Collegiate Young Farmers & Ranchers

The Collegiate Farm Bureau program is part of the YF&R program and works to engage agricultural students from college campuses, introducing them to Farm Bureau. 

Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation currently supports a collegiate Young Farmers & Ranchers program at the University of Minnesota-Crookston.

To learn more about Collegiate Young Farmers & Ranchers or how to start a chapter at your university or community college, contact Leadership Coordinator Rachael Peterson.

Jacob Runge holding an award

2024 Minnesota Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet winner Jacob Runge of Ridgewater College.


Collegiate Discussion Meet Contest

The Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges are looking for the contestant that offers cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.

Timeline

  • Campus contests are held throughout the state in the fall
  • Two finalists from participating campuses advance to compete at the state finals during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation LEAP Conference in January
  • The winner of the state competition advances to represent Minnesota at the national Collegiate Discussion Meet competition, held during the  American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference

Prizes

  • Cash prize, sponsored by Christensen Farms
  • Transportation, lodging and registration costs covered to attend the national YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet competition, held during the American Farm Bureau Federation YF&R Leadership Conference, sponsored by Christensen Farms