By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
KFB Young Farmers & Ranchers to hone leadership, advocacy skills
Placeholder Image

MANHATTAN – More than 400 farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 and 35 will gather next month in Wichita to network, learn and help position themselves as leaders in agriculture and rural Kansas.

The Kansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leaders Conference will take place Jan. 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 400 W. Waterman, Wichita. The theme for this years’ conference is "Farming Beyond Your Field."

The KFB Young Farmers & Ranchers program is designed to surface and develop the next generation of agriculture leaders. The Leaders Conference will be heavy on opportunities for young farmers and ranchers to influence farm policy and public opinion through involvement and participation in Farm Bureau.

"We are excited to offer a meaningful agenda at our Leaders Conference," said Jeff Bathurst, a Dickinson County farmer who serves as volunteer Chair of the KFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. "Today’s 20 and 30-something producers face unique challenges and we are eager to work together to find ways to help fulfill our dream of building our lives in and around agriculture."

During a Saturday morning keynote address, the KFB Young Farmers & Ranchers will hear from Dr. Jeff Stamp, recognized globally as a master creative practitioner in over 30 different industries, including food processing, advanced agriculture and venture capital. Stamp’s topic is "Creative Innovation: The Entrepreneurial Imperative."

Also on the agenda is a presentation from Troy and Stacy Hadrick, fifth-generation ranchers from South Dakota, who will share their success in tapping into public trust of farmers and ranchers and actually influencing hearts and minds of those not directly connected with agriculture.

Detailed information, including the formal agenda, can be found here. Registration deadline is Jan. 14.

Young Farmers & Ranchers, an integral part of Kansas Farm Bureau, are hard-working, agriculture professionals dedicated to developing their leadership skills and empowering others to become actively involved in agriculture advocacy, promotion and education.

Kansas Farm Bureau represents grassroots agriculture. Established in 1919, this non-profit advocacy organization supports farm families who earn their living in a changing industry.