Emma Jumper of Payne County was named the 2018 Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet winner on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s 77th Annual Meeting in Norman, Oklahoma.
Jumper competed against eight other participants in three rounds of debate-style discussion where performance was evaluated on the exchange of ideas and information on pre-determined topics. Participants were judged on their ability to offer constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.
“I did some research, I looked up the facts and figures, but these topics allowed me to speak on issues that I’m particularly passionate about,” Jumper said. “We talked about STEM education in agriculture, we talked about developing rural communities and how we disseminate information to people, and what Farm Bureau does to facilitate those things.”
As the state discussion meet winner, Jumper received a John Deere Z345R Lawn Mower, sponsored by P&K Equipment. She also has the opportunity to compete in the national discussion meet contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Jan. 6-11 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“I had an opportunity to speak with peers across the state that appreciated agriculture to the same degree I did, and I feel like we all learned from each other,” she said. “Talking about these topics on a national level is going to be very fun, and I could not be prouder to represent Oklahoma.”
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is the organization’s largest gathering of farmers and ranchers every year. At the event, members vote on grassroots policy, elect leaders and award outstanding individuals. OKFB has a presence in all 77 Oklahoma counties and serves as the voice of agriculture and the rural way of life. To learn more, visit www.okfarmbureau.org.
Download a high-resolution photo of the 2018 OKFB YF&R Discussion Meet winner presentation.
Suggested caption:
Emma Jumper of Payne County (second from right) receives recognition as the 2018 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet winner from (left to right) OKFB Executive Director Thad Doye; 2018 OKFB YF&R Chairmen Jennifer and Brent Howard; Erica Keen of P&K Equipment; and (far right) OKFB YF&R Coordinator Zac Swartz during the organization’s awards banquet on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the 2018 OKFB annual meeting in Norman. As state discussion meet winner, Jumper received a John Deere Z345R lawn mower, sponsored by P&K Equipment.
