Torbert Takes Top Honor in Collegiate Discussion Meet

An Auburn University (AU) senior with a passion for public service took top honors in the Alabama Farmers Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet Oct 3 in Opelika.

Ty Torbert bested seven competitors from three universities in the competition which encourages collaboration and problem solving through simulated committee meetings. The meet was sponsored by the Federation's Young Farmers Division and featured discussions about digital engagement, environmental stewardship and urban sprawl.

"I think my big takeaway from all three was how the Alabama Farmers Federation can play a proactive and truly meaningful role in advancing agriculture," said Torbert, who is studying agricultural business and economics with a minor in finance. "They already do such a great job advocating for farmers, pushing forth policy and educating farmers. Every single round, we talked about policy initiatives. The second thing is education. Alfa has such a massive reach and huge collective of members. These avenues allow the Farmers Federation to educate members on policy they're working on currently but also resources that already exist."

As the first-place winner, Torbert received a $1,000 cash scholarship from the Federation and Farm Bureau Bank. He will go on to represent Alabama in national competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference next March in Portland, Ore. Rounding out the Top 5 were J.B. Rhodes, second place and $750; Kaleigh McGrew, third place and $500; Mackenzie Smith, fourth place and $250; and Will Aycock, fifth place and $125. Rhodes and Aycock are seniors in the AU College of Agriculture. McGrew is a senior in news media at the University of Alabama, and Smith is a Troy University freshman majoring in elementary education.

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer was encouraged to see the contest expand beyond Auburn students.

"We had three universities represented from across the state. That's a big deal because it shows the agriculture community is far and wide, not just here in Auburn. It also gives students an opportunity to learn more about Alfa and Farm Bureau," he said.

For Torbert, events like Collegiate Discussion Meet are helping prepare him to give back to an industry that's shaped his family's history.

"I know I want to do something public service oriented at some point in my life," said the Houston County native. "I would like to give back through policy - making communities better. I believe true change starts at the grassroots level. I would love to play a part in taking feedback and incorporating it into organizations to truly make a difference. I know I want to work in agriculture in some form or fashion, whether advocating for agriculture or working directly in it."

McBrayer said preparing students like Torbert for future service in agriculture is at the heart of the Young Farmers mission.

"Discussion Meet is an incredibly important opportunity for young people to study agricultural topics, get outside of their comfort zones and engage in public speaking and problem solving," he said. "They also network with our state committee, which includes farmers and industry professionals from across Alabama."

Torbert's grandparents operated a Santa Gertrudis beef cattle farm in Bullock County and raised chickens. His great-grandfather started Bonnie Plants, which today markets herbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers nationwide from 70 growing stations.

"Agriculture runs very deep in my blood," Torbert said. "It's meant a lot to my family for over 100 years, and I'm glad to carry that torch forward. I don't see that tradition ending anytime soon in my family. I want to continue being able to contribute to agriculture by making sure it's well protected and making sure people understand how important it truly is."

Eight students competed in the Alabama Farmers Federation's statewide Collegiate Discussion Meet Oct. 3 in Opelika. The Final Five were Houston County's Ty Torbert, first; Escambia County's J.B. Rhodes, second; Choctaw County's Kaleigh McGrew, third; Marshall County's Mackenzie Smith, fourth; and Marshall County's Will Aycock, fifth. They are pictured with Young Farmers Director Hunter McBrayer, left.