IFB Member Makes ‘Final 4’ in National Discussion Meet

10:13 am Update - Larson has advanced to the Final Four! Go get 'em Ann!

Discussion Meet Update

The farming community talks a lot about the need to start conversations about agriculture. There are many issues that farmers currently face and will face in the near future that will require solutions through collaborative discussion. One Illinois Farm Bureau member, Ann Larson of DeKalb County, has proven that she has what it takes! She has made the Sweet 16 round of the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet and will compete again this morning.

This weekend started the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Meeting in Nashville, where young farmers, ranchers, and leaders from across the nation meet to compete. The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting where participants engage in a conversation about a topic important to agriculture. Competitors are evaluated on their ideas, cooperative discussion and collaboration with others.

Yesterday, Larson competed in two rounds and tackled tough topics. Earlier, Larson said, "I enjoy the Discussion Meet because I actually enjoy talking to the other contestants on stage. There's really great information exchanged during the competition. Ideas that are formulated that, when you end the discussion meet, you're able to take away and know they'll be great programs, even though it wasn't a real panel that discussed it."

Good luck Ann!

Achievement Award & Excellence in Ag Award Update

There are two other AFBF competitions where Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders take on others in the nation. Chad and Ashlie Broster of Wabash County competed for the Achievement Award, which recognizes young farmers for their involvement in Farm Bureau and their community. Brad and Paula Zwilling of Champaign County competed for the Excellence in Ag Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals or couples whose primary interest is not in farming.

Unfortunately, neither set of couples advanced, but that doesn't change Illinois' level of enthusiasm. Illinois Farm Bureau's Jennifer Smith gladly posted to Facebook, "No Top 10 this year, but it certainly doesn't change how very proud we are of the Brosters and the Zwillings. Thank you for representing Illinois so well!"