Northwood Technical College Farm Operation Instructor Julie Wadzinski placed 3rd in the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 103rd Convention that was held in Atlanta, Georgia from Jan. 8-10.
Wadzinski entered and competed as a member of the Barron County Farm Bureau. To qualify for the national competition, Wadzinski first won the State contest by being in the top three finalists for District 9 before competing in and winning the 2021 Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturist Discussion Meet contest. Her selection to represent the State of Wisconsin was announced during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Meeting on Dec. 5, 2021.
At the YF&R Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau’s Convention, Wadzinski competed against 30 contestants from other states. The topics for contestants were pre-determined and written by the AFBF YF&R committee with the questions based on current agricultural issues which focused on COVID-19 supply chain breakdowns, farm safety, farmer mental health, and green energy. According to Wadzinski, the discussion meet is meant to mimic a committee meeting. A panel of 4-5 competitors analyze the problem and come up with actionable solutions to the problem in a 25-minute conversation. Starting with two general rounds, Wadzinski advanced through to the semi-final round of 16 competitors, and then to the final round of four competitors. For each round, a different topic was pulled at random. Contestants were evaluated on their cooperative attitude, opening and closing statements, and solutions to the topic. Wadzinski earned a 3rd place national finish.
For her 3rd place win, Wadzinski received the following prizes: a Case IH 40” Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH; a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize, courtesy of American Ag; and $1,850 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.
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A nationally top-ranked college and a designated 2021-22 Military Friendly® School, Northwood Tech serves the educational and career needs of more than 15,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, Northwood Tech offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. Northwood Tech is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, call 800.243.9482 or visit northwoodtech.edu. Northwood Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and Educator.
Last Update: Jan 22, 2022 7:08 am CST
