By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
Young farmers and ranchers with a passion for agriculture and a drive to solve diverse and complex issues within the field are encouraged to apply for Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) 2018 Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Discussion Meet.
The application deadline is Thursday, Nov. 1.
“The Discussion Meet gives young farmers and ranchers the opportunity to engage in emerging issues, build their leadership profile and strengthen their speaking skills,” Whit Weems, TFB director of Leader Development, said.
Contestants are provided information on five agricultural-related issues impacting Texas weeks before the contest in order to prepare.
Two or more preliminary rounds will feature separate topics, with a 20-minute discussion among the panelists to determine the top four finalists. A concluding topic will be drawn from the remaining questions for the finals, where the remaining contestants will compete.
“The goal of the Discussion Meet is to not have a debate, but to create good discussion on a current agricultural issue,” Weems said.
A $200 reimbursement in travel expenses will be awarded to those who compete at TFB’s Annual Meeting Dec. 1-3 in Corpus Christi.
The winner will receive an ATV from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, a $5,000 cash prize from Farm Credit Bank of Texas and an expense-paid trip for two to represent Texas in the National Discussion Meet at the 2019 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in New Orleans, La.
The three finalists will each receive a $500 cash prize from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.
The winner of the state contest will represent Texas in the national contest hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The national winner will receive a $35,000 credit toward a Ford Truck, courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
The national runner-up will receive a Farmall 50A tractor, courtesy of Case IH.
The third national finalist will receive a $500 Case IH parts card and combination roll cabinet and top chest, courtesy of Case IH. They will also receive $2,000 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.
The fourth national finalist will receive a $500 Case IH parts card and combination roll cabinet and top chest, courtesy of Case IH.
Contestants must be TFB members between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan. 31, 2019, who are interested or engaged in farming or ranching.
Previous winners, professional speakers and country, state or American Farm Bureau employees are not eligible to compete.
The application, along with the guidelines and the Discussion Meet manual, are available online at www.texasfarmbureau.org/yfr.
For more information on the Discussion Meet, contact Weems at 254-399-5030 or youngfarmers@txfb.org.