By Kailey Barlow, WyFB YF&R Committee Member 2020 has been a year of uncertainty and it doesn’t seem like 2021 is going to start any differently.  That has made planning the 2021 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Conference a challenge, but even with the uncertainty of the world, there are a few things that hasn’t changed.  One of those things that hasn’t changed is that farmers and ranchers are continuing to work hard, day in and day out, to produce quality food for the consumers, locally, nationally, and globally.  The 2021 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Conference, held January 15-16 in Douglas, Wyoming will help farmers, ranchers, and other agriculturalists in Wyoming to “Strengthen our Roots.” Regardless of the challenges we are facing, we are still planning to proceed with the 2021 conference. Amanda Radke will be the featured keynote speaker.  Her session, “Shifting our mindset and shaping new opportunities in the post COVID-19 era” will challenge listeners to change their outlook in the face of great uncertainties, to look for new business opportunities where it appears none exist, and to pivot in creative and innovative directions in order to add value to their operations while serving as a high-quality supplier of safe, affordable, nutrient-dense food for consumers here and abroad. Amanda’s session will help set the tone for the remainder of the conference.  There will be a session focused on custom meat processing and marketing.  On the flip side, Scott Bennett, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Congressional Relations will present his session, “The Future of Cell Based Protein,” or as the media calls it, “fake meat.”  YF&R committee members will present breakout sessions about the resolution process, Ag Books for Kids, and the competitive events offered through YF&R. We hope you will consider joining us to “Strengthen our Roots” at the 2021 YF&R Conference in Douglas, January 15-16.  The conference is open to anyone with an interest in agriculture in Wyoming. 2021 Agenda and Registration Form For the latest conference updates, please visit the YF&R tab on www.wyfb.org or the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher Facebook page.