The tradition of bringing together young farmers and ranchers continues in Wyoming with the state’s Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference. The event kicks off Jan. 18 with the theme “Classic Traditions, New Solutions.” The event is geared for young farmers and ranchers over the age of 18 and will be held Jan. 18-20 in Sheridan, Wyo.

The event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Burke Teichert will give the 1 p.m. keynote presentation, “Profitable Ranching: Is It Possible?” In the presentation, Teichert, a longtime columnist for BEEF magazine, will look at farming and ranching as it is — an amazing way of life. He notes, however, that keeping it profitable is essential to keeping it your way of life. The session will focus on areas of the farm or ranch to manage; three ways to improve profit; and five essentials for successful ranch or farm management.

The day continues with a 3:30 p.m. presentation by Johnna Miller, American Farm Bureau Federation director of media and advocacy training. Miller’s presentation is “Conversations with EASE.” The concept is to Engage in conversations with consumers about food production; Acknowledge what consumers want; Share your insights into food production; and Earn consumers’ trust.

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., will be the featured speaker at the 7 a.m. breakfast on Jan. 19.

At 8 a.m. Jan. 19, there will be a discussion panel on “wilderness study areas” including Holly Heussner, of Cheney’s office, and other panelists to be announced.

From 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 19, Tris Munsick of the Plant Stewardship Initiative will present “Farm and Ranch Profitability.” Munsick will take a look at enterprise accounting and unit cost of production to help farmers and ranchers in their decision-making.

Breakout opportunities
Jan. 19 also includes breakout sessions to help attendees learn more about Farm Bureau and the opportunities available through the Farm Bureau YF&R program. Sessions include: “Ag Advocacy and Ag Books for Kids,” “Resolutions and Lobbying” and “Competitive Events.”

The afternoon of Jan. 19 will feature tours in the Sheridan County region for attendees.

Jan. 20, Sunday, begins with devotions at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., the “Outward Succession: Taking Steps to Advance Your Own Ag Operation” session, led by Kyle and Stacy Berger, will begin. Most succession planning workshops have one thing in common: They all hinge on decisions that may be made years down the road. This workshop will focus on what the younger generation can do in its own right now to advance its agricultural pursuits.

Registration is $100 per adult. You can learn more about the meeting at wyfb.org. Registration deadline is Jan. 10. Late registrations may be accepted based on availability after Jan. 10 at $125 per adult.

A hotel block has been set aside at the Holiday Inn in Sheridan. To get the group rate, mention Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers, or block code “WYF” to get the $79-plus-tax rate per night.

Source: Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation