Charleston, SC – A record number of attendees met recently for the annual South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation (SCFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Conference. More than 350 young farmers and agriculturalists (18 to 35 years old) from across the state traveled to Charleston, SC to network, become better leaders in their communities and learn how to overcome challenges within the agriculture industry.
Conference attendees had the opportunity to listen to a wide variety of speakers on topics addressing all aspects of agriculture—everything from trade and innovation to animal agriculture, farm safety, women’s leadership and consumer perspectives.
“Our Young Farmers and Ranchers program is stronger than ever because our young members are recognizing the importance of grassroots leadership in the agricultural sector,” said Jessica Cabrera, the SCFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Coordinator and Director of Member Engagement and Leadership Development. “This is a very unique group of people who hold the key to the future of our state’s food and fiber supply. We are honored to host this exciting event for them.”
Chris Stevens was elected the SCFB YF&R chair and will serve his term throughout 2020 leading the program to follow SCFB’s mission and goals.
Clint and Katie Moore, of Greenville County, won the 2020 Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The competition consists of a written application and an oral presentation in front of a panel of judges. The Moores won $500, $7,000 towards the purchase of a new ATV complements of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and have the opportunity to represent South Carolina Farm Bureau on trips to the 2020 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Louisville, KY and the 2021 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Diego, CA.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, but who actively contribute to agriculture and Farm Bureau. Award prizes are complements of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, and South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation.
Sam and Lindsey Hall, of York County, won the 2020 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. The Halls was awarded $1,000 compliments of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, a new Ford truck and and have the opportunity to represent South Carolina Farm Bureau on trips to the 2020 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Louisville, KY and the 2021 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Diego, CA.
The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation and have excelled in their farming or ranching operations while exhibiting superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. Award prizes are complements of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Ford.
Fairfield County Farm Bureau Chapter received the award for the Largest County Delegation, boasting 19 young farmers and ranchers in attendance at the conference.