Farm Compliance

Berryhill emerged as the winner after four rounds of competition. In the final round, Berryhill competed against three other finalists: Heather McLean from Tennessee; Blaze Currie from Texas; and Lauren Lewis from Alabama. The final discussion topic was the public perception of the family farm and how that perception affects agricultural policy.

As winner, Berryhill earned a $2,500 scholarship from the CHS Foundation. She is pursuing a double major in animal science and agricultural education and plans to teach agriculture after completing her education. She is a former state president of FFA and remains actively involved in the National FFA Organization.

Berryhill qualified for the national competition by winning the Collegiate Discussion Meet at the California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nev., last December. Her victory at the American Farm Bureau conference marks the third time in five years that a California college student has won the national competition.

In all, 34 college students or recent graduates from across the U.S. competed for the top prize.

“Farm Bureau’s strength depends on its members’ ability to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their needs,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “At the collegiate level, the Discussion Meet is designed to foster these crucial skills in young people who may one day be active farmers and ranchers.”

The other competitors reaching the “Final Four” stage of the competitive event each were awarded $1,000 from CHS Foundation, which also presented $250 to every competitor not reaching the finals.