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