Young producers who see their future in production agriculture have a new opportunity to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and clarify their vision for the farm or ranch they hope to lead.
Applications are now open for the 2026 New Century Farmer Conference, hosted by the National FFA Organization, taking place July 18 to 22, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Designed for FFA Alumni ages 18 to 24, the conference brings together an elite group of emerging agriculturists from across the country who are committed to building careers in production agriculture.
The five-day immersive experience focuses on leadership development, business strategy, and real-world exposure to diverse agricultural operations. Participants learn directly from industry experts, tour innovative farm businesses, and engage in discussions centered on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s producers.
According to the National FFA Organization, New Century Farmer consistently delivers measurable impact. In the most recent conference year, 92 percent of participants reported a clear understanding of why they want to be involved in production agriculture, while 90 percent said they gained methods to overcome challenges faced by young entrepreneurs. All surveyed participants indicated their career ambitions aligned with agriculture-related pathways, and the conference earned an average 4.72 out of 5-star rating from attendees
Beyond classroom-style learning, the conference emphasizes peer-to-peer connection. Attendees represent multiple states and agricultural backgrounds, creating a national network of young producers navigating similar decisions around succession planning, innovation, and long-term viability.
“It’s all about learning,” one participant shared in post-conference feedback. “Whether the tours and information directly relate to your operation, there is always something to take away from the entire conference.”
Those selected for the 2026 conference will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts on topics relevant to young producers, explore a wide range of farm business operations, engage with leaders in agriculture, communications, and business, network with other driven young entrepreneurs from across the country, and develop a personal vision statement for the future of their operation, while also having access to available travel support and leadership opportunities through facilitator roles.
To help remove barriers to participation, FFA Alumni members may be eligible for a Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grant, making attendance more accessible for young producers across the country.
In addition to participant applications, the National FFA Organization is also accepting applications for New Century Farmer Conference facilitators. Facilitators play a key role in guiding discussions, supporting learning experiences, and helping inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
