Young Farmers & Ranchers Competitive Events

During the AFBF Annual Convention, Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&Rs) from across the country come together to compete in national competitive events focused on farming excellence, leadership and advocacy. Convention attendees are welcome to attend all rounds of the Discussion Meet competition, the Excellence in Ag presentations, and all announcements related to YF&Rs advancing in the competitions.

Below you will find a schedule that provides an overview of YF&R activities and what each person involved can expect. Most of the YF&R events will take place at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Center (SACC).

Business professional dress is requested for all events and sessions for competitors on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Nice/business casual dress is fine for Friday evening.

**All times and locations are subject to change and a hard copy will be provided to competitors at the check-in on Friday**

Meet the Competitors

Find out more about who is competing for the top honors in this year's Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Awards.

Daily Agenda

Friday, January 24, 2025

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. YF&R Competitor Check-In Reception - Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Republic ABC (4th Floor)

Saturday, January 25, 2025

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Judges Orientation - 206B

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Competitors Orientation - 206A

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Competitor Waiting Room - 207B

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Presentations - 206A, 206B and 207A

• Open to All Registered Attendees

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Competitor Orientation - 214B then 214D

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Timekeepers Orientation - 214C

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Judges Orientation - 214B

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1 - 208, 209, 210AB, 211, 212AB, 213AB, 214A, 214B, 214C and 214D

• Open to All Registered Attendees

11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. YF&R Next Level Networking and Learning Session - 217D

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 2 Room Announcement - 214D

2:00-3:00 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 2 - 208, 209, 210AB, 211, 212AB, 213AB, 214A, 214B, 214C and 214D

• Open to All Registered Attendees

5:25 p.m. Announcement of Discussion Meet Sweet 16 and Achievement Award Top 10 - Convention Center; Cultivation Center Stage; Hall 3

• Open to All Registered Attendees

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. YF&R Achievement Award Top 10 Competitor Orientation - 205

7:25 p.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Top 10 Announcement

7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Top 10 Orientations - 206A

Sunday, January 26, 2025

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. YF&R Achievement Award & Excellence in Agriculture Competitor Waiting Room - 207B

8:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Top 10 Presentations - 206A

• Open to All Registered Attendees
• 9:15 a.m. break for Opening General Session

8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. YF&R Achievement Award Top 10 Interviews - 205

• Open to All Registered Attendees
• 9:15 a.m. break for Opening General Session

11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. YF&R Achievement Award Top 10 Interviews (cont.) - 205

11:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Top 10 Presentations (cont.) - 206A

1:15-2:15 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Sweet 16 - 214A, 214B, 214C and 214D

• Open to All Registered Attendees

4:55 p.m. Announcement of Discussion Meet Final Four - Exhibit Hall 1 General Session

• Open to All Registered Attendees

Approx. 5:15 p.m. YF&R Stage Rehearsal - Exhibit Hall 1

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. YF&R Finalist Reception - Grand Hyatt San Antonio Lone Star Ballroom Salon C (2nd Floor)

Monday, January 27, 2025

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Final Four - Exhibit Hall 3 Cultivation Center Stage

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. YF&R, WLC & P&E Drop-In - Networking Lounge, AFBF Booth, Trade Show

11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m. YF&R Awards and Recognition Program - Exhibit Hall 1 General Session

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Winner and Finalist Photos and Meeting with AFBF Staff - Exhibit Hall 3