Discussion Meet

Email dstrasser@tfbf.com for the discussion meet guide.

STATE DISCUSSION MEET:

The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems. Successful participants are productive thinkers rather than emotional persuaders and assist the group in creating ways to implement the solutions discussed and highlight Farm Bureau’s involvement in those actions/steps.

*The State Discussion Meet happens at the TFBF Annual Convention in December.

COLLEGIATE DISCUSSION MEET:

The Collegiate Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each college-age participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems. Successful participants are productive thinkers rather than emotional persuaders and assist the group in creating ways to implement the solutions discussed and highlight Farm Bureau’s involvement in those actions/steps.

All undergraduate agriculture students or undergraduate students involved in agriculture in someway are encouraged to participate in this professional development contest. Farm Bureau membership is required and only cost $30 per year per family. If you or your family has any Farm Bureau services, you may already be a member. The contest will be held during Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference July 21 & 22 in Lebanon. Apply below to be in the contest and contact your county Farm Bureau office to register for the conference. Contact Dan Strasser for the Discussion Meet Guide. Applications are due by 11:59pm on July 14, 2023!

2023 Tennessee YF&R Discussion Meet and Collegiate Discussion Meet Topics

  1. Production agriculture requires a lot of capital. Young farmers and ranchers face challenges gaining access to the capital they need to start or grow their operations. What tools are currently available, and what new programs could be introduced, to help young people access financial resources—and make sound financial decisions—to run their farms and ranches?
  2. Working with elected officials, in all levels of government, is critical to advancing public policy that supports farmers and ranchers. How can Farm Bureau help elected leaders better understand the challenges of the agriculture sector and the importance of supporting the financial viability of America’s family farms and ranches?
  3. What is sustainable agriculture and how can Farm Bureau help farmers and ranchers access market-based solutions that advance sustainability goals without restricting their ability to stock America’s pantries, help feed a growing population and maintain farm profitability?
  4. Farmers and ranchers across the country are diverse in not only the goods they produce,
    but also in the ways they raise and market them. Farm Bureau’s role is to broadly represent all producers. How can our organization further welcome and engage diverse agricultural communities and cultivate dynamic future Farm Bureau leaders?
  5. Agriculture uses water for everything from growing crops, raising livestock and moving products to and from farms and ranches. Water issues are often hotly debated, are unique to each region and can pose significant challenges to growers. How can Farm Bureau help address water management challenges and seek long term solutions for farmers and ranchers?

*Registration for the state collegiate discussion meet has closed.

*Collegiate discussion meet registration is not available yet. Check back soon.