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There's certain things Georgia farmer Ben Boyd loves about his job: laying his head on a seed sack to watch the stars after a long day of planting, the way a tractor engine skips on a cold morning before running smoothly and the sight of a new piece of equipment coming down the road on a trailer.

But getting the public or lawmakers to understand his passion can be a challenge.

Boyd spoke to nearly 150 young farmers who were invited to join delegates at OFBF's annual meeting. The Young Farmer Day allowed beginning and young farmers to interact with Farm Bureau leaders and socialize with their peers. They also had an opportunity to attend seminars on topics ranging from leadership development to marketing farm products to consumers.

Boyd, a past American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher chairman, told the group that farmers can't rely on others to advance their cause.

"I think it's important that real farmers stop to take the time to talk to somebody else," said Boyd, who produces corn, cotton, peanuts, soybeans and beef cattle on his family's farm in Poor Robin, Ga.

By personally meeting with lawmakers, Boyd said he can spell out exactly what he needs from them. And if they are not supportive of agriculture, he can let them know that too.

"I'll take it on the chin, but I'm not going to smile about it," he said.

Boyd acknowledged that young farmers are extremely busy and finding the time to get involved can be difficult. But he noted there is potential to make a big impact.

"There's more ambition in a group of young farmers than in any boardroom of any Fortune 500 company in the world," he said.

Farm Bureau's large membership base gives farmers clout when they walk into their legislator's office, Boyd said. "It gives you instant credibility," he said.

Boyd said the biggest challenge will be for young farmers to stick together, and he questioned calls to develop "leaders of tomorrow."

"I'm afraid tomorrow's too late," he said. "We need leaders right now."

Caption: Ben Boyd addresses young farmers at OFBF's annual meeting.