Application deadline is October 1, 2025.
The YF&R Discussion Meet is an annual competitive leadership development opportunity in which 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. The competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant.
Competitors are evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. A successful participant is a productive thinker rather than an emotional persuader. He/she will assist the group in creating ways to implement the solutions discussed and highlight Farm Bureau’s involvement in those actions/steps.
This competition is open to any Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18-35 that is actively engaged in agriculture.
Contest Format
- Participants prepare thoughtful responses to questions that are provided in advance. On the day of the competition, participants take part in one round of discussion with 4-6 competitors before judges and an audience. Four participants will advance to the final round.
- Participants are judged on Problem Solving, Analysis of Topic, Cooperative Attitude, Delivery, Opening Statement and Closing Statement.
- The Discussion Meet is intended to simulate a committee meeting and building consensus and problem solving is very important to this competition.
- The winner and runner up will be determined by the judges after the final round. All competitors will be recognized during the Awards Program on Friday evening at the SCFB Annual Convention.
2025 Discussion Meet Questions
2024 Sample Application - Applicants must complete the entry form in the online application platform. Emailed or mailed applications will not be accepted.
Discussion Meet Competition Rubric
Prize Package
Sweet 16 participants will receive a $100 Farm Bureau Bank Visa gift card.
The Final Four will receive a $500 Farm Bureau Bank Visa gift card.
The winner will receive:
- A John Deere XUV560E S4
- A voucher for up to $500 in STIHL merchandise provided by STIHL
- A trip to compete (required) at the American Farm Bureau (AFBF) Annual Convention in Anaheim, CA (January 9 - 13, 2026)
- A one-night stay at the 2026 SCFB YF&R Conference in Charleston, SC (February 6-8, 2026)
- An opportunity to attend the 2026 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon on March 13 - 15, 2026
Discussion Meet Training Series
This series will have everything you need to prepare to compete in the 2024 Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet competition held at the SCFB Annual Meeting in December. Join the SCFB YF&R team and guest speakers to learn more about the 2024 YF&R Discussion Meet topics.
| Thursday, August 19 at 6:00PM Eastern | Topic 1 | View Training Recording |
| Friday, August 22 at 3:30PM Eastern | Topic 2 | View Training Recording |
| Wednesday, September 4 at 12:00PM Eastern | Topic 3 | View Training Recording |
| Friday, September 6 | Topic 4 | View Training Recording |
| Monday, September 9 | Topic 5 | View Training Recording |
Join the "SCFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Facebook Group" for additional resources.
2024 Discussion Meet Winner -
Samuel Quinney, Fairfield County
Discussion Meet prizes are sponsored in part by the SC Farm Bureau Federation and Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.