SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers
About:
The SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers are a nonprofit organization associated with the SLO County Farm Bureau. The Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee is a program for agriculturalists between the ages of 21 and 35 involved in production, farming, ranching, banking, business, and many other areas of the industry. YF&R provides opportunities to develop leadership skills through involvement in Farm Bureau at the county, state, and national levels. YF&R members are a vital part of the organization, and it has been a great way for us to also network with local industry leaders and professionals. We typically have about 30 members at our meetings. Our meetings are typically on the second Tuesday of every month and start between 5:30pm-6:00pm and usually last an hour or two. We often have our meetings at local businesses, wineries, breweries, and we often tour local farms/ranches, etc. Our meeting consists of hearing from guest speakers or business owners as a way for us to all learn more about the local community and get new experiences. You can check out our Instagram @slo_yfr to see more of what we do in the community!
If you or your company is interested in hosting our SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Chapter please reach out to Jesslyn by calling 805-543-3654 or by emailing jblank@slofarmbureau.org
2026 Meeting Dates:
January 13th - SLO YF&R Informational Meeting and Social at the SLO Farm Bureau Office. Social starts at 5:30pm followed by a meeting at 6:00pm.
February 10th - SLO Food Bank Tour. Join us for a tour of the SLO Food Bank.
This meeting will offer a unique opportunity to see firsthand how the Food Bank supports our local community and works closely with farmers and ranchers throughout San Luis Obispo County. Members will receive a facility tour , learn about the Food Bank’s mission and programs, and gain insight into how local agriculture plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity. We will also spend time volunteering together and helping fill food bags, giving us a hands-on way to give back to our community.
March 10th - Traceland : Rainwater Harvesting
Join us for a tour of Traceland's agro-ecosystems. We will walk through the avocado orchard to visit the white sapote, asparagus and coffee agroforestry. Then we will take in a view of the rainwater harvesting system, set into the silvo-pasture, which offsets some of the water use from the farm. We will finish the tour in the flower fields of Pico Blooms. Bring rain gear and rubber boots, pending on weather, but we will be outside on the farm. Looking forward to seeing you there.
April 14th - Boni-Pak Strawberry Center Tour
Join Bonipak and Betteravia Farms for a strawberry field tour. Betteravia Farms, part of the Bonipak family of companies, has been growing strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries across the Central Coast for nearly a decade. Their berry program spans more than 800 net acres, led primarily by strawberries alongside a strong blackberry program.
Grown in close partnership with Driscoll’s, this season’s crop is projected to total approximately 2.6 million strawberry crates and just under 1 million crates of cane berries. As a leading berry and vegetable grower on the Central Coast, Bonipak and Betteravia Farms brings decades of farming experience that supports a diversified and high-quality growing program.
May 12th - JUSTIN Vineyards Tour
Join SLO Young Farmers & Ranchers for an engaging afternoon at JUSTIN, a pioneering Paso Robles winery founded in 1981 with a vision to elevate the region as a world class winegrowing destination. During this behind the scenes tour, YF&R members will learn about JUSTIN’s history and evolution, explore the estate vineyard, and gain insight into the winery’s farming practices and land stewardship. The visit will also highlight JUSTIN’s farm to table culinary program, including a tour of the Chef’s Garden, and showcase how hospitality excellence plays a key role in creating an exceptional guest experience. The afternoon will conclude with an outdoor tasting and light bites, offering time for questions, conversation, and connection with fellow industry professionals. This meeting offers a unique opportunity to see how viticulture, culinary operations, and hospitality intersect at one of Paso Robles’ most iconic wineries.
June 9th - Summer Social at Barrel House Brewing Co in Paso Robles
July 16th - Volunteer at the CA Mid-State Fair Cattleman and Farmers Day BBQ
August 11th - SLO Shooting Range Tour
The San Luis Obispo Shooting Range proudly offers guided tours for community groups, partners, and stakeholders, such as the Young Farmers and Ranchers interested in learning more about our facility and its role in public safety and recreation. These tours are thoughtfully scheduled during times when the range is closed to ensure a safe, controlled, and engaging environment for all guests. This setting allows our team to provide clear instruction, answer questions, and guide visitors through each area of the range without live fire activity.
During the tour, guests will explore the range's history, gain insight into daily operations, and better understand the critical role shooting ranges play in promoting safe, responsible firearm use. We’ll walk through our rifle, pistol, and shotgun areas, discuss safety protocols, and highlight how the range supports training, education, and community partnerships.
These tours are more than just informational. They’re an opportunity to reconnect our community with the importance of maintaining safe, accessible shooting facilities. By opening our doors this way, we hope to foster transparency, build trust, and strengthen relationships with those we serve.
September 8th - Talley Farms Tour - Bell Pepper Harvest
October 13th - Mesa Vineyard Management - Grape Harvest
November 10th - AVAILABLE
December - No Meeting - Happy Holidays!