LEE COUNTY, AL. — Auburn University student Jackson Cleary of Calhoun County took top honors in the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Collegiate Discussion Meet on Oct. 2, earning a scholarship and the opportunity to represent Alabama in national competition.
The event brought 18 students from five Alabama colleges and universities to Lee County to discuss challenges facing agriculture and explore potential solutions through a format designed to simulate a committee meeting.
During two preliminary rounds, competitors discussed the shortage of large-animal veterinarians and ways Farm Bureau organizations could use relationships with 4-H and FFA to help prepare the next generation for careers in agriculture.
The final discussion focused on supply chain challenges within the meat-processing industry and ways Farm Bureau could help address those issues.
“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.”
The competition is intended to strengthen students’ problem-solving, collaboration and public-speaking skills while encouraging discussion of issues affecting agriculture.
Cleary received a $1,000 scholarship for his first-place finish. He will represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation Fusion Conference in New Orleans in March.
Auburn University’s Lydia East of Cherokee County finished second and received $750. Troy University’s Mackenzie Smith of Marshall County placed third and received $500, while Auburn University’s Belle Sansom of Baldwin County finished fourth and received $250.
Alabama Farmers Federation Ag Leadership Programs and Young Farmers Director Hunter McBrayer said this year’s Collegiate Discussion Meet was the largest held to date.
“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,” McBrayer said.
Students participating in the competition represented Auburn University, Troy University, Southern Union State Community College, Tuskegee University and the University of Alabama.
McBrayer said the event also gives students an opportunity to develop professional connections with fellow competitors, committee members and agricultural industry representatives.
“Everyone leaves with a new experience,” he said. “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 committee members and other agricultural professionals serving as judges. Scholarship prizes were made possible by Farm Bureau Bank.
Cleary said the benefits of participating extend beyond the scholarship award.
“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,” Cleary said. “It doesn’t matter what career you go into, whether it’s agriculture or not, you use those skills all the time.”
Cleary did not grow up on a farm but said his involvement in FFA led him toward agriculture and ultimately his decision to pursue a degree in agriscience education.
“FFA is the only reason I’m here today,” Cleary 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.”
