By Shala Watson
Multimedia Writer
Time is running out to apply for Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Collegiate Discussion Meet and earn cash for college. Applications must be received at the TFB office by March 29.
“The Texas Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet provides an opportunity to learn and discuss topics that are important to agriculture, farmers and ranchers and consumers,” TFB Director of Leader Development Whit Weems said. “This competition encourages friendly discussion among peers working together to solve an emerging issue or develop a plan of action to move forward.”
The annual contest is set for April 8 in Waco at the TFB headquarters. It’s sponsored by TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee.
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.
The Collegiate Discussion Meet builds student’s basic discussion skills, helps develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explores how groups can work to reach a consensus and solve problems.
To participate, contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, must display a sincere interest in agriculture and be pursuing an undergraduate degree at the time of the competition.
“The Collegiate Discussion Meet also gives students across the state the opportunity to network with other students, learn new ideas and advocate for agriculture,” Weems said.
More than $3,500 in scholarships is awarded.
The contest winner will receive a $ 2,000 cash prize and an expense-paid trip to represent Texas in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Collegiate Discussion Meet contest in Reno, Nev., Feb. 16-19, 2018.
The three runners-up will each receive a $500 cash award.
TFB will reimburse contestants for actual driving mileage to and from the contest.
Visit https://texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities/ for more information on contest eligibility, rules and deadlines.
Contact Weems at 254-399-5030 or wweems@txfb.org with any questions.