WV Farm Bureau Magazine September 2014 | Page 17

Young Farmer and Rancher Update Susan Wilkins, YF&R Chair August found many members of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee taking in the State Fair of West Virginia. In an effort to reach more young people, we had a display in the Underwood Youth Building. Throughout the fair, we tried to spend time manning the display to speak with folks and hand out brochures. Several committee members also spent time working in the Gus Douglass Building at the West Virginia Farm Bureau booth. We encourage all young people transitioning out of the FFA or 4-H to look into joining the West Virginia Farm Bureau and becoming involved in the Young Farmers & Ranchers program. Many of Farm Bureau’s leaders got their start wearing a blue and gold jacket or reciting the 4-H Pledge. One of the saddest days of my life was when I was too old to be a member of the FFA; but Farm Bureau was the perfect “next step” for me. The leadership, public speaking, and parliamentary procedure skills I first developed in FFA and 4-H have been strengthened many times over through my Farm Bureau involvement. It is one of the goals of the committee to help more FFA and 4-H members see ZETT’S TRI-STATE FISH FARM & HATCHERY 878 Hatchery Road • Inwood, WV 25428 (304) 229-3654 www.zettsfishhatchery.com Over 30 species available Colorful Catalog Upon Request - or view online Truck Deliver- UPS - Pickup Come Fish Our Lakes - Catch Your Own 1-100 lb fish - see our website for Rates what great opportunities Farm Bureau offers for young people to continue to be involved with agriculture. Please help us in our efforts to reach out to our local clubs and chapters. As your county holds your Annual Meeting this fall, invite FFA and 4-H members to attend and perhaps play a part in the program. Seek out ways for your county Farm Bureau to become more involved throughout the year – perhaps sponsor an FFA member’s trip to the Annual Meeting or hold a farm tour for a 4-H group. Gaining new membership is critical to keep our Young Farmers & Ranchers program – and the Farm Bureau organization as a whole – growing. Don’t forget to encourage worthy individuals to apply for our Achievement and Excellence in Ag Awards for a chance to win a trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in San Diego. Applications are available through the State Office by contacting Eric Thomason at 1-800-398-4630 or [email protected]. TRACTOR SPECIAL! 23 HP to 100 HP TRACTORS 5 year Warranty Second to None! Now is the time to have your tractors repaired during the off season! • Engines • Clutches • Transmissions MCCONNELLSBURG MOTOR & IMPLEMENT 875 Lincoln Way East • McConnellsburg, PA • (717) 485-3181 [email protected] • www.mcmoim.com West Virginia Farm Bureau News 17