Rooted in Resilience: Investing in the Next Generation of Agriculture

Gabriel Flores
4 days ago
3 min read

Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern)

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Rooted in Resilience Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon, hosted by the American Farm Bureau. The duration of this conference lasted 4 days, with more than 800 young agricultural leaders from across the country coming to learn, connect, and grow together. A testament and insight to the next generation of agricultural advocates, industry leaders, and partners.

Throughout the conference, one theme was clear: the future of agriculture depends on strong leadership, resilience, and the ability to adapt in a constantly changing industry.

Learning, Leadership, and Advocacy

The structure of the conference included general sessions and multiple diverse breakout sessions. From niche marketing trends, insight into political agendas, and innovative data analysis, the conference was able to touch many sectors, propelling minds and enabling ideas that farmers and ranchers can take back with them.

One theme that arose throughout the conference was the power of personal stories shared by the keynote speakers during general sessions, Keni Thomas (U.S Army Veteran and speaker/performer) and Kait Thornton (Apple Girl Kait). Their personal stories were drastically different, but with the same themes: resilience, leadership, and perseverance, lessons that apply not only to agriculture but to leadership in any field.

Resilience is not just about surviving challenges, but about growing through them and becoming a stronger leader because of them - Keni Thomas

Building Bridges Between Farmers around the Nation

The conference allowed myself and other attendees to connect with a diverse group of young farmers and ranchers from across the country. Each state's agricultural industry may look a little different, but many producers face similar struggles. Producers face challenges across the country, including high input prices, water availability, labor supply, and market instability.

The conference allowed for a great exchange of ideas, discussion of challenges, and sharing of best practices among attendees. This conference serves as a reminder that agriculture isn't only local; it also exists on a national scale, and the bonds built through Farm Bureau continue to help agriculture overall become stronger. I never thought I would learn about watermelon farms in Florida or Louisiana's diverse crawfish production, but I'm glad I did, as I gained new knowledge and was able to share personal stories from Arizona.

According to one of the conference attendees, "It's important to network because you never know what person you're going to meet and what knowledge that person may be able to provide you that could help you down the road."

Overall view

The National Farmers and Ranchers program is playing a vital role in developing future leaders and advocates for agriculture. The need for strong Leadership Development, Policy Engagement, and Communication Skills continues to evolve as agriculture faces more significant challenges.

By participating in Leadership and Advocacy as a young farmer/rancher, you will help ensure that your voice will be heard in governmental and public policy discussions concerning agriculture. I implore all those who are reading, there is so much you can do to help our agricultural sector, utilizing our phones, going to board meetings, and messaging government officials; we all have available actions that can make our voices and concerns heard.

The Rooted in Resilience Conference was a reminder that the future of agriculture is not something that will happen on its own. It is something that is being built right now by young farmers and ranchers across the country who are willing to lead, advocate, and continue the legacy of agriculture.