EWC Ag Students Participate in Farm Bureau's Collegiate Discussion Meet
October 5, 2005
LARAMIE, WY - Four Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) agriculture students participated in the Oct. 5 Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet in Laramie. Jessica Gunter, of Wheatland, made the final four round where the contestants discussed "today's perception of the agriculture industry." She received a $25 beef gift certificate for her achievement.
Also representing EWC were Aimee Mehrens, of Torrington; Brad Johnson, of South Dakota; and Justin Solberg, of Nebraska. All contestants participated in a preliminary round where they discussed the risk agri-terrorism has on national security.
"The attendees were very pleased to have participated in the 2005 Collegiate Discussion Meet," Tim Walter, EWC agriculture instructor, said. "Their enthusiasm has sparked interest in other students for next year's contest."
The contest, hosted by the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Committee, is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each committee member. Through active participation in the Discussion Meet, contestants gain experience in analyzing and solving agricultural problems. Contestants are judged on their knowledge of the subject, but more important is their "cooperative attitude" which includes listening, asking pertinent questions, securing major agreement and airing all points of view.
The collegiate competition is open to all Wyoming junior college and the University of Wyoming (UW) students who are majoring in agriculture. UW student Clayton Elliott won $300 cash from the WyFB and a trip to the national competition Feb. 25 - 27, 2006 in Des Moines, Iowa. Visit www.wyfb.org for more details.
"We were thrilled with the participation and performance of the students," Kristi Ellis, WyFB YF&R Chair, said. "The collegiate competition provides a great opportunity for these students to showcase their knowledge and learn more about Farm Bureau's YF&R program. They are all to be commended for participating in extra-curricular activities such as this."
