(ROUND ROCK, Texas)—Paden McDermid from Montgomery County emerged as the winner of the 2024 Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet at the organization's 91st Annual Meeting. McDermid works as an estimating project manager for 5G Monarch Construction, a real estate development firm.
"Through the Discussion Meet, young Farm Bureau members talk about issues facing agriculture today," TFB President Russell Boening said. "Their ideas and thoughts are important as agriculture continues to change and adapt."
McDermid holds a bachelor's degree in finance and agricultural economics from New Mexico State University. His family is involved in cattle raising in Montgomery County.
The Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet aims to simulate a committee meeting where contestants engage in discussion and active participation. Participants develop discussion skills, gain insights into agricultural issues, and learn how groups can collaborate to solve problems through dialogue.
As part of his prize, McDermid will receive an ATV valued at approximately $9,000 from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and an expense-paid trip to compete in the national contest during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.
Joining McDermid in the final four were Lyle Logemann of Carson County, Johnathan Barrett of Denton County, and Grant Davis of Rusk County. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 cash award from Farm Bureau Bank and a $500 cash award from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.
McDermid will represent Texas at the national Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in January 2025.
The national Excellence of Agriculture award winner will receive a $35,000 credit toward a new Ford vehicle from Ford Motor Company and registration for the 2025 Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Colorado. The runner-up will get a $25,000 credit toward new equipment from Case IH. Third place will receive a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize from AmericanAg; $2,500 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise; and a Case IH branded safe. The fourth-place finalist will be awarded a Case IH branded Solo Stove.
For more information on young farmer and rancher activities for members aged 18 to 35, visit texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
