Almonds and Advocacy: California Farmer Maximizes Farm Bureau Opportunities

By Daniel Jones

For fourth-generation California farmer Jocelyn Anderson, Farm Bureau is an organization that has enriched her life with opportunities to connect with people from across the country.

Jocelyn farms almonds and walnuts and operates a walnut huller on her family farm. Jocelyn was on the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee from 2020-2022, serving as vice chair during the second year of her appointment. She was also on the California YF&R Committee for six years, with four of those years as part of the executive committee, serving as chair in 2022. She is currently the 1st vice president of Glenn County Farm Bureau, a farmer envoy for Solutions from the Land and a board member for her local California Resource Conservation District in the northern part of the state.

When asked how to get involved with Farm Bureau at any level, her answer was simple: "Just say YES!" There are so many unique ways to promote and share about farming. Jocelyn utilized the knowledge she gained through being involved with Farm Bureau to help further her advocacy and leadership skills, particularly identifying others' leadership styles and qualities, helping to prepare her to work with others on governing boards.

photo credit: AFBF, Used with Permission

Anderson on stage at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta.

Along with connecting with farmers and ranchers all over the country, Jocelyn has educated people outside of the agricultural sector on what practices farmers and ranchers use to be sustainable and climate-smart. Farmers and ranchers are some of the best stewards of the land, and she very much enjoys speaking to outside groups, informing them of innovative technologies.

Jocelyn states that one of the primary pieces of advice she was given while serving on the AFBF YF&R committee was to educate others on the importance of putting effort into advocacy and membership organizations, especially those that can help to protect the future of family farms and businesses.

Jocelyn's story is one that focuses on the positive impact membership organizations can have across all levels of involvement. As she stays active at her local county Farm Bureau, she serves as an example for those both in California and at the national level of how to take on the opportunities within the Farm Bureau organization.

Daniel Jones serves on the AFBF YF&R Committee. He works in crop insurance, as well as raises beef cattle and grows hay, almonds and olives in California.