Young Farmersand Ranchers
Connecting, educating, and empowering the next generation of Alaska's agriculture. Ages 18–35.
About the Alaska Farm Bureau
The Alaska Farm Bureau is the voice of agriculture in the Last Frontier, dedicated to improving the economic well-being and growth of Alaska's agriculture to enrich the lives of all Alaskans.
We are a grassroots nonprofit organization uniting farmers, ranchers, and supporters across the state. The Farm Bureau advocates for our members' interests in legislative and regulatory issues, provides educational programs and resources, and helps build a strong agricultural community.
With local chapters throughout Alaska and member-led committees, we work on everything from policy advocacy to farm education initiatives.
Young Farmers & Ranchers
A special program of the American Farm Bureau Federation for young people ages 18–35 who are starting out or establishing themselves in farming, ranching, or agribusiness.
In Alaska, the YF&R Program is a new and exciting part of the Alaska Farm Bureau – and you're invited to be a part of it! It's included with your Farm Bureau membership and open to young people from all segments of agriculture.
Whether you raise crops or livestock, run a peony farm or a greenhouse, work in ag business or are still in school – YF&R is a welcoming network for you.
Advocacy
Giving young farmers and ranchers a voice. Get involved in issues that matter—from local policies to national ag discussions. Learn how to influence decision-makers and speak up for agriculture.
Education
Growing our knowledge and skills. Through farm tours, hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and skill clinics, YF&R members continually learn practical skills to succeed in their agricultural journey.
Promotion
Sharing the story of Alaska agriculture. We organize and participate in events that connect the public with agriculture—from fairs and school outreach to social media campaigns.
The average farmer in America is nearly 58 years old – it's time for us young growers to step up, collaborate, and lead the way into the future.
"If you are not at the table... then you are probably on the menu."
What Is the YF&R Program?
Learn how the Young Farmers & Ranchers program is growing agriculture's next generation of leaders in Alaska.
Benefits of Membership
Ready to connect with your peers and make a difference? Here's what you'll gain as a YF&R member.
Meet Your People
Build a statewide peer network of young producers, agripreneurs, and ag enthusiasts who share your challenges and victories. Find friends, mentors, and collaborators.
Learn & Level Up
Access practical trainings you can use right away—from farm marketing and finances to Alaska-specific growing tips. Develop skills in public speaking, media, and leadership.
Have a Voice
Share your priorities and ideas. Suggest new programs, shape conference topics, or voice concerns that need advocacy. Farm Bureau leaders want to hear from young members.
Grow as a Leader
Start small—help organize a farm tour or host a meet-up—and grow into larger roles. You might lead a committee, serve as an officer, or represent Alaska at national YF&R events.
Join Today!
- Included with Alaska Farm Bureau membership (~$100/year)
- Open to ages 18–35
- All segments of agriculture welcome
- Takes just a minute to sign up
Meet the Alaska YF&R Leadership
Our YF&R Program is led by a team of young farmers and ranchers who volunteer to guide the group's activities.
Dylan Blankenship
Dylan is a communications and marketing leader with over a decade of experience across government, private, and agricultural industries. He specializes in digital strategy, project management, and public speaking and brings those skills directly to his work advocating for Alaska's farmers and ranchers. He founded Blankenship Farm, which he grew from a 5-acre peony field into a 1,500-acre hay operation producing over 5% of Alaska's forage and more than $1 million in annual sales. His storytelling and marketing expertise have built a community of 50,000+ followers and generated 12 million monthly impressions highlighting Alaska agriculture's challenges and successes.
Faith Stewart
Faith brings a strong background in livestock production and agricultural leadership through her involvement in 4-H and FFA. Her hands-on experience raising horses, swine, poultry, and cattle has shaped her passion for animal nutrition and the future of agriculture in Alaska. As she transitions into the agricultural industry, Faith is committed to advocating for young farmers and ranchers, building connections across the state, and strengthening opportunities for the next generation. She plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science with a focus in livestock nutrition to support producers and advance Alaska's agricultural future.
Aaron Siegel
Aaron has been involved in agriculture since joining 4-H at the age of 5 and has been active in FFA for over 10 years, including serving as the 2025–2026 Alaska FFA State Treasurer. As he transitions from student leadership into the broader agricultural community, Aaron is eager to bring the skills he's developed to YF&R and make a meaningful impact for agriculture across the state.
Laura Sidney
Laura Sidney is a small-scale farmer based in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a background in agriculture shaped by her family and early involvement in 4-H. Through her own operation and a close study of producers across the state, she has developed a clear understanding of the barriers within Alaska's agricultural systems. Her involvement in YF&R is driven by a focus on practical solutions — particularly improving how land, resources, and regulations are managed so that independent producers have a fair opportunity to operate and grow. Laura believes Alaska has strong potential, but that it requires systems built with producers in mind.
Grace Willard
Grace has been farming in the Copper River Valley for 5 years. Currently she raises beef and milk cows, horses, and poultry. She is also a hay producer and has built an operation from the ground up, currently farming 220 acres of hay. Growing up, Grace was the president of Hawaii Island 4-H and was on the board for several farm-related groups in college. She is excited to bring her skills to YF&R and make a difference in Alaska's agricultural industry.
Taylor Wilson
My name is Taylor Wilson, and I serve as the Young Farmers & Ranchers delegate for the Mat-Su Chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau. With deep agricultural roots in farming here in the Mat-Su Valley, I've seen firsthand the importance of keeping our land productive and our communities connected to agriculture. I am committed to advocating for young farmers, both here in the Valley and across the state, ensuring their voices are heard, their challenges are recognized, and their future in Alaska agriculture grows strong.
Interested in stepping up? YF&R leadership positions are elected annually!
Sept 19, 2026
AK Young Farmer Leadership Summit
A full day of leadership workshops with AFBF national experts, policy discussion, and networking — open to all Farm Bureau members of any age.
- Morning AFBF Leadership Sessions with Maegan Meredith
- Lunch included for all registered attendees
- Free for AKFB members · $25 for non-members
Meetings & Events
Our Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee holds regular meetings to plan activities and discuss issues – and all YF&R program members are welcome to attend!
YF&R Events Calendar
All upcoming meetings, farm tours, socials, and events
If you're on our YF&R roster, you'll receive email notices with Zoom links or location details ahead of each meeting.
Get Involved — Join Us Today!
Every big movement starts with a few people raising their hands. By joining YF&R, you're saying "Count me in – I care about the future of Alaska's farms and food!"