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 Anaheim Convention Center (ACC).

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**

Daily Agenda

Friday, January 9, 2026

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. YF&R Competitor Check-In Reception

Saturday, January 10, 2026

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

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

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

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Presentations

• Open to All Registered Attendees

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Competitor Orientation

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

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

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1

• Open to All Registered Attendees

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

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

2:00-3:00 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Round 2

• Open to All Registered Attendees

5:25 p.m. Announcement of Discussion Meet Sweet 16 and Achievement Award Top 10

• Open to All Registered Attendees

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

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

Sunday, January 11, 2026

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

7:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m. YF&R Excellence in Ag Top 10 Presentations

• 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

• Invitation Only
• 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.)

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

1:15-2:15 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Sweet 16

• Open to All Registered Attendees

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

• Open to All Registered Attendees

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

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. YF&R Finalist Reception - Hilton Anaheim, Pacific Ballroom

Monday, January 12, 2026

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

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

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