Utah Student Captures YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet Title

Sara Bair, a junior majoring in agriculture education at Utah State University, has been named the winner of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet. Bair earned the national title following a dynamic discussion on how communities can grow responsibly while protecting farms, ranches and the agricultural way of life.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet is designed to replicate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each collegiate participant. Participants are judged on their ability to exchange ideas and information on an agricultural topic and work toward practical answers or solutions. The event helps young Farm Bureau members develop leadership skills and prepare for future roles in agriculture and their communities.

Bair qualified for the national competition upon winning the Utah Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet. Bair will receive her degree in spring 2027.

Three additional finalists advanced through three rounds of discussion to earn a spot in the Final Four: Torrie Reed, Georgia; Courtney Taibi, New York; and Brooke Beamesderfer, Pennsylvania.

Thirty-six competitors from across the country participated in this year’s Collegiate Discussion Meet.

CHS Foundation provided a total of $18,000 in scholarships for the competition. National winner Bair received $3,100, the three other finalists each received $2,100, and all competitors were awarded scholarships recognizing their achievement in reaching the national level, with additional funding for those advancing to the Sweet 16 round.

AFBF’s YF&R program engages young Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18-35 by offering opportunities to develop as strong, effective leaders for service in both Farm Bureau and their communities.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet was held during AFBF’s YF&R Leadership Conference, March 13-16 in Portland, Oregon.