July 26, 2023
www.gfb.org
Vol. 5 No. 14
YF&R MEMBERS MEET ‘FOR THE LOVE OF AG’ In multiple ways, attendees at the 2023 Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference learned what to look for, whether it is in weather patterns, credit scores or myths about meat. As much as anything, they learned to look for each other. The annual event, held July 12-15 on Jekyll Island, drew approximately 300 young farmers and ranchers from around the state with the theme, “For the Love of Ag.” GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chairman Colt Hart said that in addition to offering fellowship and bonding with peers, the conference shows attendees how to network and GFB’s strength as an advocacy organization. “Farmers see maybe what you can do for me or what I can do for you, and see what we [Farm Bureau] are, so when they go to the legislative arena, they can see how strong we might be,” Hart said. Nutrien Ag Solutions Weather Wizard Eric Snodgrass gave an entertaining and informative presentation on factors that affect weather. TikTok sensations Cody and Erika Archie from Bar 7 Ranch in Texas shared some of the experiences and approaches that have made their videos popular. Attendees also met Lucky, GFB’s spokesdog, and learned how she is helping the organization reach new members. Breakout educational sessions included presentations on understanding credit scores, debunking meat myths and tips on how to run YF&R programs at the county level. The conference included crowning the state winners of the YF&R competitive events and the Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest winner Caitlin Crispell of Tattnall County. Seth Scruggs of Bibb County won the adult category of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s rainshortened putt-putt golf fundraiser. The Carithers Family of Walton County claimed victory in the kids’ category. As an on-site service project, attendees formed an assembly line and put together 13,000 -continued on next page