Bismarck, N.D. – NDFB is inviting young farmers and ranchers to take part in a series of opportunities designed to build leadership, communication skills, and policy engagement through the NDFB Discussion Meet.
To help participants prepare, NDFB will host a Discussion Meet Webinar on Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. (CT). The webinar will be held online and is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Discussion Meet, whether they are participating for the first time or hoping to advance to the national level.
The interactive session will introduce participants to the Discussion Meet format and provide guided discussion around this year’s American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Discussion Meet questions. Topics include urban sprawl and farmland preservation, digital engagement with policymakers, farm and ranch succession planning, environmental stewardship, and Farm Bureau member benefits.
“This webinar is designed to create a welcoming space for participants to practice discussion, think critically about real-world agricultural issues, and gain confidence ahead of the competition,” said NDFB Director of Organizational Development Joey Bailey. “The Discussion Meet is not a debate, but a conversation—one that helps develop the next generation of Farm Bureau leaders.”
The 2026 NDFB Discussion Meet will take place on January 31 during the NDFB Farm and Ranch Conference, held at the Astoria Hotel in Dickinson. The conference brings together farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders from across the state for education and networking.
The winner of the NDFB Discussion Meet will receive $4,000 in cash and earn the opportunity to represent North Dakota at the national AFBF Discussion Meet in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027.
Participants are encouraged to attend the webinar for insight and preparation ahead of the Discussion Meet. Webinar details are available at www.ndfb.org/events/
