Three Students Recently Attended New York State’s First-ever Youth Agriculture Leadership Conference

Waterville Jr./Sr. High School students Cooper Patterson, Nathan Jones, and McKenna Furner applied and were chosen to attend the New York State Youth Leadership in Agriculture Conference that took place in Albany on Nov. 13 and 14. The conference was hosted by Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and included youth from FFA, 4-H, the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. The theme was “Collaborate. Cultivate. Elevate.” and brought together young leaders to connect with state officials and share their experiences.

"This experience provided an opportunity for our students to develop their leadership, communication, and networking skills but also gave them a broader picture of what their future as agricultural leaders might look like,” said Cindy Gallagher, Waterville agricultural science teacher.

During the conference state leaders covered how policy shapes the interconnected food, agriculture and natural resource industries from farm to consumer. They also discussed the future of food in New York and for New Yorkers. 

Following the conference Governor Kathy Hochul announced the establishment of a Blue-Ribbon Panel to Advance Agriculture Education. The panel will work together to increase educational, leadership, and training opportunities in agriculture for youth, according to the state.