Young Farmers and Ranchers Contest
Collegiate Discussion Meet
NCSU's Crystal Roberts of Weaverville won NCFB's 2008 Collegiate Discussion Meet, and went on to win nationally at American Farm Bureau's Collegiate Discussion Meet.
The Collegiate Discussion Meet Award recognizes a college student majoring in an agricultural or related field of study. Etheridge’s knowledge of agricultural issues and public speaking and debate skills were judged to be the most effective in regard to consensus building on some of the real issues impacting today’s agricultural industry.
The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges are looking for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.