The Young Farmer Program of the Connecticut Farm Bureau provides an excellent opportunity for young farmers, ages 18-35, to actively participate in Farm Bureau programs and become leaders in the Farm Bureau organization.

Agriculture today is very exciting, challenging and different from the farming that our grandfathers practiced. Today’s agriculture is demanding and forever changing. A better understanding of agriculture today makes for a successful tomorrow. Young Farmers are a group of friends and colleagues that will lead us into the next generation of farmers.

As a result of participation in Farm Bureau programs, Young Farmer members will experience personal growth and achievement as Farm Bureau members, farmers, citizens and community leaders. Participation in membership acquisition and maintenance, legislative activities, policy development and execution, commodity promotion, marketing, political education and action, and local affairs and builds strong leaders for the future of Farm Bureau.

Farm Bureau's strength depends on its members' ability to analyze agricultural problems and decide on solutions that best meet their needs. One of the events a member can compete in as a Young Farmer is the annual Discussion Meet. State Discussion Meet winners represent Connecticut at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and Convention.
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Each year the Connecticut Young Farmers fly to Washington, D.C. to meet with their congressional leaders, receive issue updates and tour our nation’s capitol.

Let the fun begin! Held in July, the New England Young Farmer Summer Games is a time of meeting new friends, competing in farm Olympics and just getting away for the day. The games move from state to state.

American Farm Bureau's Annual Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference is held each year in February. The conference offers motivational speakers, idea exchange, awards and recognition, fellowship and networking opportunities.

The Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize those young farmers that have excelled in their farming operations and honed their leadership abilities.

Contestants are evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress of operation, Farm Bureau Leadership, as well as leadership outside of Farm Bureau. More specifically, the judges will be looking for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise and initiatives that have been displayed throughout the operation. State Achievement Award winners represent Connecticut at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and Convention. (Click here to learn more)

The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, to earn recognition. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. State Excellence in Agriculture Award winners represent Connecticut at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and Convention. (Click here to learn more)

Chair: Melissa Greenbacker
Treasurer: Rollie Hannan

For additional information on Young Farmer events contact Sonny Dean, Director of Membership & Programs, at or 860.298.4404.