By Julie Tomascik
Editor
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Collegiate Discussion Meet looked a little differently this year due to COVID-19.
College students from across the nation competed virtually in the annual event. Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) was represented by Hannah Sims, a junior at Texas A&M University.
Sims won TFB’s Collegiate Discussion Meet in 2019, qualifying her for the national competition.
Through this contest, Sims discussed issues facing farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses, as well as potential solutions to those problems.
“We discussed issues over video chat in Zoom, and there was definitely a learning curve to the contest with it being held virtually this year,” Sims said. “But we adapted. Just like agriculture has to adapt to changes, we had to modify the contest and how we competed. This will make us more prepared for changes we might face outside of college.”
Sims advanced to the Sweet 16 round. During the contest, she discussed apply innovating technologies to traditional agriculture; using collaborative relationships to combat nationwide crises like mental health and opioid addiction; and how future food technologies can be beneficially integrated into modern agricultural production without hampering the success of traditional products.
“Qualifying for the national contest and then advancing to the Sweet 16 are accomplishments I’m extremely proud of,” she said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to be involved in this contest and getting to compete against college students from across the nation.”
Sims, who is majoring in Agricultural Leadership and Development, plans to pursue a career in agriculture after college. She will also serve as an intern for U.S. Representative Bill Flores in Washington, D.C. this summer if the COVID-19 pandemic slows.
“I’m still trying to find my path,” she said. “The Discussion Meet helped me find an interest in policy work. If I get to complete this internship in D.C., I think it will help me figure out where I want to go with my future.”
Sims grew up in Austin but found her passion in leadership and agriculture through FFA in high school.
“I’m grateful for all the experiences I’ve had, but I’m especially grateful for the connections I’ve made through the Discussion Meet contest,” she said. “The information I’ve learned preparing for this contest will help me no matter what I do in agriculture. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and expanded my network.”