Young Farmers Committee

Are you a new or beginning farmer in Connecticut?
Are you a student interested in pursuing your interest in agriculture?
Are you a young adult with an interest in farming?

Young Farmers Committee of the Connecticut Farm Bureau is:

  • A group of friends and colleagues who will take the lead as Connecticut’s next generation of farmers. And we like to have fun together!
  • A lively group of young farmers who meet to share ideas, to learn and to socialize.
  • An excellent opportunity for farmers, ages 18-35, to actively participate in Farm Bureau programs, learn from other farmers and become agricultural leaders.

Through state and national meetings, trainings, programs and conferences, young farmers are able to develop and hone their leadership skills and knowledge base.

The following are examples of Young Farmer Committee Activities:

Farm Tours, Activities and Trainings

  • Dairy farm tours at Arethusa in Litchfield and Cushman Farms in Franklin
  • Sawmill tour at Hull Forest Products in Pomfret
  • Hops farming at DeFrancesco and Son Farms in Northford
  • Aquaculture boat tour in Norwalk
  • Training on testifying before the Connecticut Legislature
  • Training on using social media to promote farm businesses

Young Farmers Committee of the Connecticut Farm Bureau is:

  • A group of friends and colleagues who will take the lead as Connecticut’s next generation of farmers. And we like to have fun together!
  • A lively group of young farmers who meet to share ideas, to learn and to socialize.
  • An excellent opportunity for farmers, ages 18-35, to actively participate in Farm Bureau programs, learn from other farmers and become agricultural leaders.

Young Farmer Leadership Conference

The Young Farmers Committee typically sponsors 3 to 4 young farmers who attend the American Farm Bureau’s Annual Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference. This national conference offers farm tours, nationally recognized speakers, dozens of workshops and amazing networking opportunities.

Legislative Ice Cream Social

Young farmers meet their local state legislators at this ice cream social. The informal atmosphere provides young farmers with a chance to explain the challenges that they face farming in Connecticut.

Annual Pig Roast

Typically a sold out event, the annual pig roast brings together young and old alike. The event features locally-grown food, live music, hayrides and a farm tour.

Young Farmers State Committee Members

For information on Young Farmers
Contact Rachel Holden:
rachelholden207@yahoo.com