R-M staff
It was a full house February 9-11 at Margaritaville Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks where Missouri Farm Bureau’s (MOFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference hosted more than 500 farmers and ranchers from across the state. Organized by the MOFB YF&R Committee for farmers ages 18 to 35, the event is considered the largest such Farm Bureau conference in the nation. Those attending from Perry County enjoyed a weekend away from farm chores to catch up with their peers and learn the latest industry news.
Joe Aull, State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Missouri opened the conference with remarks about programs available for young farmers. Missouri Farm Bureau President and Appleton City farmer Garrett Hawkins followed him, talking about the importance of involvement in Farm Bureau and the organization’s efforts for members in the year ahead.
The conference included many breakout sessions providing a mix of learning and fun. Attendees first had an opportunity to meet their state YF&R committee members and others from their area. Other sessions ranged from farm succession planning to market outlooks for 2024, and record keeping to farm and ranch security. Those were joined with wine and beer tastings later in the afternoon. Children had their own sessions and a tractor pull. 70’s theme and Trivia nights rounded out the fun.
The YR&R Discussion Meet is also held at the conference. A panel of four young farmers discussed a final round question about water management challenges and how Farm Bureau can help seek solutions for farmers and ranchers. Juliane Sykes of Livingston County was announced the winner. Austin Black, of Bates County, placed second and Amanda Harbison of Iron County placed third. Sykes will move on to compete at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio, held January 25 – 27, 2025.
New chair of the MOFB YF&R Committee, Nathan Woehr of Osage County, closed the meeting. More than 35 companies and individuals lend their support to the conference. MOFB Insurance Companies is a presenting sponsor. Those attending from Perry County included: Mila Bachmann, Rowan Bachmann, Ryan Koenig, Spencer Bachmann, Rachel Bachmann, Brian Koenig
