Gilchrist County Native Wins State Discussion Meet

November 2023

Erin Jones of Gilchrist County was named the state winner of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet at Florida Farm Bureau’s 82nd Annual Meeting in Orlando.

Jesse Cone of Madison County and Sarah Luther of Suwanee County were runners-up of this prestigious state award.

“I am truly honored to have been selected as the 2023 Discussion Meet Winner,” said Jones. “After being a finalist for the last three years I am humbled and blessed to have achieved this goal and I am super excited to represent Florida Farm Bureau at the American Farm Bureau annual convention in January.”

The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition involves the exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges look for contestants who offer constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing problems and developing solutions.

As the state contest winner, Jones received a utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Company, $500 in cash and an expense paid trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jan. 19-22, 2024.