OKFB to host high school discussion meet Nov. 5 in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Farm Bureau invites Oklahoma high school students to sharpen their discussion skills at the 2026 OKFB High School Discussion Meet Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City.

Competitors will discuss agricultural ideas and policies in a round-table discussion format, working cooperatively to share their experiences and ideas to discover solutions and opportunities for agriculture.

The event will begin on Nov. 5 with an orientation at 2:30 p.m. and the competition following at 3 p.m.

Contestants will compete in two open rounds of discussion with three to five students per room. The top four students from the first two rounds will advance to the final round at the end of the evening.

At the beginning of each round, students will be asked a question from the list below as the topic for their discussion.

The judges will evaluate the competitors based on their participation, knowledge of agricultural issues and their ability to work collaboratively toward a solution.

The winners will be announced at the conclusion of the discussion meet, and cash prizes will be presented to the top four competitors on-stage at the OKFB annual meeting in Oklahoma City Friday, Nov. 6. The prize amounts are $750 for first place, $500 for second place, $300 for third place and $150 for fourth place.

Registration is open through Saturday, Oct. 10 using the form below.

For questions about the high school discussion meet, contact Holly Carroll.

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2026 high school discussion meet questions

1. Growth in rural areas can strain rural energy infrastructure. How can Farm Bureau work with stakeholders to advocate for proactive planning at the local, state and national levels that safeguards affordable, reliable energy access for farmers and ranchers as well as their rural neighbors while protecting farmland from unnecessary eminent domain?
   
2. Rural and large animal veterinary practices and professionals continue to decrease in numbers across the country. How can Farm Bureau help attract and retain rural and large animal veterinarians for member communities?
   
3. Increased public concern over healthy diets and chronic childhood disease has raised questions, as well as criticism, about modern agriculture and the food system. How can Farm Bureau effectively engage in this discussion and advocate for the critical science-based tools and research farmers need to fulfill their commitment to grow healthy, sustainable food, fiber and fuel?
   
4. How can Farm Bureau and its young leaders leverage relationships with agricultural youth organizations to attract more young leaders to the Young Farmers & Ranchers program?

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