AFBF - American Farm Bureau Federation
12/26/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/26/2025 07:50
YF&R Leadership Conference is “Rooted in Resilience”
The 2026 American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference is coming up quickly. Chad Smith tells us it gives farmers the opportunity to become advocates for agriculture.
Smith: "Rooted in Resilience" is the theme for the 2026 YF&R Conference, set for March 13-16 in Portland, Oregon. Massachusetts farmer Ryan MacKay is this year's YF&R Chair and talked about what's coming up at this year's conference.
MacKay: We are really excited about the 2026 Leadership Conference. The conference is returning to the Pacific Northwest for the first time this year since 2001, and it'll include attendees and young farmers and ranchers from all across the country, from Puerto Rico to Canada.
Smith: He said attendees will get a lot out of this year's conference.
MacKay: The conference features a strong lineup of breakout sessions, including topics such as leveraging AI to enhance farm and ranch operations. Also, we are offering a strong lineup of tours that highlight both the Portland area and agricultural operations in the Northwest.
Smith: Getting involved in advocacy as young farmers and ranchers is essential to the future success of U.S. agriculture.
MacKay: Because it ensures the next generation has a seat at the table in influencing policy, regulations, and public perceptions that will directly impact our long-term ability to farm. And I think the YF&R Program gives us that seat at the table and the tools to grow."
Smith: Attendees register for the Conference at fb.org/event. Chad Smith, Washington.
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