Sonoma County Farm Bureau-the voice of agriculture

Sonoma County Young Farmers & Ranchers Rode the Wave of Change at the 2008 YF&R Leadership Conderence

Riding the Wave of Change was the theme to the 2008 Young Farmers and Ranchers State Leadership Conference held in Monterey, California March 14-16.

Over 180 young farmers and ranchers from throughout the state of California, between the ages of 18-35, gathered together to celebrate the future of agriculture.

The weekend began Friday, March 14 with agribusiness tours of operations on the Central Coast. Stops included Monterey Abalone Farm, Martin Jefferson and Sons Farm, Matusi Orchid Nursery and the Salinas Valley Dairy Prison.

The Sonoma County YF&Rs on the south Monterey County tour were escorted by retired

County Supervisor and wine grape grower, Butch Lindley. The first stop allowed attendees to

catch a glimpse of a different kind of farming at the Monterey Abalone Company, California’s only oceanic abalone farm. Three times a week the abalone farmers head out to the kelp beds off the Monterey coast to harvest fresh food for the thousands of hungry abalone, which the attendees on the tour were able to visit under the pier! For those that watch the show Dirty Jobs you may have seen the operation as it was featured on the show.

Martin Jefferson & Sons, a sixth generation family farming business was the next stop. The group was treated to an aerial spray demonstration with a helicopter and followed with discussion on issues surrounding the Light Brown Apple Moth as well as succession planning.

Next stop on the tour was the largest orchid grower in the world, Andy Matusi. Here the YF&R’s listened to Matsui’s success story. As a young immigrant farmer he came to the United States in 1961, on a Farm Bureau agricultural training program. Now he owns and operates the largest orchid farm in the world, with greenhouses that expand more than 3.3 million square feet of land with 11 million potted orchids neatly planted inside.

Last stop was the Soledad Prison Dairy, where inmates manage a 400 milking cow dairy operation. Here the inmates gain hands on work experience related to agriculture. A stop at a dairy wouldn’t be complete without being able to sample the finished product, chocolate milk.

The Friday night Welcome Dinner and Dance was held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds and hosted by the Central Coast YF&R.

Saturday had conference attendees back at the hotel attending workshops and listening to keynote speakers including Travis Hagen, motivational speaker, and Chad Van Every from Wal-Mart Corporation. Workshop topics included: Inside the News: What you need to know about how news is made- Shari Small, NBC Reporter/ Anchor; Safety First: An Inside Look at Food Safety; Finding your Niche; Taking Control of a Unique Corner in the Market; Plowing New Ground: How to Cultivate a New Crop of YF&R Members- Dr. Scott Vernon; Homeland Security Starts at Home- Special Agent Ken Bagchi, FBI; Politics in 2008: What’s the forecast for Ag?; and Dr. Vernon’s session on How to Win a Free Truck: Secrets to Winning the Discussion Meet. These workshop panels included speakers whom are experts in their fields. The Young Farmers and Ranchers in attendance were truly enlightened with a wealth of knowledge and information that was shared throughout the day and entire weekend.

“I really enjoyed Travis Hagens presentation on Saturday. He was able to tell us first hand stories and experiences that he has had in taking risks with his professional career.” Jen Beretta enthusiastically, said.

Saturday evening was filled with spectacular views of the Monterey Coastline, as the YF&R’s reconvened for the 2008 Awards Banquet. Tim Chiala, State YF&R Chair commended those who were outstanding within their county, and presented awards to those individuals from throughout the state who have accomplished great things.

A special presentation was made to Suzanne DuVerrier, a representative from the Food Bank of Monterey and San Benito Counties. The Young Farmers and Ranchers presented the Food Bank with a check in the amount of $3093, and 225 pounds of food which was donated by the attendees of the conference. The money was generated through the first annual silent auction with products donated and bid on by Young Farmers and Ranchers from throughout the state.

The Conference wrapped up Sunday morning with a keynote breakfast speaker, CFBF 1st Vice President, Paul Wenger. He relayed the importance of being involved in organizations that represent the agriculture industry and/or the community in which you live. Paul shared examples where being involved was key to altering, improving or stopping legislation and how those who are present make the most impact.

Jeff Carlton, Sonoma County YF&R Chair, and State YF&R Second Vice President said, “It was great to see so many YF&Rs from Sonoma County in attendance at this year’s conference. The amount of knowledge gained by the attendees will allow them to bring the information home and implement within our local community.”

Sonoma County Attendees included Jennifer Beretta, Megan Bullis, Jeff Carlton, Lesa Carlton, Jen Clark, Katie Fonsen, Julie Renner, Brent Young & Ed Paniagua.

If you are interested in joining Sonoma County YF&R Katie Fonsen at (707) 544-5575 or email KFonsen@sonomacountyfarmbureau.com for more information.