Article

Your journey as an agricultural leader doesn’t have a fixed map; it’s built through the stops you make along the way. One of those defining stops for young agricultural professionals is Collegiate Farm Bureau. The program serves as a connection to current industry professionals and equips the next generation with the essential tools and resources needed to excel in their careers.

Within Collegiate Farm Bureau, there is an opportunity to participate in the Collegiate Discussion Meet, which is a contest designed to simulate a committee meeting that tests participants’ knowledge, problem-solving abilities and communication skills around an agriculture-related topic.

Hear from Ruth Beery, a Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau member and the 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet winner.

About Ruth

I am the current president of the Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter at Wilmington College. I am also on the equine team, in the pep band, and in the pre-vet club. I have been proud to serve in several leadership positions within our chapter, and I’ve gotten to experience new opportunities, share my ideas with others and showcase agriculture.

Discussion Meet

This is my fourth year participating (see the feature article photo), and I have enjoyed seeing it shape me each year. I still think back to that first experience I had as a freshman and reflect on how much I’ve grown in my confidence and speaking abilities. Each topic has been unique and impactful. Even if the topic doesn’t pertain to my sector of knowledge in agriculture, I am always amazed at the quality of discussion we have and how much I learn from my own research.

Say yes

Collegiate Farm Bureau is such a beneficial organization to be a part of. Professional development, skill building, and networking events are just a few of the things offered to members. I would encourage someone to join because these opportunities will help you excel in your agricultural career field and beyond.

Why Collegiate Farm Bureau?

Our Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter provides a connection for students to the agriculture industry through leadership, professional, and career development. We are able to open doors to students and provide them tools to succeed. Our connections with Ohio Farm Bureau and the other Collegiate Farm Bureaus in Ohio also open up a network of industry professionals and other students who will move forward with our collegiate members as they go into their career.

Collegiate Discussion Meet

The Collegiate Discussion Meet application opens in late August and closes in early November. The preliminary rounds of the Collegiate Discussion Meet happen in November before Thanksgiving, and the final round takes place in mid-January. If you have any questions about the process, or want to learn more about a specific Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter, contact Katie Share, Ohio Farm Bureau Collegiate Farm Bureau coordinator, at [email protected]