FFA and the Farm Bureau

YF&R is a committee-centered, fully integrated part of Farm Bureau at the county, state and national level. Young people who choose to focus their lives in agricultural careers can enhance their potential for success by becoming active in Young Farmers and Ranchers early in their adult life. In keeping with Farm Bureau’s family oriented mission to improve net farm income and to serve as “The Voice of Agriculture”, the YF&R program is designed to help enterprising members achieve their goals and build satisfying lives in the profession that they love. Regular members, both as individuals and couples, up through age 35 are eligible to participate. Activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Participation in policy development
  • Attending annual statewide leadership conference
  • Developing skills through competitive award programs
  • Social interaction with other YF&R couples
  • Hosting farm safety training programs
  • Assisting with Agriculture in the Classroom projects
  • Honing speaking and critical thinking skills by competing in the annual Discussion Meet Contest
Thoughts from Young Farmers & Ranchers across the country.

Help with Chores?

Call me strange, but I wish that I could have had Wayne Pacelle (HSUS) and Al Gore helping me with chores Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday Dec. 21. That weekend we were fortunate enough to have temperatures in the single digits below zero, 40 MPH winds, and wind chills around -40. We also had 5 inches of snow on Friday night, along with the snow already on the ground blowing around creating blizzard conditions.

Those who know me might wonder why I might want these two particular individuals to help me considering the fact that my sows are housed indoors and in gestation stalls. I thought it might be an opportune time to show Mr. Pacelle how good my sows are treated. My sows had no idea about the severe weather conditions threatening them outside. All my animals were inside barns with a temperature anywhere between 60-75 degrees, with fresh food and water. Little piglets were being born in 74 degree rooms with extra heatlamps for warmth and dedicated employees assisting the deliveries. I couldn't even emagine the cruelty of having to put these animals outside in the weather conditions described above.

At 2 a.m. Sunday morning I woke up and could not get back to sleep because I was worried about a barn of pigs that had a heater not working right. I wonder if Mr. Pacelle would have wanted to get up with me to go out in these weather conditions to check on these pigs.

This would also be an opportune time to discuss the global warming myth with Mr. Gore. I suspect he would have been too busy shivering to be able to have a conversation with me.

So, what do you think, would Mr. Pacelle and Mr. Gore have wanted to help with chores?

One last thought, before any of you give $50 to HSUS or some environmental group, you should consider the fact that $35 will get you an annual membership in the most animal- and environmental-friendly organization in the world......my County Farm Bureau.

More thoughts, stories and interesting ideas can be found on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher blog, HERE.
More Information:
YF&R Awards and Competitions

Information on the yearly State and National Young Farmer & Rancher awards and competitions for the can be found HERE.
Current State YF&R Committee

Left to Right: Troy & Jodi Henrie (Panguitch), Chairman Garrick & Holly Hall (Lewiston), Russell & Valerie Spencer (Duchesne), Dustin & Harmony Cox (Alton), Wade & Mandi Garrett (Nephi), Jonelle & Rowdy Fitzgerald (Peoa), Jackson & Oralie Smith (Lewiston), Kyle & Shelly Matthews (Grantsville). Front, Sterling Brown.

For more information, contact Sterling Brown, Staff Advisor, at 801-233-3020.
Copyright 2005. Utah Farm Bureau. All rights reserved. Utah Farm Bureau Federation ~ 9865 South State Street, Sandy, Utah 84070. 801-233-3000.