|
|
|
|
Jennifer Himburg
(334) 612-5159
 |
| The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Young Farmers Division elected state committee members and officers during the annual meeting. They are, seated from left, Colin Wilson, Jackson County, District 2; Vice Chairman Allie Corcoran, Barbour County; Secretary Heather Wright, Dallas County; and Kevin Holland, Baldwin County, South Alabama At Large; standing, State Committee Chairman Jon Hegeman, Calhoun County; Jeremy Sessions, Mobile County, District 8; Lance Miller, Blount County, North Alabama At Large; Garrett Henry, Montgomery County, District 6; Stan Usery, Limestone County, District 1; and Hop Baker, Jefferson County, District 4. |
THE YOUNG FARMERS PROGRAM:
Develops leadership training and experience
Expands the varied interests of young, rural Alabamians
Creates awareness of the problems that face today's young farmers, and focuses on solutions to overcome these problems
Promotes better understanding of agribusiness and current farm programs
Broadens understanding about the organization, operation and policies of Alabama Farmers Federation
Gives Alabama's young farmers the opportunity to have a voice in the largest farm organization in Alabama
Recognizes the achievements of young farmers.
YOUNG FARMERS EVENTS:
Young Farmers Conference — The purpose of the Young Farmers Conference is to build leadership skills in Young Farmers by engaging them in interactive and personal development opportunities, while building relationships and educating them about our organization. The 2014 Young Farmers Conference will be held in downtown Birmingham, Alabama at the Sheraton Feb. 29—March 2.
Youth Leadership Conference — This conference consists of three days of workshops and seminars devoted to cultivating leadership in Alabama’s Rural Youth. The Youth Leadership Conference is an opportunity to help high school age students become a leader in whatever walk of life they choose. Each year, we accept 100 delegates ages 15-19. The 2013 conference will be held at the 4H Camp in Columbiana June 21-23.
Young Farmers Annual Business Meeting — During the annual meeting each year, delegates meet to elect State YF Committee members.
Young Farmers Dinner at the Annual Meeting — During each annual meeting, the Young Farmers hold a dinner and recognize the accomplishments of county Young Farmer programs as well as the State YF Committee.
STATE YOUNG FARMERS COMMITTEE FAQS:
The State YF Committee is composed of one member from each of the 8 districts (a map of the districts can be found at the bottom of this page) and two members at large — one from North Alabama and one from South Alabama.
The purpose of the State Young Farmers Committee is to develop leadership skills and work to strengthen county Young Farmer programs across the state.
Committee members are appointed for a two-year term.
In even numbered years, Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and the North at Large seat will be open for election. In odd numbered years, Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and the South at Large seat will be open for election.
Age of nominees must be ages 17-33 on December 1 of the year of election.
Committee members are selected by voting delegates to the Young Farmers Business Meeting held at the Annual Meeting each year. Voting delegate certification forms are due from counties by November 1 each year.
Those interested in serving on the State YF Committee must submit a letter of support from the county president by November 1.
Contact information for the current State YF Committee can be found at the bottom of this page.
CONTESTS:
Excellence in Agriculture — This competition is designed for those individuals who are involved in agriculture, but do not earn more than half their income from production ag. Candidates may compete as a married couple or as an individual. The competition consists of an application, a 15 minute PowerPoint presentation about your application and a 10-minute question and answer session. Prior competitors have included AgriScience education teachers, Extension agents, NRCS employees, veterinarians and ag lenders to name a few. Applications are due July 1, and the competition will be held at the Commodity Conference in August. Applications and the scoring rubric may be found below.
Outstanding Young Farm Family — The goal of this contest is to recognize those who are doing an outstanding job on their farm and are serving in leadership positions in their communities and within the Federation. This contest is designed for those who have more than 50% of their income subject to normal production risk. The 2014 competition has been updated to include a new selection process. An overview of the updated contest, applications and score sheets can be found below. Applications are due by January 15 and will be available online by May 15.
Discussion Meet — This competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. The competitors will discuss pre-selected topics and the participants will have the topics in advance. The four bases of general discussion are cooperation, constructive criticism, problem solving and communication. The first round of competition will be held at the Commodity Conference in August, the second round will be held at the Annual Meeting in December. Applications are due July 1. The topics, manual and application may be found below.
Collegiate Discussion Meet — A collegiate version of the discussion meet is held each winter at Auburn University. Any student is welcome to participate. Check with the Auburn Young Farmers for more information this fall.
CONTEST APPLICATIONS, SCORE SHEETS & VIDEOS:
OYFF Score Sheets
Discussion Meet Manual
2014 Discussion Meet Resources
2013 Discussion Meet Application
2013-14 Discussion Meet Topics
National Discussion Meet Finals, Video 1
National Discussion Meet Finals, Video 2
Collegiate Discussion Meet Manual
Excellence in Ag Application
Excellence in Ag Score Sheet
National Excellence in Ag Finals, Video 1
National Excellence in Ag Finals, Video 2
RESOURCE GUIDES:
Chairman's Handbook
State Committee Map
State Committee Contact Info
Young Farmer Program & Events
Policy Development
MISCELLANEOUS:
Report of Work
Youth Leadership Conference County Letter
Youth Leadership Conference Registration Application
For more information, contact Jennifer Himburg,
Director, Young Farmers Division, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001. Phone:
(334) 612-5159.
|
|
|
