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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