“All in with Farm Bureau YF&R” is the theme of the Jan. 16-17, 2015 Joint Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference in Deadwood, S.D.   The Wyoming Farm Bureau and the South Dakota Farm Bureau are joining together for a joint conference you won’t want to miss.  The conference is open to all young agricultural producers between the ages of 18-35 (no membership necessary) and all Farm Bureau members.  Children are welcome.        

           “All in with Farm Bureau YF&R” will provide useful topics, motivation and networking for Wyoming’s and South Dakota’s young agricultural producers.   

            The conference kicks-off at noon on Friday, Jan. 16 with a keynote presentation “Discovering Your Influential Power” by Troy and Stacy Hadrick, Advocates for Agriculture.  The Hadrick’s are South Dakota ranchers who will share what it means to be an influential person and will give participants the tools to effectively tell your story.

            Breakout sessions on Friday include:

  • “Telling your story through Social Media” with Val Wagner; and
  • “Agriculture and Legislative Issues in Wyoming and South Dakota” with Ken Hamilton, Wyoming Farm Bureau and Wayne Smith, South Dakota Farm Bureau.

           The general session will feature Rick LaPlante’s presentation “Transitioning from a family operation to an agricultural operation that blesses the family.”  This session will focus on succession planning and the necessary steps to make the transition to an operation that blesses the family.

             Producers can network and learn more about Farm Bureau’s YF&R Discussion Meet competition at Friday evening’s dinner.

              Breakout sessions on Saturday include:

  • “Load limits and differences between states” with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the South Dakota Highway Patrol;
  • “A Critical Analysis of Conservation Easements” with Harriet Hageman, Cheyenne Attorney; and
  • “Grazing Management” with Dallas Mount, University of Wyoming Extension.

           American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) trainer Kyle Perry will present a motivational session during the general session on Friday.  “Extraordinary Productivity” will take a look at the constant flow of information coming at us from all angles and renew our focus on how we can accomplish what we want to and spend time with those we want in our personal and professional lives.

           During Saturday’s lunch, South Dakota Ranchers and AFBF YF&R Committee Members Travis and Renae Gebhart will speak.  Travis serves as the vice chair of this prestigious group.

           Tours will take place Friday afternoon featuring the Blair Ranch and dinner in Sturgis.  Following the tours, the conference will conclude Saturday evening with a Hospitality/Social event.

Registration

The registration fee is $70/adult.  The agenda and registration form are available at www.wyfb.org or you may call 307.532.2002.  The registration deadline is Jan. 10, 2015.  Late registrations will be accepted based on availability after Jan. 10 at $90/adult. 

Children are welcome; childcare will be provided on-site for attendees who have young families and want to bring their children along.

For room reservations, please call The Lodge at Deadwood at 605-684-4800 and mention the “Young Farmers & Ranchers group” for the group rate of $109 plus tax. 

Visit wyfb.org or Facebook/Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers for an agenda.  Or you may call 307.532.2002 or kclark@wyfb.org with questions. 

Agenda and Registration