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.
Each year, the American Farm Bureau Federation develops five questions for which contestants will be asked to prepare answers. The questions are used at the regional, state and national competition.
Due to potential remaining COVID-19 restrictions, we’ve made the decision to hold the Discussion Meet virtually again this year. We believe the virtual competition will still meet the core competition objective to develop leaders for effective problem solving through group discussion. The first two rounds of the virtual competition will be held on Saturday, August 21 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Questions will be published via social media and emailed directly to competitors 12 hours prior to the Zoom Competition. Registration information for this event will be available soon.
A virtual tour will be provided by Culver Duck Farms in between rounds while our judges tabulate scores. In addition to the virtual tour, there will be a short presentation about the YF&AP State Committee.
Registration for the 2021-22 Discussion Meet is closed. When registration for the 2022-23 Discussion Meet opens, information will be placed here.
Regional Discussion Meet: Rounds 1 & 2- Zoom Discussion Rooms
Best Practices:
Regional Rounds (1&2):
These rounds will look similar to what the in-person competition have in the past. Competitors will be placed within a Zoom meeting with judges, a room chair and timekeeper. All will be muted upon entry. The room chair will draw for the order in which Opening and Closing Statements will be delivered. The room chair will have further specifics about how discussion will progress virtually. To minimize distraction, once discussion commences, the only individuals with video and audio on will be the competitors in the room and the room chair.
FAQ’s:
Q: What online platform will be used for the Regional Discussion Meet?
A: We will use Zoom as the online platform for the last two rounds of competition.
Q: How will the rounds be run?
A: We will set up four separate Zoom rooms/links for rounds one and two and each will be run/managed by a room chair just as in a normal competition. INFB staff/INFB YF&AP state committee members will be assigned to rooms to assist with any technical matters.
Q: What is the preferred dress for competitors?
A: We would ask that all competitors dress in casual wear just as they would have for the in-person Regional Discussion Meets.
Q: Will competitors be able to use earbuds or headphones during the rounds?
A: Yes, if competitors would prefer to use earbuds or headphones to help minimize distractions they may do so.
Q: Why are competitors drawing for opening and closing statement order?
A: We will have competitors draw for opening and closing statement order to improve the flow of the competition.
Q: Who will be allowed in the zoom rooms?
A: The Zoom rooms will contain four competitors, three judges, a Room Chair who will also serve as Timekeeper and Moderator, a Room Host to assist with technical matters, and one supporter or coach for each competitor.
Q: Will the contestants receive feedback from the judges?
A: Yes! We have created an online survey for judges to complete for each competitor they evaluate in each round. Like the in-person competitive event, this feedback will be compiled and distributed following the virtual event.
Q: How will the questions for Round One and Two be announced?
A: An email will be sent to all competitors 12 hours prior to the competition. If you would like someone else to be added to the list, please send their email address to brice@infb.org.
Q: Are props or visual aids allowed?
A: No props or visuals are allowed in any of the rounds.
Prize information
The four state finalists receive plaques and recognition during the awards program at the INFB State Convention. 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 Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 7-12, 2022 (pending COVID-19 restriction status).
2021 Winner: Justin Johnson