Discussion Meet
Today's Voices. Tomorrow's Solutions.
The Farm Bureau Discussion Meet is an annual competition designed to help Young Farmers & Ag Professionals learn how to effectively share and build upon ideas that foster understanding and collaboration to address important agricultural issues. The competition simulates a committee meeting where each participant is expected to be actively involved in the discussion.
Registration for the 2024 Discussion Meet is now available through the general INFB State Convention registration. Click the button below to learn more and register.
2024-25 Competition
This year’s competition will take place December 13-14, 2024 at the Indiana Farm Bureau state convention in French Lick.
- All Discussion Meet competitors will be reimbursed by INFB for their hotel accommodations and meals for Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.
- Rounds 1, 2 and the semi-final round will take place on Friday, Dec. 13.
If you are interested in participating in the Discussion Meet, we encourage you to read the
eligibility requirements and
AFBF questions for this year's competition.
Winners of the INFB Excellence in Agriculture Award and Achievement Award are not eligible to compete in the discussion meet.
Each year, the American Farm Bureau Federation develops five questions for which contestants will be asked to prepare answers. These questions are used during the state and national competitions and can be found below.
- Young farmers and ranchers are finding they need to diversify their farm portfolio. What are some ways that young farmers and ranchers can utilize diversification to explore new revenue sources? How can Farm Bureau support YF&R members as they strengthen their farm and ranch businesses?
- Increases in the price of agricultural land make access and ownership of land one of the biggest hurdles for young farmers and ranchers looking to start or expand farms and ranches. How can young farmers and ranchers position themselves to react to competition for agricultural land?
- The landscape of American agriculture and the picture of the “typical" American farm continues to change. Meanwhile, Farm Bureau will need to continue to recruit and retain members in order to be a vibrant and effective organization into the future. How can Farm Bureau continue to provide value and opportunity to welcome members from across the broad diversity of modern agriculture and American farmers and ranchers?
- Succession planning is often a tough subject not only for individual farms and ranches but also within county Farm Bureaus. Some younger members may find it challenging to become involved in their county Farm Bureau beyond the YF&R committee. What are some ways that county Farm Bureaus can encourage involvement from young members and how can actively engaged young board members help their county Farm Bureaus plan for the future?
- Farmers and ranchers are reliant on multiple energy sources to run equipment, heat livestock barns and power storage and maintenance facilities. How can Farm Bureau work with energy companies, local governments and rural communities to increase domestic energy production, minimize loss of agricultural land and protect private property rights?
Registration
Registration for the 2024 Discussion Meet is now available through the general INFB State Convention registration. Click the button below to learn more and register.
Prize information
The state-level winner will receive a $4,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet at the AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 24-27. The three runners-up will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, a plaque and recognition during the INFB State Convention.
2024 Discussion Meet Question Preparation:
General Discussion Meet Resources:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Discussion Meet Overview
- Discussion Meet Best Practices
- Discussion Meet Tips
- 2022 Mock Discussion Meet, a short example of the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet process featuring members of the YF&AP State Committee.
- Watch the 2023 AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet Final Four, featuring Rachel Hyde, Hamilton County INFB member (scroll to the Discussion Meet section
of the webpage).
2023 Winner: Kylie Wheeler
