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The first-ever youth Discussion Meet was held during the State Youth Development Conference at Otterbein College in Westerville July 21 to 25. In the preliminary rounds, youth councils discussed the topic "What is the single biggest issue facing agriculture in the next 10 years?" In the discussion meet finals, the contestants discussed "What is the biggest issue facing teens?" Andy Staley, Summit County, was this year's winner.

Caption: Youth enjoy themselves at the Costume Party during State Youth Development Conference in July. Photo by Heath Eisele.

OFBF Director of Young Leader Programs Darrell Rubel said the Discussion Meet format used at the state youth conference was exactly like the one used in young farmer contests. "This was a way to introduce the youth to the young farmer Discussion Meet," he said. "It's a plug for young farmer activities and conferences that I hope the youth will want to participate in as they get a little older," Rubel said.

"The conference is designed for the teens to try new things and to sharpen their leadership and people skills. We want to create an atmosphere of respect where the teens encourage one another and build trust and friendship," he added.

The 58 participants at the conference joined in many team building activities, danced, ran a co-op store, developed their own auto insurance company and attended elective sessions such as "Fun with Food," "College Survivor," "Adventures in Music," and "Car Wars," where they learned the basics of car maintenance. Ohio State Associate Professor of Agricultural Education Jamie Cano presented a general session on dealing with prejudice and stereotypes.

The annual summer conference is open to teens ages 15 and up who have previously attended a Summer Regional Conference. Next year's conference will be July 20 to 25 in Westerville.