By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) State FFA Discussion Meet, held during the Minnesota State Leadership Conference on December 9-10, brought together sixteen regional finalists from across the state. The event took place at the Atwood Memorial Center on the St. Cloud State University campus.
The FFA Discussion Meet encourages students to engage in collaborative conversations about critical agricultural topics. Simulating a committee meeting, participants work together to identify challenges and propose solutions, developing leadership and problem-solving skills in the process.
Each FFA region in Minnesota is allowed to send up to two participants to the state competition. The top two winners receive scholarships to either attend the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference or use to further their education.
Participants Representing Minnesota Regions
This year’s finalists represented eight regions:
- Region 1: Barnesville FFA, Perham FFA
- Region 2: Brainerd FFA, Grand Rapids FFA
- Region 3: Ashby FFA, Melrose FFA
- Region 4: Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA, Ogilvie FFA
- Region 5: Dassel-Cokato FFA, Eden Valley-Watkins FFA
- Region 6: Russell Tyler Ruthton FFA, St. James Area FFA
- Region 7: Medford FFA, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop FFA
- Region 8: Southland FFA, Kasson-Mantorville FFA
Sponsored by the MFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the competition highlights the importance of developing future agricultural leaders.
By fostering discussions on real-world issues, the FFA Discussion Meet prepares students to contribute to agriculture's future, equipping them with skills to tackle industry challenges and advocate for their communities.
Photo Credit:minnesota-farm-bureau
Categories: Minnesota, General, Government & Policy