The Voice of Agriculture in the Mountain State
Young Farmers & Ranchers
The Young Farmer and Rancher program provides leadership opportunities for men and women ages 18-35. Through educational and competitive events, involvement in YF&R programs helps to build a stronger, more effective Farm Bureau for the future.
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Competitive Events
West Virginia Farm Bureau conducts three competitive events during Annual Meeting in November to showcase the work of young farmers & ranchers from age 18-35. WVFB will provide the winners with $500 to travel to American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention next January in Anaheim, CA to compete at a national level. Events include:
Achievement Award
The Achievement Award recognizes Young Farmers & Ranchers who have excelled in their farm or ranch and have honed their leadership abilities to superiority. Participants are involved in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. Judges evaluate competitor’s excellence in management, growth and scope of their enterprise and self-initiative that have been displayed throughout the
farm or ranch.
Excellence in Agriculture
The Excellence in Agriculture Award spotlights young Farm Bureau members who are agricultural enthusiasts but have not earned a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise in the past three years. Competitors are evaluated on their understanding of agricultural issues, leadership experiences and achievement, and their ability to communicate their agricultural story.
Discussion Meet
The American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet competitive event simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
Competitors Must:
- Submit a completed application to the State Office before October 10, 2025.
- Be voting (producer) Farm Bureau member.
- Be between the ages of 18-35. Individuals or married couples can compete if they have not reached their 36th birthday by January 31st after the AFBF Annual Competition.
- Must not have already competed at the national level.
Contact:
Michelle Wilfong, Chairperson
Steve Butler, YF&R Coordinator
