YF&R Working To Connect Young People With Ag Community

In an effort to connect young people with the farming community, and members of industry, the Oregon Farm Bureau has the Young Farmers & Ranchers program, a subcommittee of the OFB.  Roy Hofer chairs the Oregon YF&R, and said the program serves as a great outreach tool for the young, and the not so young alike.  He said YF&R is a great way to teach those not familiar with farming in Oregon and allow individuals to ask questions.  But he said it’s also a great way to connect producers with politicians who typically don’t hear from young people.

“Because they hear a lot of the older generation of farmers and there's not, you know, there's less younger folks politically involved. And as soon as they see a young farmer they definitely stop," Hofer said.  "And want to come over and shake your hand and talk to you and learn just a little bit more about your operation and what you're doing, and you know how those things affect you?” 

Hofer said there are a variety of issues, before the farming community in Oregon.  And many of those are top issues for YF&R members.

“Well, land use and labor are kind of the big issues right now. Water definitely throw that one in there too. But there's pressure from all sides, whether it's you know, cap and trade using diesel fuel or you know pesticides being banned or getting less available to us that we need to do our jobs," he added.  "There's a whole variety of issues out there, but those are probably the main ones that we’re working on right now.”

YF&R is open to those 16-35 years of age across Oregon. Visit Oregon's Young Farmers & Ranchers Website to learn more about the program.

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