Agricultural activist and Pacific Northwest logger Bruce Vincent will explore how the general public views food animals and environmental issues at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference January in Scottsbluff.

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Young farmers and Ranchers up to age 35. Both Nebraska and Wyoming members will attend the conference, which is set for Jan. 22-23.

In a presentation called “So You Want To Date My Daughter,” Vincent will explain why farmers and ranchers need to understand how people outside of agriculture view modern crop and livestock farming.

“We (agriculture) operate only with the consent of the public. Understanding society’s concerns about environmental issues and animal husbandry is critical to engaging with the public body,” Vincent said Oct. 29.

Shared understanding makes possible relationships and from there, productive dialog, said Cathy Day, Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers coordinator.

“Recent high-profile news reports that portrayed modern agriculture inaccurately highlight just how important it is for agricultural producers to understand consumer views and concerns – and to respond to those concerns,” Day said.

In a second presentation, Vincent will explain the need for a new vision of conservation and environmental stewardship that is based on hope, not fear.

Other presentations include an update on animal welfare issues with Mary Kay Thatcher of the American Farm Bureau; a national issues discussion with Phil Erdman, ag aide to U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith; a Q&A session with Ginger Langemeier, assistant director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture; and how to make a difference through political action with Jay Ferris, Nebraska Farm Bureau director of grassroots programs.

The conference begins with two concurrent tours the afternoon of Jan. 22.

The first tour will visit Kelley Bean Company, Prairie Vine Vineyards and Brown Sheep Company.

The second tour visits the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research Station, KNEB Radio and the Farm and Ranch Museum.

The meeting also includes social activities and down time, Day said.

“It’s very beneficial for our young farmers and ranchers to have time with each other, to share problems and solutions with peers who understand precisely what they are dealing with,” he said.

A registration form is available at http://www.nefb.org/programs/media/2010_YFR_conference_registration_form_.pdf.