By Blake Jackson
Courtney Taibi of Greenville, New York, advanced to the final four in the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Collegiate Discussion Meet, held during the four-day YF&R Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon.
A sophomore at Cornell University studying animal science on a pre-vet track, Taibi earned her spot in the national competition after winning the New York Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet.
The Collegiate Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting, where participants are expected to actively engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and work toward practical solutions on agricultural topics. The event develops leadership skills and prepares young Farm Bureau members for future roles in agriculture and their communities.
This year, 36 competitors from across the country participated.
“Courtney Taibi deserves congratulations for her outstanding achievement at the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet. Reaching the final four is a testament to Courtney’s hard work, thoughtful leadership, and dedication to advancing agriculture through meaningful dialogue," said Richard De Meyer, chair of the New York Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and a New York Farm Bureau board member.
"On behalf of New York Farm Bureau, I am incredibly proud of the way Courtney represented our state and the future of agriculture on a national stage.”
The competition was won by Sara Bair of Utah State University. Other finalists in the final four included Torrie Reed of Georgia and Brooke Beamesderfer of Pennsylvania.
CHS Foundation awarded $18,000 in scholarships for the competition. Taibi received a total of $2,100, including amounts for national participation, advancement to the Sweet 16, and her final-four placement.
AFBF’s YF&R program engages young Farm Bureau members aged 18-35, providing opportunities to grow as leaders in both Farm Bureau and their communities.
Photo Credit: american-farm-bureau-federation
Categories: New York, Business, Education