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 2026 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 2026 YF&R Leadership Conference on February 13-15, 2026.
  • The state winner will be recognized at the 2025 MOFB Annual Meeting and will receive a cash award and a trip to the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027, 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.

2026 Discussion Meet Questions

  • Urban sprawl presents significant challenges for farmers and ranchers, impacting access to land and resources. We see that 1.9 million acres of agricultural land are lost to development each year. How can Farm Bureau help promote responsible growth in communities while mitigating the loss of farms, ranches, and the agrarian way of life?
  • Technology has made the world more interconnected than ever, creating new avenues for communication with policymakers. How can digital engagement be leveraged to effectively connect Farm Bureau members with their local, state, and national elected and appointed officials?
  • There are numerous resources available to support seamless farm and ranch succession planning. How can Farm Bureau help increase understanding, access and utilization of tools and resources that help facilitate the smooth transition of land and capital from one generation to the next?
  • Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of environmental stewardship. From soil health to local ecosystems, producers are concerned about how to be both environmentally and financially sustainable. How can farmers and ranchers effectively advance environmental stewardship while balancing the needs of their farms?
  • Farm Bureau offers a diverse range of member benefits at the state and national levels. What strategies can be implemented to ensure members are fully informed about the savings on products and services available to them? Additionally, how can young farmers and ranchers leverage these industry relationships to strengthen local partnerships and increase utilization of these discounts to keep their operations running smoothly?

Register for the Contest