Abel Elwell has worked hard to further the mission of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, a group within the Delaware Farm Bureau, and improve the agriculture industry. This year, he was recognized for his efforts.
Elwell, the YF&R chair for New Castle County, was honored as the 2022 Member of the Year by statewide chair Mollie Lynch of Houston.
“I chose Abel because of his hard work and dedication to not only the YF&R, but to Delaware agriculture. Abel has been a wonderful liaison between the county and YF&R. He is always willing to help out and does every task with a smile,” Lynch said.
Currently residing in Middletown, he grew up in Salem County, New Jersey and got to know agriculture through organizations like 4-H. He earned a degree in Crop & Soil Science from Virginia Tech where he joined a local Young Farmers & Ranchers group and worked for farmers during his college years.
“While I thoroughly enjoyed running equipment, I now work for farmers in a different way. I work in sales support for Willard Agri-Service in Lynch MD. This has been a learning experience getting to know the farms across Delaware and the Eastern Shore from scouting and soil sampling. Working in ag retail is more of a lifestyle than a job. Delaware Young Farmers & Ranchers has helped me connect with people just like me,” Elwell said.
Volunteering with the organization has offered him that chance to connect while supporting agriculture in a different way, he added.
“Being involved in Farm Bureau gives me an opportunity to connect with other people in Delaware who share similar passions, interests and values. Since less than two percent of Americans are directly involved in agriculture, it’s imperative that those of us who are, advocate and stand together. Farm Bureau is that voice,” Elwell said.
As the YF&R Member of the Year, his work isn’t done. He will continue advocating for agriculture and producers, as well as consumers, through his volunteer role at the Delaware Farm Bureau, a role he takes very seriously.
“If we don’t have a seat at the table, we are lunch. The story of agriculture is already being told by those outside of our industry. It’s important that those of us with first hand knowledge tell our stories to consumers,” he said. “Turning on the news and scrolling through Facebook can paint a less than optimistic future for our Industry as a whole. The great news is we do have the power to make a direct impact on our local counties and state. Together, we can change the narrative and engage with consumers and lawmakers. We are the next generation. There are so many cool opportunities YF&R can offer such as taking part in the Strawberry Festival, the tractor pull at the state fair, and the national YF&R Farm Bureau convention. Don’t miss out on your chance to become a part of the Farm Bureau family.”
The Delaware Farm Bureau offers a variety of membership types including members who are farmers, those who are professionally engaged in the agriculture industry and farm community members who want to support the mission. Volunteer opportunities are available in committees such as the YF&R Committee, Promotions & Education Committee, Women’s Committee and more.
For more information, visit defb.org or call the state office at 302-697-3183.
