The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee held the preliminary rounds of the Discussion Meet competition during the Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Promotion (LEAP) Conference on January 10-11 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino.

Out of 19 competitors, eight semifinalists advanced to the final two rounds, which will take place at the MFBF Annual Meeting in November.

The finalists are: Ashle Benson (McLeod County), Jesse Haarmann (Olmsted County), Phillip Horsager (Chippewa County), Kendall Johnson (Freeborn County), Haely Leiding (Wabasha County), Nicole McMullen (Hennepin County), Tim Pagel (Olmsted County), and Katie Saterbak (Swift County).

Contestants in the Discussion Meet are judged on their knowledge of key agricultural issues and their ability to exchange ideas and collaborate in a problem-solving environment.

The winner of the November competition will represent Minnesota at the national YF&R Discussion Meet during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, scheduled for January 9-14, 2026, in Anaheim, California.