State YF&R Committee
Young farmers shaping the agriculture of today and tomorrow
The State YF&R Committee is a two-year leadership development program which aims to surface and develop the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals to be highly effective grassroots leaders at the local, state and national levels.
This committee also serves as an advisory role between SCFB Staff and County Farm Bureau YF&R members to further develop County Farm Bureau YF&R programs and leaders. Two couples or individuals per district represent YF&R members statewide for an alternating two-year term.
State YF&R Committee members enjoy many opportunities to attend specialized trainings and events across the state and country. These events focus on personal growth, effective communications strategies, legislative advocacy, professional networking, servant leadership and more!
For more information on eligibility and program details, download the State YF&R Committee Handbook.
Applications for the 2025-2027 cohort of the State YF&R Committee are due by September 1, 2024. Applications must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the applicant's County Farm Bureau President. Interested parties should review the State YF&R Committee Handbook in its entirety before applying.
Central District
Loren Lindler
Loren Linder lives in Lexington County where her family owns a beef and hay operation. Loren works at FPL Food, LLC in Augusta, Georgia as the marketing manager. She serves on the Lexington County Farm Bureau Board of Directors as the Public Relations Chair, is a member of the Lexington County Cattlemen's Association, and is an active member of the Lexington County Young Farmers and Ranchers. Loren currently serves as the State YF&R Committee Chair for 2024.
Coastal District
The Harringtons
Madison and Mary Katherine Harrington live in Bamberg County on their 6th generation family farm where they grow cotton and peanuts. Madison also works as a Field Technician for the SC Forestry Commission and Mary Katherine is an Ag Risk Consultant for Silveus Southeast Crop Insurance Company. They have one son named James Baker (JB).
Pee Dee District
The Stevens
Matt and Ashlyn Stevens live in Horry County where Matt is a 6th generation farmer growing tobacco, soybeans, and corn as well as wide variety of produce, cattle and sheep. Matt also owns and operates two indoor retail produce stores and is active as the County YF&R Chair for Horry-Loris County Farm Bureau. Ashlyn works as a licensed cosmetologist at a salon in Myrtle Beach.
Piedmont District
The Plumblees
Michael and Allison Plumblee are members of the Newberry County Farm Bureau. Michael works for Clemson University as the State Corn and Soybean Agronomist and Assistant Professor, while Allison works for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in program management. Michael and Allison have been involved with their families' row crop and beef cattle farming operations while growing up and have started to venture into their own part-time operation. Michael and Allison have two daughters, Harper and Hazel.
Central District
Samantha Gumm
Samantha lives in Kershaw County. She was raised on her family's dairy farm and began competing in rodeos at 11 years old. She currently manages a horse boarding and training facility, while also growing produce and poultry. She serves as the YF&R Chair for Kershaw County Farm Bureau. Beyond her agricultural pursuits, Samantha homeschools her children, enjoys playing the piano, leading worship at her church, and recently opened a home bakery.
Coastal District
The Wilsons
Heath and Lauren live in Calhoun County where he works for AgSouth Farm Credit and she works as a school nurse. Heath initially got his start in Farm Bureau as a high school junior when he attended Youth Leadership Conference. Today, he serves on the Calhoun County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and is President of the St. Matthews Rotary Club. Both Heath and Lauren help run the family's kennel and hunting preserve business. They enjoy spending time together with their 2-year-old son and raising Boykin spaniels.
Piedmont District
Ben Cothran
Ben is a first-generation farmer growing peaches, plums and blackberries in Spartanburg County. He is also a full-time Lieutenant in one of the busiest rescue companies in the upstate. He is a graduate of the Nashville Auto Diesel College with a degree in Heavy Duty Diesel Equipment. Ben serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Spartanburg County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Ben wants to inspire other beginning farmers to be successful in their operations.
AFBF Representatives
The Whitens
Andy and Allison live in Oconee County where they grow row crops, raise chickens and do custom work. They served on the SCFB State YF&R Committee from 2023 to 2025. Andy is the State Director for Oconee County Farm Bureau. Allison teaches special education, is a 4-H volunteer, leads the Future Farmers Club at Westminster Elementary School, and serves on the Oconee Farm Bureau Women's Committee. Both are active members of their church and community. They have a daughter named Emmarie.