A dedication to solving issues in agriculture and the ability to discuss them propelled one young man to the top in this year’s Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Discussion Meet.
Josh Ritchey of Erath County was announced the 2020 YF&R Discussion Meet winner during TFB’s 87th annual meeting on Nov. 30.
Ritchey grows hay, raises horses and cattle and operates a pumpkin patch, corn maze and agritourism venue on his farm outside Stephenville.
“Farm Bureau’s future depends on our members’ ability to analyze challenges we’re facing in agriculture and come up with solutions,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “Through dialogue in the Discussion Meet, young farmers and ranchers discuss creative solutions and improvement goals. Those problem-solving skills are an important tool to develop and nurture as agriculture continues to evolve.”
The YF&R Discussion Meet, which was held virtually this year, is designed to simulate a committee meeting, where discussion and active participation are expected from each contestant.
Ritchey will receive an ATV, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and a $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit.
Ritchey will represent Texas in the national Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet hosted by American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The winner of the national
The winner of the national contest will receive a $35,000 credit toward a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford Motor Company.