Discussion Meet
The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where active participation is expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges are looking for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.
The State Discussion Meet Preliminaries and one round of the three Final-Four rounds take place at the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference in July. The last two Final-Four rounds take place during the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.
Participants must be Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 in good standing with their county Farm Bureau.
Winner of the State YF&R Discussion Meet receives:
- Utility vehicle courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Company
- $500 cash award
- An expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention where they will represent Florida in the national YF&R competition
2026 Discussion Meet Questions
- Growth in rural areas can strain rural energy infrastructure. How can Farm Bureau work
with stakeholders to advocate for proactive planning at the local, state and national
levels that safeguards affordable, reliable energy access for farmers and ranchers as well
as their rural neighbors while protecting farmland from unnecessary eminent domain? - Rural and large animal veterinary practices and professionals continue to decrease in
numbers across the country. How can Farm Bureau help attract and retain rural and large
animal veterinarians for member communities? - With the continued ripple effect of supply chain challenges related to meat processing,
how can Farm Bureau leverage its grassroots network to reduce barriers and create
pathways for the development of local USDA certified meat processing? - How can Farm Bureau and its young leaders leverage relationships with agricultural
youth organizations to attract more young leaders to the Young Farmers &
Ranchers program? - Increased public concern over healthy diets and chronic childhood disease has raised
questions, as well as criticism, about modern agriculture and the food system. How
can Farm Bureau effectively engage in this discussion and advocate
for the critical science-based tools and research farmers need to fulfill their commitment to
grow healthy, sustainable food, fiber and fuel?
discussion meet
Past Winners
Past Discussion Meet Winners Continued:
2022: Bernie LeFils, Volusia County
2021: Sydney Armstrong, Jackson County
2020: Tyler Pittman, Alachua County
2019: Pete Dola, Levy County
2018: Brian Norris, Charlotte County
2017: Michael Rogalsky, Polk County
2016: Trevor Murphy, Highlands County
2015: Dean Cheshire, Alachua County
2014: Keiko Osumi, Alachua County
2013: Amanda James, Alachua County
2012: Kelvin Moreno, Dade County
2011: Jake Raburn, Hillsborough County
2010: Luke Langford, Holmes County
2009: Jenny Black, Polk County
2008: Keith Shiver, Lafayette County
2007: Matt Harrison, DeSoto/Charlotte County
2006: David Harris, Union County
2005: Ila Crocker, Hillsborough County
2004: Brad Etheridge, Levy County
2003: Shawn Crocker, Hillsborough County
2002: Brent Douglas, Gilchrist County
2001: Jeb Smith, Putnam/St. Johns County
2000: Jason Raulerson, Alachua County
1999: Rob Martin, Sarasota County
1998: Steve Crump, Volusia County
1997: Sam Trivett, Volusia County
1996: Nate Jamerson, Polk County
1995: Charlotte Emerson, Alachua County
1994: Adam Putnam, Polk County
1993: Mike Woodley, Polk County
1992: Chalmers Carr, Madison County
1991: Nicole Smith, Marion County
1990: John Payne, Highlands County
1989: Ed Sapp, Madison County
1988: Bill Ray, Lake County
1987: Dan Olson, Lake County
1986: John Hoblick, Volusia County
1985: Jeff Futch, Highlands County
1984: Gerald Fieser, Volusia County
1983: Mike Parker, Hillsborough County
1982: Bryan Putnal, Lafayette County
1981: John Burtscher, DeSoto County
1980: Steve Futch, Pasco County
1979: James Morgan, Polk County
1978: Tom Umiker, Hillsborough County
1977: Tommy Smith, Gadsden County
1976: Francine Hancock, Pasco County