Some of the state’s sharpest young farmers will gather in Birmingham Feb. 28-March 2 to hone their agricultural planning and communication skills at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual Young Farmers Conference.

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Himburg said the two-day event, held at the Birmingham Sheraton, offers attendees a chance to fellowship and share stories.

“The Young Farmers Conference facilitates conversations with others from across the state who share similar backgrounds and goals, allowing participants to learn more about the Young Farmers program and take away tools that will help improve their operations or involvement in agriculture,” Himburg said.

Registration deadline for the Young Farmers Leadership Conference is Jan. 28. Cost for registration is $268 per adult and $53 for children ages 4-12 and includes meals, seminars and entertainment. All children must be registered. A $35 late fee will apply to registrations received after Jan. 28. To register, visit http://tiny.cc/YFConference14.

The conference opens with registration check in Feb. 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program kicks off at 7 p.m. featuring announcement of the Top 15 Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) finalists. A special performance by Trotline, one of the most popular country/Southern rock bands in the Southeast, will follow.

Saturday’s session begins with breakfast at 7:45 a.m., followed by a presentation from keynote speaker Andrew McCrea, a fifth-generation farmer, author and National Association of Farm Broadcasters member. McCrea will discuss what farmers can do to better meet the changing needs of consumers, along with building a strong communication foundation.

The next session gives participants the option to attend morning workshops on financial planning and lending programs, Discussion Meet contest strategies or a breakout session with McCrea.

Afternoon workshops aim to clarify OYFF and Excellence in Agriculture contest applications and will provide strategies on how to compete effectively. County chairmen training sessions close out the afternoon agenda.

Saturday’s evening banquet concludes with the announcement of the Top 6 OYFF finalists.

Alabama’s 2014 Outstanding Young Farm Family will receive a prize package worth more than $60,000, including a new GM-model truck valued at $35,000, courtesy of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator 825i, courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; lease of a John Deere tractor, courtesy of TriGreen, SunSouth and Snead Ag Supply; and an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting. See page 20 of this issue for details.

For more information, contact Himburg at (334) 612-5159 or jhimburg@alfafarmers.org.