New Century Farmers Conference

by Maggie Elliot

 Maggie Elliot, Logan Zepp, and Morgan Howard at the 2016 New Century Farmers Conference


The challenges surrounding modern agriculture are daunting. Producers must be mindful of the sustainability of their practices, taking into account soil, water, and air quality. They must produce in an era with shifting precipitation patterns and climate changes. They must keep an eye on emerging technologies to maximize the efficiency of their production, and market their commodity to a global economy of consumers, with many who have been removed from the food and fiber system for generations.

The New Century Farmers program, administered by the National FFA Organization seeks to expose young adults engaged in production agriculture to the wealth of resources available to producers and provide insight into the tumultuous profession. Myself and two other vandals, Logan Zepp and fellow ASCL major Morgan Howard joined 30 other students in Iowa in July for the conference. Anna Pratt, a recent University of Idaho Ag Ed graduate, was selected to work as a facilitator throughout the week.

We dived into policy regulations and financial tips, examined advancements in technology and commodity marketing. But the conference also addressed how we can actively work to change misperceptions of agriculture in a changing world with increased communication. With fast-paced technology and popular social media, misinformation has the potential to spread quickly and shape market trends. We learned how to approach these problems without challenging the consumer.

Logan Zepp learned skills he can directly apply to his current operation. “From farm transition strategies and techniques to different elements of financial planning, I walked away with a breadth of new ideas to enhance elements of our farm.”

“The conference inspired me to pursue operating a cattle feedlot,” says Morgan. “It pushed me to start thinking long term, how to build good credit to secure loans and capital. Now I’ll explore niche outlets in the marketplace and think outside the box.”

The excitement and energy invested in production agriculture, paired with the determination to overcome present challenges within each individual had a magnetic tenacity. After speaking with students from all over the nation, Logan Zepp noted, “I learned that in many ways we face the same problems, just tailored to different types of farming in different states.”


The New Century Farmer’s conference endows students with a support group and an envisioned perspective of American agriculture. From fellow attendees and alumni, to the wide range of industry professionals met through the proceedings, a network is established, available if help is needed. “There is no good reason not to apply” said Logan. “The National FFA generously pays for the entire cost!”




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