The 2026 Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference brought together an estimated 850 young agricultural leaders from across the country in Portland, Ore., March 13–16. The annual event focused on developing the next generation of Farm Bureau leadership through education, collaboration and networking, while equipping attendees with tools to strengthen agriculture and rural communities at home.

Members from across the nation, including a delegation from Wyoming, participated in a full schedule of general sessions, breakout workshops and networking opportunities designed to foster both personal and professional growth. Wyoming was represented by two members of the YF&R Committee as well as students from the Sheridan College Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter, highlighting the state’s continued investment in developing young leaders in agriculture.

The conference emphasized cultivating strong grassroots leadership within Farm Bureau by bringing together young farmers and ranchers, collegiate members and industry professionals. Sessions were designed to provide timely, relevant information while encouraging participants to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of agriculture.

Breakout sessions were organized across six key focus areas: collegiate and young professional development, consumer engagement, member engagement and leadership development, innovation and niche marketing, on-the-farm practices, and policy and advocacy. These sessions allowed attendees to tailor their experience based on their interests and operations, while gaining practical knowledge they can apply in their own communities.

“Hearing from others in Portland gave me the opportunity to better understand my own strengths,” said Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers State Chair Hannah Guild. “Through a strengths assessment and breakout sessions, I learned how to apply those strengths more effectively in my community and in leadership roles.” 

In addition to educational sessions, the conference provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration. Attendees connected with Farm Bureau members from across the country, exchanging ideas and building relationships that extend beyond state lines. Evening events and informal gatherings further strengthened these connections, reinforcing the importance of a unified voice in agriculture.

“I really enjoyed the session, ‘Selling to the Public: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,’” Guild said. “It was a creative session where I was able to connect with others and hear fun, innovative ways they are engaging with their communities and adding value to their operations.”

“Another session I enjoyed focused on the book of the year and ways to connect with students,” Guild said. “We walked through the book and discussed ideas for making it engaging when visiting elementary classrooms. I came away with several new ideas I’d like to implement to help students gain a better and more accurate understanding of agriculture.”

Sheridan College student Tagg Mickelsen represented Wyoming in the collegiate discussion meet, engaging in thoughtful dialogue on key agricultural issues alongside peers from across the country.

“My experience competing for Wyoming was great. The panels offered great solutions and conversation to problems farmers and ranchers face everyday,” Mickelson noted. “To represent Wyoming at the national level is something I’m very proud to have had the chance to do.”

Mickelson prepared for the national conference with guidance from his advisor Angel Sparkman and YF&R Coordinator Alexis Lake, who scheduled time for him to consult with industry professionals prior to the meet.

“I believe college students should get involved with collegiate discussion meet to learn how to properly discuss and collaborate with peers, learn to be well spoken, and build confidence for future jobs and experiences” he said.

A key goal of the conference is to inspire participants to take what they have learned and apply it within their own operations and local Farm Bureau organizations. Whether through increased advocacy efforts, improved communication with consumers or the adoption of innovative practices, attendees are encouraged to bring new energy and ideas back to their states.

“One of the biggest takeaways I’ll bring home is a new perspective on thinking outside the box when it comes to our operation,” Guild said. “There are different avenues we can explore to supplement and expand what we’re already doing in new and creative ways.”

The conference also included opportunities to give back to the host community through outreach and service efforts, highlighting Farm Bureau’s commitment to strengthening not only agriculture, but the communities it serves.

As the conference concluded, attendees returned home with renewed motivation, expanded networks and practical tools to support their role as agricultural leaders. For Wyoming participants, the experience serves as another step in developing strong advocates for agriculture and ensuring the continued success of Farm Bureau at the grassroots level.