Young Farmers & Ranchers
Our Mission: The Delaware Young Farmers and Ranchers’ objective is to
attract hard working agricultural professionals and advocates through
professional development and social networking activities; to empower future Delaware Farm Bureau leaders and increase interest in agriculture as a way of life.
The Young Farmers and Ranchers program includes both women and men ages 18 – 40 with the objective of providing leadership in building a more effective Farm Bureau, preserving individual freedoms and expanding opportunities in agriculture.
Our Programs
The Delaware Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers’ Annual Strawberry Festival is held every May!
Bring the whole family and play games in the Fun Zone, visit the petting zoo, and take a hay ride farm tour! You can also enjoy concessions such as pulled pork, hot dogs, chips, water, soda, ice cream, and of course strawberry shortcake!
Proceeds from the concessions and wristbands go towards the YF&R Scholarship fund and educational programs.
One of the most popular events of the year! The Young Farmers and Ranchers’ Antique Tractor Pull consists of antique tractors pulling various weights, and seeing who can pull the weight the furthest. People from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey enter to participate in the event.
Check back for registration forms for the 2023 Delaware State Fair Antique Tractor Pull.
The Harvest for All Campaign is a partnership between the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program and local food charities that focus on providing food to people in need around the U.S.
The National Leadership Conference is a learning opportunity for the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers. It allows them to increase their knowledge about leadership, and agricultural issues, gain and improve their leadership development skills, and network with other young farmers and ranchers from around the world!
In the past, the conference has been held in Orland, FL, Phoenix, AZ, Honolulu, HI, and the Grand Rapids, MI. Click here to learn more about this year’s conference.
Old Dover Days is a celebration of Dover, DE’s heritage and culture. Every year, the Delaware Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers enter the parade with their float and hand out candy to those watching the parade.
Every year, the YF&R awards a scholarship to deserving students whose parents or grandparents are members of the Delaware Farm Bureau.
The 2024 YF&R Committee Scholarship application window is now closed. Please check back in March for the 2025 YF&R Committee Scholarship.
Meet our Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Leadership Team
Mollie Lynch, State Chair
Abel Elwell, Vice Chair
Michael Lynch, Kent County YF&R Chair
Alexander Keenan, New Castle County YF&R Chair
Connor Vincent, Sussex County YF&R Chair
Casey Collier, Secretary
Katie Foster, Financial Liaison