Four student members to compete in Collegiate Discussion Meet

/image/cache/26_AM_logo_top_with_ndfb_copy.png

November 5, 2026

Topic: Leadership

Bismarck, N.D. - Four NDFB student members have advanced to the state Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. The competition's final round will be held during the 84th NDFB Annual Meeting, Nov. 20-21, at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center.

The finalists are:

North Dakota State University: Tessa Zarak, left, and Haley McLeod.

Dickinson State University: Grady Bock and Lily Johnson

The Discussion Meet is a competition that simulates a committee meeting. Participants discuss agricultural issues and work together toward solutions, and are judged on cooperative problem-solving rather than debate.

The Final Four round will take place Friday evening, Nov. 20, following the afternoon delegate session. Finalists will discuss the following question: "Rural and large animal veterinary practices and professionals continue to decrease in numbers across the country. How can Farm Bureau help attract and retain rural and large animal veterinarians for member communities?

The winner will be announced at the social that evening and will represent North Dakota at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) FUSION Conference in New Orleans in March.

"If you have ever doubted the future of agriculture, I encourage you to sit in on a collegiate discussion about solving modern issues in ag," said Joey Bailey, NDFB's Director of Organization Development. "What a refreshing evening I had getting to judge the NDSU Discussion Meet. These kids are the future of ag, and the future is bright."

The 84th NDFB Annual Meeting brings members from across the state to Bismarck to set the organization's policy for the coming year.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall will be in attendance Friday afternoon, Nov. 20, as delegates convene for policy discussions. Delegates will continue discussions Saturday, Nov. 21, along with board and committee elections. The annual meeting wraps up on Saturday night with a banquet featuring Dallas Pryor & The Lazy Wayne Band.

Registration for the NDFB Annual Meeting is available online at https://www.eventleaf.com/e/ndfb-annual-meeting.