Who and What We Are

PURPOSE AND HISTORY

NYFEA – The Association for Educating Agricultural Leaders is proud to be an association that educates, recognizes and encourages the next generation. Founded in 1966, it is an organization dedicated to:

• leadership/ education
• community development
• community service and encouragement

It is focused on young / beginning producers and young agribusiness professionals.

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NYFEA has adopted a long-range educational plan entitled “Education for American Agriculture” (EAA).

This dynamic undertaking provides educational seminars and resources to train individuals in leadership, business management, and issues awareness. The association sponsors community service projects to assist the general public in understanding more about agriculture. The association seeks to provide support for the next generation by helping them understand the opportunities found in agriculture. Finally, NYFEA recognizes individuals who participate in this educational plan by providing online education and numerous national awards. NYFEA annually salutes the top producers and agribusiness leaders at its national convention.

PARTICIPANTS

Presently, NYFEA serves people with activity at the national, state, and local level. Participation is open to all interested individuals. The association places a major emphasis on programs that salute and encourage young and beginning producers, recognize agribusiness success and assist with community development.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE/ NATIONAL AG LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

NYFEA holds the National Ag Leadership Conference (NALC) in the summer and the National Institute in the winter. The two annual meetings are rotated to provide access. They serve three major purposes:

1. Education - Through workshops, seminars and motivational speakers, members have the opportunity to refine their leadership abilities, business management techniques, knowledge about issues and communication skills.
2. Showcase local agriculture, agribusiness and culture - Agricultural industry tours are offered. Also featured are tours of local farms, museums and historical sites. Entertainment is exceptional.
3. Salutes of Young and Beginning Producers, Young Ag Professionals, and Agricultural Leaders – Programs designed to encourage and motivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

NYFEA’s SALUTES

3 Kinds of Salutes

1. Salute of Outstanding Young and Beginning Producers
2. Salute of Outstanding Young Agribusiness Professionals
3. Salute of Agricultural Leaders

NYFEA’s salutes are also known as the “Oscars for Agriculture.” The goal of these salutes is to identify:

• an outstanding young and/or beginning producer
• young agribusiness professional
• agricultural leaders from every state and from international markets

These trendsetters are selected based on a set of standards that are developed by their peers. The outstanding participants are recognized at the annual NYFEA Institute and received national and international acclaim for their example setting work. Stewardship, profitability, selflessness and innovation are critical components

NYFEA PARTNERS

Programs where corporate friends assist the next generation:

A) Collaborative Partner – By scholarshipping young agricultural people to attend the annual convention (Institute) or the NALC, the Collaborative Partner serves to engage individuals served by their organization in this annual learning, recognition and entertainment program.
 

B) The Local Emphasis Agricultural Development (LEAD) Partner— By sponsoring a local advisory committee of agricultural leaders, the LEAD Partner ensures that the state or region will have collaborative efforts engaging local agricultural entities in young/beginning producer activity. For instance, they will have nominations for the national and international salutes.

AGRICULTURAL DECISION MAKERS’ COLLEGE

The association offers an opportunity for individuals to participate in a learning experience that will enlighten them on important topics that will help them make better decisions. Through internet training materials and convention programs, the association will provide valuable information to its members. The feature activity is the intense policy-based the panel discussion at the annual Institute. The Ag Decision Makers’ College brings policy to the people.

YOUNG AG LEADERS EVENT & MEMBERS AND MENTORS AWARD

The association offers an opportunity for Young Agricultural Leaders (students, particularly college age) to participate in a learning experience that will enlighten them on important career topics. Further, the association offers individuals over age 41 the opportunity to assist young and beginning producers and young agribusiness professionals by serving as mentors. This Members and Mentors Award program is a way to serve others as the improve their personal and professional skills.