Joe Ramstad of Rockford was named the winner of the 2023 Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet contest, held during the organization’s annual meeting Nov. 16-18 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.

Ramstad advances to represent Minnesota at the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award competition, held during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention Jan. 19-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also receives a $500 cash award, an opportunity to participate in a MFBF Farmers to D.C. trip, and registration and lodging for the 2024 MFBF LEAP Conference. 

Also competing in the final rounds were Justin Crowley (Forest Lake), Jeff Debele (Saint Michael), Megan Horsager (Clara City), Addie Miller (Watertown), Cassy Postler (Ruthton) and Lisa Roker (Bird Island). Crowley, Horsager, Miller and Ramstad advanced to the final four round.