By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) will offer students an opportunity to develop problem-solving and public speaking skills through the Collegiate Discussion Meet.
The contest will be held virtually April 26-28.
“The Collegiate Discussion Meet provides an opportunity for college students to dive deeper into agricultural issues and discuss those topics with their peers,” Kaylin Isbell, TFB Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee chair, said. “This will be the second year to hold the Collegiate Discussion Meet in a virtual format, but we know college students are capable of discussing complex topics in an online setting.”
The contest consists of a discussion on two of the five possible agricultural topics, followed by the semi-finals discussion and then the final round with the top four contestants competing for the top prize.
Eligible contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan. 31, 2022, and have an interest in agriculture.
Professional speakers and former Collegiate Discussion Meet winners are not eligible to compete.
The contest, which is hosted by TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee, helps college students better understand issues facing all sectors of agriculture—farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, the food supply chain and more.
“In today’s world, we constantly have to adapt, pivot and think outside the box. That isn’t limited to the farm or agricultural businesses, either,” Isbell said. “This contest helps college students apply those skills to their classes, future careers and personal lives.”
The virtual Collegiate Discussion Meet will be held via Zoom.
The preliminary rounds will be held on April 26 at noon and 6:30 p.m.
The semi-finals are set for April 27 at 6:30 p.m., and the final discussion round will be held on April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
“Although the contest is virtual, we believe it still meets the objective to develop leaders for effective problem solving through group discussion, because you can have some great discussions about agriculture online,” Isbell said. “We look forward to hearing the ideas from this year’s contestants and networking with the students to learn more about their goals and future career plans.”
And competing has its benefits.
The winner will take home a $2,500 cash award, a plaque and an expense-paid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Collegiate Discussion Meet in 2022.
The runner-up will receive a $1,500 cash award and a plaque.
The remaining two finalists will each receive a $750 cash award and plaque.
Register for the Collegiate Discussion Meet by April 12.
Visit texasfarmbureau.org/YFR to register and to get more information on contest eligibility, details and schedule. The five questions will also be available online in the Discussion Meet Manual.
Additional details for the Zoom meetings will be emailed to those who have registered.
Contact youngfarmers@txfb.org with questions related to the contest or the organization’s YF&R program.