By Scout Nelson
At the recent Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Promotion (LEAP) Conference held recently, Jacob Runge, a dedicated student from Ridgewater College, emerged as the winner of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Collegiate Discussion Meet competition.
Runge, in his second year studying farm operations & management, showcased his deep understanding of critical agricultural issues and a keen ability to engage in cooperative problem-solving discussions.
Runge's win earns him the opportunity to represent Minnesota at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Collegiate Discussion Meet competition, which will be part of the YF&R Leadership Conference from March 8-11 in Omaha.
His participation underscores the importance of nurturing young talent in the agricultural sector and highlights the role of educational institutions in preparing students for leadership roles in agriculture.
Kyle Thomas from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities took the runner-up position, demonstrating the high level of competition and the expertise present among the participants.
Other competitors included Jayden German from South Central College in Mankato, Lily Krona and Katelyn Mack from the University of Minnesota in Crookston, and Ralph Roesler from Ridgewater College in Willmar.
The Discussion Meet competition evaluates contestants on their agricultural knowledge and ability to effectively communicate and collaborate towards solving industry challenges. This platform not only recognizes the academic and analytical abilities of these young individuals but also prepares them for future leadership roles within the agricultural community.
As Runge prepares for the national competition, his journey from Ridgewater College to the national stage exemplifies the potential of young farmers and ranchers to contribute meaningfully to discussions on the future of farming.
Photo Credit: minnesota-farm-bureau
Categories: Minnesota, Education