The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee held the preliminary rounds of the Discussion Meet competition during the annual Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Promotion (LEAP) Conference on Jan. 28 in Hinckley. 

Eight semifinalists out of 21 competitors advanced to the final two rounds of competition, which will take place at the MFBF Annual Meeting in November.

Moving on were Emily Annexstad (Nicollet County), Justin Crowley (Washington/Ramsey County), Jeff Debele (Wright County), Megan Horsager (Chippewa County), Addie Miller (Carver County), Cassy Postler (Pipestone County), Joe Ramstad (Hennepin County) and Lisa Roker (Redwood County). 

Contestants in the Discussion Meet are judged on their basic knowledge of critical farm issues and their ability to exchange ideas and information in a setting aimed at cooperative problem solving. 

The winner of the November competition will advance to the national YF&R Discussion Meet contest held during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention Jan. 19-24, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.