The Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Committee encourages any voting Farm Bureau member ages 18-35 to compete in the Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet, which takes place Tuesday, November 19 during the MFBF Annual Convention in downtown Billings. The winner of the Discussion Meet will receive the keys to a new Polaris Ranger 570, and an expense-paid trip to participate in the national Discussion Meet held during the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention January 2025 in San Antonio TX. In addition to the YF&R Discussion Meet, the Collegiate Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet Final Four will take place late afternoon Wednesday, November 20.

The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each competitor. It is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic and is an excellent way for young people to learn more about agricultural issues.

Last November, Todd Lackman, a Worden High School agriculture teacher, was the thrilled winner of a Polaris Ranger, donated by participating Polaris dealers in Montana.

“In addition to giving competitors realistic practice for leadership roles, the Discussion Meet offers a fun opportunity to toss around ideas and learn from other young farmers that may face similar challenges as you do, but have a different background and perspective to add,” said the teacher. “The Discussion Meet is not necessarily about who can be the best public speaker, it is who can bring thought-provoking ideas to the table and bring out collaborative solutions from the group. I know I really enjoyed discussing the topics not only during the competition, but also with my family and friends while preparing for the competition. The winning competitor also receives a trip to compete at the American Farm Bureau Convention. I would highly recommend the experience of attending the national convention and interacting with farmers and ranchers across the country.”

Lackman, who is not only a teacher but a fourth-generation farmer, added that the Polaris Ranger will be right at home on the family farm in Hysham where they raise sugar beets, barley, corn, canola and alfalfa seed. He noted that the Polaris keeps busy.

“The Ranger has been put to good use with irrigating and checking on crops,” Lackman said. “It is a handy machine to have on the farm. My dad has probably put more miles on it this year than I have, but I hope to use it even more next year when scouting fields as part of my drone spraying business.”

He added that having a Polaris as a prize is a great incentive for competitors. “I competed in the Discussion Meet in college, and I knew that I wanted to compete again as a Young Farmer and Rancher in part because of the Polaris Ranger as the prize for the winner. The Polaris dealers of Montana recognize the value of discussing current issues as a group of young agriculturalists, and we certainly appreciate their continued generous support of the program. Getting started as a young farmer or rancher is seldom inexpensive or simple, so earning a Polaris Ranger can make a real difference on a farm or ranch.”

For Discussion Meet questions, visit www.mfbf.org/Programs/Young-Farmers-Ranchers. For questions and information about the Young Farmers & Ranchers program, contact Sue Ann Streufert, 406-587-3153, sueanns@mfbf.org. Be sure to follow Montana Farm Bureau on Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks to these participating Polaris dealers for supporting our Young Farmers and Ranchers: Beaverhead Motors – Dillon; Pure Bliss – Conrad; Basecamp Gallatin – Bozeman; Basecamp Billings – Billings; Helena Cycle Center – Helena; Kurt’s Polaris – Seeley Lake; Lewistown Honda & Polaris, Lewistown; Redline Sports, Inc – Butte; Riverside Marine & Cycle – Miles City; Russell Motorsports – Missoula; Sports City Cyclery – Great Falls.

 

2024/2025 AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet Questions

1. Young farmers and ranchers are finding they need to diversify their farm portfolio. What are some ways that young farmers and ranchers can utilize diversification to explore new revenue sources? How can Farm Bureau support YF&R members as they strengthen their farm and ranch businesses?

2. Increases in the price of agricultural land make access and ownership of land one of the biggest hurdles for young farmers and ranchers looking to start or expand farms and ranches. How can young farmers and ranchers position themselves to react to competition for agricultural land?

3. The landscape of American agriculture and the picture of the “typical" American farm continues to change. Meanwhile, Farm Bureau will need to continue to recruit and retain members in order to be a vibrant and effective organization into the future. How can Farm Bureau continue to provide value and opportunity to welcome members from across the broad diversity of modern agriculture and American farmers and ranchers?

4. Succession planning is often a tough subject not only for individual farms and ranches but also within county Farm Bureaus. Some younger members may find it challenging to become involved in their county Farm Bureau beyond the YF&R committee. What are some ways that county Farm Bureaus can encourage involvement from young members and how can actively engaged young board members help their county Farm Bureaus plan for the future?

5. Farmers and ranchers are reliant on multiple energy sources to run equipment, heat livestock barns and power storage and maintenance facilities. How can Farm Bureau work with energy companies, local governments and rural communities to increase domestic energy production, minimize loss of agricultural land and protect private property rights?