YF&R Discussion Meet
You might not have all the answers, but discussing current agriculture issues with other young farmers and ranchers could find the solution. Your role is simple – tell everyone what you want to accomplish, engage in a 25–30-minute discussion by asking questions and providing ideas, and finally summarizing the discussion and solution the group has reached. If you enjoy being up to date on current agricultural issues, the Farm Bureau policies involving them, and are able to clearly articulate your points and bring a group to a consensus – then you should sign up for the Discussion Meet!
The top four competitors that move on to compete at the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Annual Meeting & Convention will receive a $50 Farm Bureau Bank gift card. The overall state winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the National Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF)Annual Meeting & Convention.
Discussion Meet Dates
ROUND 1
Saturday, January 28, 2023 @ 8:30 a.m.
(Nebraska Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference)
ROUND 2
Saturday, January 28, 2023 @ 4:15 p.m.
(Nebraska Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference)
The top four participants are announced at the Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference Closing Banquet. They will move on to the final rounds at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting & Convention in December.
NEBRASKA FINAL ROUNDS
Monday, December 4, 2023
(Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting & Convention)
The winner is announced at the lunch on Tuesday of the NEFB Annual Meeting & Convention. They will go on to compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting & Convention that is held in January.
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU COMPETITION
January 12-17, 2024 – Salt Lake City, UT
(American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting & Convention)
2023 AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet Questions
These questions will be used for the YF&R Discussion Meet held during the AFBF Annual Convention and the Collegiate Discussion Meet held during the AFBF FUSION Conference)
- How can Farm Bureau effectively support and equip young farmers and ranchers to successfully manage economic and infrastructure challenges to ensure healthy and sustainable farms and ranches across the country?
- Due to current economic demands, many farmers and ranchers spend a lot of time outside the “fence rows” on off-farm jobs. How can Farm Bureau become more accessible and welcoming to members who are working in related fields and juggling responsibilities on and off the farm?
- Climate has become a major topic among business leaders, policymakers, and consumers. As an industry that depends on the weather, what role do we as farmers and ranchers play in shaping climate initiatives to benefit society overall as well as our own farms and ranches?
- Advancements in autonomous equipment and drone technology offer solutions to challenges farmers and ranchers have faced for years. How can Farm Bureau improve access to, and help farmers and ranchers deploy, these emerging technologies on their operations?
- Many external influences are causing supply chain disruption for agricultural goods. How can Farm Bureau reduce the impact of external influences through policy development and programming?
Competition Format
- A room chair will call the meeting to order, announce the topic to be discussed, and introduce the timekeeper and moderator. The moderator will introduce the competitors.
- In voluntary order, competitors will give a 30 second opening statement.
- The moderator will indicate to the competitors that they may begin open discussion, which will continue for 20 minutes.
- The timekeeper will indicate when there are five minutes remaining and when the time has elapsed.
- The moderator will call for one minute of quiet time where competitors may compose a closing statement.
- In voluntary order, the competitors will make a one-minute closing statement directed to the audience.
Helpful Hints for Competitors
- Study as much material as possible relating to the overall topic.
- Remember this is a discussion, not a debate.
- Be prepared to ask questions, state facts and opinions, and urge others to be specific.
- Be aware of the audience, but generally address the panel. Speak loudly enough to be heard by the whole audience.
- Participate whenever your contribution will further the discussion. Do not monopolize the discussion.
- The discussion should not be “conversation” or aimless talk, nor should you take the role of a persuasive speaker. Try to cooperatively shed light on the problem and tentatively retain a flexible position.
- Make notes of key points as the discussion proceeds for use in your closing statement and use the one minute of quiet time at the end to organize your closing statement.
