Young Agricultural Professionals

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

Stacie Anderson
Stacie Anderson – 2021 Discussion Meet winner

In this year’s semi final contest format, each competitor will be paired with a member of the agricultural media who will conduct a 10-minute interview around two predetermined topics. The interviewer will initiate the conversation, begin with one topic then move the conversation to the second topic halfway through the interview. Competitors will be evaluated on their delivery, critical thinking, Farm Bureau engagement and overall context of their interview.  The contestants each will be asked the same questions. The interview will be recorded and shared with a panel of judges for scoring. 

The contest will be held remotely through a video conference call Nov. 9. The four competitors with the highest overall score will participate in a traditional panel-style discussion Jan. 28 at the 2022 Winter Leadership Experience in Cincinnati. The individual with the highest score will advance to the American Farm Bureau national competition in January 2023. 

Competition topics

Semi Final Topic 1: Studies show more farmers and farm families are experiencing stress and mental health issues. What can farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau do to proactively promote good mental health in both themselves and their communities?

Semi Final Topic 2: Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries. What can we, as young farmers and ranchers, do to create a more preventative, rather than reactive, approach to farm safety in our communities?

Final Four Topic: COVID revealed several cracks involving the processing of livestock. How can Farm Bureau policy support easing government regulations to ensure long-term economic viability for local animal processing facilities, while ensuring the health of workers and that a healthy product is still delivered to consumers?

Prizes

Final Four competitor prizes

– 2022 Winter Leadership Experience complimentary registration.

– Farm Bureau soft shell jacket

Thank you to finalist sponsor Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association

State winner prizes

– $3,000 prize of choice (from a list of Ohio Farm Bureau partners)

– Expense-paid trip to OFBF Annual Meeting December 2022 in Columbus and American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Puerto Rico Jan. 6-11, 2023.

– Ohio Farm Bureau media package.

Thank you to sponsors Nationwide and Farm Credit Mid-America.

Eligibility

  • Must be an active/voting member of a county Farm Bureau.
  • Must be 18-35 years of age prior to Jan. 31, 2023.
  • Must not have received a public speaking fee or honorarium in the past 24 months.
  • The state winner of the 2022 Discussion Meet will be ineligible to compete in any other YF&R competitive events in 2022.
  • 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.

Important dates

Apply online at ofb.ag/discussionmeet22 by Oct. 8, 2021. Contact Kelsey Turner, [email protected] or 614-246-8218 for more information.

Zoom Training Call Sept. 7: 2021 state winner Stacie Anderson will give tips and advice to competitors related to training and preparation, helpful resources, delivery, and preparing opening and closing statements. Complete this form at ofb.ag/discussionmeettraining to sign up for the call.

First round contest: Nov. 9

Discussion Meet Finals: Jan. 28, 2022

National competition: Jan. 6-11, 2023

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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