Stallman, continued
first generation farmers who have transitioned into
agriculture because they see a real future in it.
For example, on the flight back from the YF&R
conference, I had the chance to meet such a firstgeneration farmer who produces hay. He gave up
his non-agriculture career for farming, not only
because it offers him the type of lifestyle in which
he wants to raise his kids, but because of the many
business opportunities it holds.
Bloom Where You are Planted
And those farmers and ranchers who are
carrying on their family’s farm are becoming more
creative in their business approach, using social
media to market their goods and finding niches
where they can stand out. They are designing
business plans based on consumer demand and
adapting to the ever-changing world around them.
Former Health and Education Secretary John
Gardner once said, “All too often we are giving
young people cut flowers when we should be
teaching them to grow their own plants.” At Farm
Bureau we strive toward this goal both literally
and figuratively.
Through Farm Bureau’s YF&R and Partners in
Agricultural Leadership programs, young farmers
are learning valuable lessons of leadership,
consumer engagement, grassroots advocacy and
14 West Virginia Farm Bureau News
savvy business techniques.
Whether they are