Jacob Runge of Ridgewater College took part in the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet as part of the YF&R Leadership Conference in Omaha. 

Thirty-four competitors participated in this year’s contest. All competitors received a $100 scholarship courtesy of CHS Foundation in recognition of their efforts and making it to the national level.

Runge advanced to the national competition after winning a preliminary competition held on the Ridgewater campus, followed by taking home the top spot in the statewide competition held during the LEAP Conference in early February. He is currently in his second year at Ridgewater College, majoring in farm operations and management.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet is designed to replicate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each collegiate participant. Participants are judged on their ability to exchange ideas and information on an agricultural topic and find answers or solutions related to it.