Ruth Beery Collegiate Discussion Meet

Ruth Beery of Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau is the winner of Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet competition.

The results were announced during the YAP Winter Leadership Experience in January. As the winner of the state Collegiate Discussion Meet, Beery received a $1,000 scholarship and complimentary registration to the 2026 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon, where she will compete at the national level this month.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet tests participants’ knowledge of key issues, problem-solving abilities and communications skills around current agricultural issues, and to work together to find solutions.

Beery grew up in Ross County and has been heavily involved with Farm Bureau on the county and collegiate levels. This spring she will finish up her two-year term as Wilmington College’s Collegiate Farm Bureau president. She also serves as board secretary for Ross County Farm Bureau.

She is a senior at Wilmington College and will graduate this spring with degrees in animal science and biology. After graduation, Beery plans to attend The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with the goal of becoming a large-animal veterinarian.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Collegiate Farm Bureau program connects current industry professionals and students, promotes agriculture and related fields and develops future leaders of the agriculture industry by providing opportunities in leadership and civic engagement, career development, professional development and experiential learning.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Become a member today at ohiofarmbureau.org

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected]

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

New and beginning farmers
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

Growing Tomorrow Grant
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.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
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.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
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.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
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.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
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

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