Perryville students attend young farmers and ranchers conference

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It was a full house February 10-12 at Margaritaville Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks where Missouri Farm Bureau’s (MOFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference hosted more than 600 farmers and ranchers from across the state. Organized by the MOFB YF&R Committee for farmers ages 18 to 35, the event is considered the largest such Farm Bureau conference in the nation. Those attending from Perry County enjoyed a weekend away from farm chores to catch up with their peers and learn the latest industry news.
MOFB President and Appleton City farmer Garrett Hawkins opened the conference, talking about the importance of involvement in Farm Bureau and the organization’s efforts to provide affordable health insurance plans for Missourians. He was joined on stage by Terry Holdren, Kansas Farm Bureau chief executive officer and general counsel. The two discussed Kansas Farm Bureau’s successful efforts to provide other affordable options in health coverage for their members. MOFB supports Senate Bill 11 in the Missouri Legislature that would allow the organization to do the same in this state.
After lunch, Jason Medows, a farmer and founder of Ag State of Mind life coaching, shared stories about his family and prioritizing family, job and personal needs. Much like placing rocks in bucket, then pebbles and finally sand, Meadows said to prioritize what is most important first, then the smaller challenges. He said to always put family at the top of the list.
The conference included many breakout sessions providing a mix of learning and fun. Attendees first had an opportunity to meet their state YF&R committee members and others from their area.

Other sessions ranged from ways to fight inflation, to commodity markets, sprayer drones and honey production. Those were joined with wine and beer tastings later in the afternoon. Children had their own sessions and a tractor pull. Casino and Trivia nights rounded out the fun.
The YR&R Discussion Meet is also held at the conference. A panel of four young farmers discussed a final round question about farmers and off-farms jobs, and how Farm Bureau can be more accessible to members working in related fields. Hala Edquist of Wright County was announced the winner. Dakota Melton, also of Wright County, placed second and Madison Tunnel of Webster County placed third.
New chair of the MOFB YF&R Committee, Andrew Boerding of St. Charles, closed the meeting. More than 60 companies and individuals lend their support to the conference. MOFB Insurance Companies is a presenting sponsor. Those attending from Perry County included:
William Allison, Shannon Allison, Rachel Bachmann, Spencer Bachmann, Ryan Koenig, George Boyer Front Row: Abby Allison, Harlee Allison, and Mia Bachmann