Our mission is to encourage, develop, support and equip the next generation of specialty crop growers. YGA members have identified the following areas as priorities for group development:
To help young & older growers achieve a successful family farm transition, the YGA held a special farm succession workshop at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, PA on February 1, 2010.
View a video of Ann Dugan's presentation below!
Farm Transition Planning - Bringing in the Next Generation from ACTV on Vimeo.
Team Leaders: Jen Snavely, Kevin Knouse
YGA members are constantly sharing new ideas with one another. One of the best ways to do this is to join us on tours and trips!
Team Leaders: Justin Weaver, Ellie Hollabaugh Vranich, Andre Tougas, Tyler Butler
The YGA is associated with Penn State Cooperative Extension; through this partnership, members have the opportunity to learn about new specialty crop innovations—even as they are being developed! Learn more about new technology developed by Penn State and its collaborators here. In previous years, young growers have even ventured to Bolzano, Italy and New Zealand to learn about different fruit production techniques.
Team Leaders: Rusty Lamb, Wes Boyer, Dave Hull, Ben Keim, Tyler Butler, Andrew Schwalm
We strongly encourage participation from the next generation of specialty crop growers, so please join us! YGA, along with the SHAP endowment committee, sponsors a horticulture scholarship. We also coordinate youth orchard work exchange opportunities.
Team Leaders: Sidney Kuhn, Wayne Hollabaugh, Bruce Hollabaugh, Jen Snavely, Eric Haller, Mike Flinchbaugh
Not only are YGA members the next generation of growers, they are the next generation of great leaders. We strive to increase member participation in industry associations and state/local government. Check out our leadership and professional development opportunities here.
Team Leaders: Ben Keim, Maggie Reid, Tyler Butler, Julie Bolyard
Members help at the PA Farm Show, give career day presentations, and are looking into adopting an underserved agricultural community in another country.
Team Leaders: Maggie Reid, Mike Flinchbaugh, Lindsey Kammerer
Communications
Team Leaders: Sidney Kuhn, Janel Baugher
Team Leaders: Ben Wenk, Kevin Knouse
Team Leaders: Matt Strite, Corey McCleaf
Team Leaders: Nathan Milburn, Matt Harsh