The Young Farmer Committee of the Connecticut Farm Bureau provides an excellent opportunity for young farmers, ages 18-35, to actively participate in Farm Bureau programs and become leaders in the Farm Bureau organization.

 

Agriculture today is very exciting, challenging and different from the farming that our grandfathers practiced. Today's agriculture is demanding and forever changing. A better understanding of agriculture today makes for a successful tomorrow. Young Farmers are a group of friends and colleagues who will take the lead as Connecticut's next generation of farmers.

 

As a result of participation in Farm Bureau programs, Young Farmer members experience personal growth and achievement as Farm Bureau members, farmers, citizens and community leaders. Participation in membership acquisition and maintenance, policy development and execution, commodity promotion, marketing, political education and action, and local affairs and builds strong leaders for the future of Farm Bureau. In addition to ongoing legislative involvement, each year Connecticut's Young Farmers and CFBA host an Ice Cream Social at the State Capitol to mark the end of the legislative session and to promote Connecticut products.

 

Young Farmer Leadership Conference

American Farm Bureau's Annual Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference is held each year in February. In 2010, six Connecticut Young Farmers flew to Oklahoma to participate. The conference offers motivational speakers, idea exchange, awards and recognition, fellowship and networking opportunities.

Young Farmer Achievement Award

The Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize those young farmers who have excelled in their farming operations and honed their leadership abilities. State Achievement Award winners represent Connecticut at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and Convention.

In 2010, CFBA First Vice President Jamie Jones of Shelton represented Connecticut after being awarded as winner at the 2009 CFBA Annual Meeting. Jamie competed at the national AFBF conference, and was one of four runners-up for the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, winning a Case Farmall Tractor.

Contestants are evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress of operation, Farm Bureau Leadership, as well as leadership outside of Farm Bureau. More specifically, the judges look for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise and initiatives that have been displayed throughout the operation. (2010 deadline is August 13--Apply today!)

 

Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award
The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, to earn recognition. State Excellence in Agriculture Award winners represent Connecticut at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and Convention. (2010 deadline is August 13--apply today!)

In 2010, Connecticut Young Farmer former Chairman Joanna Samuelson placed in the top ten in this national award competition. Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Young Farmer Discussion Meet

Each year the Connecticut Young Farmers fly to Washington, D.C. to meet with their congressional leaders, receive issue updates and tour our nation's capitol.

 

 

Let the fun begin! Held in July, the New England Young Farmer Summer Games is a time of meeting new friends, competing in farm Olympics and just getting away for the day. The games move from state to state.

 

Chair: Tammy Cranouski

Treasurer: Erin Pirro

For additional information on Young Farmer events, visit their websitehttp://www.ctyoungfarmers.com/or contact them via email at CTYoungFarmers@gmail.com