What the Nebraska Farm Bureau YF&R Conference Is
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Conference is a two-day leadership and networking event for young people in Nebraska agriculture. The 2027 conference is January 29 and 30 at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln. It is aimed at young farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals and agricultural advocates from across the state: people already farming full time, those working in agribusiness, newcomers to agriculture and those preparing to take over a family operation. Nebraska Farm Bureau, a statewide organization of nearly 55,000 member families, runs it.
What You Do There
The 2027 program includes breakout sessions on:
- Starting and growing an operation
- Farm succession and family communication
- Leadership and serving agriculture
- Farm business and financial management
- Livestock production and technology
- Crop innovation and conservation
The 2026 conference (January 23 and 24 at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney) drew more than 100 attendees and also featured tours of local agribusinesses, a keynote from Dan Venteicher, the "Iowa Dairy Farmer" online, networking time and the Discussion Meet. Nebraska State FFA officers attended for the first time that year.
The Discussion Meet
The conference is where the YF&R Discussion Meet begins. It is a moderated, collaborative contest rather than a debate: contestants work together to build solutions to a problem, and the questions are announced shortly before each round.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Who may enter | Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35 |
| Sign-up | Registration happens at the state YF&R Conference each year |
| Preliminary rounds | Held at the conference; two rounds produced four finalists in 2026 |
| Final round | At the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention in December |
| Prize | The winner receives $500 and an all-expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau YF&R Discussion Meet (Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027 for the 2026 winner); each finalist receives $50 from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation |
Other YF&R Opportunities
Nebraska Farm Bureau also runs the Young Ag Leaders Awards. Nominations are open June through July, Emerging Leaders are selected in August and regional finalists in September. One person is named Nebraska Young Ag Leader of the Year at the December Annual Meeting. You can nominate yourself or someone else through an online form.
Key Dates
- January 29 to 30, 2027: YF&R Conference, Graduate Hotel, Lincoln.
- December: Discussion Meet final at the Annual Meeting and Convention.
Where and How to Register
Graduate Hotel, Lincoln, Nebraska. Register online through the Register button on the Farm Bureau YF&R conference page. Registration fees and a detailed agenda are posted there as they are set.
Questions
Do I have to be a Farm Bureau member?
The Discussion Meet requires Farm Bureau membership and an age of 18 to 35. The conference page welcomes young farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals generally.
Who do I call?
Nebraska Farm Bureau, 402-421-4400 or toll free 800-742-4016, 5225 South 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68512.
Is it only for people who farm?
No. Agribusiness professionals and advocates are welcome, along with people just starting out.
Official Links
- YF&R Conference: 2027 dates, topics and registration
- 2026 conference recap: Discussion Meet finalists and prizes
- Young Ag Leaders Awards and Discussion Meet: timeline and how to enter
County Farm Bureaus in Nebraska: The Essentials
County Farm Bureaus are the grassroots base of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. They support local farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocacy and education, and they hold annual meetings where policy ideas start. NEFB's county page details 26 chapters, and other counties are active too.
Examples
Washington County held an Ask a Farmer event at a Fremont grocery store, and 2026 Century Club grants of $250 funded projects such as fair T-shirts for 4-H and FFA exhibitors in Boone County. Annual dues vary by county, from $50 in Sherman/Valley to $70 in Dakota, Kearney/Franklin and Nance.
Getting involved
Join at ne.fbiris.com/join or call (402) 421-4466. Student memberships for ages 14-23 cost $20 a year. Several county scholarships are due in March and April, so ask your regional manager early.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Nebraska Wheat Board Meeting
Wheat checkoff board meeting on the Nebraska Wheat calendar, held in Lincoln on Nov. 18, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
- Nebraska FFA Career Development Events State Finals
State finals for 25 FFA career development events, run alongside the state convention at UNL East Campus and Southeast Community College in Lincoln. The next dates posted are March 31 to April 2, 2027.
- Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
Statewide youth contest with livestock judging, meats judging, poultry judging, quiz bowl, skill-a-thon, animal welfare judging and a companion animal challenge. The next dates posted are June 2 to 4, 2027, in Lincoln.
- Lancaster County 4-H BB Gun, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Contest
Morning shooting sports contest for BB gun, air rifle and air pistol at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. Held each year; the most recent contest was February 7, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Rabbits R Us Fun Show and Showmanship Clinic
Beginner-friendly fun show and showmanship clinic for young rabbit exhibitors held in the South Hall of the Sandhills Global Event Center. Held each year; the most recent show was February 8, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.