An Auburn University (AU) senior with a passion for public service took top honors in the Alabama Farmers Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet Oct. 3 in Opelika. 

Ty Torbert bested seven competitors from three universities in the competition which encourages collaboration and problem solving through simulated committee meetings. The meet was sponsored by the Federation’s Young Farmers Division and featured discussions about digital engagement, stewardship and urban sprawl.

“I think my big takeaway from all three was how the Alabama Farmers Federation can play a proactive and truly meaningful role in advancing agriculture,” said Torbert, who is studying agricultural business and economics with a minor in finance.  “They already do such a great job advocating for farmers, pushing forth policy and educating farmers. Every round, we talked about policy. The second thing is education. Alfa has such a massive reach and huge collective of members. These avenues allow the Farmers Federation to educate members on policy they’re working on but also resources that already exist.”

As the first-place winner, Torbert received a $1,000 scholarship from the Federation and Farm Bureau Bank. He will represent Alabama in national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference next March.

Rounding out the Top 5 were J.B. Rhodes, second and $750; Kaleigh McGrew, third and $500; Mackenzie Smith, fourth and $250; and Will Aycock, fifth and $125. Rhodes and Aycock are seniors in the AU College of Agriculture. McGrew is a senior in news media at the University of Alabama, and Smith is a Troy University freshman majoring in elementary education.

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer was encouraged to see the contest expand beyond Auburn students.

“That’s a big deal because it shows the agriculture community is far and wide,” he said. “It gives students a chance to learn more about Alfa and Farm Bureau.”

For Torbert, events like Collegiate Discussion Meet prepare him to give back to an industry that’s shaped his familial history.

“I would like to give back through policy — making communities better,” said the Houston County native, whose family founded nationally renowned Bonnie Plants. “I believe true change starts at the grassroots level. I would love to play a part in taking feedback and incorporating it into organizations to truly make a difference.”