Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation News Release�October 10, 2005

UW student wins Collegiate Discussion Meet

Laramie--Discussions about today�s perception of the agriculture industry and agri-terrorism led University of Wyoming (UW) student Clayton Elliott to win the second annual Wyoming Farm Bureau (WyFB) Young Farmer & Rancher Collegiate Discussion Meet. Elliott competed Oct. 5 with six other agriculture students in the event held at the UW College of Agriculture.

Elliott won $300 cash from the WyFB and a trip to the national competition Feb. 25-27, 2006 in Des Moines, Iowa. Sponsorship from the First Interstate Bank�UW Student Union Branch will make the national trip possible. He also received a $50 gift certificate to the UW Bookstore from the College of Agriculture Office of Academic and Student Programs.

Elliott is an agriculture business and environment and natural resources major from Powell. His family raises quarter horses near Powell. Elliott is a former Wyoming state FFA officer.

Stacia Berry, UW, was named the runner-up and was awarded a $150 cash prize. Berry, of Cheyenne, is majoring in animal science with business and communications options. Becki Boyd, UW, and Jessica Gunter, an Eastern Wyoming College student, made the final four round. Boyd and Gunter each received a $25 beef gift certificate.

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, contestants gain experience in analyzing and solving agricultural problems. Contestants are judged on their knowledge of the subject, but more important is their �cooperative attitude� which includes listening, asking pertinent questions, securing major agreement and airing all points of view.

�We were thrilled with the participation and performance of the students,� Kristi Ellis, WyFB YF&R Chair, said. �The collegiate competition provides a great opportunity for these students to showcase their knowledge and learn more about Farm Bureau�s YF&R program.�

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