2019 Discussion Meet contestants

The Discussion Meet is a competitive event, fashioned as a media interview, where participants are judged on their exchange of ideas and information on a predetermined topic. 

Contestants will find they:

  • Enhance their skills in effective communication.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of important agricultural issues.

New format for 2020

The Discussion Meet traditionally focuses on the competitor’s ability to collaboratively address issues facing agriculture, in an effort to develop a creative solution. According to Kelsey Turner, leadership development program specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau, the organization is taking this traditional format and giving it a small twist to make the competition ever more relevant in 2020.

This year, Ohio Farm Bureau is hosting a virtual Discussion Meet. The format of the contest is being adjusted to allow for a one-on-one interview: Each contestant will participate in a 15-minute interview with OFBF Director of Media Relations Ty Higgins via Zoom. Contestants will be asked the same questions regarding two predetermined topics (listed below). The interview will be recorded and shared with a panel of judges for scoring.

“Media interviews are commonplace for Young Ag Professionals, and given the current climate we find ourselves in, it is important to elevate our voice and share the story of agriculture. These 15-minute media interviews will not only challenge the competitors to dig deep on current ag issues but also balance the professional presentation of their research,” Turner said. “This new format maintains the integrity and purpose of the Discussion Meet while potentially broadening the audience.

2021 Competition Topics

Topic 1: The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters creates additional risk for farmers and ranchers. What tools and production practices can be engaged to reduce climate and weather risks?

Topic 2:  International trade is important to agriculture. We must continue working to build strong relations with existing customers while seeking out new trade partners to strengthen market stability. How can we enhance existing and establish new and diverse foreign trading partners?

Schedule

  • Applications due Oct. 19.
  • Interviews take place Nov. 9-13.

Prizes

  • $1,000 cash award from Nationwide Insurance.
  • Expense-paid trip to OFBF Annual Meeting December 2021 in Columbus and American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Atlanta Jan. 7-12, 2022.

Eligibility

  • Must be an active/voting member of a county Farm Bureau.
  • Must be 18-35 years of age prior to Jan. 31, 2022.
  • Must not have received a public speaking fee or honorarium in the past 24 months.
  • Previous state winners and current Young Agricultural Professionals State Committee are ineligible.
  • Past and present members of the AFBF YF&R Committee may not apply.

Apply online by Oct. 19. Contact Kelsey Turner, [email protected] or 614-246-8218 for more information.

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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