By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

College students from across the state focused on challenges in agriculture during Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet.

Nataly Taylor from Texas A&M University was named the winner of this year’s contest following a discussion on how farmers can leverage market trends and value-added opportunities to strengthen profitability.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet encourages college students to better understand issues facing all sectors of agriculture through a roundtable discussion that models a committee meeting.

TFB’s Young Farm and Rancher (YF&R) Advisory Committee hosts the annual contest as a part of the YF&R Spring Conference.

The competition also encourages college students to grow and develop public speaking skills and critical thinking.

This year, Taylor and 30 other college students participated in the competition.

“The Collegiate Discussion Meet challenges college students to sharpen their professional and critical-thinking skills through peer-driven discussions,” said Zachary Mengers, TFB YF&R Advisory Committee vice chair.

Runner-up in the contest was Texas A&M University student Lauren Bailey.

The remaining finalists included Jordan VanWinkle from Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University student Jett Long.

Participants were scored based on their speaking skills, effective problem solving and communication with other contestants.

As the top contestant, Taylor took home a $2,500 cash prize and a plaque. She will also represent Texas in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Collegiate Discussion Meet contest.

Taylor is studying agricultural economics and animal science at Texas A&M University and plans to pursue a career in agricultural sales. She is also a member of Texas A&M Collegiate Farm Bureau, College of Ag and Life Sciences Student Council, Aggie REPS and meat judging. She also has interned with the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Bailey, the runner-up, received a $1,500 cash prize and a plaque.

Bailey is studying agricultural economics with an emphasis on finance and real estate at Texas A&M. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in land management and consulting and return to her family’s farm to help expand operations. She is a member of the Texas A&M horse judging team.

The remaining finalists—VanWinkle and Long—each received a $750 cash prize and plaque.

VanWinkle is majoring in agricultural communications and journalism at Texas A&M. She is a member of Mosaic Church, Freshman Leaders in Law and Government, College of Ag and Life Sciences Freshman Experience and Aggie REPS. After graduation, she hopes to become a lobbyist or policy writer.

Long is studying agricultural business and economics at West Texas A&M University. After graduation, he plans to seek new entrepreneurship opportunities while growing his family’s operation. He currently serves as the WT Collegiate Farm Bureau ag advocacy and community service chair.

Other participants included:

  • Adyson Bullion, Sam Houston State University
  • Aiden Mesler, Texas A&M University
  • Allison Dieringer, West Texas A&M University
  • Alyssa Alford, Midwestern State University
  • Austin Wofford, Midwestern State University
  • Brazier Joy, West Texas A&M University
  • Brianna Morris, Tarleton State University
  • Brody White, West Texas A&M University
  • Carson Webb, Texas A&M University
  • Claire Ormand, Tarleton State University
  • Delaney Draegert, West Texas A&M University
  • Eaen Royal, Tarleton State University
  • Ema Anderson, Tarleton State University
  • Emma Clifton, Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Ethan Rushing, West Texas A&M University
  • Jesse Bearden, Midwestern State University
  • Jett McIntyre, Midwestern State University
  • Jhett Davis, Texas A&M University
  • Josie Thomas, West Texas A&M University
  • Kaitlyn Collins, Tarleton State University
  • Keller Metzker, West Texas A&M University
  • Kolton Scharbrough, Texas A&M University
  • Montana Goodman, West Texas A&M University
  • Preslee Richmond, Tarleton State University
  • Riley Gonzalez, Tarleton State University
  • Ryleigh Range, Tarleton State University
  • Zachary Dunaway, Tarleton State University

Learn more about TFB opportunities for collegiate students at texasfarmbureau.org/collegiate.