Leadership training with national AFBF experts, policy discussion, and networking — hosted by Alaska YF&R.
Summit Starts In
Lead. Learn. Shape Policy.
Hosted by the Alaska Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) committee — a full day of leadership workshops and policy discussion, open to all Farm Bureau members of any age, not just those 18–35. Wraps by 5:00 PM.
Leadership Workshops
Four morning sessions led by an AFBF leadership expert:
- AFBF Structure & Function
- How to Talk About Farm Bureau
- The Farm Bureau Lifecycle
- Farm Bureau Advocacy
Featured AFBF Speaker
Maegan Meredith, Ph.D., Director, Leadership & Organizational Training at the American Farm Bureau Federation, leads the morning AFBF Leadership Sessions — covering Farm Bureau structure, advocacy, and how to talk about agriculture with impact.
Lunch Included
Lunch is provided for all registered attendees, featuring AFBF YF&R Committee Member presentations during the meal.
YF&R Policy Meeting
The summit closes with a Young Farmers & Ranchers policy meeting led by Chair Dylan Blankenship — members shape priorities and positions for the year ahead.
Maegan Meredith, Ph.D.
Director, Leadership and
Organizational Training
American Farm Bureau Federation
Maegan Meredith is the Director of Leadership and Organizational Training for AFBF. She provides internal consulting and training services for Farm Bureau organizational development and develops strategies for strong programs.
Maegan grew up in Polk City, Florida where her family had a small cow-calf and citrus operation. She obtained her bachelor’s in agriculture studies at Warner University. She later completed her master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Florida, in Agriculture Education and Communication with a specialization in leadership. Her research focused on confidence development in Florida YF&R Leadership Group participants.
Summit Schedule
Saturday, September 19 · 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · All times are local Alaska time.
Morning — AFBF Leadership Sessions
Welcome Coffee & Donuts
Opening Remarks
Ken Hoffman, AKFB Executive Director
Session 1: AFBF Structure & Function
35 minSession 2: How to Talk About Farm Bureau
90 min- What is it?
- How does it work?
- Why is that important?
- Why is that important to you?
- Why should that be important to others?
Break
Session 3: The Farm Bureau Lifecycle
60 minSession 4: Farm Bureau Advocacy
30 minLunch
Lunch + AFBF YF&R Committee Member Presentations
Afternoon — Alaska Policy Development Sessions
Session 5: Federal Policy Update for Western Region
45 minBreak
Session 6: Alaska Policy Update
45 minYF&R Business Meeting — Policies & Resolutions
Dylan Blankenship, YF&R Chair
90 minClosing Remarks, Survey, Certificates & Group Photo
Scott Mugrage, AKFB President
Note: Schedule is subject to change. All morning AFBF Leadership Sessions are presented by Maegan Meredith, Director, Leadership & Organizational Training, American Farm Bureau Federation.
Registration Note: Saturday registration is handled through Google Form and is open to all Farm Bureau members. AKFB members attend free. Non-members will receive a $25 invoice after submitting — payment is due by September 18, 2026. Coming Friday? Check out the Alaska Grown BBQ Competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before registering for the summit.
The summit is open to all Farm Bureau members of any age — not just those 18–35. Whether you're a longtime member or new to Farm Bureau, you're welcome to attend.
The summit is free for current Alaska Farm Bureau members. Non-members will receive a $25 invoice by email after registering. Payment is required before September 18, 2026.
Yes! Lunch is provided for all registered attendees, featuring presentations from an AFBF YF&R Committee Member during the meal. Please note any dietary restrictions when you register.
Registration and welcome coffee begin at 7:00 AM. The summit wraps up by 5:00 PM. We encourage attendees to stay for the full day to get the most out of the sessions.
Just yourself and a willingness to learn! All materials, lunch, and refreshments are provided. You may want to bring a notebook for the leadership and policy sessions.
Yes, fairgrounds parking is available at the Alaska State Fairgrounds where the Rebarchek Barn is located. Parking is free for summit attendees.
While we encourage full-day attendance, you are welcome to attend just the sessions most relevant to you. The afternoon policy development sessions begin at 1:15 PM. Please register regardless of which sessions you plan to attend.
Yes! Certificates of completion are distributed during the closing session at 4:45 PM. Please indicate on your registration form if you need a certificate.
Made Possible By
Presenting Sponsor
The American Farm Bureau Federation has generously committed $7,000 and is flying up their expert presenter and an AFBF YF&R Committee Member at no cost to attendees.
Venue Partner
The Alaska State Fair generously donates the Rebarchek Barn at no cost, supporting agricultural leadership in Alaska.
Want to Sponsor?
Support Alaska's agricultural community by sponsoring or donating to the Leadership Summit. Reach out to learn more.
Email info@alaskafb.orgRebarchek Barn
Alaska State Fairgrounds · 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645
Rebarchek Barn
Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645
Reserve Your Spot — Saturday, Sept 19
Registration is required and open to all Farm Bureau members. Secure your spot at the Leadership Summit.