he purpose of the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program is to contribute to

the overall effectiveness of Georgia Farm Bureau by providing leadership, educational and social opportunities, thereby preparing and enabling young adults to become more active members and to assume additional roles of leadership and responsibility within county, state or national Farm Bureau organizations.For more information on any events or activities of the Young Farmer Program, please contact:

Georgia Farm BureauField ServicesPO Box 7068Macon, GA 31209478-474-0679 ext. 5230yf@gfb.org; www.gfb.org/yf

Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program

The Discussion MeetThis contest is designed to develop fundamental abilities in young members by increasing basic discussion skills as young farmers, developing a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and exploring how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems. Each pre-determined topic is addressed in a format that challenges contestants to listen to all points of view before formulating their stance on an issue.

Competitive Events

The Achievement

Award

This award recognizes the accomplishments of young Farm Bureau

members in production agriculture and

leadership achievement. Participants are involved

in production agriculture with a majority of their

income subject to normal production risks. Competitors are judged on their farm operation

and growth, the financial progress of the

operation and their Farm Bureau and community

leadership.

Purpose

T

oung farmers are the future of agriculture. Staying informed and educated about ag-

ricultural issues will better prepare you to take actions that benefit your family, farm operation and the agricultural industry. Building a network of support and influence in Farm Bureau will en-hance your development as both an agricultural producer and an individual. Your involvement in the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program expands the opportuni-ties you have to make a difference in your agricul-tural operation and your community by providing opportunities to:

• Interactandexchangeideaswithfellowyoung farmers, ranchers and agricultural

supporters • Developleadershipskills • Learnthrougheducationalconferences • Attainthelatestinformationregarding issues and challenges affecting agriculture

and farm families • Tellyouragriculturalstory

Program Activities

State Young Farmer Committee A two year opportunity to represent your local

district on the state young farmer committee. National networking, leadership development skills, lifelong relationships and travel opportu-nity are a small part of this experience.

District and County Activities Provides various activities including farm tours,

educational trips, farm safety training, seminars, dinners, cookouts, cattle shows and fun for the entire family. These activities generate fun, edu-cation and wonderful social opportunities.

State Convention Offers award competitions, trade show, special recognition and network opportunities.

Young Farmers to Washington This annual trip takes place each March as approx-imately 30 young farmers from all over Georgia embark upon our nation’s capitol to discuss cur-rent agricultural policies with Senators and Con-gressmen. Young farmers gain an appreciationof how our federal government operates and how Farm Bureau works to enhance agriculture from a national and global perspective.

LeadershipConference Each July the Young Farmer Committee hoststheYFLeader-ship Conference. Young farmers from across Georgia gather together for a week-end of competition, networking, socializing and learning as we discuss local and na-tional issues affecting agriculture.

he Georgia Farm Bureau Young

Farmer Program brings young adults (18-35 years of age) together from across Georgia to increase their partici-pation in Farm Bureau activities and increase leadership abilities. The program is for young

Farm Bureau mem-bers who have an inter-est in

agriculture and wish to become more active in the organization. The mission of the young farmer program is to surface and develop the next generation of agricultural leaders for leadership roles in Georgia Farm Bureau and their individual communities.

What is theYoung Farmer Program?

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Why should I get involved?

Y