Arkansas Tech University student Lauren Massey won the Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet at the 2025 Arkansas Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, which was hosted by Arkansas Farm Bureau Feb. 7-8 in Fort Smith.
According to information provided by Arkansas Farm Bureau, the competition “simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant.”
Logical thinking, listening, concise and direct speaking, an appreciation for the value of compromise and problem solving are additional learning outcomes Arkansas Farm Bureau states that it seeks to generate through the competition.
“By participating, young men and women build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems,” reads further information provided by Arkansas Farm Bureau. “The discussion meet gives young men and women an opportunity to strengthen their ability to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions.”
Massey is an ATU agriculture business major from Paris. She has served as an ATU orientation leader, ATU College Panhellenic Council executive board member and member of Alpha Sigma Tau.
“Arkansas Farm Bureau has blessed me in so many ways over the years,” said Massey. “It is such an honor to represent the Arkansas Tech University Department of Agriculture and Tourism and bring home an award in something I’m so passionate about. I am so thankful for Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference.”
Learn more about the ATU agriculture program at www.atu.edu/agriculture.
