CHARLESTON – Marlboro County Farm Bureau members Linnea Bjornson, Andrew Burroughs, Hunter Newton, Jacob Knight, Malcolm Calhoun, Walton Calhoun, Jamey Williams, Jim Sanders, Mattie Lee, Celsey Burroughs, Casey Calhoun, Kinsley Odom and Olivia Burroughs recently joined over 400 young farmers, ranchers and ag enthusiasts ages 18-35, for the annual South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Charleston. Members from across the state gathered to network, become better leaders in their communities and learn how to overcome challenges within the agriculture industry.
Conference attendees had the opportunity to listen to a wide variety of speakers on topics addressing all aspects of agriculture. They also heard remarks from South Carolina Representative Gary Brewer and AFBF Vice President Scott VanderWal.
“We feel very encouraged for the future of agriculture after our YF&R Conference in Charleston,” said Sally Harrison, chair of the State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. “Our attendees focused on their ‘why’ and pondered on purpose in agriculture, leadership and community.
“This event allows attendees to network with ag businesses and other attendees in areas of interest specific to their own operation. Educational breakout sessions, a producer panel, and motivational keynote speaker Dr. Milt Lowder were some of the valuable opportunities offered to participants. We look forward to celebrating another year of agriculture next year at our 2027 conference in Greenville!”
Harrison was elected the SCFB YF&R chair at the SCFB Annual Meeting in December. She will represent the Piedmont District throughout 2026 while leading the program to follow SCFB’s mission and goals.
Other members of the state committee are: Hampton Beard (Pee Dee District), Josh and Taylor Fox (Piedmont District), Robert and Juliana Hunter (Pee Dee District), Hank Hutto (Coastal District), Shawn and Bobbi Jo Janowski (Coastal District), Brandon and Devon Myers (Central District), and Sam and Victoria Quinney (Central District).
For the first time, four competitors from South Carolina universities participated in the Collegiate Discussion Meet at the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference. Drake Ariail (Clemson University), Avery Franklin (SC State University), Porter Hand (Clemson University) and Eli Moore (SC State University) discussed current agricultural issues meant to simulate a committee meeting.
Drake Ariail was named the 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet Winner. He took home $500 cash and earned the chance to represent South Carolina this March at the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet held in conjunction with the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Walt and Casey Calhoun, of Marlboro County, won the 2026 Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The competition consists of a written application and an oral presentation in front of a panel of judges. The couple won $500 cash and a Kubota RTV 520, compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. They will have the opportunity to represent South Carolina Farm Bureau on trips to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Portland, Oregon and the 2027 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, but who actively contribute to agriculture and Farm Bureau. The awards are compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company and South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation.
Ben Cothran, of Spartanburg County, won the 2026 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. Ben was awarded $1,000 compliments of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company and $35,000 towards the purchase of a new Ford truck. He will represent South Carolina Farm Bureau on trips to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Portland and the 2027 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Charlotte.
The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation and have excelled in their farming or ranching operations while exhibiting superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. The awards are compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Ford Motor Company.
Darlington County Farm Bureau Chapter received the award for the Largest County Delegation, boasting 29 young farmers and ranchers in attendance at the conference.
Through the Harvest for All program, county Young Farmer and Rancher committees support a local foodbank, food kitchen or food project. This year Lexington County received the 2026 Harvest for all Project Award, and Williamsburg County was selected as Runner-Up. Darlington County was recognized for the most innovative project.
Plans are already underway for the 2027 Young Farmers and Ranchers conference scheduled for January 29-31 in Greenville.
For more information about Young Farmers and Ranchers and to learn how to get involved, contact Brittany Jeffcoat at bjeffcoat@scfb.org.
South Carolina Farm Bureau is a grassroots, non-profit organization that celebrates and supports family farmers, locally grown food and our rural lands through legislative advocacy, education and community outreach. The organization, founded in 1944, serves nearly 95,000 member families in 47 chapters. For more information, please visit www.scfb.org.
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