Kylie Wheeler of Henry County Wins Discussion Meet Competition at Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention

Kylie Wheeler of Henry County is the winner of the 2023 Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Discussion Meet. The competition, which was held Dec. 14-15 in Fort Wayne as part of the INFB annual state convention, is one of the four major awards presented to Farm Bureau members aged 35 and younger. During the competition, contestants participated in a group discussion that simulates a committee meeting.

Wheeler and the other finalists discussed common dilemmas and potential problems facing farmers in America. Topics and questions included the following:

Young farmers and ag professionals face challenges gaining access to the capital they need to start or grow their operations. What tools are currently available and what new programs could be introduced to help young people access financial resources and make sound financial decisions to run their farms?

What is sustainable agriculture and how can Farm Bureau help farmers and ag professionals access market-based solutions that advance sustainability goals without restricting their ability to stock America’s pantries, help feed a growing population and maintain farm profitability?

Farm Bureau’s role is to broadly represent all producers. How can Farm Bureau further welcome and engage diverse agricultural communities and cultivate dynamic future leaders?

Agriculture uses water for everything from growing crops to raising livestock to moving products to and from farms. How can Farm Bureau help address water management challenges and seek long-term solutions for farmers and ag professionals?

This year’s INFB Discussion Meet consisted of four rounds of competition, including semifinal and “Final Four” rounds. During the final round, the contestants competed, discussing how Farm Bureau can help elected leaders better understand the challenges of the agriculture sector and the importance of supporting the financial viability of America’s family farms and ranches. This year’s winner was announced at convention on Dec. 15.

Wheeler now advances to the national Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet, which will be held during the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention, Jan. 19-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wheeler studied agricultural economics with a concentration in sales and marketing at Purdue University. She currently works at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture as a district support specialist with the division of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Wheeler also serves on the Henry County Farm Bureau board as the county education outreach coordinator.

As the winner of the INFB Discussion Meet, Wheeler receives a $4,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and expenses paid to the national convention in Salt Lake City. The three runners-up were Austin Sinders of Clay County, Caleb Purkhiser of Washington County and Cody Pate of Posey County. The runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

For more than 100 years, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has protected and enhanced the future of agriculture and our communities. As the state’s largest general farm organization, INFB works diligently to cultivate a thriving agricultural ecosystem to strengthen the viability of Indiana agriculture. Learn more at INFB.org.