Young Farmer Program

Save the Date! – 2027 Young Farmer Conference

January 22-23, 2027 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center - Downtown Des Moines

This conference is a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and peers, make new connections, network, and learn from professionals in the agriculture industry – while still having a bit of fun too! You’ll have an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies, new ag opportunities, sustainability practices and financial management techniques to help you grow and succeed on your farms through a variety of breakout sessions.

Registration opens December 1, 2026 through your local County Farm Bureau.

Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour

This two-day annual experience gives young farmers a chance to step out of their routine and explore innovative and alternative agriculture businesses across Iowa and neighboring states. The Ag Insights Tour is designed to spark new ideas, share real world perspectives, and build connections with other young farmers. It is a great mix of learning, travel, and relationship building you will not want to miss.

Young Farmer Day at the Iowa State Fair

Join us each year at the Iowa State Fair for Young Farmer Day at Farm Bureau Park, hosted by the Young Farmer Advisory Committee. This family-focused event typically features fun activities for children, including games, prizes, and opportunities to connect with young farmers and Farm Bureau members.

Watch for future event details and announcements on the Young Farmer Facebook and Instagram pages. We look forward to seeing you at the fair!

Young Farmer Tailgate

Connect with fellow young farmers and Farm Bureau members at the Iowa State University Young Farmer Tailgate, hosted by the Young Farmer Advisory Committee. This event provides a great opportunity to enjoy good food, build relationships, and gather with young farmers from across Iowa in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Watch for future event details and announcements on the Young Farmer Facebook and Instagram pages. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming tailgate event!

Grow Your Future Award

Iowa Farm Bureau’s Grow Your Future award started with a singular mission to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of young farmers and encourage the development and growth of ag-related endeavors.

If you’re a young Iowa entrepreneur with an innovative ag-related business – this award is for you.

The application period has closed. Applications for the 2028 Award will reopen in May 2027.
 
LEARN MORE & APPLY

2027 finalists will be narrowed down through online voting in December. The top three will compete in a pitch-off at the 2027 Young Farmer Conference, January 22-23 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The overall winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize to grow their business, with second place earning $5,000 and third place $2,500.

Congratulations to the 2026 winners!
First Place – Natalie Paino of Hightail, Bremer County
 Second Place – Rachel Irwin of Bushels and Blooms, Wapello County
Third Place – Jennifer Twaiten-Kraninger of Little Sioux Stems, Dickinson County

YF Leadership Award (Honoring Bob Joslin)

This award is an opportunity for young farmers who are actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture to earn recognition. County Farm Bureaus nominate deserving young leaders, and participants are judged on leadership experience and involvement within Farm Bureau, their community, and other agriculture organizations.

More information on the 2027 award will be available in December. 2027 award nominations will be due April 9.

Prizes
The three winners each receive:
- A $2,000 grant to a local organization of the winner‘s choice
- $1,500 cash award from GROWMARK
- $500 cash award from Iowa Farm Bureau
- Expense paid trip to the 2027 AFBF Annual Convention in Charlotte, NC January 8-13, 2027 or 2027 AFBF YF&R Conference in New Orleans, LA March 12-15, 2027
- Expense paid trip to the 2027 IFBF Young Farmer Conference January 22-23, 2027
- Video highlighting winner’s leadership and involvement.

2026 Winners:
Andrew Benning, Franklin County
Cale Gent, Hancock County
Mitchell Sievers, Buena Vista County

Three winners of the Young Farmer Leadership Award will be honored at the Iowa Farm Bureau Annual Meeting & County Leadership Conference in Des Moines December 8-9, 2026.