Jeff Pagel of Eyota was named the winner of the 2022 Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet contest, held during the organization’s 104th Annual Meeting Nov. 17-19 in Bloomington.

The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. Individuals are evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic, with the top contestant offering cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.

Pagel advances to represent Minnesota at the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award competition, held during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention Jan. 6-10 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They also receive a $500 cash award, an opportunity to participate in a MFBF Farmers to D.C. trip, and registration and lodging for the 2023 MFBF LEAP Conference. 

Also competing in the final rounds were Justin Crowley (Washington County), Jeff Debele (Wright County), Alyson Erickson (Clay County), Abby Korte (Norman County), Haely Leiding (Washington County), Joe Ramstad (Hennepin County) and Christine Reitsma (Stearns County).