About Discussion Meets
The Discussion Meet is one of the highlights of the State Annual Meeting each year. The meet features three contests: Young Farmer, Collegiate and High School.
Sponsored by the Michigan Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee at the District and State level and the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee at the National Level, the Discussion Meet program started in 1948.
The purpose of the Meets is to allow for discussion and an exchange of ideas on topics facing agriculture and its future. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems. The winner of each meet receives a cash prize and advances to national-level competitions.
Young Farmer Meet — Tuesday, Dec. 2
2025 Prelims Room Assignments: Round 1
10:30am, Round 1: Room A
Competitors:
Chad Geoit, Kalamazoo (District 1)
Erica Drake, Washtenaw (District 3)
Jasmine McNary, Sanilac (District 6)
Brayden Bonga, Montcalm (District 7)
Allison Shoaf-Coats, Clare (District 10)
10:30am, Round 1: Room B
Competitors:
Emily Swift, St. Joseph (District 1)
Melissa Fusilier, Washtenaw (District 3)
Katie Adam, Huron (District 6)
Logan Crumbaugh, Gratiot (District 8)
Brittany Behm, Chippewa (District 12)
10:30am, Round 1: Room C
Competitors:
Mark Trowbridge, St. Joesph (District 1)
Samantha Bos, Ottawa (District 4)
Blake Gordon, Sanilac (District 6)
Madeleine Smeltzer, Wexford (District 9)
Rebecca Bahrman, Hiawathaland (District 12)
11:15 am, Round 1: Room D
Competitors:
Abby Vittore, Lenawee (District 2)
Emily Kropf, Kent (District 4)
Lane Grieser, Montcalm (District 7)
Tobia Purple, Benzie-Manistee (District 9)
Melody McBroom, Iron Range (District 12)
11:15 am, Round 1: Room E
Competitors:
Kelsie Letts, Calhoun (District 2)
Zoey Zupin, Kent (District 4)
Carmen Beemer, Oceana (District 7)
Sarah Hollon, Clare (District 10)
Clayton Rogers, Wexford (District 9)
11:15 am, Round 1: Room F
Competitors:
Alyssa Otto, Monroe (District 3)
Allison Heinitz, Clinton (District 5)
Amanda Goodfellow, Mecosta (District 7)
Ashley Cooper, Clare (District 10)
2025 Prelims Room Assignments: Round 2
12:30 pm, Round 2: Room A
Competitors:
Emily Swift, St. Joseph (District 1)
Blake Gordon, Sanilac (District 6)
Lane Grieser, Montcalm (District 7)
Kelsie Letts, Calhoun (District 2)
Alyssa Otto, Monroe (District 3)
12:30 pm, Round 2: Room B
Competitors:
Erica Drake, Washtenaw (District 3)
Mark Trowbridge, St. Joseph (District 1)
Tobia Purple, Benzie-Manistee (District 9)
Zoey Zupin, Kent (District 4)
Allison Heinitz, Clinton (District 5)
12:30 pm, Round 2: Room C
Competitors:
Chad Geoit, Kalamazoo (District 1)
Katie Adam, Huron (District 6)
Melody McBroom, Iron Range (District 12)
Clayton Rogers, Wexford (District 9)
Amanda Goodfellow, Mecosta (District 7)
1:15 pm, Round 2: Room D
Competitors:
Jasmine McNary, Sanilac (District 6)
Melissa Fusilier, Washtenaw (District 3)
Rebecca Bahrman, Hiawathaland (District 12)
Carmen Beemer, Oceana (District 7)
Ashley Cooper, Clare (District 10)
1:15 pm, Round 2: Room E
Competitors:
Allison Shoaf-Coats, Clare (District 10)
Logan Crumbaugh, Gratiot (District 8)
Samantha Bos, Ottawa (District 4)
Abby Vittore, Lenawee (District 2)
1:15 pm, Round 2: Room F
Competitors:
Brayden Bonga, Montcalm (District 7)
Brittany Behm, Chippewa (District 12)
Madeleine Smeltzer, Wexford (District 9)
Emily Kropf, Kent (District 4)
Sarah Hollon, Clare (District 10)
8:30-10am Young Farmer Discussion Meet Registration — DeVos Grand Gallery
10-10:20am Young Farmer Discussion Meet Briefing — DeVos Grand Gallery E
10:30-11:30am Young Farmer Discussion Meet Sweet 16 Round 1 — DeVos Grand Gallery A-D
1:45-2:45pm Young Farmer Discussion Meet Sweet 16 Round 2 — DeVos Grand Gallery A-D
2:45-3:45pm Young Farmer Excellence Award Presentation & Final Four Announcement — DeVos Grand Gallery Room CD
6-8:15pm Young Farmer Discussion Meet Finals and Winner Announcement — Awards Banquet, DeVos Ballroom BCD
District 1
- Chad Geoit, Kalamazoo
- Mark Trowbridge, St. Joseph
District 2
- Abby Vittore, Lenawee
District 3
- Melissa Fusilier, Washtenaw
- Alyssa Otto, Monroe
District 4
- Samantha Bos, Ottawa
- Emily Kropf, Kent
- Zoey Zupin, Kent
District 5
- Allison Heinitz, Clinton
District 6
- Katie Adam, Huron
- Blake Gordon, Sanilac
- Jasmine McNary, Sanilac
District 7
- Carmen Beemer, Oceana
- Amanda Goodfellow, Mecosta
District 9
- Madeleine Smeltzer, Wexford
District 10
- Sarah Hollon, Clare
The Sweet 16 and final rounds take place Dec. 2 at the State Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids. The winner will receive $2,000, professional wear and a trip to California to compete in the national contest sponsored by Harvest Solar.
Final Four prizes are provided by Grainger, Michigan Farm Bureau Health Services and KEY Apparel.
District 2
- Abby Vittore, Lenawee
District 3
- Melissa Fusilier, Washtenaw
District 4
- Samantha Bos, Ottawa
District 9
- Madeleine Smeltzer, Wexford
District 2
- Abby Vittore, Lenawee
- Preliminary round question: Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of environmental stewardship. From soil health to local ecosystems, producers are concerned about how to be both environmentally and financially sustainable. How can farmers and ranchers effectively advance environmental stewardship while balancing the needs of their farms?
- Urban sprawl presents significant challenges for farmers and ranchers, impacting access to land and resources. We see that 1.9 million acres of agricultural land are lost to development each year. How can Farm Bureau help promote responsible growth in communities while mitigating the loss of farms, ranches, and the agrarian way of life?
- Technology has made the world more interconnected than ever, creating new avenues for communication with policymakers. How can digital engagement be leveraged to effectively connect Farm Bureau members with their local, state, and national elected and appointed officials?
- There are numerous resources available to support seamless farm and ranch succession planning. How can Farm Bureau help increase understanding, access and utilization of tools and resources that help facilitate the smooth transition of land and capital from one generation to the next?
- Preliminary round question: Farm Bureau offers a diverse range of member benefits at the state and national levels. What strategies can be implemented to ensure members are fully informed about the savings on products and services available to them? Additionally, how can young farmers and ranchers leverage these industry relationships to strengthen local partnerships and increase utilization of these discounts to keep their operations running smoothly? (Preliminary round question)
The winner received $2,000, professional wear and a trip to California to compete in the national contest sponsored by Harvest Solar.
Final Four prizes are provided by Grainger, Michigan Farm Bureau Health Services and KEY Apparel.
Collegiate Meet — Wednesday, Dec. 3
7:45-8:15am Collegiate Meet Registration — DeVos Grand Gallery
8:15-8:30am Collegiate Discussion Meet Briefing — DeVos Grand Gallery A
8:30-9:15am Collegiate Discussion Meet Round 1 — DeVos Grand Gallery Rooms
9:30-10:15am Collegiate Discussion Meet Round 2 — DeVos Grand Gallery Rooms
10:45-11:00am Collegiate Discussion Meet Finalists Announcement — DeVos Grand Gallery DE
11:30am-12:30pm Collegiate Discussion Meet Finals — DeVos Grand Gallery AB
12:45-2:30pm Collegiate Discussion Meet Winners Announcement — Member Engagement Lunch, DeVos Ballroom BCD
Delta Collegiate FB
- Kaiya Guziak
- Isabelle Diehl
- Caiden Geiger
Glen Oaks
- Jenna Sheffler
Kellogg Collegiate FB
- Randi Miller
- Patrick Priesman
Montcalm Collegiate FB
- Nicole Hollabaugh
MSU Main Campus
- Sara Dammann
- Rayana Slack
- Emma Totzke
Northwestern Michigan
- Mia Bontekoe
Delta Collegiate FB
- Isabelle Diehl, Midland
- Kaiya Guziak, Saginaw
MSU Collegiate FB
- Sara Dammann, Shiawassee
Montcalm Collegiate FB
- Nicole Hollabaugh, Gratiot
Montcalm Collegiate FB
- Nicole Hollabaugh, Gratiot
All competitors will participate in Opening Round One and Opening Round Two. The top six combined scores from the opening rounds will move on to the Final Round. All questions are based on questions provided by the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher National Committee.
- Opening Round One: Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of environmental stewardship. From soil health to local ecosystems, producers are concerned about how to be both environmentally and financially sustainable. How can farmers and ranchers effectively advance environmental stewardship while balancing the needs of their farms?
- Opening Round Two: Farm Bureau offers a wide range of member benefits, including discounts on ag-related products and services. What creative strategies can be used to help more members — especially young farmers — understand and take full advantage of these benefits? How might these partnerships be promoted locally to support farm businesses and build stronger connections between members and industry partners?
- Final Round: What are some challenges facing farmers or agriculture in your community? Suppose your youth organization wanted to make a difference or create change. What strategies could you use to raise awareness, organize support, and connect with local, state, or national leaders?
All prizes are courtesy of DTE Energy and the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture. Third Place will receive a $200 cash prize and plaque. The state runner-up will receive a $300 cash prize and plaque. The state winner will receive $500, a Collegiate Farm Bureau polo, luggage, a plaque and an all-expenses paid trip for them and a guest to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference this coming March in Portland, Oregon to represent Michigan at the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet Competition.
High School Meet — Wednesday, Dec. 3
7:45-8:15am High School Discussion Meet Registration — DeVos Grand Gallery
8:15-8:30am High School Discussion Meet Briefing — DeVos Grand Gallery D
8:30-9:15am High School Discussion Meet Round 1 — DeVos Grand Gallery Rooms
9:30-10:15am High School Discussion Meet Round 2 — DeVos Grand Gallery Rooms
10:45-11:00am High School Discussion Meet Finalists Announcement — DeVos Grand Gallery DE
11:30am-12:30pm High School Discussion Meet Finals — DeVos Grand Gallery DE
12:45-2:30pm High School Discussion Meet Winners Announcement — Member Engagement Lunch, DeVos Ballroom BCD
- Jane Adkins, Washtenaw County 4-H
- Tommy Clowers, Capac FFA
- Ryder Cornett, Jonesville FFA
Frankie Eddy, Lowell FFA
Gavin Fitchett, Perry FFA
Owen McMaster, Corunna FFA - Ryley Miller, Ionia FFA
Holly Mitchell, Lenawee Tech Center FFA - Sydney Protzman, Laker FFA
Maleah Roth, Growing Goers 4-H
Jordyn Schultz, Clare-Gladwin FFA
Olivia Searlz, Branch Area Careers Center FFA
Elizabeth Stanke, Charlotte FFA
Celia Walker, Ravenna FFA - Elise Wedge, Hopkins FFA
- Katie Welter, Huron View 4-H
- Tommy Clowers, Capac FFA
Ryder Cornett, Jonesville FFA
Ryley Miller, Ionia FFA
Sydney Protzman, Laker FFA
Elise Wedge, Hopkins FFA
Katie Welter, Huron View 4-H
- Ryley Miller, Ionia FFA
- Round One Question: As more land is used for housing, stores, and roads, there’s less space for farming. What are some creative ways we could grow more food using less land? And how can farmers and communities work together to make land-use decisions that benefit both?
- Round Two Question: Youth organizations like 4-H, FFA, and student government offer valuable experiences — but not every student knows about them. How can these programs create more ways for students to get involved and stay engaged? What role can community partners like Farm Bureau, schools, businesses, and local leaders play in helping these organizations thrive.
- Final Round Question: Farmers work hard to protect the land, water, and animals they depend on — while also keeping their farms successful. What are some ways they can care for the environment and still run a strong, profitable farm? And how can farmers and ag supporters share these ideas with others to help more people use them?
The winner of the High School meet receives $250 in cash and a plaque while the runner-up receives $150 and a plaque. The prizes are provided by DTE Energy and the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture.
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