Aug 3, 2026 by Robert Herrington, INFB Marketing
Indiana Farm Bureau has created a new youth leadership program to cultivate the next generation of leaders. GenConnect is a mentorship program that pairs [MS1] high school students with seasoned Farm Bureau members.
INFB Youth Engagement Coordinator Annie Romine said the program bridges experienced wisdom with youthful innovation to create meaningful connections.
“Through hands-on learning, guided conversations and leadership challenges, participants will explore the foundations of agricultural success, work ethic, stewardship and community engagement,” Romine said.
The inaugural class of 10 students started this summer. Amarah Shannon of Montgomery, Indiana, found out about GenConnect via Facebook and her parents also mentioned the program to her.
“I thought that it would be something to get more connections from my community as well as build relationships in my network throughout agriculture,” she said.
Shannon, who will be a senior at Southmont Senior High School this fall, said this is her first time being in a mentor program.
“I'm excited for my industry tour and being able to see an agricultural business in my community and also having someone who can mentor me,” she said.
Madelyn Bach is entering her senior year at Rensselaer Central High School. The Jasper County student said she applied to the program to network and meet new people.
“I feel like I can make more connections, and I feel like me and my mentor have already created a really strong connection,” she said.
While a member of FFA, Bach said their group does not travel far from northwest Indiana, so GenConnect gives her a chance to discuss agriculture with her peers.
“We were talking and seeing how they handle farming is so different than me and it's nice to get a different perspective on how different people grow up,” she said.
Mentor Kylie Jones of Shelby County was recommended by her friend and Shelby County Farm Bureau President Megan Platt.
“A passion of mine is helping young people gain experiences and knowledge. I personally didn't really know what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I think if I would have had different experiences that gave me more exposure and opportunities perhaps I would have done things differently,” she said. “Over the program I hope to give my mentee new experiences and a broader knowledge base than perhaps she has and be a resource for her.”
Justin Hummel of Monroe was asked to be a mentor by INFB Regional Manager Drew Cleveland. He spent the weekend talking with his wife about it before accepting the role.
“I've always been supportive and want to train the youth to follow in my footsteps per se,” he said. “Cash (my mentee) and I talked so I know what he expects to get from the program. I'm going to try to make as many connections to make the program as beneficial to him as I can.”
The six-month program concludes with a capstone presentation in November. One student will be selected as the Outstanding GenConnect Youth and represent the program at the 2026 Indiana Ag Gathering in December.
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P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
