During the 102nd annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Matthew McClanahan of Cumberland County was named the state winner in the Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers State Discussion Meet contest.

The discussion meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting consisting of discussion and active participation. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop an understanding of agricultural issues, and explore how groups can work together to solve an issue. Successful participants are productive thinkers rather than emotional persuaders and assist the group in creating ways to implement the solutions discussed and highlight the Farm Bureau’s involvement in those actions.

“The discussion meet is an excellent way for our young farmers to showcase the knowledge of pertinent issues facing the industry and discuss possible solutions,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry. “We congratulate Matthew on this achievement and wish him the best of luck as he represents Tennessee nationally.”

Tri-Green Equipment is the sponsor of this event, awarding a Z-trak mower to Matthew.

He will compete at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City in January.

Tennessee Farm Bureau is the largest Farm Bureau in the nation, with a membership of more than 688,000. The organization has served as the voice of agriculture since 1921, with the same mission a century later – to develop, foster, promote, and protect programs for the general welfare, including the economic, social, educational, and political well-being of farm people of Tennessee.

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Jay Hamlett (left) with Tri-Green Equipment presents Matthew McClanahan with a plaque for winning the YF&R State Discussion Meet Contest.