Many young people can really benefit from involvement in Young Farmers and Ranchers, but they simply do not know enough
about it. Answers to some commonly asked questions are provided below.
Who are Young Farmers & Ranchers?
Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers are active agriculturists like you... between the ages of 18 and 35 and
involved in production, banking, business, and many other areas of the industry. Young Farmers and Ranchers
develop leadership skills while volunteering time as active, vital members of the county Farm Bureaus.
As a member of Young Farmers and Ranchers your voice will join those of your peers to speak out for agriculture.
As you develop your skills and knowledge, your efforts will help Farm Bureau to effectively represent all farmers
and ranchers.
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What are the Benefits?
There are many returns for your time and effort as a Young Farmers and Ranchers participant. You will have the
opportunity to attend seminars focusing on leadership training, and you will gain valuable insights into all
aspects of agriculture. You will learn how to promote your commodity as well as your industry. You will learn
about issues and how to resolve them.
You will also make valuable professional contacts. You will meet and work with your elected officials. You will
make friends for life with other young people in agriculture who share the same interests and challenges that you
face daily.
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What is the Outstanding Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award?
The Outstanding Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award competition is based on the operating efficiency of
each farmer and rancher applicant.
The winner is chosen based upon effectiveness and creativity in his/her operation and leadership skills exhibited
in both the community and Farm Bureau. Cash awards are given to the top three finalists. The state winner receives
use of any size Kubota tractor for one year and an all-expense paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation
convention to compete for national recognition and awards, including the opportunity to win a new Dodge Ram pickup.
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Does YF & R provide political training?
California agriculture is the most diverse in the world, and as a result, public policy issues affecting our
agriculture can be very complex. Farm Bureau needs young leaders like you to be involved in the legislative
process. Young Farmers and Ranchers offers programs that give you that opportunity.
The Legislative Conference provides a one-day training at the State Capitol building and the opportunity to speak
with legislators.
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What is the FFA Discussion Meet?
The Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee sponsors a FFA Discussion Meet in conjunction with the State FFA
Leadership Conference. This contest is similar to the YF&R Discussion Meet, with the contestants being members of
FFA.
The Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet is a panel-type discussion in which young farmers and ranchers are
judged on their ability to express ideas and cooperate with others while discussing some of the hottest issues in
agriculture.
The ultimate goal is to reach a solution to a stated problem facing agriculture. Cash awards are presented to the
four state finalists. The state winner competes in national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation
convention and has the opportunity to win a new Dodge pickup.
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What is the Leadership Conference?
The most popular event of the year combines a weekend of learning with fun and excitement. Professional presenters
teach the latest techniques in management and personal development. Specialists on issues concerning agriculture
share information about the challenges and successes of the industry.
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What is the Farm PAC?
The California Farm Bureau Federation Political Action Committee (Farm PAC®) recognizes the need to be involved in
politics at the local, state and national levels. Farm PAC has been instrumental in electing candidates, both
Republicans and Democrats, who share our philosophy on issues affecting agriculture and rural California. Every
year, the Young Farmers and Ranchers lend their support to help Farm PAC® achieve its goals.
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What Social Activities do YF & R members take part in?
One aspect common to all Young Farmers and Ranchers activities is the opportunity to meet people. Whether you are
participating on the county, state, or national level, there are others who share the same challenges and
successes that you do. Social activities are where YF&Rs have fun and network at the same time!
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What is Food Check-Out Day?
California Young Farmers and Ranchers celebrate
Food Check Out Day by hosting
various activities to heighten the awareness of this important day. Food Check-Out Day commemorates the calendar
day when the average American will have earned enough income to pay fo the entire year's food supply. According to
the United States Department of Agriculture, on
average American consumers spend only 10.7 percent of their disposable income for food. When applied to the
calendar, that comes out to 40 days. That tells us that America's farmers and ranchers are the most productive in
the world, producing safe, quality and affordable food.
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How Do I Become Involved?
Contact us here at the Yolo County Farm Bureau, and we will put you in touch with one of the officers of the
local Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.
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