Isabella’s Ashleigh Bryant: FUSION is a don’t-miss opportunity

Last year Ashleigh Bryant joined 19 other Michigan Young Farmers at AFBF’s Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. 

“Every Farm Bureau event I have attended has offered incredible networking and educational opportunities, but this one felt different,” she said afterwards. “Being out-of-state and connecting with members from across the country was a chance to learn about operations and programs other members are involved in, and gave me new insight into opportunities back home.”

This year, Michigan Young Farmers can apply to attend AFBF’s FUSION conference — and at no cost!

American Farm Bureau’s 2025 FUSION Conference, March 7-10 in Denver, Colorado, encourages attendees to embrace a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. With more than 1,100 members and state staff gathering to strengthen communities and hone leadership skills, FUSION sends you back home inspired, energized and ready to implement new ideas.

Whether it’s forging new relationships or sharing practical tips for on-farm challenges, attendees will glean new perspectives and reap the returns of investing in themselves.

“I attended a session on succession planning, talking about making an ‘I Love You List,’” Bryant shared. “We listed all the people and service providers our family works with to make the farm run. 

“You never really think to have the number for the plumber or tire guy your dad always calls, but when my dad passes away our farm now has an ‘I Love You List’ — as in ‘I love you so much that I put all the info on one list so you can continue handling day-to-day operations on the farm after I'm gone.’

“Your family might have a will for the big items, but these are key players who need to be on call as well.”

Thanks to the Young Farmer trust fund, county Young Farmer chairs and other active YFs can apply to attending this conference at no cost — including flight, registration, meals, lodging (double occupancy), a Saturday night Michigan dinner and branded apparel. 

Space is limited and based on applications, so click here to apply before the Dec. 9 deadline!

Have questions? Contact MFB Young Farmer Manager Katie Eisenberger.