Discussion Meet Contest

The Discussion Meet is a group discussion designed to offer young farmers and ranchers the opportunity to discuss issues affecting agriculture today.  It is not a debate or a speech contest – it simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation is expected from each participant.

Discussion Meet Procedure

  • The topic chosen will be announced to the participants 30 minutes before the contest begins.
  • When the contest begins, the moderator will introduce the contestants and restate the topic to be discussed.  The contestants will make a 30 second opening statement in voluntary order.
  • The moderator will then indicate the opportunity for open discussion, which will run for a total of 25 minutes.
  • The timekeeper will indicate to the moderator when a total of 20 minutes has elapsed, and then again at 25 minutes.
  • The moderator will call for one minute of quiet time to allow the contestants to consider a closing statement.
  • The moderator will call upon the contestants in voluntary order to make a one-minute closing statement.

Rules of Eligibility

  • Contestants must be a Farm Bureau member and actively engaged in agriculture.
  • Contestants must be at least 18 and no more than 35 years of age as of January 31, 2027.
  • Contestants may not be currently enrolled in any undergraduate courses at the time of the state or national contests.
  • Entries are due by the close of the 2027 YF&R Conference registration.
  • If entries are sufficient, a preliminary contest will be held.  The top four entrants would then advance to the final state contest.  The contests will be held at the 2027 YF&R Leadership Conference on February 12-14, 2027.
  • The state winner will be recognized at the 2027 MOFB Annual Meeting and will receive a cash award and a trip to the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City, Okla., in January 2028, where they will represent Missouri in the national contest.
  • Contestants are not eligible to compete in the Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet once they have competed at the YF&R level.

2027 Discussion Meet Questions

  • Growth in rural areas can strain rural energy infrastructure. How can Farm Bureau work with stakeholders to advocate for proactive planning at the local, state and national levels that safeguards affordable, reliable energy access for farmers and ranchers as well as their rural neighbors while protecting farmland from unnecessary eminent domain?
  • Rural and large animal veterinary practices and professionals continue to decrease in numbers across the country. How can Farm Bureau help attract and retain rural and large animal veterinarians for member communities?
  • With the continued ripple effect of supply chain challenges related to meat processing, how can Farm Bureau leverage its grassroots network to reduce barriers and create pathways for the development of local USDA certified meat processing?
  • How can Farm Bureau and its young leaders leverage relationships with agricultural youth organizations to attract more young leaders to the Young Farmers & Ranchers program?
  • Increased public concern over healthy diets and chronic childhood disease has raised questions, as well as criticism, about modern agriculture and the food system. How can Farm Bureau effectively engage in this discussion and advocate for the critical science-based tools and research farmers need to fulfill their commitment to grow healthy, sustainable food, fiber and fuel?

Register for the Contest