DUE OCTOBER 22, 2019

2019 Discussion Meet Topics, Competition & Awards

SEMI-FINALS
December 6, 2018 at Ohio Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Columbus. Round 1 and 2 will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. Contestants will receive a free registration to the Annual Meeting.

Semi-Final Round 1 Question: As the Voice of Agriculture, how can Farm Bureau be more inclusive of all agriculture and production practices? This includes, but is not limited to, women in agriculture, organic production, fresh produce, forestry and aquaculture.

Semi-Final Round 2 Question: In our modern world, the rapid dissemination of information and opinion about agriculture and food technologies can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Given these challenges, how can Farm Bureau best protect farmers’ and ranchers’ access to production technology options?

FINALS
Four finalists will be chosen to compete Feb 1, 2019 at 8 p.m. at the YAP Winter Leadership Conference in Columbus and will receive one free registration to the conference.

Final Round 1 Question: Technology is one of the driving forces for innovation and advancement in agriculture. How can the industry attract the best and brightest minds from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into agricultural careers?

STATE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
- $1,000 cash award from Nationwide Insurance.
- Expense paid trip to OFBF Annual Meeting including two-nights lodging and invitation to the Harvest Banquet Dec. 11-13, 2019.
- Expense paid trip to AFBF annual convention January 2020 in Austin, Texas.

Eligibility
Must be a farmer/voting member of a county Farm Bureau.
Must be 18-35 years of age prior to Jan. 31, 2020.
Must not have received a public speaking fee or honorarium in the past 24 months.
Previous state winners and current Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team are ineligible.
Past and present members of the AFBF YF&R Committee may not apply.