Aly Sosnovske, District 8 WFBF YFA Committee Representative
Farm Bureau member since 2021
Why do you value your Farm Bureau membership?
My Farm Bureau membership allows me to be a part of a second family. Being a member is a family tradition; a lot of my family is involved with Farm Bureau. Being a Young Farmer and Agriculturist chair means that I have a circle of friends I can count on for help. My membership allows me and other people like me to find that happy medium between their comfort zone and the strange unknown; able to see everyone and everything that is familiar but add in new faces. I am a part of making sure that the agriculture community continues to have a voice and future, but also making sure that there is a familiar face for people to see when they grow in their happy medium circle and form a second family.
What has been your favorite Farm Bureau program/event/etc. and why?
So far, my favorite event was the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference in Wisconsin Dells. I wasn’t sure what to expect but the amount of recognition after being introduced gave me chills and goosebumps. Seeing so many people in one spot that are all working together to make a voice for the future of agriculture gave me the thrill that I’m a part of something bigger than myself. I made a lot of new connections in my first year and hope to make more in the years to come.
What would you tell YFA members about getting involved in the YFA program?
The YFA program has so many different opportunities to grow. Whether it’s leadership, communication or even wanting to work with policy and government. If you give your talents to Farm Bureau and the YFA program, you will get back twice as much in experiences that will stay with you forever.
Best words of advice/words of wisdom?
Step out of your comfort zone. I never thought I would be in this position a year ago, but I was so thankful for the push I got. Being a part of Farm Bureau gets you off the farm and exploring your county, district and state. There is no need to be shy or afraid because everyone speaks the same language, agriculture. Get ahold of your county YFA chair on how to get involved and they will be thrilled to help you find your place in the YFA program. Don’t wait, act now! I encourage you to get involved, as a lifetime of opportunities will present themselves sooner than you know.
This spotlight originally appeared in the June|July 2022 Rural Route.
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