Young Farmers and Ranchers
Connect. Learn. Lead Alaska Agriculture.
For the future of agriculture.
The Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) program connects early-career agricultural leaders across Alaska. Members build a statewide network, gain practical skills in areas like pricing, labeling, and branding, and help shape Farm Bureau programming. YF&R also offers opportunities to grow as a leader through hosting events and taking on larger roles over time.
Why Join YF&R?
Joining Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) gives you the chance to connect with peers across Alaska, including producers, agripreneurs, students, and ag-service professionals. Members gain practical, hands-on skills through short trainings on topics like pricing, labeling, basic finance, branding, and entry-level HGAP paperwork. YF&R also gives you a voice to share your priorities and help shape Alaska Farm Bureau programming and conference topics. Plus, it offers opportunities to grow as a leader, starting with small roles like hosting a session or running a tour and expanding over time.
Click the button to fill out the form or email your name, farm/business, chapter/region, age confirmation (18-35) to YFR@alaskafb.org
Who is it for?
Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) is for producers and agripreneurs ages 18–35 including those in row crops, flowers, microgreens, livestock, honey, mushrooms, nurseries, greenhouses, and value-added products as well as students, interns, and early-career professionals in markets, processing, buying, lending, or agencies who want to connect with Alaska agriculture. The program is free to join, as it is included with Alaska Farm Bureau membership.
How does it work?
Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) is organized with one-year officer roles, including Chair, Vice/Chair-Elect, and Secretary/Treasurer. The group meets quarterly, with Q1 featuring an online policy discussion, Q2 an in-person farm tour, Q3 an online training, and Q4 an annual gathering at the Alaska Agriculture Conference. Members can also choose to be listed on a public roster with their name, farm, and chapter on akfb.org to help connect with others in the community.
What will I do?
As a YF&R member, you’ll participate in hands-on tours and meetups, such as greenhouse walkthroughs, wash/pack demos, small-ruminant handling, flower postharvest, and honey extraction days. You’ll also gain practical skills through clinics on pricing and margins, basic budgeting and cash flow, packaging and labeling, branding and social media, and entry-level HGAP paperwork. Peer solves offer a quick 15-minute round-robin where everyone shares one win and one challenge, crowd-sourcing solutions together. Members can also help shape the annual Alaska Agriculture Conference by nominating speakers and sessions they want to see.
FAQs
Do I have to already be farming full-time?
No. Students, part-time, and early-career folks are welcome.
I’m over 35, can I help?
Yes, please mentor or host a tour. Email YFR@alaskafb.org for more information.
Is there a cost?
No. YF&R is a free member program.
Can my chapter be involved?
Yes, chapters can co-host Q2 tours and promote YF&R locally.
Can YF&R make policy?
YF&R can suggest policy ideas; commodity-specific policy is led by AKFB CACs.
Contact
Email: YFR@alaskafb.org
Social: Follow Alaska Farm Bureau channels for updates
Sign Up for Young Farmer & Ranchers