The Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) invites young agricultural leaders from across the state to participate in the 2026 State Discussion Meet Competition, taking place during the DEFB Annual Convention on December 12, 2026.
Open to DEFB members ages 18 to 35 as of January 1, 2027, the competition features both a Collegiate Division for current college students and a General Division for all other eligible members.
The Discussion Meet is a leadership development event that simulates a committee meeting, where participants discuss key agricultural issues, exchange ideas, and work collaboratively to develop solutions. Contestants strengthen their communication, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of issues affecting agriculture.
“Overall, Discussion Meet built my confidence and allowed me to build my basic discussion skills, while being creative and problem solving with others,” said Maci Dickerson, 2025 DEFB General Division Discussion Meet Winner. “This competition allowed me to learn more about Farm Bureau as a whole and be educated on important topics that affect our members.”
Registration is now open at defb.org/yfr/discussion-meet. All registered participants will receive training, resources, and support from DEFB leading up to the competition to help them prepare for success.
The event will include two preliminary rounds and a final round featuring the top competitors from each division. Finalists will also receive a complimentary ticket to the DEFB Annual Banquet, where winners will be recognized.
Division winners will receive a $500 cash prize or scholarship and the opportunity to represent Delaware nationally. The General Division winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027. The Collegiate Division winner will attend the American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, in March 2027.
For more information, contact Sydnie Grossnickle at sydnie.grossnickle@defb.org. To register for the 2026 State Discussion Meet Competition, visit defb.org/yfr/discussion-meet.
