Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professional Abby Campbell, left, is seen in conversation with American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet Finalists Hayden Ballard, middle, and John Norwood, right, during the 106th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio. (Photo provided)

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (OFBF) – Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professional Abby Campbell of Washington County is the winner of the 2025 American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet.

The contest was held as part of the 106th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio.

The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Campbell and her husband, Blake, are fourth generation farmers in their sheep and swine operation. They specialize in growing and direct marketing cut flowers, pumpkins, produce, meat, and wool products.

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in agriscience education from Ohio State and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kentucky, Campbell is currently an agriscience educator and FFA advisor at Fort Frye High School. She is also a member of the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Alumni Board, the Barlow Independent Fair Board, and a teaching fellow with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

As the champion of this national contest, Campbell received a $35,000 credit toward a new Ford vehicle and paid registration to the 2025 AFBF FUSION Conference in Denver, courtesy of Ford.

“The Discussion Meet is unique because it’s not so much about dominating a conversation, but more about how you facilitate a conversation,” Campbell said. “That is a skill that is extremely more valuable than just being able to talk in front of a group of people. There are so many people who can answer the difficult questions facing farmers and help tell the stories of agriculture. Talking directly with those who are personally facing the challenges we talked about throughout this competition helped me prepare, and I appreciate the connections I have made through Ohio Farm Bureau and the resources they provide to excel in this contest.”

The Discussion Meet contest is part of the Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals and American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers programs. Participants are ages 18 to 35, single or married, who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills. Learn more at ExperienceYAP.com.