Programs & Benefits

These services include but are not limited to the following:

Education for American Agriculture: In 1991 through its delegate body, NYFEA developed an educational strategic plan. The plan of work known as Education for American Agriculture (EAA) is based on three basic components: learning, practicing and applying. NYFEA believes that the organization should enhance the opportunities of people to be successful while at the same time share the blessings that have been provided. NYFEA is proud of the “EAA” plan and its goals to provide opportunities for individual growth in the home, for the office or on the farm. The EAA plan calls for the association to offer distance learning programs that promote the personal and professional growth of people in agriculture.

National Agricultural Leadership Conference: The association is focused on helping individuals reach their full potential. Therefore, an annual leadership training conference is offered. The National Agricultural Leadership Conference (NALC) is designed to encourage individuals with an interest in the future of the industry to have a summer meeting where they can learn about issues and receive insight on “how to make a difference for the next generation.” The NALC is the annual summer conference. It includes tours, an Ag Decision Makers College (policy discussion) and a Young Ag Leaders Event (career training for agriculturalists ages 18-22).

Young Ag Leaders Event (YALE): NYFEA hosts programs at the National Ag Leadership Conference and the National Institute designed to provide career information to audiences of ages 15 – 18 and 18 - 22. These typically involve networking with 4H, FFA and collegiate agricultural programs from locations near the meeting sights.

Agricultural Decision Makers College: NYFEA provides educational programs and conferences that are delivered to individuals from around the country. The college is designed to provide an overview of agricultural policy and practices that will assist the attendee in making decisions that will improve both his/her personal business as well as the business of agriculture. The material presented will encourage additional and more intensive study. The subject matters include national farm bill issue discussions, international trade forums, new farm practices, advanced technologies, etc.

Community Service Projects: The association provides resources for “how to host” service projects to impact critical issues in agriculture. These are provided via the internet.

Local Emphasis Agricultural Development (LEAD): The association recognizes that its educational offerings (EAA) need to be accompanied by a systematic networking and recognition program. LEAD is the vehicle utilized for developing the national network.

Leader for Agriculture: The association provides this annual report for its national participants and sponsors.

National Agricultural Communication Award: Each year contestants compete to be selected as accomplished communicators. They are selected through a national competition that involves the entire network of YBS and YAP Advisory Boards, local organizations, partners, etc. The ultimate result of this national competition is that it promotes a refinement of the skills needed to be effective promoters of agriculture.

International Exchanges: The International Exchange has a long history of involving delegations between NYFEA and international organizations of similar concern. These travel experiences allow both international and American delegations to learn about their differences in agriculture, agribusiness, social concerns and other related issues.

Salute to Outstanding Young and Beginning Producers, Salute to Outstanding Young Agribusiness Professionals and Salute to Agricultural Leadership: The NYFEA recognition programs allow the association to identify excellence and recognize the individuals and organizations that are setting great examples of how to address the questions of the next generation. Success and results will be highlighted and will be utilized to educate and encourage others. The salute programs are internally defined as the “Oscars for Agriculture.”

National Institute: The NYFEA Institute, held annually, serves four major purposes:

• Agricultural educational programs - Through workshops, seminars and trade shows, participants have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, business management techniques and knowledge about technological advancements.
• National association business - During this time delegate business sessions are conducted and national officers are elected.
• Showcase outstanding agriculture, agribusiness and leadership – Tours of local agricultural industry, farms, museums and historical sites are offered. Salute programs are featured.
• Fun - National entertainers and motivational speakers uplift and encourage members.
  

Members and Mentors Award: Designed to encourage more mature participants to serve as mentors of the next generation.

Today, many in the agricultural industry have concerns about the future of agriculture in this country. Due to the decline in the number of U.S. agricultural college graduates, many agribusiness leaders are uncertain about who will produce the quality products needed in the future. Therefore, NYFEA is committed to helping recruit additional people into agricultural careers.

The association is addressing the agricultural issues by providing personal and business development opportunities. As an organization dedicated to education, recognition and leadership training for the next generation of Young and Beginning Producers and Young Agribusiness Professionals, NYFEA understands the seriousness of this challenge. NYFEA also feels a tremendous responsibility to keep young people from leaving the agricultural arena. NYFEA is proud of our diverse agenda, which we feel allows us to meet these challenges.

NYFEA is a diverse organization with membership covering the entire spectrum of agriculture. NYFEA is the only national organization specifically dedicated to the next generation of young agriculturalists. The association has no specific commodity focus or a definite political motivation so it can focus on answering the question “Where will be find the next generation of young and beginning producers and young agribusiness professionals?”