the community through meal prepping, including severe weather kits. Photo credit: Indiana Farm Bureau
If you’re a farmer, student or ag professional 40 years of age or younger, the future of farming depends on your strong voice, fresh ideas and bold leadership. But stepping into leadership and finding your place in Indiana agriculture can feel overwhelming.
Indiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ag Professionals was created to cultivate members to become the next generation of agricultural leaders. Its aim is to help keep young farmers in production agriculture and develop the leadership capacity of ag professionals – for both those involved on and off the farm.
“Getting involved and getting to meet people from not just my community but across my county was huge for me and my involvement,” says YF&AP President State Committee Kylie Wagoner of Henry County. “If you’re not involved, don’t be afraid to reach out to your district YF&AP State Committee member or county president. It’s never too early, but it’s also never too late.”
The state committee helps build relationships between farmers and ag professionals across Indiana.
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Vince and Amie Osborn of Miami County are the YF&AP District 4 representatives. They joined the state committee because they felt it was the right time to give back and contribute to the organization.
“It’s a big pond, but it’s really shallow,” Vince Osborn says. “Northern Indiana and Southern Indiana are very different places. Our members come from across the state and have different backgrounds. We’re able to connect through all of them, and it’s been really cool.”
The Osborns encourage others to find one area of interest and become involved there, whether it is attending a local meeting, volunteering at the county fair or meeting your elected officials. As new members grow more comfortable and confident, the couple encourages them to gradually expand their involvement and find other opportunities. This gradual approach allows for meaningful contributions while managing commitments effectively.
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YF&AP member Cameron Yundt of Scott County agrees that the first step is to become involved.
“It’s something that I don’t think you really understand the benefits of until you’re in it,” she says. “The YF&AP State Committee has opened so many doors for me – not just across Indiana, but across the country – to be able to work with other agriculturalists and other people who may not earn their primary income on the farm, but who love agriculture and want to see it succeed in the future. That’s what we’re all on here for, to make sure that our kids and grandkids can continue the way of life we have.”
YF&AP will host a social and educational event on June 13 at Fair Oaks Farms. The annual Innovate & Grow Conference will be held in Bloomington in February 2027, and any member can attend. For more information, visit infb.org/yfap.
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