Are you a Young Farmer looking for a place to grow your knowledge, build your professional network and learn how to leverage your leadership?
Join Michigan Farm Bureau’s State Young Farmer Committee for the 2026 Young Farmer Leaders Conference: YOUR opportunity to connect with peers from across the spectrum of Michigan agriculture, Feb. 27 – March 1 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo.
This event is specifically tailored to the needs and interests of Farm Bureau’s up-and-coming generation. Collegiate, dependent and regular members ages 18-35 will participate in tours, networking and breakout sessions before heading home with new ideas and resources to incorporate into their county's programming, business and relationships.
The conference kicks off Friday with a luncheon for county Farm
Bureau Young Farmer chairs — a chance to learn from one another and experts on how to build their community. There’s also a short luncheon for Collegiate Farm Bureau members, introducing them to the conference agenda and all the opportunities it includes.
All members will have a chance to explore the Kalamazoo area through tours and small group experiences. Each tour group will eat at a local restaurant and head back to the conference center to kick up their heels at a fair-themed welcome reception. Throwback 90’s county fair outfits aren’t required — but are very much encouraged!
On Saturday members will get down to business by connecting with members from their area in district meetings before a full day of informative breakout sessions. This year’s agenda includes breakouts on direct marketing, cover crops, health care, artificial intelligence and plenty of other topics.
All the learning will be broken up by a lunchtime fireside chat with State Young Farmer Chair Riley Brazo and MFB President Ben LaCross. Members will walk away inspired to make the most of their membership and their time in the Young Farmer program.
The day will wrap up with a networking reception, dinner and an exciting show from hypnotist Jon Wayes. From Las Vegas and America's Got Talent, Wayes has wowed audiences across the country. His "Cliché Hypnosis Experience" delivers everything but cliché hypnosis, and lets the audience members steer the fun!
The conference wraps up with in-depth, optional workshops Sunday morning to dig deeper into topics from grain marketing to strategic planning for your farm.
Registration runs Jan. 12-16; contact your county Farm Bureau or complete this interest form to let your county know you want to attend! Learn more about the agenda here."
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