Farm Bureau National Program Committees Welcome New Members

Many Americans prioritize sharing their time, talents and expertise in local communities, with about one in four volunteering each year, according to surveys. This includes Farm Bureau farmer and rancher leaders, who serve on governing boards and committees at local, state and national levels.

Several newly appointed volunteers will provide leadership beginning in 2023 as farmer and rancher members of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Promotion & Education and Young Farmers & Ranchers committees.

“Engaging with consumers and elected leaders to build trust while sharing agriculture’s story and advancing leadership skills are important foundations of national program committee work,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We welcome these newly appointed Farm Bureau members.”

Duvall announced the appointment of the following members to the P&E Committee to two-year terms starting in April: Heidi Cooper, Massachusetts (turkeys, chickens, beef cattle, hogs and sheep); Julie Stephenson, Michigan (seed and commodity production of corn, soybeans and wheat, and fresh market produce); Nate Schlief, North Dakota (beef cattle, hay/feed); and Lynn Leahy, Wisconsin (potatoes). Alan Clark, Idaho (beef cattle, alfalfa, malt barley and wheat) was reappointed for a two-year term.

Ten individuals representing qualifying Farm Bureau Promotion & Education states make up the P&E Committee. Its mission is to develop and centralize resources that inspire and equip Farm Bureau to convey the significance of agriculture.

Duvall announced the appointment of the following members to the YF&R Committee for the 2023-2025 term beginning in February: Kevin Lussier, Florida (beef cattle, dairy cattle and cheese production); Kaylee Heap, Illinois (pumpkins, squash, gourds, flowers, mums, soybeans and corn); Joe and Katelyn Packard, Michigan (dairy cattle, corn, alfalfa, wheat and forage crops); Jason and Caitlin Keck, Minnesota (beef cattle, hay, corn, soybeans and produce); Andrew and Clarissa Cauthorn, Missouri (corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and beef cattle); Sofia Lilly, North Carolina (wine grapes, blueberries and figs); Jonathan and Alyssa Zucker, Ohio (corn and soybeans); and Ben and Haily Sand, Wisconsin (rye, corn, soybeans, sweet corn, pumpkins and squash).

The YF&R Committee is made up of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An individual or couple may hold each committee appointment. Committee members are responsible for program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s convention each January, and the Harvest for All program.

National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. Learn more online: Promotion & Education and Young Farmers & Ranchers.