NYFEA offers a variety of programs & benefits to it’s participants. These services include, but are not limited to the following:
Education for American Agriculture
In 1991 through its delegate body, NYFEA developed an educational strategic plan. The plan of work known as Education for American Agriculture (EAA) is based on three basic components: learning, practicing and applying. NYFEA believes that the organization should enhance the opportunities of people to be successful while at the same time share the blessings that have been provided. NYFEA is proud of the “EAA” plan and its goals to provide opportunities for individual growth in the home, for the office or on the farm. The EAA plan calls for the association to offer distance learning programs that promote the personal and professional growth of people in agriculture.
Young Ag Leaders Event (YALE):
NYFEA hosts programs at the National Ag Leadership Conference and the National Institute designed to provide career information to audiences of ages 18 – 40. These typically involve networking with 4H, FFA, collegiate agricultural programs, agricultural leadership and young producer groups.
Agricultural Decision Maker’s College
NYFEA provides educational programs and conferences that are delivered to individuals from around the country. The college is designed to provide an overview of agricultural policy and practices that will assist the attendee in making decisions that will improve both his/her personal business as well as the business of agriculture. The material presented will encourage additional and more intensive study. The subject matters include national farm issue discussions, international trade forums, new farm practices, advanced technologies, etc.
Community Service Projects:
The association develops relationships to “help tell the story of agriculture.” Focus on assisting the children in the location of the Institute.
Local Emphasis Agricultural Development (LEAD):
The association recognizes that its educational offerings (EAA) need to be accompanied by local leadership that supports systematic networking and young producer education program. LEAD is the vehicle utilized for developing the national network.
Leader for Agriculture:
The association provides this annual report for its national participants and sponsors.
National Agricultural Communication Award:
Each year contestants compete to be selected as accomplished communicators. They are selected based on successful completion of a agricultural communication exercise. The ultimate result of this national competition is that it promotes a refinement of the skills needed to be effective promoters of agriculture. Winners also receive free trips to Washington.
International Exchanges:
The International Exchange has a long history of involving delegations between NYFEA and international organizations of similar concern. These travel experiences allow both international and American delegations to learn about their differences in agriculture, agribusiness, social concerns and other related issues.
Salute to Outstanding Young & Beginning Producers:
The NYFEA recognition programs allow the association to identify excellence and recognize the individuals and organizations that are setting great examples of how to address the questions of the next generation. Success and results will be highlighted and will be utilized to educate and encourage others. The salute programs are internally defined as the “Oscars for Agriculture.”
Agriculture’s Promise (Washington D.C. Initiative):
NYFEA has discovered a bounty of opportunity. From visits to the historically significant and extremely motivational monuments to the discussions with key policy makers at both USDA and in Congress, the attendees have found this to be an extraordinary experience. All organizations with an emphasis group (council, committee, advisory board…) focusing on training and encouraging the next generation are invited to attend. All that is required is a willingness to join in the group policy discussion. This event is hosted at the headquarters hotel and coordinated by NYFEA. Otherwise, individuals and groups are encouraged to canvas “the hill” and share their story of why the United States must make a commitment to the next generation of agricultural leaders. Better access to credit, good rural leadership support (easy access to the dollars), added funding for collegiate scholarships for rural ag kids, etc.
NYFEA National Institute:
The NYFEA Institute, held annually, serves four major purposes:
1. Agricultural educational programs – Through workshops, seminars and trade shows, participants have the opportunity to refine their leadership skills, business management techniques and knowledge about technological advancements.
2. National association business – During this time delegate business sessions are conducted and national officers are elected.
3. Showcase outstanding agriculture, agribusiness and leadership – Tours of local agricultural industry, farms, museums and historical sites are offered. Salute programs are featured.
4. Fun – National entertainers and motivational speakers uplift and encourage members.
The association is addressing the agricultural issues by providing personal and business development opportunities. As an organization dedicated to education, recognition and leadership training for the next generation of Young and Beginning Producers and Young Agribusiness Professionals, NYFEA understands the seriousness of this challenge. NYFEA also feels a tremendous responsibility to keep young people from leaving the agricultural arena.
NYFEA is proud of our diverse agenda, which we feel allows us to meet these challenges. NYFEA is a diverse organization with membership covering the entire spectrum of agriculture. NYFEA is the only national organization specifically dedicated to the next generation of young agriculturalists. The association has no specific commodity focus or a definite political motivation so it can focus on answering the question “Where will be find the next generation of young and beginning producers and young agribusiness professionals?”