Four Delaware Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) members attended the 2026 Farm Bureau YF&R Leadership Conference, held March 13–16 in Portland, Oregon. The conference provided networking opportunities along with educational sessions focused on learning, sharing, and growing together to build a sustainable future for agriculture and Farm Bureau.
YF&R is a committee of Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) for members ages 18–40 that emphasizes leadership and career development within the agricultural industry. Delaware YF&R proudly supports its active members by funding their participation in this conference through various fundraising efforts, such as the Annual Tractor Pull and their auction at the State Annual Banquet, as well as with the help of generous sponsors like Horizon Farm Credit.
Among the Delaware representatives was Emerson Hickey of Middletown. Hickey serves as the DEFB Ambassador and won the Delaware Collegiate Discussion Meet in December 2025 advancing her to compete at the national level during this conference.
“Competing in the Collegiate Discussion Meet allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations about critical agricultural issues impacting not only the United States, but also right here in Delaware, alongside passionate and like-minded individuals from across the country,” Hickey said of her experience.
Conference sessions covered a wide range of topics, including policy updates, consumer engagement, and effective uses of social media in agriculture. These sessions equipped attendees with skills to help advocate for and preserve the future of agriculture. Participants also toured local agricultural operations, ranging from cideries, creameries, and chocolate producers to gardens and greenhouses highlighting the diversity of Oregon agriculture.
For more information about Delaware YF&R, contact State Chair Connor Vincent at connor.vincent33@gmail. For more information about Collegiate Discussion Meet, contact DEFB Government Affairs Coordinator Sydnie Grossnickle at sydnie.grossnickle@defb.org or 302-697-3183.
