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Young Agricultural Professionals is a program within the Farm Bureau that includes any members ages 18-35. There are national, state, and local levels of YAP for members to take part in. It's goal is to promote understanding of Farm Bureau purposes, operations, and role in solving problems faced by the agricultural community.
YAP members are dedicated to improving agriculture for the next generation and are provided opportunities recognized for outstanding achievements and promote legislative efforts within PA Farm Bureau.
Currently there are 10 local active members on the county committee.
Rebecca Harrop, representative for District 10 on the state Ag Promotion Committee, shared what being involved in the Mifflin County Young Ag Professionals means to her.
"It has given me the opportunity to meet and get to know like-minded people who share similar passions as me. I have been given so many wonderful opportunities through YAP and the Farm Bureau," she said. "I have built friendships across the state and the country that will last a lifetime and our local YAP has truly become like a second family to me."
The local YAP group participates in local community events such as offering Thanksgiving meals for the elderly, adopting a family to help at Christmas. They have county and statewide social events, offer education and promotion through social media, build leadership through conferences and training events. On the state and national level, they also offer conferences for networking, leadership development, career success and agricultural advocacy.
Megan Keller, the current county chair for the organization said, "Being involved means bringing young agriculturists together who share common interests and is a way to be positive advocates for the industry we grew up in, love and intend to pursue in the future.
"I have developed leadership skills and been given endless opportunities to advocate for our county and state issues."
YAP always welcomes new members to be part of the group. More information can be found on the Mifflin County Young Ag Professionals Facebook page. They can also be reached at mifflincountyyap@gmail.com.