Kansas young farmers rally for leadership and growth

By Scout Nelson

Kansas's young farmers and ranchers meets in Manhattan recently for the highly anticipated Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) leaders conference. This event, organized by the Kansas Farm Bureau, attracted nearly 500 participants eager to advance their agricultural knowledge and leadership skills.

The conference, aimed at young agriculturalists aged 18-35, provided a comprehensive program of agricultural education, inspirational talks, and networking opportunities.  Key speakers included Jason Wetzler, who shared his upbringing experiences, and Marshall Stewart from Kansas State University, who discussed university engagement and partnership.

The event involved state committee members from 10 Kansas Farm Bureau districts, who organized workshops, speaker sessions, tours, and competitive events to foster community among young producers and equip them with necessary tools for success in the agricultural sector, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills.

The conference competitions revealed new talents in various categories:

• Ag Quiz Bowl champions were Patrick Biggs, Laine Schmalzried, August Hulse, and Hayden Lott from Kansas State University.
• Aidan Yoho from Allen Community College took the top spot in the Collegiate Discussion Meet.
• Emily Zahurones from Labette County excelled in the YF&R Discussion Meet.
• Ashton Schneider from Sedgwick County was recognized for Excellence in Agriculture.
• Scot Schwieterman from Hamilton County was named YF&R of the Year.

Aidan Yoho earned a $500 prize and a trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) YF&R Leadership Conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

Emily Zahurones, Ashton Schneider, and Scot Schwieterman each received $500 and the honor to represent Kansas in their respective competitions at the 2025 AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

This gathering not only celebrated the achievements of Kansas’s young agricultural professionals but also set the stage for their future contributions to the farming and ranching industry.

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