By Scout Nelson
Nebraska's agricultural future shone bright as young farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals from across the state gathered in Kearney for the Nebraska Farm Bureau YF&R Conference in February. This event was a vibrant hub for networking, learning, and discovering new opportunities within the agricultural industry.
Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB's director of generational engagement, emphasized the conference's unique design, tailored by and for young ag professionals aiming to foster both personal and professional growth. The event featured a variety of innovative local agriculture tours, a concert by Logan Mize, and a series of breakout sessions aimed at adding value to attendees' agricultural ventures.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote speech on mental health in agriculture delivered by Marshall Sewell. Addressing the critical importance of mental well-being, Sewell offered practical solutions for prioritizing mental health in the demanding world of farming and ranching.
Josh England of Hall County, the newly appointed YF&R Committee Chair, expressed his appreciation for the conference as an invaluable forum for young agriculturalists to connect, share experiences, and learn from industry experts on enhancing their operations.
The conference also hosted the annual Discussion Meet contest, a competitive event designed to simulate a committee meeting where participants discuss and propose solutions to an agricultural issue.
This year's finalists, advancing to compete at the NEFB Annual Meeting in December, include Lydia O’Brien of Arthur County, David Schuler of Morrill County, Katie Keller of Thomas County, and Cory Johnson of Loup County, with Sheridan Swotek and Sean Krebs of Buffalo County serving as alternates.
Each finalist received a $50 prize, with the ultimate opportunity to compete on a national level for $500 and an all-expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau YF&R Discussion Meet in San Antonio, January 24-29, 2025. This contest is open to NEFB members aged 18 to 35, highlighting the bureau's commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The conference also took a moment to honor retiring YF&R Committee members for their service and introduced the new committee lineup for 2024, promising continued advocacy and support for Nebraska's young agricultural community.
The 2024 committee members are a diverse group representing various regions across Nebraska, demonstrating the NEFB's dedication to a broad and inclusive representation of the agricultural sector.
This annual gathering celebrated the dynamic contributions of young agriculturalists and reinforced the foundation for their future impact on Nebraska's farming and ranching landscape.
Photo Credit: nebraska-farm-bureau
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General