In October, Farm Credit employees from across the country gathered in Boston for the 2026 Farm Credit Young, Beginning, and Small (YBS) Producers Conference. Co-hosted by Farm Credit Council and Farm Credit East, the event brought together 110 professionals from across the Farm Credit System to exchange ideas and strengthen support for young, beginning and small farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.
Attendees shared resources and strategies that can help the next generation of producers overcome barriers, navigate farm transitions and build successful businesses.
About 110 professionals gathered in Boston for the opening session of the Young, Beginning and Small Producers Conference.
The Future of Agriculture
The conference featured presentations and interactive breakout sessions focused on artificial intelligence, customer relationships, farm transitions and producer well-being.
Vance Crowe, founder of Articulate Ventures, discussed the growing influence of AI and emerging technologies in agriculture and financial services.
A Young and Beginning Producer Panel gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from producers about their experiences, challenges and needs. Additional breakout sessions encouraged participants to exchange ideas and share successful approaches to YBS programs across Farm Credit associations of different sizes.
Young and Beginning Producers Panel, from L to R: Ben Fisk with Ben’s Sugar, Cathryn Kennedy with Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery, Chris Laughton with Farm Credit East, Robert Chang with Echo Farm LLC, and Ryan MacKay with Lilac Hedge Farm.
Building Relationships with the Next Generation
Participants also heard an update on AgBizInfo, Farm Credit’s digital platform dedicated to providing educational content, industry resources and Farm Credit opportunities to YBS producers, and took part in sessions led by Meghan Lynch, CEO of Six-Point Strategy, on building relationships with the next generation of entrepreneurs and supporting successful farm transitions.
The conference also addressed producer well-being. Tara Haskins, total farm health director at AgriSafe, led a session on recognizing and responding to stress among agricultural producers.
Supporting Producers Under Stress Session: Tara Haskins (right), total farmer health director at AgriSafe, and Farm Credit Council’s Anne Thompson (left).
Policy, Leadership and Hands-On Learning
Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert opened the conference by welcoming attendees and discussing the importance of investing in the next generation of agriculture leaders through YBS programming.
The conference also featured a Washington, D.C., policy update from Jenny Mesirow executive vice president of government affairs at Farm Credit Council, and an update from Farm Credit Administration staff.
The conference concluded with a keynote address from Rob Jones, leadership instructor and speaker, on preparation, adaptation and perseverance.
CoBank conference attendees tour Sure-Cran Services in Wareham, Massachusetts, owned by Farm Credit East customer-owner and fifth-generation cranberry grower, Matt Beaton (right). From Left: Aldyn Abell Denton, Kate LaTour, and Kevin Matthews.
Attendees also had an opportunity to experience New England agriculture firsthand with a visit to a cranberry bog during harvest. A tour of Fairhaven Shipyard in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, offered another look at the industries and businesses supported by Farm Credit financing, including the commercial fishing sector.
Conference attendees tour Fairhaven Shipyard in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. From repairs and maintenance to new builds, Fairhaven Shipyard helps keep commercial vessels on the water.
Strengthening Farm Credit’s Support for YBS Producers
The 2026 YBS Conference provided a valuable opportunity for Farm Credit professionals to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and explore new ways to help young, beginning and small producers overcome barriers to entry and build successful agricultural businesses.
By sharing knowledge and strengthening relationships across the Farm Credit System, attendees returned home with new perspectives and approaches to help the next generation of producers succeed.
