Saturday Workshops : Young Farmers Winter Expo 2026

8:30 AM Workshops

I'm a Farm Bureau Member...Now What?! (Collegiate)
You'll learn who Farm Bureau is—our history, mission, and grassroots structure from county to state to national levels—what we do through advocacy, policy work, and programs supporting agriculture and rural communities, and the direct benefits of membership, including discounts on vehicles, equipment, supplies, travel, health services, and insurance (availability varies by state). You'll also discover ways to get involved through leadership, education, and networking.

County Chair: How to Grow Successful Young Farmers Programs (Young Farmers)
This detailed workshop will cover the responsibilities of a Young Farmer County Chair and opportunities to help you grow a successful Young Farmers program in your county. We'll take a deep dive into the County Chair Booklet, cover resources available to you, and hear advice from past chairs, along with Virginia Farm Bureau President, Scott Sink. You'll also have a chance to network with other chairs and receive some free swag! Please note, this workshop is only for county chairs.

Farm Credit One-Page Business Plan (Business)
Accessing land is often stated as one of the major barriers to entry for new and beginning farmers and can be prohibitive to scaling operations for sustained profitability. As a first-generation farmer and the Senior Technical Livestock and Grazing Specialist with American Farmland Trust, Jacob Gilley has navigated the maze of land access and will provide insight into analyzing land requirements based on your production and lifestyle goals. In addition, tips and tricks for locating land to lease and or purchase will be shared along with suggestions for developing rock-solid landowner agreements. Several tools for analyzing the quality of land and accessing capital for the purchase of land will be discussed and participants will most certainly leave this workshop empowered to stake their claim through improved access to land!

9:15 AM Workshops

Kickstart Your Career: Inside the Virginia Farm Bureau Fellowship (Collegiate)

Dive into the Virginia Farm Bureau Fellowship Program! Get a full overview of this hands-on summer opportunity across insurance, claims, and other key areas of the company. Hear firsthand experiences and insights from former fellows, and learn valuable professionalism tips from Morgan Brock, Director of Talent Acquisition & Compensation in HR. Walk away inspired, informed, and ready to apply for this rewarding real-world experience!

Young Farmers Contests: Get Coached by the Experts (Young Farmers)
Talk Young Farmer contests with the people who know them best —past winners and competitors! After some general advice, we’ll break up into groups where you can hear directly from folks who have competed in Discussion Meet, Excellence in Ag and Achievement Award. They’ll share how they prepared, what worked and what didn’t and lessons learned. If you have drafts of EA/AA applications, feel free to bring them for feedback. If winning a YF contest is on your bucket list, this workshop is a can’t miss!

VAFAIRS: Adding Value to Your Farm Operation

This workshop provides producers with practical tools, training, and resources to strengthen their businesses and explore new market opportunities. Drawing from VAFAIRS’ extensive experience delivering educational programs statewide, the workshop highlights value‑added strategies, cooperative development principles, and real‑world examples of successful agricultural ventures. Participants learn how to leverage business planning, feasibility assessments, and grant‑supported technical assistance to enhance profitability and long‑term sustainability. The session also connects producers with VAFAIRS staff and peers for continued collaboration, networking, and support.

10:00 AM Workshops

STIHL Outdoor Power Equipment Workshop: Mastering Proper Use and Safety (Young Farmers)
Join us for an informative and hands-on workshop led by Kenneth Glass, Technical Sales Specialist for STIHL, a leading manufacturer of high-quality outdoor power tools. With years of expertise in the field, Kenneth will guide participants through essential best practices for operating and maintaining STIHL equipment safely and effectively.

This workshop covers a wide range of STIHL products, including:

Chainsaws: Techniques for safe cutting, chain sharpening, and maintenance.
Trimmers and brushcutters: Proper handling, string replacement, and vegetation control tips.
Mowers: Efficient mowing strategies, blade care, and ergonomic operation.
Blowers: Effective debris clearing, airflow management, and lightweight models for extended use.
And more: Insights into additional tools like pruners, edgers, and multi-task systems.

Participants will learn critical safety protocols, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, hazard avoidance, and emergency procedures, ensuring you can tackle outdoor projects with confidence and reduced risk of injury. Whether you're a homeowner, landscaper, or professional, this session will equip you with practical knowledge to maximize performance and longevity of your STIHL gear.

Farm Credit: How to Present to a Lender (Business)
So you’ve graduated high school/college…what now?! Hear from members of the state Young Farmers Committee and Growing Leaders about their experiences getting their careers started on the farm and off the farm, and the lessons they learned from them.

VAFAIRS: Adding Value to Your Farm Operation