Albany County rancher Stacy Berger discussed agriculture issues at a recent Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet and earned $500 cash and a trip to Phoenix, Ariz. Berger competed Nov. 12 with other young farmers and ranchers in the event held at the Wyoming Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Laramie.

Berger will represent the Wyoming Farm Bureau in the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet Jan. 6-11, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz. The winner at the national level receives the choice of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra truck courtesy of Chevrolet. The three finalists at the national level receive a Case IH Farmall 50ATractor courtesy of Case IH, $2,500 cash and $500 in STIHL merchandise.

Berger is looking forward to discussing agriculture issues with farmers and ranchers from around the nation. She stated the Discussion Meet is just one of many great opportunities provided through Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher program.

“I hope to inspire others to compete because it is something that takes your advocacy to the next level as far as speaking and being in front of people,” Berger stated. “I’m hoping people will be challenged and encouraged to do the same thing for themselves.”

According to Berger, the YF&R program training and opportunities such as the Discussion Meet provide young farmers and ranchers with that next step in agriculture advocacy. “It is rewarding to be a voice for agriculture as a young rancher,” Berger explained. “Through Farm Bureau we have learned how to speak out on the issues that impact us on our family’s ranch. Competing in the Discussion Meet is another great training opportunity to help us formulate good, solid discussion for agriculture policy.”

The Discussion Meet competition provides the opportunity for young producers to hone their speaking skills and prepare for policy discussions. The competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each committee member. The competition was open to Wyoming Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18-35.

Contestants are given pre-determined topics. They are judged on their knowledge, speaking ability, ability to participate in a committee meeting and listen to others and air all points of view.

Berger and her husband, Kyle, ranch in Albany County. Their four children (Kaden, Bayla, Bryndal and Bexton) are the sixth generation to grow up on the family ranch.

Visit wyfb.org and click on the WyFB YF&R Facebook link to view more photos from the competition.

The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general agriculture organization. Members work together from the grassroots to develop agricultural policy, programs and services to enhance the rural lifestyle of Wyoming. On the web, www.wyfb.org.