Wyoming rancher advances to American Farm Bureau Federation discussion meet in Phoenix

Albany County, Wyoming, rancher Stacy Berger received $500 and a trip to Phoenix at a recent Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet.

Berger competed Nov. 12 with other young farmers and ranchers in the event at the Wyoming Farm Bureau annual meeting in Laramie. 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 age 18-35. Contestants are given predetermined topics and are judged on their knowledge, speaking ability, their ability to participate in a committee meeting and listen to others and air all points of view.

Berger will represent the Wyoming Farm Bureau in the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet to be held Jan. 6-11 in Phoenix. 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 said she is looking forward to discussing agriculture issues with farmers and ranchers from around the nation.

“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,” she said. “I’m hoping people will be challenged and encouraged to do the same thing for themselves.”