Young Leaders Discussion Meet
August 12 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Eligibility
- Competitors shall be an active Illinois Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35 in good standing with their County Farm Bureau in the membership system as of 7 days prior to the district contest.
- The individual shall have reached his/her 18th birthday at the time of the district contest and shall not have reached his/her 36th birthday by January 31st of when the national competition is held.
- Must display a sincere interest in the agricultural industry.
- Competitors may compete in the Discussion Meet AND either the Achievement Award OR Excellence in Agriculture Award in the same year; however, if named State Winner in multiple programs, they may only represent 1 at the national level.
- Current members of the IFB State Young Leader Committee are ineligible.
- Previous Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Discussion Meet state winners are ineligible.
- Current employees or agents of county, state and/or the American Farm Bureau organizations and their affiliates are ineligible. Past employees responsible for implementing YF&R Competitive Events in the past 6 years at the state or national level are ineligible.
- Professional speakers (those who received a fee, royalty, or honorarium for speaking within 24 months prior to the IFB State Discussion Meet) are ineligible. Reimbursement for travel or expenses is excluded.
Resources to help prepare for the 2026 Young Leader District Discussion Meets
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2026 Young Leader District Discussion Meet Topics
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2025 IFB Young Leader Meet Manual
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Manual is being updated to updated brand guidelines. Rules from 2025 have remained consistent.
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2026 Illinois Farm Bureau Policy Book
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2026 AFBF Policy Book
Contact Annabelle Schaffnit with questions and to get registered – acfbmanager@adams.net or 217-222-7305