University of Idaho Collegiate Farm Bureau Explores Agriculture Through Industry Tours

By Kylie Schakel

The University of Idaho Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) program recognizes the importance of exposing their members to all aspects of the agricultural industry. To do this, they organize industry tours each semester to introduce their members to various agricultural systems and technologies.

In the fall, Collegiate Farm Bureau members drove to Lewiston, Idaho, for a tour of a mill and timber grounds. Attendees learned about each step in the process of harvesting trees to produce wood products and more. Following the tour, they enjoyed a group lunch.

During the spring semester, members traveled to the Tri-Cities in Washington state to tour a meatpacking plant and seed facility. At the Tyson Foods beef processing facility in Pasco, Washington, attendees received a broad overview of the national meat processing system and heard about the important role the company performs in getting poultry, pork and beef to consumers. Participants also learned of the relationship Tyson has with the regional fast-food industry and witnessed the manufacturing of the fresh "square" patties being processed for delivery to Wendy's restaurants.

In the afternoon, students toured a state-of-the-art Syngenta Seed processing facility, focused on the processing and distribution of specialty vegetable seeds grown under irrigation in the central Washington basin.

Representatives explained the process involved in receiving, sorting and processing unique seed stock, which is distributed around the world, along with the science of propagating the seeds and adhering to strict quality standards throughout the process.

“Industry tours add variety and new learning experiences to our YF&R chapter,” said University of Idaho Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter President Devin Schafer. “Exposure to new agricultural systems is invaluable and produces a well-rounded group of agriculturists.”

Outside of new learning experiences, the industry tours provided members an opportunity to network with industry leaders and build relationships amongst other chapter members.

“We are grateful to continue hosting these events and providing opportunities for anyone who wants to participate.” said Schafer.

To secure funding for the tours, the University of Idaho Collegiate Farm Bureau applied for a mini-grant offered by the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program. This grant provides $500 to Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters for activities such as recruitment, leadership development, community service, officer training, educational materials or conference registrations.