By Julie Tomascik
Editor
In college and like to discuss agricultural topics?
Submit your application to participate in this year’s Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Collegiate Discussion Meet.
“The Collegiate Discussion Meet provides an opportunity for college students to dive deeper into agricultural issues and discuss those topics with their peers,” Whit Weems, TFB’s director of Leader Development, said. “The event also gives students across the state the opportunity to network with each other and advocate for agriculture.”
The annual contest is set for Saturday, April 14, in Waco at the TFB Conference and Training Center. It’s sponsored by TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) program.
“This event helps build basic discussion and critical thinking skills,” Weems said. “It also encourages students to think outside the box to find solutions to ongoing issues facing agriculture.”
Applications must be received by April 2.
The contest consists of a roundtable discussion of two of the five possible agricultural topics, followed by a final round with the top four contestants competing for the prize.
To participate, contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, must have an interest in agriculture and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in agriculture or an agriculturally-related field.
And competing has its benefits. More than $3,500 in scholarships will be awarded.
“The contest is an opportunity to earn scholarships, but it’s also about students furthering their knowledge on issues facing farmers and ranchers in Texas and across the country,” Colt Christian, chair of TFB’s YF&R program, said. “Agriculture is diverse, and this is a chance to explore new ideas while interacting with students from other colleges and universities.”
Click here for more contest information, the discussion meet manual and to apply.
Once a student has registered for the contest, he/she will be provided access to a Google drive with tips and additional information.
Contact Weems at 254-399-5030 or wweems@txfb.org with any questions.