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Young Farmers Committee

Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35 are eligible to serve on Young Farmers committees (Varies according to county Farm Bureau rules).

State Young Farmers Committee members are appointed by the Virginia Farm Bureau president.

State Young Farmers Committee members serve one-year terms and can serve four consecutive terms in 14 state districts.

Young Farmers Committee members plan for recruitment of new Young Farmers, plan and host annual events, conduct statewide contests and work toward increased involvement in Farm Bureau's grassroots process.

Committee members meet four to five times per year for planning and events and hold a conference call each month. In addition, members address issues through subcommittee meetings held primarily by teleconference or email each month.

Young Farmers Committee members often hold offices in county Farm Bureaus as Young Farmers chairmen, women’s committee chairmen, county board members, county presidents or various committee chairmen.

At the county level, county Young Farmers chairmen give a report of Young Farmers committee accomplishments at the county annual meeting.

County Young Farmers committees and groups work on local issues and help county Farm Bureau boards with agriculture education and outreach to the public, among other activities that are important locally.

Leadership Recognition & Awards

Achievement Award

The Young Farmers Achievement Award recognizes young Farm Bureau members for their efforts and leadership in production agriculture, Farm Bureau and their community. The program helps to evaluate participants' farming enterprises, management efforts and vision for their future in agriculture, while recognizing these outstanding individuals for on-farm accomplishments.

For more information, please contact Kelly Roberts.

Discussion Meet

Farm Bureau's strength depends on its members' ability to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their needs. The Discussion Meet is an activity and contest designed to build these crucial skills in Young Farmers. By participating, Young Farmers 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.

For more information, please contact Kelly Roberts.

Excellence in Agriculture Award

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young adult members who are actively involved in agriculture. Participants are judged on that involvement, as well as on demonstrated leadership ability and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organization.

For more information, please contact Kelly Roberts.

Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award

The Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award recognizes a high school junior or senior for outstanding academic, community and agribusiness achievement. The award also encourages students to evaluate their progress and career goals and to strive for leadership opportunities and involvement in the agribusiness sector.

Youth Discussion Meet

A special Discussion Meet for 4-H and FFA members who are interested in building skills for solving challenges in agriculture. High school-appropriate questions are used for a statewide competition that will be held at the 4-H Congress and FFA Convention in June. Contact dana.fisher@vafb.com before May 31 for registration information or follow-up with your appropriate FFA Advisor and/or 4-H Extension Agent for details.