WyFB News Release -- November 16, 2005

CONTACT: Kerin Clark, WyFB Media Director/YF&R Coordinator, 307-532-2002 or kclark@wyfb.org

 PLATTE COUNTY�S AMY JOHNSTON WINS WYOMING FARM BUREAU YF&R DISCUSSION MEET

            CASPER-- Discussing day-to-day issues at the coffee shop is one thing.  Discussing them with a microphone and an audience is another.  The latter discussion can get you $500 cash and a trip to Nashville.  And, that is just what Amy Johnston, of Wheatland, did.

            Johnston, of Platte County, was the winner of the 2005 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Discussion Meet.  The fourth annual Discussion Meet was held during the annual meeting Nov. 10-12 in Casper.

            Participating in three different rounds, the contestants were judged on their knowledge of the issue, cooperative attitude, speaking and listening skills.  Contestants discussed �What risk does agri-terrorism pose to national security� in the final round.  Johnston also showcased her speaking skills in the preliminary rounds by discussing �How does the public perception of American farmers and ranchers affect agriculture?� and �Do educational programs improve the public perception of agriculture?�

            The contest 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, members gain experience in analyzing and solving agricultural problems.

            For her talents, Johnston received a $500 cash award and binoculars from Dodge Trucks. She also won an all-expense paid trip to Nashville, Tenn. to compete in the national Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting where the grand prize is a Dodge Truck.

            Johnston ranches with her parents near Wheatland.  They have a stocker and cow/calf operation as well as raise crops.  Johnston is the chairperson of the Platte County Fair Board and a member of the Town of Wheatland planning and zoning committee.  She is involved in �Sister Act,� a musical singing group.  She also sits on the St. Patrick�s Church Finance Council.  She is the secretary/treasurer for the Platte County Farm Bureau and a Southeast District representative on the Young Farmer & Rancher Committee.  Johnston graduated from the University of Wyoming with an accounting degree.

            Dale Heggem, of Laramie County, was the runner-up.  He received a $250 cash award from Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company.

            The strength of Farm Bureau is largely its ability to involve members in analyzing agricultural problems.  The Discussion Meet provides an opportunity for greater participation on the part of young, active farmers and ranchers.  To be eligible for competition, contestants must be a regular member of WyFB between the ages of 18-35 and be involved in agriculture.

            The YF&R Competitive Events are held each year at the state annual meeting.  For more information, contact Kerin Clark, WyFB YF&R Coordinator, at 532.2002 orkclark@wyfb.org or visit www.wyfb.org.

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