By Jeff Helms

College competitors from across Alabama descended on Lee County Oct. 2 to tackle a topic weightier than football — the future of farming.

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Collegiate Discussion Meet challenged 18 students from five colleges and universities to collectively uncover solutions to pressing agricultural issues. Auburn University’s (AU) Jackson Cleary of Calhoun County took top honors. 

“The last topic was how Farm Bureau could help with supply chain issues in the meat processing industry,” Cleary said. “To be honest, I didn’t even know that was an issue, but I did some digging, and I think we discussed ways Farm Bureau could help. That’s one of the biggest takeaways from every discussion today — it was eye opening.”

During two preliminary rounds, students addressed the shortage of large animal veterinarians and explored how Farm Bureau organizations can leverage relationships with 4-H and FFA to prepare the next generation of agriculturists. The contest, which simulates a committee meeting, hones competitors’ problem-solving, collaboration and public speaking skills.

Cleary earned a $1,000 scholarship and will represent Alabama in national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Fusion Conference next March in New Orleans. Other final four competitors were AU’s Lydia East of Cherokee County, second and $750; Troy University’s Mackenzie Smith of Marshall County, third and $500; and AU’s Belle Sansom of Baldwin County, fourth and $250. 

Federation Ag Leadership Programs and Young Farmers Director Hunter McBrayer said this year’s Collegiate Discussion Meet was the largest yet. 

“We’re very excited to have this group of students who are willing to come together and talk about ag issues, but most importantly, we’re thankful they’re willing to put themselves out of their comfort zones in a leadership development role and create a network of colleagues across the state,” he said. 

In addition to AU and Troy, the tournament roster included students from Southern Union 
State Community College, Tuskegee University and the University of Alabama.

“Everyone leaves with a new experience,” McBrayer continued. “The people they are competing with today are going to be the people they’re working with throughout the rest of their lives. They have an opportunity to meet our committee members and people from the ag industry who could potentially be future employers or references. You never know where it might lead in terms of career opportunities.”

The State Young Farmers Committee conducted the contest, with members serving alongside other ag professionals as judges. Prizes were made possible by Farm Bureau Bank. 

Cleary said the value of Collegiate Discussion Meet extends beyond scholarship money.

“The soft skills that it teaches you — operating in a professional manner, learning to speak to people — those are things you use every, single day,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what career you go into, whether it’s agriculture or not, you use those skills all the time.”

Cleary, who didn’t grow up on a farm, was especially inspired by the question regarding youth organizations. 

“FFA is the only reason I’m here today,” he said. “That’s why I’m pursuing a degree in agriscience education. I believe that is what God has put me on earth to do — lead the next generation of kids into the agriculture industry and show them there’s a place for them here.”