By Allie Cushnyr, Chair, Kern County Young Farmers & Ranchers
One of the reasons I joined this group in 2015 was because I wanted to find a way to give back to our community. Little did I know that I would get to do that each and every year with the farmer’s market, plus other events we do too. The 2021 Charity Farmer’s Market was once again a huge success, and we could not have done it without the local farmers who donated to us. We also are so thankful for the support of the Kern County residents who came out and get their grocery shopping done at the market once a year. We sold out of items like watermelons, jellies, pickles, honey, almonds, and stone fruit. We were blessed to promote the market on local radio shows and news stations who recognized the benefit to local students. Norris Middle School also joined us with their own booth selling raffle tickets for a beautiful wooden American flag, and they shared what they have learned by being a part of the SLED (Students Leading Education) garden. The money raised from this fundraiser will go towards their SLED garden and various YF&R projects.
July was busy with the market, so as a way to relax a bit this month, we plan to go on a tour of 2nd Phase Brewing in Downtown Bakersfield on July 29th. If you are lucky enough to read this article before the event, please join us that evening for a tour of their facility, learn how they brew, and get to know others in the ag industry.
The August meeting has also been scheduled, so please join us at JSS Almonds on August 17th for a dinner and tour of their processing facility. They are located in Bakersfield at 5600 Norris Road, right off Highway 99. Details will be emailed out and posted on social media. There is no cost to attend. While other meetings may have been kid friendly, this one is unfortunately not. Be sure to RSVP via email if you plan to attend so we have enough food for all.
As always, I want to share that being a part of the Kern County Young Farmers and Ranchers comes at no cost, and we welcome everyone between 18-35 years old. This is a great group to be a part of to give back to the community, network with other professionals, and have a good time with friends. If you would like to jump on our email list to receive information about upcoming events, please reach out to us. We are also active on both Facebook and Instagram.
Email: KernYFR@KernCFB.com
Instagram: @KernYFR
Facebook: KernYoungFarmersAndRanchers
