This upcoming Valentine’s weekend will see more than 600 young Missouri Farm Bureau members come together for the annual Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Conference. The gathering is always a great opportunity to make friends, build memories and connect with others engaged in agriculture. While these young leaders, typically age 18 to 35, may have diversified backgrounds in agriculture, attendees will quickly learn they have more in common than they could imagine.
From college students and young newlyweds to growing families and seasoned singles, each member brings a valued perspective to the event. Conversations abound around family, community, career and industry as attendees build connections to last a lifetime. This year a long list of breakout sessions will help YF&R members learn and grow their businesses. From hands-on workshops to technical expertise, the schedule will help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture.
The Developing Our Marketing Toolbox session will offer farmers some practical advice for marketing, social media presence, and cultivating customer loyalty.
If you experienced a soil science class, you’ll know the answer, but Do You Have Dirt or Soil? This session provides an essential overview of soil health, and how soil management impacts productivity.
For those interested in policy and advocacy, JC to DC explores the critical relationship between state and federal agriculture policy. This session encourages participants to engage with policymakers and advocate for their needs in Washington, D.C and closer to home, in the state capital.
Technological advances are a key focus in the Incorporating Spray Drones session. The high-flying technology is revolutionizing precision agriculture, improving the efficiency of pesticide and fertilizer applications, and reducing labor costs.
Other engaging sessions include Managing Risks in Today’s Cattle Market, which addresses current issues in livestock production and ways to mitigate market volatility. The Hard but Necessary Family Conversations on Farm Succession session, will help farm families navigate the often-difficult conversations of transferring a farm to the next generation.
The session, Innovative Approaches to Sharing Your Farm Story, encourages farmers to share their unique experience with the public as they work to bridge the gap between consumers and producers to foster a better understanding of the agricultural industry.
The conference also offers sessions on crop production, soil improvement and pollinators to help growers maximize yields and better understand the science behind soil fertility.
Overall, the YF&R Conference provides valuable learning and networking opportunities, all aiming to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders as they work to overcome challenges, innovate, and drive the future of farming. If it’s not on your schedule this year, we encourage young people engaged in production agriculture to join your local county Farm Bureau and mark the calendar to join us at YF&R in 2026!
