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The motto of the recently formed San Benito County Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) is: “Empowering the next generation of the SBC Farm Bureau. Growing communities, cultivating connections and shaping the future of agriculture!”
Its intention is to breathe new life into local agriculture by engaging the next generation of farmers, ranchers and agriculture advocates.
The group will be recognized for its efforts during BenitoLink’s first Press-Tigious Awards on April 25 at 4:30 p.m. at Leal Vineyards.
The committee’s formation grew directly from input received during BenitoLink’s Community Vision San Benito County 2022-2024 Listening Sessions. Concerns were raised about youth retention in agriculture amid rising costs, policy challenges and limited resources.
Sarah Niño, the committee’s chair, is a San Benito County native whose family has roots in row-crop agriculture, orchard work, ag labor contracting and multi-generation farmworker-to-grower transitions. She spearheaded the effort after recognizing the need for a local network inspired by the successful Central Coast YF&R program in Monterey County.
At its first meeting in February 2025 at Bingo Night at the Barn in Tres Pinos, nearly 150 people attended and raised funds for a student scholarship program and equipment for future events.
“Our purpose is to keep young people between 18-35 involved in agriculture after high school and college,” she said. “A lot of us around here were very involved in 4-H and FFA. And then we went to college and maybe were involved somehow in college in ag, or maybe stayed around here and then we don’t have that FFA program or 4-H. So, it fills a gap between programs like FFA and 4-H and becoming a full-time Farm Bureau member.”
She said the committee, which has held nine meetings since its formation with an average of 40-60 in attendance, aims to teach young people, whether they are from farming families or just interested in agriculture, about how to get involved.
“It is the future of our community,” Farm Bureau Executive Director Brittany Brown said at the February 2025 Bingo night. “We need these young farmers and ranchers, and we need them educated and in a leadership position to be able to one day be a part of the Farm Bureau and to keep ag viable in San Benito County.”
YF&R operates as a volunteer-driven committee under Farm Bureau’s umbrella. It features elected officers and holds regular monthly meetings and fundraisers, often at local venues.
The Farm Bureau’s executive director provides oversight, ensuring alignment with broader county, state and national Farm Bureau goals of policy advocacy, education, and community service. Membership is open and free to anyone ages 18 to 35. No prior farming experience is required.
YF&R has quickly become active in the community. It also supports larger initiatives, such as the San Benito County Farm Day at Bolado Park, which introduces thousands of local schoolchildren to agriculture.
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