About Collegiate Farm Bureau
Tennessee Collegiate Farm Bureau is a program of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation designed to involve college students in the mission of strengthening agriculture and rural communities. The program creates opportunities for students to grow as leaders, develop professional skills and engage in policy discussions that shape the future of agriculture. By participating, students gain direct exposure to the work of Farm Bureau at the county, state and national levels while building connections with peers, mentors and industry professionals.
Chapters & Membership
Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters operate on university campuses to connect students with Farm Bureau programs at both the state and national level. Membership is open to all college students in Tennessee with an interest in agriculture, leadership or rural communities. Students gain access to chapter activities, statewide programming and professional development opportunities that strengthen their connection to Tennessee Farm Bureau.
Current chapters include:
- Tennessee Tech University (TTU) [LEARN MORE]
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) [LEARN MORE]
- University of Tennessee, Martin (UTM) [LEARN MORE]
Resources are available for institutions or student groups interested in establishing a new chapter. Contact Samantha Hill at sbeard@tfbf.com for information.
Collegiate Discussion Meet
The Collegiate Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which participants exchange ideas and explore solutions to current agricultural issues. Students are evaluated on their ability to communicate, listen and work toward consensus while demonstrating an understanding of agricultural policy and industry challenges.
Campus-level competitions are held each spring semester on the campuses of the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM), University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK), Tennessee Tech University (TTU), Austin Peay State University (APSU) and Tennessee State University (TSU). Competitors do not have to participate in a campus-level competition to qualify for the State Collegiate Discussion Meet, which is held each July during the Tennessee Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Conference.
Cash prizes are awarded at both the campus and state levels. State winners also have the opportunity to represent Tennessee in the American Farm Bureau Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet, gaining recognition and experience at the national level.
Click here for more information about the Collegiate Discussion Meet.
Collegiate Farm Bureau Retreat
The Collegiate Farm Bureau Retreat is held annually to bring together students from all chapters for intensive leadership and professional development. The retreat serves as a cornerstone event of the program, offering:
- Educational Sessions: Workshops on agricultural policy, industry trends, and leadership skills led by experts and Farm Bureau staff.
- Networking Opportunities: Direct interaction with peers from other institutions, Farm Bureau leaders, and agricultural professionals.
- Team-Building Activities: Exercises that strengthen collaboration and prepare students for organizational leadership.
- Farm Bureau Engagement: Insights into the structure, mission, and programs of Tennessee Farm Bureau to better equip students for future involvement.
The retreat is designed to inspire participants and prepare them to return to their campuses as stronger leaders and advocates.
