Attaining knowledge can be likened to knocking open a door to a new world.

One way young farmers can force their way through the doors that might block their paths to greater prosperity is the garnering of new knowledge through the experience of networking with participants of North Carolina Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program.

New opportunities for social interaction and friendly competition are provided each year when young farmers vie for success in NCFB’s Achievement, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet competitions.

Did We Mention Prizes?
In addition to good company, new ideas and social interaction among peers, winners of various YF&R competitions at both the state and national levels receive several nice prizes.

Winners of NCFB’s Achievement, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet competitions receive an expenses-paid trip for themselves and their spouses to the 91st Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Seattle, Wash.

In Seattle, AFBF’s Achievement Award winner will receive a 2010 well-equipped Dodge pickup truck.

The winner also earns paid registration to the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Tulsa, Okla. Four state runners-up will also earn prizes, which have yet to be determined.

The AFBF Discussion Meet winner is awarded a 2010 well-equipped Dodge pickup truck. The winner of this competition will also receive complimentary registration for the YF&R Leadership Conference. Finalists will also be awarded valuable prizes.

The winner of the AFBF Excellence in Agriculture award will take home a 2010 Dodge well-equipped pickup truck, and finalists for the national prize will be awarded significant awards.

North Carolina Prizes
During NCFB’s 74th Annual Convention to be held in Greensboro in December, the Achievement Award and Discussion Meet winners will each be awarded an ATV or equivalent in prizes and gifts, as well as $500 from Dodge. Runners-up in the two categories will each receive $500. The Excellence in Agriculture state winner will earn $500 from NCFB and $500 from Dodge, while runnersup will each get $200.

Collegiate Discussion Meet
The winner of NCFB’s college-level Discussion Meet will be awarded $500 and a trip to the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Tulsa, Okla. Runners-up will get $100.