2022 Discussion Meet

The annual Discussion Meet is a competitive event for Farm Bureau members ages 18-35 where participants are judged on their exchange of ideas and information on predetermined topics. Contestants will enhance their skills in effective communication and develop a deeper understanding of important agricultural issues.

In this year’s semifinal contest format, each competitor will be paired with a member of the agricultural media who will conduct a 10-minute interview around a predetermined topic. Competitors will be evaluated on their delivery, critical thinking, Farm Bureau engagement and overall context of their interview.

The contest will be held remotely through a video conference call Oct. 18.

Prizes

Each semifinalist receives a $50 gift card to the Ohio Farm Bureau store. Four finalists will receive an additional expense-paid trip to the 2023 Winter Leadership Experience and a softshell jacket.

The four competitors with the highest overall score will participate in a traditional panel-style discussion Jan. 27 at the 2023 Winter Leadership Experience in Sandusky, Ohio. The winner will advance to the American Farm Bureau national competition in January 2024, and receive a $3,000 cash prize, a complimentary registration to the 2023 YAP Winter Leadership Experience, and an expense-paid trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention.

Competition topics

Semifinal Topic: Advancements in autonomous equipment and drone technology offer solutions to challenges farmers and ranchers have faced for years. How can Farm Bureau improve access to, and help farmers and ranchers deploy, these emerging technologies on their operations?

Final Four Topic: Due to current economic demands, many farmers and ranchers spend a lot of time outside the “fence rows” on off-farm jobs. How can Farm Bureau become more accessible and welcoming to members who are working in related fields and juggling responsibilities on and off the farm?

Eligibility
  • Must be an active/voting member of a county Farm Bureau.
  • Must be 18-35 years of age prior to Jan. 31, 2024.
  • Must not have received a public speaking fee or honorarium in the past 24 months.
  • The state winner of the 2023 Discussion Meet will be ineligible to compete in any other YF&R competitive events in 2023.
  • Previous state winners and current Young Agricultural Professionals State Committee members are ineligible.
  • Past and present members of the AFBF YF&R Committee may not apply.

Apply online by Oct. 7 at 11:59 p.m. Contact Kelsey Turner, [email protected] or 614-246-8218 for more information.

Online Extra

Mike Hannewald wins 2022 Discussion Meet

Watch the 2022 American Farm Bureau Final Four Discussion Meet

 

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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