WV Farm Bureau Magazine March 2013 | Page 14

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