The five-day event provided networking and learning opportunities
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Fifty Future Farmers of America (FFA) alumni traveled to Des Moines, Iowa for the five-day New Century Farmer Conference.
“The conference is for alumni between the ages of 18 and 24 and specifically for individuals who have a production ag background or have an interest in going into ag production,” Emma Mendez, the program manager for alumni and supporters at the National FFA Organization, told Farms.com.
Throughout the conference, attendees networked with fellow FFA alumni, industry reps and listened to panel discussions. In addition, they toured local farms and John Deere and Corteva facilities.
The event, however, is only for those who are selected to attend.
Interested participants must fill out an application.
“They have to answer five questions about their family’s operation or if they’re wanting to start their own operation,” Mendez said. “From there a committee selects those who will be attending.”
Tayleur Baker (pictured above) attended the 2024 conference.
She’s a fifth-generation farmer from Burns, Ore., whose family were among the first Oregon Trail Pioneers in their area.
Seeing people from across the country come together in support of the ag industry was a special part of the experience, she said.
“Being among all these kids coming from different states to talk and learn about agriculture was so inspiring,” she told Farms.com. “I was able to learn things from them that I can take back to my home farm, and I hope the others are able to take some things from me back to their family operations. The conference really demonstrated that it’s our differences that can unite us.”
The Corteva and John Deere tours helped shape her vision for her future.
And each tour had its own individual reason.
“At John Deere we learned a lot about how technology is going into the equipment and the role it plays in agriculture,” she said. “And I was really interested in Corteva because they’re working on GMO plants and doing studies about improving crops. It was super cool to understand that aspect of agriculture because it’s important to ranching, which is what I’m more familiar with.”
Baker wants her future in ag to combine two areas.
One is production ag and to be involved in her family’s ranch. The other is communication and advocacy. She’s getting experience in the latter at Oregon State University where she’s an ag communications major and an ag extension multimedia intern.
“I want to be a voice for the agriculture industry,” she said. “I want to make sure every person in agriculture feels like they are heard and valued, and encourage them to share their stories.”
The 2025 New Century Farmer Conference takes place July 20 to 24 in Indianapolis, Ind.
The application window opens Dec. 15, 2024, and closes Feb. 15, 2025.
Baker encourages anyone interested in attending the conference to be properly prepared.
“I’d encourage them to get involved with programs in their communities to include in their resumes,” she said. “I hope lots of people apply because it’s such an amazing experience. You meet wonderful people and leave the conference with lasting friendships.”
Top photo: Tayleur Baker LinkedIn