Young Farmers & Ranchers

The Washington Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers program includes both men and women between the ages of 18-35. The objective of the Young Farmers & Ranchers program is to provide leadership in building a more effective Farm Bureau, preserve our individual freedoms and expand our opportunities in agriculture.

The program offers opportunities in:

• Leadership Development
• Legislative Awareness
• Educational Conferences
• Networking with other farmers and ranchers around the world

Competitive Events
2011 Discussion Meet

Involvement in the whole Farm Bureau program

8th Annual YF&R Fairway Classic - July 17, 2010

Announcing the 2010 YF&R Discussion Meet and Collegiate Discussion Meet Winners!

2010 Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet

The Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet was held at the Washington Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Kennewick, Washington on November 18th, 2009.  The competitors discussed the randomly selected topic "How can agricultural producers reach out to the public to gain their support on important issues impacting agriculture?” Discussion of the topic included communication strategies such as collaborating with other industries, putting a face to agriculture, and getting the farmer story out there. The competitors also discussed the issues that should spotlighted such as environmental issues, animal welfare, food.

The winner representing WFB at the AFBF Annual Meeting in Seattle in January of 2010 is Summer Steenbarger. Summer co-farms 21 acres in SW Washington with her parents.  Together, they raise a variety of animals for meat, dairy, eggs and fiber; grow a garden for subscriptions as well as value-added products; and host various workshops on living more traditionally.  She is an active leader within her community, collaborating and networking with farmers, and connecting people with their food in every way possible.  She is involved in the Clark/Cowlitz Young Farmer and Rancher group and was just elected as Vice-President of the County Farm Bureau.

2010 Collegiate Discussion Meet

The Young Farmers and Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet was held at the Washington Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Kennewick, Washington on November 18th, 2009.  The competitors representing three colleges, Washington State University, Whitworth and Walla Walla Community College, discussed the randomly selected topic “What can be done to encourage young people to get involved in the agricultural industry and remain there?”. 

The winner representing WFB at the AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma in February of 2010 is Sydney Rathbun.  Sydney is a sophomore at Washington State University majoring in Agriculture Technology and Management.  Upon graduation she hopes to return to the family farm located in Kennewick and continue to farm.

Young Leaders Learn Secrets to "Bridging the Gap"

"Bridging the Gap" was the theme for the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference held Feb 7-9 in Sacramento, California. Twelve Washington Farm Bureau representatives attended the conference.

Washington's delegation consisted of YF&R state committee members Keith and Laura Middleton; John VanValkenburg from Skagit county; President of the WSU Chapter of the WFB YF&R Committee and state committee member Sage Shelton, Kittitas County; YF&R state coordinator Kristen Hinton; and WSU students from the following counties: Michelle Carlsen, King County; Jimmy Sands and Kent Stokes, Okanogan County; Sydney Rathbun, Franklin County; Kodi Jo Jaspers and Dan Whorley, Chelan/Douglas County; and Chad Lilze, Walla Walla County.

In all, the national conference attracted more than 800 attendees from 45 states.

The conference focused on bridging the gap between generations with an emphasis on communication and finances. The differing values and seemingly incompatible views on leadership between the generations have stirred up conflict in the business world.

The breakout sessions and speakers pointed out that agriculture is not exempt from this phenomenon. Among the dynamic speakers were Cam Marston (consultant, author and speaker), David Kohl (Professor emeritus Agricultural Applied Economics, Virginia Tech) and Jolene Brown (Certified Speaking Professional).

Chad Lilze, Washington's Collegiate Discussion Meet winner, and Kent Stokes (runner up) both competed in the National Collegiate Discussion Meet competition and represented Washington state well. Both competitors spoke knowledgeably about the topics ranging from the aging transportation infrastructure to how to correct the misconceptions of Farm Bureau.

The group toured Superior Farms, a lamb processing facility, Farmers' Rice Cooperative, and a Campbell's soup plant. Participants were especially interested in rice processing since that is something we don't have in Washington.

Participants were inspired by the conference and walked away with many ideas, communication tips, and new connections. There is already a buzz about the 2010 YF&R conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma February 20-22, 2010.

For more information about the WFB Young Farmers & Ranchers program, e-mail Kristen Hinton,YF&R Program Coordinator, or call (360) 561-0387.

Young leaders explore "Reality Farming"

"Reality Farming" was the theme for the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference held Feb 16-18 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Fourteen Washington Farm Bureau representatives attended the conference.  Washington’s delegation consisted of YF&R state chair Jaime Sackmann; state committee members Keith and Laura Middleton; President of the WSU Chapter of the WFB YF&R Committee and state committee member Megan McCary; YF&R state coordinator Kristen Hinton; and WSU students from the following counties: Kristen Boshart, Snohomish County; Michelle Carlsen, King County; Candi Wilson, Jimmy Sands, and Kent Stokes, Okanogan County; Nicole Groth, Yakima County; Matt Miller, Adams County; and Sage Shelton and Cassie Wyman, Kittitas County. 

In all, the national conference attracted 830 attendees from 44 states.

A common theme regarding the importance of becoming an agricultural advocate and standing up for the industry was carried throughout the conference and evident in the presentations.  Attendees heard from entertaining and informative speakers such as Trent Loos, who spoke about agricultural advocacy; Dr. Ron Hansen on the relationships of family farming generations; and Damian Mason, a humorist who spoke about agribusiness.

As Washington’s Collegiate Discussion Meet winner, Sage Shelton of Kittitas County competed in the National Collegiate Discussion Meet competition and advanced to the Sweet 16. Shelton represented Washington with poise and confidence, speaking knowledgeably on a variety of complex issues including private property rights, water and the global economy.

Participants emerged from the conference inspired by having been with fellow young producers, sharing ideas, exchanging knowledge and making connections. There is already a buzz about the 2009 YF&R conference in Sacramento, California, February 7-9, 2009.

For more information about the WFB Young Farmers & Ranchers program, contact Kristen Hinton, YF&R Program Coordinator, or call (360) 561-0387. 

Grant County couple wins WFB 2007 YF&R Achievement Award

Greg and Jennifer Rathbun of Moses Lake were recognized as winners of the Washington Farm Bureau 2007 Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award at the organization’s annual meeting in Spokane. 

The Rathbuns own and operate Rathbun Angus Ranch, LLC, a diversified farming and livestock operation.  Located in the dry desert climate of Eastern Washington, the Rathbuns rely on irrigation to raise alfalfa and Timothy hay.  They also run an extensive AI & ET program on registered Angus cows that are kept on irrigated pasture and desert range.

The Achievement Award is designed to recognize those young farmers and ranchers that have excelled in their farming/ranching operations and honed their leadership abilities to superiority.  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.  Judges look for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise, and self-initiative that has been displayed throughout the operation.

As winners of the award at the state level, the Rathbuns received:

• Courtesy of Kubota Tractor Corporation, free use of any new Kubota M series 50 to 105 HP tractor & loader for a period of 350 hours or one year, whichever comes first. The Rathbuns have first option to purchase the discounted tractor at the end of that term.
• Expense paid trip to the AFBF convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 13-16, 2008, to compete in the national contest, courtesy of COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services. And
• $500 from Dodge.

At the American Farm Bureau Federation level, winners of the Achievement Award receive: 

• 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 pickup truck with a 5.9L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel engine.
• Paid registration to the 2008 YF&R Leadership Conference.

Four runners-up will each receive a Case IH DX compact tractor.

Taylors win WFB 2007 YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award 

David and Molly Taylor of Moxee were recognized as winners of the Washington Farm Bureau 2007 Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award at the organization’s annual meeting in Spokane. 

The Taylors own and operate Taylor Angus Ranch, a small registered Black Angus ranch, in the Moxee Valley of Central Washington.  They also own and operate Taylor Consulting Group, which specializes in land use, policy development, communications, water rights, and government relations.  Taylor Consulting Group opened for business in June, 2004 and has had a steady growth in clientele over the past two years. 

The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, to earn recognition. Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community). 

In winning the WFB 2007 YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, the Taylors received: 

• Stihl MS 270 C chainsaw (3.2 cu. inch with a 20 inch bar), carrying case, safety chaps, and hearing protectors from Stihl Inc.  
• Expense paid trip to the AFBF convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 13-16, 2008, to compete in the national contest, courtesy of COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services. And 
• $500 from Dodge

At the American Farm Bureau Federation level, winners of the Excellence in Agriculture Award receive:

• 2008 Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 1500 pickup with SLT trim and a 4.7L Magnum V8 engine.
• Paid registration to the 2008 YF&R Leadership Conference.

Three runners-up will receive a $4,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a Farm Boss Chain saw, courtesy of Stihl Outdoor Power Equipment.

Shelton wins WFB 2007 YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet 

Sage Shelton, a Washington State University student from Kittitas County, claimed top honors at the Washington Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet at the organization’s annual meeting in Spokane, Nov. 14.

Other WSU students competing in the Discussion Meet were Cassie Wyman of Kittitas County, Michelle Carlsen of King County, and Kristin Boshart of Snohomish County. 

The YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate 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. The judges are looking for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.

In winning the WFB YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet, Shelton receives an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Leadership Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, Feb. 16-18, 2008, to compete in the national contest.  Shelton also receives a bomber jacket or leather lettermen’s jacket from WFB.

At the AFBF level, prizes are sponsored by the CHS Foundation.  The winner receives a $2,500 scholarship.  The three finalists receive $1,000 scholarships.  Each participant will receive a $250 scholarship.

Who serves on the YF&R Committee?

Jaime Sackman,  Co-Chair

Jennifer Rathbun, Co-Chair

Jeff Sackmann

Greg Rathbun

Keith & Laura Middleton

Dr. Brandy Mauel Fay

Sam & Amy Krautscheid

Trinity & Trampus Stucker 

Matt Stewart

Sage Shelton, WSU Collegiate Chapter president

About YF&R

For more information, contact Kristen Hinton, WFB YF&R program coordinator, or call (360) 561-0387.

American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers program