2026 Young Leader Conference

PEORIA – Young leaders in agriculture from across the state met in Peoria for the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Conference, held Feb. 6-7.
Among them, Samuel Deisher represents District 17 on the 2024 State Young Leader Committee.
Members from Franklin county as well as 24 SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau members attended the 2026 conference, which featured industry experts from across the ag landscape, educating the attendees on a wide range of topics, including succession planning, on the farm tools, agribusiness management, young professionals, education and engagement, trends on the horizon and much more.
The keynote address was given by Lance Weaver. Weaver is a former Ag Bank turned Business Coach, focused on helping American producers organize and improve their operations for long-term success.
The state Young Leader Committee is comprised of 18 district representatives between ages 18 and 35 who are passionate about promoting agriculture and Illinois Farm Bureau. Committee members engage with others from around the state at conferences and workshops and through their district and county Farm Bureau.
IFB President Phil Nelson and Vice President Evan Hultine were in attendance, along with several members of the IFB board of directors.

Photo 1: Pictured left to right are Franklin County Young Leaders Michael Browning and Derek Sample.
Photo 2: SIU Collegiate Members