Abby Campbell AFBF Discussion Meet winner

Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professional Abby Campbell of Washington County is the winner of the 2025 American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. The contest was held as part of the 106th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio.

The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Campbell and her husband, Blake, are fourth generation farmers in their sheep and swine operation. They specialize in growing and direct marketing cut flowers, pumpkins, produce, meat, and wool products.

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in agriscience education from Ohio State and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kentucky, Campbell is currently an agriscience educator and FFA advisor at Fort Frye High School. She is also a member of the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Alumni Board, the Barlow Independent Fair Board, and a teaching fellow with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

As the champion of this national contest, Campbell received a $35,000 credit toward a new Ford vehicle and paid registration to the 2025 AFBF FUSION Conference in Denver, courtesy of Ford.

“The Discussion Meet is unique because it’s not so much about dominating a conversation, but more about how you facilitate a conversation,” Campbell said. “That is a skill that is extremely more valuable than just being able to talk in front of a group of people. There are so many people who can answer the difficult questions facing farmers and help tell the stories of agriculture. Talking directly with those who are personally facing the challenges we talked about throughout this competition helped me prepare, and I appreciate the connections I have made through Ohio Farm Bureau and the resources they provide to excel in this contest.”

The Discussion Meet contest is part of the Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals and American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers programs. Participants are ages 18 to 35, single or married, who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills. Learn more at ExperienceYAP.com.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ty Higgins, 614-246-8231 or [email protected].

Editors: A high-resolution photo of Ms. Campbell is available for download.

My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
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Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
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Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

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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.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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