WHAT IS THE YOUNG FARMER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM?

Any man or woman involved or interested in agriculture who wishes to learn and has the desire to participate may enroll in a Young Farmer instructional program.  It is offered by high school, area vocational school, community and junior college agriculture departments which are sponsored by the Colorado Community College and Occupational Education System.  The program is designed to fit the needs and desires of individual chapter members. It helps students to become soundly established in their local communities by providing continuing agricultural instruction. It also offers opportunities to participate in community service, social activities, cooperative projects, and leadership training programs.

 WHO CAN ENROLL?

A Young Farmer is any one employed or interested in agriculture who is willing to learn."  A vocational agriculture department.

 HOW DOES THE PROGRAM OPERATE?

Classes normally begin in the fall. However, schedules are adapted to fit local community needs by avoiding peak rushes in the agricultural year.  The annual course of study at each school includes at least 15 organized instructional meetings. Tours, community projects, social activities and individualized visits by the instructor to class members at their jobs supplement classroom teaching.

The Young Farmer program is usually conducted by local vocational agriculture instructors in addition to their regular high school or college agriculture classes, however, some schools employ young farmers or adult education instructors who devote all or nearly all of their time to the program. 

• Farm, Ranch & Agri-Business Management

• Career Opportunities in Agriculture

• Using Available Agriculture Services

• Producing, Handling and Utilizing

• Agricultural Products

• Conserving Natural Resources

• Home and Farmstead Improvements

• Expanding Technical Knowledge

• Leadership and Community Service

 WHAT CAN THE ASSOCIATION DO FOR YOU?

The Colorado Young Farmers Educational Association is a statewide organization of people enrolled in the Young Farmer Program. It is non-profit and non-political.  A state institute is held each year. Here, members have an opportunity to exchange ideas, participate in educational programs not available at the local level, to conduct association business and to enjoy fellowship with other Young Farmers in Colorado.  The state association helps local chapters to enlist support from agribusiness and industry, to promote good relationships between producers and consumers and increase leadership opportunities. The state website and newsletter improves communications among local chapters.

Delegates from each local chapter form the state association's legislative body, operating under a constitution and bylaws. Eight state officers serve as the governing body. The state supervisor of vocational agriculture education is advisor to the Colorado Young Farmers Association.

The state association was organized in 1970. Many of the members participate each year in the National Young Farmer Educational Institute.

 HOW CAN WE ORGANIZE?

Organization of a Young Farmers Educational Program begins at the local level, with the assistance of the local high school vocational agriculture instructor, and/or the nearest area vocational school, community or junior college agricultural department. Each vocational agricultural instructor is trained in the formation and operation of Young Farmer instructional programs.  Visit our Chapters page to locate a chapter near you.

 WHAT DOES IT COST?

Tuition charges vary according to the school which provides the program, since it must conform to the school's established tuition and fees to pay 'for teacher's salary, books, supplies and other costs.  Administrative and overhead costs are kept to the minimum.  The Colorado Young Farmers Educational Association's dues are $5 per member per year. The National Young Farmer Educational Association dues are $15 per member per year.  Each chapter's local dues are determined by its members.