Opelika, AL – Nine students from Alabama colleges gathered in Opelika on October 18 for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s inaugural statewide Collegiate Discussion Meet. The competition, hosted by the Federation State Young Farmers Committee, aimed to simulate a committee meeting where participants tackled issues affecting agriculture and Alabama farmers.
The meet was open to full-time undergraduate students aged 18 to 35, enrolled in any Alabama community college or university, and featured spirited discussions on topics like agricultural land, sustainable energy sources, and engaging younger generations in the agriculture sector.
Emerging victorious was Etowah County native and Auburn University (AU) junior Bryer Morrison. Morrison, who is majoring in animal sciences with a pre-vet concentration, won a $1,000 scholarship provided by the Federation and Farm Bureau Bank. He will advance to represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s FUSION Conference in Denver, Colorado, next March.
Other top performers included:
- Second Place: Kayden Ray, a freshman from Tallapoosa County, studying agriscience education at AU, secured a $750 scholarship.
- Third Place: John Braxton Rhodes of Escambia County, an AU junior majoring in biological and agricultural technology management, earned a $500 scholarship.
- Fourth Place: Ryan Koger from DeKalb County, a sophomore at AU focusing on agricultural business and economics, received a $250 scholarship.
Hunter McBrayer, the Federation Young Farmers Division Director, lauded the participants for their dedication and knowledge.
“This competition gives students real-world experiences and opportunities to network with their peers,” McBrayer noted. “They came prepared to discuss agricultural land, energy sources, and ways to keep younger generations involved in the ag industry. We were proud to see good turnout and look forward to growing this event next year.”
The event not only showcased the talents of these promising students but also underscored the ongoing commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders in Alabama’s agricultural industry.
