Young Farmers & Ranchers
The Young Farmers and Ranchers Program is a committee of the Merced County Farm Bureau that organizes programs and activities directed towards young adults between the ages of 18-35. YF&R is a group that facilitates professional development and social networking opportunities among young farmers, ranchers and people who work in agriculture related jobs. YF&R is an opportunity for passionate agriculturalists to connect with individuals who have the same professional interests and challenges. If you are interested in becoming a member or becoming more involved please email mercedcoyfr@mercedfarmbureau.org.
Kim Mesa
YF&R Chair
Kim received her Bachelor's in Agriculture as well as her Master's in Agriculture Education from Chico State. She is a high school ag teacher. Kim enjoys the networking aspect of YF&R and learning about local and state agriculture issues.
Andrew Ornelas
YF&R Vice Chair
Andrew teaches General Ag Mechanics at Merced College. Andrew enjoys YF&R, because it gives him the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the various facets of agriculture. He likes the opportunity to socialize and make connections across the county. He is looking forward to the upcoming years events, socials, and outreach to grow our chapter.
Sariah has an Associates degree in Animal Science from Modesto Junior College and is a current Fresno State student. She works for Perpetual Homes ADU and for Affordable Construction working on Project and Construction Management. Sariah is very excited to be a new member of YF&R and to have the opportunity to network with people in the local agriculture community. She looks forward to playing a part in the planning of events and being able to make new connections with other members and see what our growing group can accomplish.
Sariah Avila
YF&R Treasurer/Fundraiser Chair
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Denelle Flake
YF&R Secretary/Social Media Co-Chair
Denelle is a current CSU Chico MBA student. She has a B.S. in Managerial Economics from UC Davis. Denelle is the Project Specialist for Merced County Farm Bureau. Her favorite part of YF&R is having a great group of friends locally. Denelle also enjoys attending state YF&R events and meeting new people from all over the state.
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Alexxis Rudich
YF&R Secretary/Social Media Co-Chair
Alexxis has a B.A. in Agriculture Studies with a concentration in Ag Economics from CSU Stanislaus. She is the Project Assistant for Merced County Farm Bureau. Alexxis enjoys getting to meet new people and network at YF&R events.
Pierce Hanning
YF&R Recruitment/Social Co-Chair
Pierce has an A.S. in Crop Science, Soil Science, Fruit Science and University Prep from Modesto Junior College. He also has a B.S. in Plant Science from Fresno State. Pierce is a PCA for Stanislaus Farm Supply. He enjoys meeting new people and learning about other aspects of Agriculture from new people. Pierce is looking forward to YF&R industry tours.
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Karyn Hanning
YF&R Recruitment/Social Co-Chair
Karyn is an instructional aide at McSwain Elementary for Kindergarten. She also works in the front office at Classic Yam, Inc. Karyn likes YF&R because she is able to meet new people. She likes that YF&R is a young community that gets together and works together to a better our community.
Sarah Baskins
District 9 State Committee Representative
Sarah has an AS in Ag Business from Merced College, a BS in Agricultural Studies with a focus in Agricultural Economics from CSU Stanislaus and a MBA with a focus in General Management from California Baptist University. She is an Operations Analyst with AgIS Capital Investment and a Part-time Ag Business Teacher at Merced College. When asked what she likes best about YF&R and what she is looking forward to this YF&R year, her response was “What I like best about YF&R are the relationships and connections we make. I've been introduced to many individuals that now play a significant role in my personal and professional life. I am most looking forward to our State YF&R Conference being held during the same time as the CFBF Annual Meeting in December, I think this will really benefit our group.”