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. Information for 2027 events will be posted as soon as it is available.
Winners of the state competition, including the Collegiate Discussion Meet, are awarded $750 and an all-inclusive trip to compete nationally in the American Farm Bureau Competitive Events. In past AFBF events, winners of the National Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet have received $35,000 towards a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford. The three runners-up have received $20,000 towards a new piece of Case IH equipment, courtesy of Case IH. Third-place finalists have received a Case IH safe, courtesy of Case IH, a $2,500 cash prize, courtesy of American Ag, and $1,665 worth 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 in which discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. The competition is evaluated based 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 on their farm or ranch and have honed superior leadership abilities. Participants are involved in production agriculture, with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. Judges evaluate competitors’ excellence in management, growth and scope of their enterprise, and self-initiative that have been proven on 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 in which discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. The competition is evaluated based 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. The Collegiate Discussion meet winner will receive a cash prize and an expense-paid trip to the AFBF YF&R Conference or the AFBF FUSION Conference to compete at the National Collegiate Discussion Meet.
Questions about YF&R Competitive Events?
Contact State YF&R Coordinator Bailey Coon at bcoon@nyfb.org.
