KFB Insights: The most magical meeting in agriculture

People traveling to Anaheim, Calif., are usually in search of a magical adventure at Disneyland. This past weekend it was one of the most magical places on earth for farm leaders as the site of the  American Farm Bureau Convention. 

It has been a few years since I last attended the event. As I walked through the convention halls, I was reminded why this event continues to matter — especially for the next generation of agriculture. The hallways were filled with energy, purpose and a strong sense of belonging for those committed to agriculture’s future.

Five of our local collegiate Farm Bureau members traveled with me to the conference. These students weren’t just observing — they were learning about policy and technology, asking thoughtful questions, serving as volunteers for convention activities and networking with professionals twice their age.

It is always my hope that this first exposure to the scale of Farm Bureau and the breadth of opportunities within the agriculture industry ignites a passion to become leaders for the future. There’s something almost magical about watching young people realize they’re part of something bigger than themselves, connected by shared values and a common goal of advancing agriculture.

Another cornerstone of the American Farm Bureau Convention is the celebrating the leadership, skill and impact of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program (YF&R) across the country through three competitive events: Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture and the Achievement Award. These events are more than contests; they’re platforms that elevate new voices and showcase the work they do to make their farms or careers, the industry and their communities better. 

Watching competitors share their ideas, business models, challenges and personal journeys is inspiring. Each participant brings a unique perspective shaped by geography, family history and personal experience, yet all share a common dedication to agriculture. The confidence and professionalism displayed throughout these competitions speak volumes about the strength of the next generation.

These young farmers and ranchers are balancing tradition with progress — honoring the past while embracing new technologies and ideas. Their willingness to step forward, compete and represent agriculture publicly is something worth celebrating. It’s a reminder that leadership in agriculture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built through opportunity, encouragement and platforms like Farm Bureau.

On a more personal level, one of the highlights of attending the convention was reconnecting with friends from across the country. In agriculture, relationships matter. I have to plan extra travel time throughout the day because I can’t walk from one event to another without running into two to three people I know. From catching up with friends now working in different corners of the industry to meeting face-to-face with former mentors or peers from every era of my career, it is heartwarming and fulfilling to be with so many incredible friends.

Those relationships are what sustain this industry through challenges and change. Seeing familiar faces from across the country reinforced how interconnected agriculture truly is. Even though we may raise different commodities or work in different sectors, the foundation is the same — service, stewardship, and a commitment to rural America.

This meeting is magical not because it is right next to Disneyland but because it’s a gathering place where agricultural leaders connect, ideas are exchanged, and the future of our industry is actively shaped.

Seeing students step into leadership, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and celebrating young farmers and ranchers reaffirmed why events like this matter. Agriculture’s story is being written every day, and after attending this convention, I’m confident the next chapters are in strong hands.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.