Young Farmers And Ranchers Leadership Conference

by Krista Norton | February 17, 2022

Hamilton County was represented at the recent Young Farmers and Ranchers Leaders Conference held in Manhattan January 28-30. Joe Mitchell, student at Northwest Technical College in Goodland, Kate Plunkett, student at Kansas State University and local residents, Scot and Kaylee Schwieterman attended the three-day Kansas Farm Bureau conference. They, along with more than 380 others,  designed to provide educational and networking opportunities for young producers in Kansas.
Attendees heard from Tim Moffett, a Florida dairy farmer and comedian; Kyle and Tiffany Lechtenberg, owners of Northview Family Farms in north-central Nebraska; Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Kansas Farm Bureau President Rich Felts.
Mitchell learned about the conference from one of his instructors and traveled to compete in the Quiz Bowl against students from other colleges and universities from across the state.  “I thought the quiz bowl was a lot of fun, definitely very tough though. We were competing against K-State,” said Joe. He thought it was a fun experience, getting to meet a lot of new people and learn their backstories. “I also thought the breakout sessions were very valuable and good lessons to learn from.” 
Plunkett wanted to attend the conference because she wanted to learn more about Farm Bureau and about the potential of careers in agricultural advocacy. “I wanted to learn more about current issues in Kansas agriculture and how I could play a part in them,” she said, “My main take away from the conference was the importance of networking and putting yourself out there and the relationships with people in and out of your field are so valuable.” She feels Kansas Farm Bureau is an incredible organization for our state and for our community, “I was very grateful to get the opportunity to attend this conference.”
Scot and Kaylee Schwieterman are currently serving a two-year term on the state YF&R committee. State committee members from each of the ten Kansas Farm Bureau districts planned and hosted the conference, which included workshops, speakers, tours and competitions. 
Scot became interested in serving on the committee when he attended the conference last year. “It’s an easy way to connect with other people in agriculture across the state and it’s for everyone, whether you are from a background in ag or someone who has no idea about agriculture,” said Scot. 
“We had to step out of our comfort zone to become a part of the state committee because of the two-year time commitment but once we took the initial step, it’s been nice,” Scot added. They participated in meetings with other committee members two to three times a year. Their December meeting, held during KFB’s annual meeting, with be finalizing details for the 2023 YF&R conference. 
They did get a taste of their responsibilities this year, helping with the Quiz Bowl and Discussion Meet in addition to setting up the convention center. “Being around the other committee members was really enjoyable,” said Scot. He added that although his wife Kaylee, who was not involved in agriculture before they were married, enjoyed the conference and getting to know the other members of the committee.  
Although Scot and Kaylee did not have an opportunity to take part in all breakout sessions, Scot felt the mental health session, carbon credit, estate planning were best attended.   
“Kansas Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization, a way to have your voice heard, if you’re a 10,000-acre operation or a five acre operation, your voice is heard the same,” said Scot. That is one of the reasons he took an interest in the organization. 
Next week, Scot will travel to Louisville, KY. to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers conference. He will again help with the conference but on a national level. Unfortunately, Kaylee will be unable to attend due to her coaching obligations at the school. 
On the horizon for the Schwietermans is planning a local event with other committee members. “Possibly a trivia night with the help of a grant through the state organization,” said Scot. 
“There’s a spot for everyone in the Kansas Farm Bureau organization, “ said Scot, “Whether you grew up on a farm, or have never set foot on a farm.”