Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • ces.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: Feb. 14, 2007

 

UW ag student a finalist in national competition

            University of Wyoming College of Agriculture student Stacia Berry placed in the “Final Four” at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Collegiate Discussion Meet.  

            Berry, of Cheyenne, competed against 26 other students from around the nation Feb. 11 in Jacksonville, Fla. She earned a $1,000 college scholarship for placing as a finalist.

“The scholarship is fantastic,” Berry said. “It will help pay for my last year of college. It is exciting the Farm Bureau is willing to fund the future young farmers and ranchers who are still finishing their formal education. I am very grateful.”

            Halsey Wallace, a senior majoring in agricultural education at Montana State University in Bozeman, won the meet while Berry and the other two finalists earned “Final Four” distinction.

            Berry landed a spot in the competition and represented the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) after winning WyFB’s state YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet last October on the UW campus.

At nationals, Berry competed in two preliminary rounds before advancing to the finals. The topic discussed in the final round was “What are the effects of Animal ID on U.S. agriculture?”

            Berry, a junior, is pursuing a degree in animal science with business and communications options. Her adviser is Professor Doug Hixon, head of the Department of Animal Science.

“The exciting part for me wasn’t just the education, it was learning more about Farm Bureau and the Young Farmer & Rancher program,” Berry explained. “Being there and meeting the people have me hooked. I absolutely love what Farm Bureau is doing for young farmers and ranchers. I am just in awe and have complete appreciation.”

            Berry is an agriculture senator for the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming, is a College of Agriculture ambassador, and is a past president of the UW Delta Delta Delta chapter. She is the daughter of Jay and Janice Berry of Cheyenne.

            The Collegiate Discussion Meet is an activity designed to help participants 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, said Kerin Clark, media and member relations director for the WyFB.

             “Farm Bureau’s strength depends on its members’ ability to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their needs,” Clark said.

Berry noted, “The Collegiate Discussion Meet is a practical application of everything you are learning in school. It provides an opportunity to articulate that knowledge in a group setting and come to consensus on a given topic.”

The national trip was made possible in part by sponsorship from the First Interstate Bank-UW Student Union Branch.

Clark said the purpose of the YF&R program is to develop leaders for the betterment of agriculture and Farm Bureau. The program is open to Wyoming agriculture producers between the ages of 18-35 and offers opportunities in competitive events, leadership development, networking and legislative and educational opportunities.  For details see www.wyfb.org.

###