Be a Youth Magnet: How Farm Bureau Can Engage the Next Generation

The future success and sustainability of Farm Bureau rests in the hands of young people who may not yet know about Farm Bureau or realize the opportunities it has to offer. In this session, we will discover how to draw youth into Farm Bureau and engage the next generation of members. You will have the chance to hear from and interact with various states with successful youth engagement programs. Attendees will walk away with ideas for building awareness, cultivating a positive perception, and initiating interest in life-long Farm Bureau involvement.

Speakers:

Jennifer Cook

Jennifer first became involved with Farm Bureau through the Young Farmers & Ranchers program in 2008. She and her husband joined their local Bingham County Farm Bureau Board in 2012. They served as their county YF&R co-chairs from 2014-2016. She also served on her county’s scholarship committee for several years. Jennifer served as the county vice president from 2022-2023. In 2023, she was elected county president, where she is currently serving.  

Outside of farming Jennifer is a stay-in-the-car mom chauffeuring her kids to and from volleyball, 4H (horse, beef, and swine), FFA, swimming lessons, etc. She loves watching them develop their talents and discover life. She enjoys dirt biking and traveling as a family. She started and runs 2 small businesses, one breeding AKC Australian Cattle Dogs, the other Desert Road Candle Co. If she finds a quiet minute to herself, you’ll find her reading a book and munching on dill pickles.

Kim Harless

Kim Harless is currently employed by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation serving as a Sr. Organization Director for the past 35 years. She covers four counties, Jackson-Vinton, Pike and Scioto. Working with volunteers, adult and young adults both are a passion of Kim's as she enjoys sharing and teaching her knowledge of Leadership Development and Agriculture.

Kim lives in Jackson, a small rural town in Southern Ohio. She has two grown daughters and two amazing grandkids. Her hobbies include travel, golf, volunteer work, and spending time with family and friends.

Josh Ogle

Josh Ogle is a row crop farmer in Lincoln County, TN where he farms with his wife, Juileanna, and his parents, David, and Sherry Ogle. Josh and Julieanna have 3 children, Levi, Abi, and Travis. They own and operate D&J River Farms which is a 5,000-acre operation in Flintville, TN, where they grow Cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat. They also have a small beef cattle herd.

Josh serves as the president of the Lincoln Co. Farm Bureau and as the district 2 director for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation board of directors. In addition to his service to the Farm Bureau, Josh serves as a deacon and music director at his church. Josh also serves on numerous local boards and non-profits in and around Lincoln County.

Josh and his family also enjoy welcoming the community out to their farm each fall for their annual Old Time Cotton Pickin’ Day. The last few years, they have seen crowds of people show up one Friday during the month of October to experience what it’s like to harvest cotton the old timey way and learn about the modern technology that has changed over the years. Through this annual event, they can reach the public and tell their story in a way that provides a clear and truthful insight into the modern farming era.

Kelly Wilcox

Kelly Dugan Wilcox is a fourth-generation dairy farmer with deep roots in Arizona's agricultural heritage. The family legacy began when Kelly's father, Patrick Dugan, relocated to Arizona with his family from Wisconsin. They had 6 boys and successfully established a dairy farming business that has flourished over the years. Today, the family operates three successful dairy farms. 

Raised on the farm, Kelly developed a strong connection to the land and a passion for agriculture. After graduating from high school, she pursued a degree in fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Upon graduation, she returned to Arizona, started a family, and dedicated five years to raising calves for the family's dairy operations. 

Kelly is actively involved in the agricultural community, serving on the board of the Pinal County Farm Bureau for over a decade.  She has initiated a scholarship/internship program to support high school seniors aspiring to careers in agriculture. Additionally, she has contributed to various organizations, including the National Milk Producers Federation, Young Dairymen of Arizona, Pinal County 4-H, Pinal Council for CASA/Foster, Inc., and Seeds of Hope of Casa Grande.