By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

College students from across the nation competed in American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Collegiate Discussion Meet in early March.

Texas Farm Bureau was represented by Stephanie Bushnell, a senior at West Texas A&M University.

Bushnell was named the winner of TFB’s Collegiate Discussion Meet in 2022, qualifying her for the national competition.

During the national competition , Bushnell discussed issues facing farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses, as well as potential solutions to those problems.

“It was just a really cool experience to learn from the other competitors from other states, and then also to kind of share a little bit more about what we do in Texas,” Bushnell said. “I had the opportunity to collaborate with others who were representing their respective states and came up with possible solutions to these problems that are a common issue across the country.”

Bushnell advanced to the Sweet 16 round.

Topics she discussed during the contest included: external influences on supply chain disruption; advancements in autonomous equipment and drone technology; how Farm Bureau can become more accessible to members who work in agriculture related jobs; the role farmers and ranchers play in shaping climate initiatives; and how Farm Bureau can support and equip young farmers and ranchers to successfully manage economic and infrastructure challenges.

“I was honored with the opportunity to represent Texas at the national contest,” she said. “It was a really great opportunity to grow, not only as a learner and as a leader, but also as a professional because it teaches you about different things going on in the agriculture industry.”

Bushnell, who is majoring in Agricultural Education, plans to teach high school agriculture and to be a FFA advisor.

Bushnell grew up in Colorado on her family’s equine operation. Her passion for agriculture has grown while in college. She’s active in WTAMU’s Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter and other agricultural organizations.

“To me, agriculture is so much more than just a career because it truly is a lifestyle and what I believe is my life’s calling,” Bushnell said. “I think it’s a very dynamic and wonderful industry.”

The national Discussion Meet competition was part of AFBF’s FUSION Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.

“FUSION was probably one of the best conferences I’ve ever been to,” Bushnell said. “We had the opportunity to attend general sessions where we heard from motivational speakers, go to various breakout sessions on different topics and industry tours. We met people from across the country and came together as a united voice for agriculture.”