Collegiate Discussion Meet Results

​BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Adam Loker, of Wayne City, took first place in Illinois Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet, held on Friday, Nov. 1.
Loker, a Junior at Southern Illinois University, is a member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau and Southern Illinois University Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. He will go on to represent Illinois in the national Collegiate Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s FUSION Conference March 7-10 in Denver, Colorado.
In addition to a $200 cash prize, Loker will receive an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s FUSION Conference and the IAA Annual Meeting in December, and a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of GROWMARK, Inc.
The IFB Collegiate Discussion Meet judges contestants’ ability to manage small group discussions. It is an opportunity for students to exhibit open-mindedness and knowledge while retaining a flexible position. Participants exchange facts and insights on a pre-determined topic while practicing teamwork and brainstorming logical solutions for difficult problems in the agriculture industry.
The event consists of three parts: opening statements, open discussion and closing statements. Participants are scored by judges based on their problem solving and implementation, analysis of the topic, cooperative attitude and delivery.
In total, 20 students competed in the meet at IFB’s home office in Bloomington. Final four participants included:
·       Second place: Derek Sample, Southern Illinois University, Franklin County
·       Third place: Gracie Murphy, Southern Illinois University, McDonough County
·       Fourth place: Benjamin Bremmer, University of Illinois, Stephenson County
About Illinois Farm Bureau
Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 365,535 and a farmer membership of 74,937. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.
Learn more about Illinois agriculture at www.ilfb.org. Connect with Illinois Farm Bureau on Facebook: Illinois Farm Bureau | Facebook. Follow IFB on Instagram @ilfarmbureau or on X @ILFarmBureau.
 
For  picture: Final Four Round competitors pictured from left to right: Benjamin Bremmer, University of Illinois, Gracie Murphy, Southern Illinois University, Adam Loker, Southern Illinois University, Derek Sample, Southern Illinois University.