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Sixteen semi-finalists have been chosen for the Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Discussion Meet.

Rounds 1 and 2 of the contest were held virtually on Aug. 22. The semi-finals and finals will be during INFB’s 2020 convention, which will also be held virtually in December. The state winner will then compete in January in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet.

The semi-finalists are:

• Jessica Baggerman, Huntington County.
• Allen Bedel, Decatur County.
• Zac Brooks, Clark County.
• Lyle Burkhalter, Tippecanoe County.
• Nathan Bush, Johnson County.
• Owen Coon, Montgomery County.
• Sarah Correll, Marion County.
• Lavinia Herzog, Union County.
• Justin Johnson Jr., Whitley County.
• Sarah Jordan, Dearborn County.
• Nick Michel, Gibson County.
• Grace Moster, Franklin County.
• Dillon Muhlenkamp, Jay County.
• Crystal Van Pelt, Steuben County.
• Kylie Wagoner, Tippecanoe County.
• Hannah Walker, Washington County.

Designed to encourage collaboration, problem solving and leadership development, the Discussion Meet is one of the three major awards presented to Farm Bureau members age 35 and younger. During the competition, contestants participate in a group discussion that simulates a committee meeting.

For this year’s early rounds, contestants discussed enhancing the vibrancy and economic sustainability of agriculture and rural communities as well as ideas for strengthening agricultural trade by enhancing existing markets and establishing new international markets. On the day of the competition, competitors were placed within a Zoom meeting with judges, a room chair and timekeeper – similar to the set-up for an in-person contest.