“Technology is one of the driving forces for innovation and advancement in agriculture. How can the industry attract the best and brightest minds from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into agricultural careers?” 

“In our modern world, the rapid dissemination of information and opinion about agriculture and food technologies can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Given these challenges, how can Farm Bureau best protect farmers’ and ranchers’ access to production technology options?” 

These are two of five questions competitors will need to prepare answers for when they compete in the Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. The Discussion Meet is a competitive event that simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. It 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. 

The competition, open to Farm Bureau members ages 18-35 with an interest in agriculture, takes place Thursday November 8 during the 99th MFBF Annual Convention in Billings. There is a preliminary round at 1:15 p.m. followed by the final round at 5:30 p.m. The winner of the Final Round will receive the keys to a new Polaris Ranger® Side by Side UTV as well as an expense-paid trip to compete in the national Discussion Meet during the American Farm Bureau Convention in January 11 in New Orleans.  

The Montana Farm Bureau YF&R Committee thanks the participating Polaris dealers in Montana who made the amazing final prize possible.

For more information contact Sue Ann Streufert, 406-587-3153, sueanns@mfbf.org or visit https://mfbf.org/programs/Young-Farmers-Ranchers.  (See video link below.) 

Video of the YF&R Discussion Meet: https://youtu.be/rWS5mXx2ibg