Young Farmers & Ranchers Competitive Events 2026

Farm Bureau's strength depends on its members' ability to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their needs. Competitive events provide an opportunity to recognize outstanding members. The deadline for the 2026 events is Nov. 1. Please reach out to Bailey Coon BCoon@nyfb.org for applications.

2026 State winners of the state competition, including the Collegiate Discussion Meet will win, $750 and an all-inclusive trip to compete nationally in the American Farm Bureau Competitive Events. In past events, the winners of the National Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet received $35,000 towards a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford. The three runners-up received $20,000 towards a new piece of Case IH equipment, courtesy of Case IH. Third place finalists received a Case IH safe, courtesy of Case IH, a $2,500 cash prize, courtesy of American Ag as well as $1,665 of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker. Fourth-place finalists received a Case IH solo stove, courtesy of Case IH.

Discussion Meet

The American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet is a competitive event that simulates a committee meeting, where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. 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

Achievement Award

The Achievement Award recognizes Young Farmers & Ranchers who have excelled in their farm or ranch and have honed their leadership abilities to superiority. Participants are involved in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. Judges evaluate competitor's excellence in management, growth and scope of their enterprise and self-initiative that have been displayed throughout the farm or ranch.

Excellence in Agriculture Award

The Excellence in Agriculture Award spotlights young Farm Bureau members who are agricultural enthusiasts but have not earned a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise in the past three years. Competitors are evaluated on their understanding of agricultural issues, leadership experiences and achievement, and their ability to communicate their agricultural story.

Collegiate Discussion Meet

The American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet is a competitive event that simulates a committee meeting, where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. 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. Each of our Collegiate Chapter Winners will receive a $500 prize and the overall State Winner will also win an all-inclusive trip to attend the AFBF YF&R Conference or the AFBF FUSION Conference to compete at the National Collegiate Discussion Meet competition.

Questions about YF&R Competitive Events?

Contact State YF&R Coordinator Bailey Coon at Bcoon@nyfb.org