Article by Mike Clifford
Adams State University students from the campus chapter of the Collegiate Farm Bureau finished strong at the state discussion meet in Denver, Nov. 19-21. Mattea Klein earned first place, Chasey Blach took second, and Wyatt Barton brought home fourth in the statewide competition. Christian Santistevan, Taylor Lewis and Katy Delsaso also traveled to Denver. All will attend the national American Farm Bureau Federation convention in February, with Klein competing in the national discussion meet.
A discussion meet gives students the chance to actively participate in a simulated committee meeting, such as ranchers or farmers might attend in real life, where they exchange ideas, learn about agricultural issues and work to develop consensus and solve problems, according to the farm bureau website.
Klein, a senior seeking a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in agribusiness while also working on her Master of Business Administration degree, said the discussion meet is her favorite part of the collegiate farm bureau conference. “We are all different people with different ideas and it’s interesting to see that all come together during the discussions,” Klein said.
According to Blach, a junior elementary education major with an agricultural business minor, he “was completely prepared for the discussion meet” because of discussions about ideas and concepts in Adams State classes.
Barton, who majors in business administration with an emphasis in agribusiness, said his amazing advisor at Adams State, Zena Buser, Ph.D., professor of business, and a community “that is willing to dedicate their time and resources to help” were factors in the team’s accomplishments.
Santistevan, a junior agribusiness major, said, after graduation, he wants to continue his passion in agriculture by “emphasizing the importance of farmers and ranchers to everyone in society.” Lewis gave credit to “peers that have competed in the past” who worked with the students for the success of the team. Lewis is a sophomore with a double major in business administration with an emphasis in agriculture and digital marketing.
Overall, Adams State and the San Luis Valley “were very well represented” at the events, according to Buser.
