Alex Gilles of Daviess County won first place in the final round of Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Discussion Meet, a debate-styled competition for young farmers that relies on an individual’s skill in reasoning and logical discussion of issues. The topic was: “What tools are currently available, and what new programs could be introduced to help young people access financial resources – and make sound decisions to run their farms and ranches?”

Gilles participated with four other entrants in the final event, winning a Kubota RTV sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life. Gilles will represent Kentucky in the national competition at the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January and will be vying for prizes, including $35,000 towards a new Ford truck.

Runner-up in the state Discussion Meet was Jacob Patterson of Pulaski County who received $1,000 from KFB. The other finalists in the state-level contest were Bethany Mattingly of Jefferson County and Lindie Huffman of Pendleton County. They each received $200 from KFB.

KFB’s Discussion Meet tests entrants on their basic knowledge of critical farm issues and their ability to respond in a panel-type discussion.