An enthusiastic group of young farmers and ranchers invested a weekend of their time July 20-22 in Ardmore, learning more about their industry.
Some 65 members of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) and their families participated in the annual summer conference in the Ardmore area. They toured the Goddard Wildlife Farm and visited test plots and the new research facilities of the Noble Foundation.
In addition to touring the facilities, the group heard from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Dan Durheim. Durheim presented a program on leadership development that focused on organization skills and building relationships.
Several members of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau staff presented programs on the latest legislative and agricultural trade issues. One session focused on Farm Bureau’s work with journalists in Mali, West Africa and the important role journalists play in a rural, agrarian democracy.
“We felt extremely welcome in the Ardmore area,” said Oklahoma YF&R Chairperson Melinda Freundt. “We are particularly grateful to Ardmore’s First National Bank and Trust and the Citizens Bank and Trust for their generous donations to help offset meal costs during this conference.
“The donation by the two banks is proof that our financial institutions recognize the importance agriculture, and specifically the younger generation of farmers and ranchers, play in Oklahoma’s economy and its future.”
Freundt added her particular appreciation to the Noble Foundation for hosting part of the conference.
“The (Noble Foundation) staff’s dedication and passion for their work was evident as they sacrificed a weekend to help these young farm and ranch leaders improve their industry, and for that we are very thankful.”
