Spotlight on YF&R – The Power of YES

In 2018 we joined Farm Bureau, eager to connect with like-minded farmers who shared our passion and commitment to championing the future of agriculture in our region. 

We received an intriguing postcard in the mail, inviting us to a Farm Bureau event. “Join D9 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. The first 10 to RSVP get free concert tickets.” Excitedly, we responded immediately. 

At the concert, while mingling with other district members, Julie Wadzinski approached us and encouraged us to apply for the District 9 position on the WFBF YFA Committee. Despite some initial hesitation, uncertain if we were qualified, we decided to take the plunge and applied! 

During our three-year tenure with the WFBF YFA Committee, we encountered incredible individuals, honed our leadership skills and forged lifelong friendships. Among these connections was Sally Turpin, a representative for Wisconsin on the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, who suggested we apply for the AFBF YF&R Committee. Although unsure if we were the ideal candidates, we embraced the opportunity. 

Today, we’re in our second year serving on the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. We are honored to represent the state of Wisconsin for this two-year term, and proud to contribute to a community we cherish. 

In just our first year on the committee, we’ve embarked on an incredible journey. We’ve traveled to Washington, D.C. for our initial onboarding and training, explored Case IH in Milwaukee, worked at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, attended the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Salt Lake City and experienced the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference and JBS tour in Omaha.

Our second year is proving to be just as exciting. Our summer meeting was held in Boise, Idaho, where we toured Syngenta and met former committee members, the Durrants. We also met with Jon Iverson, a previous chair of the YF&R committee and toured his farm. Our fall meeting location is still to be determined, but we’re already looking forward to the AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio and AFBF FUSION Conference in Denver! 

At every stop, we’re meeting new people, enhancing our leadership skills and, most importantly, making sure there is a future in agriculture for the next generation. 

If you’re interested in joining the AFBF YF&R Committee and experiencing a remarkable journey of growth and adventure, give us a call. We’d love to tell you more about it. And heck, why not apply? Applications will be out mid-August! 

---