2026 Illinois Farm Bureau® Young Leader Discussion Meet

Study Resources

Promotional Resources

Eligibility

  • Competitors shall be an active Illinois Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35 in good standing with their County Farm Bureau in the membership system as of 7 days prior to the district contest.

  • The individual shall have reached his/her 18th birthday at the time of the district contest and shall not have reached his/her 36th birthday by January 31st of when the national competition is held.

  • Must display a sincere interest in the agricultural industry.

  • Competitors may compete in the Discussion Meet AND either the Achievement Award OR Excellence in Agriculture Award in the same year; however, if named State Winner in multiple programs, they may only represent 1 at the national level.

  • Current members of the IFB State Young Leader Committee are ineligible.

  • Previous Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Discussion Meet state winners are ineligible.

  • Current employees or agents of county, state and/or the American Farm Bureau organizations and their affiliates are ineligible. Past employees responsible for implementing YF&R Competitive Events in the past 6 years at the state or national level are ineligible.

  • Professional speakers (those who received a fee, royalty, or honorarium for speaking within 24 months prior to the IFB State Discussion Meet) are ineligible. Reimbursement for travel or expenses is excluded.

Registration

  • Contact your county Farm Bureau manager to register (must be registered 7 days prior to the date of your District Discussion Meet). Contestants will receive a confirmation email when registered. We will NOT be accepting walk-in competitors.

 

Email youngleaders@ilfb.org with any questions.