CENTRE– Cherokee County’s Lydia East placed second in the Alabama Farmers Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet and earned a $750 scholarship. East, an Auburn University student, competed Oct. 2 in Opelika.
The Alabama Farmers Federation brought together 18 students from five colleges and universities for the competition. During the contest, participants worked through agricultural problems in discussions modeled on committee meetings. The format also tested their ability to collaborate, speak publicly, and develop solutions.
In the preliminary rounds, students discussed the shortage of large animal veterinarians. They also considered how Farm Bureau organizations could work with 4-H and FFA to prepare young people for agricultural careers. The final discussion focused on supply chain problems in the meat processing industry.
Auburn student Jackson Cleary of Calhoun County won first place and a $1,000 scholarship. He will also represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation Fusion Conference in New Orleans next March. Troy University student Mackenzie Smith of Marshall County also finished third and received $500. Auburn student Belle Sansom of Baldwin County placed fourth and earned $250.
Federation Ag Leadership Programs and Young Farmers Director Hunter McBrayer said the 2026 meet was the organization’s largest collegiate discussion contest to date. Students also came from Southern Union State Community College, Tuskegee University, and the University of Alabama.
The State Young Farmers Committee organized the contest, with committee members and other agricultural professionals serving as judges. Farm Bureau Bank made the scholarship prizes possible.
You must be logged in to post a comment.