Young Farmers
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The purpose of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program is to provide opportunities for young adults to participate in the overall Farm Bureau program and give responsibility in areas that will best develop their leadership potential.
Leadership development is the chief goal of Kentucky Farm Bureau's young farmer programs. Focused on young adults 18-35, programs introduce participants to the business side of Farm Bureau; at the same time, they offer family-oriented social events for their enjoyment.
Meet Your Committee
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Donovan Washer, District 1, Vice Chair |
Ben & Gabrielle Prevette, District 2 |
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Clay Leveronne, District 3 |
Ryan & Erin Arnett, District 4 |
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Danielle Milbern, District 5 |
Josh & Mackenzie Wright, District 6 |
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Adam & Kristen Wilson, District 7 |
Andrew & Maggie Simpson, District 8 |
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Eli & Jaime Mann, District 9, Chair |
Justin & Katie Imel, District 10 |
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Courtney Brindle, District 11 |
Taylor & Hannah Jones, Immediate Past President |
| Reed & Heather Graham, Ex-Officio, AFBF YF&R |
Leadership Enhancement for Agricultural Development
LEAD (Leadership Enhancement for Agricultural Development) provides leadership training for young members who want to increase their leadership effectiveness. Since 1998, more than 200 outstanding young men and women from across the state have participated in this intensive learning experience focusing on political involvement, effective communication, personal development, and Farm Bureau involvement.
The LEAD program is open to any Farm Bureau member between the ages of 25-40 who demonstrates leadership potential. An informational brochure can be found below.
Farm Bureau has always supported the development of young agricultural leaders. Through the LEAD Program, up to 16 young Farm Bureau members will have the opportunity to spend two years developing both personally and professionally.
Click here for the LEAD Brochure.
Events
Young Farmer Leadership Conference
This event is designed to provide our young farmers with leadership workshops and opportunities they can use daily on and off their farms. Young Farmers are provided with resources to help grow their operations and leadership skills.
The 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Conference will take place January 5-6 in Covington, KY.
Young Farmer Summer Outing
This event is designed to connect our young farmers and allow them the opportunity to travel the state and tour diverse agriculture operations; allowing our young farmers to ask questions to producers. In addition, attendees are provided a fun relaxing atmosphere to network and grow as leaders.
Young Farmer Contests
*Applicants are eligible to compete in only one contest per year*
Outstanding Young Farm Family
Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation annually conducts an Outstanding Young Farm Family Contest. County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to promote this activity among young farmers, recognizing them both in their chosen occupation and for leadership achievements. The ideal candidate(s) for this award is an individual, or couple, involved in production agriculture with most of their income subject to normal production risks associated with farming.
Counties will not be limited in the number of applicants that they enter in this contest. If we receive more than one application from a county, the judges will choose a county winner. Each county OYFF winner will then be eligible for the district and state competition. Applicants for the Outstanding Young Farm Family contest may not apply for the KFB Farmer of the Year program in the same year.
Discussion Meet
Kentucky Farm Bureau's Discussion Meet is a debate-styled competition for young farmers that relies on an individual’s skill in reasoning and logical discussion of issues. The competition tests entrants on their basic knowledge of critical farm issues and their ability to respond in a panel setting to differing points of view.
The Discussion Meet final round will held at the Kentucky Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting.
Excellence In Agriculture
The Excellence in Ag Literacy contest is designed as an opportunity for those who are involved in agriculture but have other full-time occupations. Contestants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e. civic, service, and community). Applicants should have an interest in farming, agriculture education, extension, or the agriculture industry.