For the first time in many years, the Delaware Farm Bureau hosted the Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) and Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meets at the DEFB Annual Convention on Saturday, December 13. This event marked an exciting return for a program designed to strengthen leadership and professional development within young agriculturalists.
The Discussion Meet is a unique contest that challenges participants to engage in committee-style conversation to address real-world agricultural issues and collaboratively develop practical solutions. It’s an opportunity for young leaders to showcase their communication skills, critical thinking, and collaboration.
This year, six competitors participated in the revitalized event.
- Maci Carter, YF&R (Kent County)
- Noah Dixon, YF&R (Kent County)
- Connor Vincent, YF&R (Sussex County)
- Makayla Bradley, Collegiate (Delaware State University)
- Emerson Hickey, Collegiate (University of Delaware)
- Ainsley West, Collegiate (Delaware Technical Community College)
Maci Carter earned top honors in the YF&R Discussion Meet, receiving a $500 cash prize. Carter will represent Delaware in the national contest at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Anaheim, California, this January.
Emerson Hickey claimed first place in the Collegiate Discussion Meet and was awarded a $500 scholarship. Hickey will advance to the national contest at the 2026 Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon, this March.
Thank you to Horizon Farm Credit, King Crop Insurance, and Nagel Crop Insurance for generously sponsoring the awards. We also appreciate the judges and volunteers whose efforts made this event possible.
This year’s Discussion Meet marked an exciting revival of an event that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership among Delaware’s next generation of agricultural professionals. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication, and best of luck to our winners as they represent Delaware on the national stage. DEFB looks forward to continuing this tradition and supporting the growth of future leaders in agriculture.
To learn more about the Discussion Meet contest, please contact Sydnie Grossnickle, YF&R Coordinator at sydnie.grossnickle@defb.org or (302) 697-3183.
