TFB to host Virtual Collegiate Discussion Meet

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Texas Farm Bureau will once again offer college students an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills through the Collegiate Discussion Meet.

“This year, the contest will be held virtually. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way we’re hosting this year’s contest, it’s still a great opportunity for college students to dive into current issues facing agriculture,” Jesse Wieners, TFB Young Farmer and Rancher Advisory Committee chair, said.

Eligible contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan. 31, 2021, and must have an interest in agriculture. Professional speakers and former CDM winners are not eligible to compete.

The contest, which is hosted by TFB’s Young Farmer and Rancher Advisory Committee, helps college students better understand issues facing all sectors of agriculture—farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, the food supply chain and more.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s future, and this contest will give college students a chance to evaluate, discuss and find potential solutions to issues facing agriculture. It’s also a great way to practice presentation skills and critical thinking, which will benefit students during college and in their future careers,” Perry Winegeart, Gonzales County Farm Bureau president, said.

The VCDM will consist of recorded responses and live Zoom discussions. Register for the virtual CDM by October 7 by visiting https://texasfarmbureau.org/YFR

The first two rounds in the contest will be recorded individual responses. Two of the five questions will be selected and provided to contestants via email.

Competitors will have 24 hours to submit two videos, not to exceed five minutes each, containing individual discussion. Videos should include a thesis statement, analysis of agricultural issues, a suggested solution and ways Farm Bureau can be part of that solution.

The clips will be sent to judges for evaluation and scores from the video submission will determine who will advance to the rounds held via Zoom.

“We encourage all area college students to sign up for the CDM,” Winegeart said. “Although it’ll be a virtual contest this year, it’s still a great way to network with other students, learn more about issues facing agriculture and develop problem-solving skills.”

Competing has its benefits; the winner will take home a $2,500 cash award, a plaque and an expense-paid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau’s CDM in 2021.

The runner-up will receive a $1,500 cash award and a plaque.

The remaining two finalists will each receive a $750 cash award and a plaque.

Register for the CDM by October 7 at https://texasfarmbureau.org/YFR for the application and more information on contest eligibility, details and schedule. The five questions for the contest are also available online.

Email youngfarmers@txfb.org with questions related to the contest or TFB’s YF&R program.

If you would like to become a member of GCFB or learn more about our community activities, please ask any board member, call 830-672-7518 or visit our website at www.gonzalescountyfarmbureau.org/.

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