Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers named the winners of three discussion meet competitive events during the organization’s annual meeting on Saturday, Nov. 6 in Norman.
Tim Taylor of Okmulgee County Farm Bureau was named the winner of the 2021 Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet, and Roy Stovall of Payne County was named the 2021 Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet winner, which was held in a joint discussion meet with YF&R.
Blake Janssen of Amber-Pocasset was named the High School Discussion Meet winner, which was held on Thursday, Nov. 4.
Taylor competed against five other participants in three rounds of panel-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 input, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.
As the state YF&R discussion meet winner, Taylor received a John Deere Z335E ZTrak Lawn Mower, sponsored by P&K Equipment. Taylor also has the opportunity to compete in the national discussion meet contest at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Jan. 7-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The collegiate winner received an all-expense-paid trip to the 2022 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference Feb. 25-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Blake Janssen of Amber-Pocasset, the high school winner, received a $1,500 scholarship, Lyndsie Vickers of Alva placed second to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Third place Kalen Groves of Beggs received a $500 scholarship, and Jenna Maier of Alva and Justice Miller of Hinton both received a $250 scholarship for placing fourth.
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.
