Tag Archives: Georgia Farm Bureau YF&R

Young Georgia Farmers Find Purpose and Perspective at National Convention

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Anaheim, CA |

Palm trees and high-rises might not be the usual setting for a gathering of farmers, but for a few days in January, agriculture took center stage in Southern California. The 107th American Farm Bureau Convention welcomed members from across the country to Anaheim, where rural values and innovation shared the spotlight.

Among the highlights each year are the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) events—bringing together the next generation of agricultural leaders to network, compete, and collaborate.

“It changes everything,” said Walt Pridgen, Georgia Farm Bureau’s YF&R Achievement Award winner. “Issues that I have at home, somebody else might have that same issue. And he may have a solution that I may have never even considered a possibility. It’s always… just listening to how people solve problems and navigate the difficulties we all face in agriculture… I’ve always enjoyed having that opportunity to kind of bounce stuff off of everybody from across the country.”

That peer connection and shared experience is what many say recharges their purpose.

“You may be experiencing some struggles at home, trying to figure out why you even do this because it’s hard. It’s stressful,” said Haley Scruggs, Georgia’s YF&R Excellence in Agriculture award winner. “Then you come to an event like this, full of people who are experiencing the same struggles… and it just completely refills your spirit.”

But while the event is heavy on encouragement and community, it also includes a healthy dose of competition. Events like the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture, and Discussion Meet showcase the dedication, knowledge, and preparation of young leaders.

“It’s a pretty good amount of work,” said Kylie Sizemore, Georgia’s YF&R Discussion Meet winner. “I try to get some ideas for every question and then facts to support those ideas… memorize it so I’m prepared for the discussion. Of course, I want to win… but I’m also just happy to be here and meet people.”

Scruggs echoed the sentiment, highlighting just how much work goes on behind the scenes.

“Hours and hours and hours of work went into this,” she said. “So, it’s an application process first, which is not completed overnight. It’s very extensive… And then we begin creating the presentation—making sure the pictures are correct, not too many words, all the fine details nailed down. Then hours and hours of practice.”

Though none of Georgia’s competitors walked away with a national title, the value of the experience went far beyond awards. For all of them, it was about learning to communicate agricultural issues, gaining broader perspective, and finding a shared sense of purpose.

“I think it truly shapes individuals and allows them to know how to talk to people in agriculture—whether it’s public policy or local farmers,” said Sizemore. “It really prepares us for outside discussion… It’s exciting to get other perspectives from individuals that have a different take on some of these hot button topics.”

Pridgen agreed.

“That’s agriculture, man. We’re all trying to put together a very complicated puzzle,” he said. “Being involved at this level kind of allows you to get different puzzle pieces that you might not have thought you needed. But it fits, and it works.”

By: Damon Jones

Georgia Young Farmers & Ranchers Head to D.C. | Advocating for Ag’s Future on Capitol Hill

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Washington D.C. |

Providing leadership development, educational opportunities, and social networking are the cornerstones for the GFB Young Farmers and Ranchers program. And that is best exemplified by their annual trip up to Washington DC, where the next generation of farmers get plenty of all three.

“So, I definitely think it’s important and they need to hear from the younger generation so we are not getting silenced. You know, we’re up here, we’re caring about our operations just as much as the older generation. Then, also, to network with other young farmers around our state that we don’t really necessarily get to do back home; this trip takes us away from the operation, to be able to do that and build those networking opportunities,” says Allie Andrews, GFB YF&R Chair.

While young farmers might question just how much of an impact, they can really have on government policies, the answer is, in fact, quite a bit.

“They have a tremendous voice, and they have a lot of advantages when you think about it; built in institutional advantages. There are agriculture committees in both the Senate and the House. I mean, other industries don’t have that. We know agriculture is in every state. So, every senator cares about agriculture. Most of the members of the House, whether they have a lot of ag or a little know about ag,” says David Salmonsen, AFBF Senior Director of Government Affairs.

That’s why this trip up to DC is so meaningful each and every year. As lawmakers get a first-hand account of just how much federal policies are affecting the next generation of farmers in Georgia.

“We’re bringing our stories up here, to the representatives, to the senators. We’re bringing our industry to their office door and letting them understand what we’re struggling with and what they can do on their side of things to help us out,” says Andrews.

“There is nobody better than people who are actually in the industry, in agriculture, to come to DC, meet the people here. Explain what’s going on. Farmers tell their stories best and a lot of what’s going on by people who don’t understand agriculture don’t even think about how it might impact agriculture. Our senators and representatives, they love to hear from voters. Voters have the best stories. That’s who they really want to hear from,” says Salmonsen.

And not just any voters, but specifically those who have a long-term stake in what kind of decisions are being made affecting the ag industry.

“Our young people can say what you do now, I’ll be living with the rest of my life, or I’ll be operating in a business environment that you are impacting for the rest of my life. Whether it’s positive or negative, you’re imposing costs that are going to affect me as I’m trying to be a successful farmer or a rancher. So, I think it’s great to hear from them,” says Salmonsen.

So, between the educational sessions, meeting with lawmakers and creating new friendships, this annual trip is truly a unique experience.

“It’s awesome. I make new friends every time we get to come. I’m so thankful that this is my second year in a row getting to come. So, that opportunity in itself and I’m coming with a whole new group. So, I’m really excited about the new kids that have come up and then the middle-aged young farmers that are here as well to represent,” says Andrews.

By: Damon Jones