Young Farmers and Ranchers
A new generation of changemakers
YF&R Conference
Young Farmers & Ranchers from across Nebraska gather once a year to network and gain information to use on their operation. Each conference features innovative tours, dynamic speakers, and several breakout sessions. The YF&R Conference will be held January 23-24, 2026 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.
YF&R Committee
The YF&R Committee is comprised of 10 individuals/couples from across Nebraska who guide the direction of the YF&R Conference, provide council to the NEFB Board of Directors on issues affecting young producers, and spearhead a movement to get young people involved in Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska agriculture.
Celebrating Your Achievements
Dedication, hard work, and determination-it isn’t an east feat, but young farmers and ranchers are taking on the challenge ahead: producing enough food for a growing population. Farm Bureau wants to celebrate those accomplishments and reward you for your commitment to advancing agriculture and personal growth.
Nebraska Farm Bureau gives four awards annually to exceptional Young Farmers & Ranchers. Nebraska award winners receive a cash prize, and an expense paid trip to the American Farm Bureau YF&R competition.
National award winners will be eligible for thousands in additional prizes and money.
Achievement in Agriculture
The YF&R Achievement in Agriculture Award is geared toward full time farmers and ranchers-individuals or couples- involved in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. It is your opportunity to share your accomplishments in production agriculture and your leadership achievements.
The award is judged on four individually weighted categories:
Farm Operation and Growth
Financial Progress of Operation
Farm Bureau Leadership
Other Leadership
Applications for the state contest are due to Audrey Schipporeit by 10/31. The state winner will be announced at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention.
Excellence In Agriculture
Farm Bureau knows it isn’t just the farmers and ranchers who are protecting the future of agriculture. Everyone, from ag instructors to seed salesmen, are helping keep agriculture alive and well. The YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award is your opportunity to be recognized for actively contributing to the agriculture industry and growing through your involvement in Farm Bureau. This award for individuals or couples who do not receive a majority of their income from production agriculture.
This award is judged on 8 different point categories including:
Ag involvement and impact
Ag Issues explanation and impact
Farm Bureau Experience
Other Leadership Experience
Content and Delivery of Presentation
Applications for the state contest are due to Audrey Schipporeit by 10/31. The state winner will be announced at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention.
Discussion Meet
You might not have all the answers but discussing current agriculture issues with other young farmers & ranchers could find the solution. Your role is simple – tell everyone what you want to accomplish, engage in a 25-30 minute discussion by asking questions and providing ideas, and finally summarizing the discussion and solution the group has reached. If you enjoy being up to date on current ag issues, the Farm Bureau policies involving them, and are able to clearly articulate your points and bring a group to a consensus – then you should check out the questions that will be discussed at this next YF&R Conference.
The first rounds Discussion Meet Contest occurs annually at the NEFB YF&R Conference. A final four will selected to compete in the final round hosted at the NEFB Annual Meeting and Convention. The winner of the final round advances on to the AFBF Discussion Meet Contest.
Collegiate Discussion Meet
The Collegiate Discussion Meet competition is your chance to discuss current ag issues and work with other students to implement creative solutions to one of five questions. Two students from each CFB Chapter are invited to attend the CFB Discussion Meet Finals at the NEFB Annual Meeting in December. The winner from the state finals will represent Nebraska at the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet in March and will receive a cash award.
Two students from each CFB Chapter are invited to attend the CFB Discussion Meet Finals at the NEFB Annual Meeting in December. The winner from the state finals will represent Nebraska at the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet in March.
