Young Farmers and Ranchers
Young Farmers & Ranchers are between the ages of 18-35 who have a desire to network, share ideas, participate in community projects and hone their leadership skills. The Florida Farm Bureau has an array of opportunities for this group of young agriculturists to become strong leaders for the future of agriculture.
To get involved in the Farm Bureau YF&R Program, contact your local Farm Bureau office.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Program
The Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Program provides many opportunities for young agriculturists to be involved at the community, local, state and national level. Various events and award programs recognize the importance of young farmers’ and ranchers’ contributions to agriculture.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group
Every two years a select group of agriculturists are selected to participate in the Young Farmers and 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.
Harvest for All
Harvest for All is a food donation competition spearheaded by the American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers. Florida YF&Rs have donated more than 24 million pounds of fresh produce and food to assist hungry Americans.
CONTESTS
Each year, active YF&R members have the opportunity to compete in several programs that recognize their accomplishments and test their skills. There are three competitions:
• Achievement in Ag Award
• Discussion Meet
• Collegiate Discussion Meet
• Excellence in Ag Award
CONFERENCES
Each year, active YF&R members have the opportunity to attend the YF&R Leadership Conference. The conference is open to members, and anyone interested in networking with young agriculturists. To view photos from the 2024 Leadership Conference, click here.
Join us July 11-13, 2025, in St. Augustine for the 2025 Leadership Conference!
Collegiate Farm Bureau
The Collegiate Farm Bureau brings together agricultural students on college campuses to engage them in educational activities that will enhance their future while building awareness of the Farm Bureau organization. The Florida Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters operate at the University of Florida (UF), Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and Warner University. For more information you can email [email protected].
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 Leadership Group Schedule
2023-2025 YF&R Leadership Group
President
Jake Pendergrass
Immediate Past President
Tyler Shadrick
Click on the map to learn about district representatives.
- District 1
Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Washington - District 2
Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla - District 3
Columbia, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Taylor, Suwannee - District 4
Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Flagler, Marion, Levy, Seminole, Volusia - District 5
Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Union, Putnam, St. Johns - District 6
Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sumter - District 7
Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin - District 8
Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte, Lee
- District 9
Hendry, Glades, Palm Beach, Collier, Broward, Dade, Monroe
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:
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.
Award Winners
Click the links below to view past award winners.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Toolkit
The “Growing Our Leaders” toolkit is a resource to help develop Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) committees while also serving as an easy planning guide to help county YF&R programs to reach, connect, educate and engage its community.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Blog
Nurturing the Seeds of Leadership: Insights from the AFBF YF&R Conference
Written by Katie Quincey and Matt Fisher
The 2024 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference (YF&R), held in Omaha, Nebraska, was not just an event; it was an immersive experience that left a lasting impact on attendees, particularly the Class X Leadership Group. Read about their key takeaways and more in the third blog from the group.
Read More
YF&R Leadership Group Advocates for Agriculture in Tallahassee
Written by Benjamin Putnam and Jorin Ouwinga
Class X of the YF&R Leadership Group had made monumental strides in their leadership training during their two-day visit to Tallahassee. Read about their experience engaging with the legislative process, how they enhance their communication skills and advocated for the issues vital to their operations and industries.
Read More
YF&R Leadership Team Gears Up for 2024 After Invaluable First Seminar
Written by Dallas Hull and Erin Jones
The new class of the Young Farmers & Ranchers leadership team attended their first leadership seminar in November. Team members Dallas Hull and Erin Jones provide a recap of key takeaways from the seminar and what the class is most looking forward to in 2024.
Read More
Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Development Guide
The YF&R Leadership Development Guide is a tool for county YF&R committees to use to revitalize and grow their program. The guide offers tips on how to get a county program started, the role of different leadership positions and helpful resources.