Payne County member selected to serve on AFBF YF&R Committee

Rachel Pickens of Payne County Farm Bureau recently was appointed to serve on the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.

The committee helps evaluate and update the YF&R long-term plan, assists with executing YF&R competitive events at the AFBF Annual Convention, provides programming advice for the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference, serves on one of four subcommittees, serves as a contact for state YF&R programs, and takes part in numerous committee meetings.

“Through her involvement in Farm Bureau, our state and her local community, Rachel has demonstrated a passion for sharing the story of agriculture and our organization,” said Rodd Moesel, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “She works tirelessly to develop her own leadership skills while taking the time to commit herself to helping others grow as well.”

The Payne County member has been involved in Farm Bureau in a number of capacities, serving as Payne County Farm Bureau YF&R vice chairman and on the OKFB YF&R Committee, as well as competing on the national level in the AFBF YF&R Discussion meet and Excellence in Agriculture events.

“Being appointed to the AFBF YF&R Committee is an honor which I believe should not be taken lightly,” Pickens said. “With this honor comes the expectation to achieve a greater good for the organization and its members when considering long term and visionary goals.

“I hope to serve the organization by helping future members across the country transition from 4-H  and FFA into the YF&R program, assisting in providing resources for YF&R members in developing their operations, and utilizing younger members to lead our organization with marketing, communication and public awareness.”

Also known as the “Oklahoma Land Lady,” Pickens began her career in college as the auction coordinator of Pickens Auctions, marketing and selling more than 30,000 acres, and showcasing premier properties and pristine ranches. She currently lives on a ranch in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she owns Rockin’ Star Farm, an agritourism venue.

In addition to her Farm Bureau involvement, Pickens is an active member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, the National Cattlewomen’s Association, the Diamond Hats Club, the Oklahoma Agritourism Association and the National FFA Alumni. She also serves on the Oklahoma Realtor’s Land Association board of directors.

To learn more about the YF&R program, visit the AFBF website.