By Blake Jackson
Brooke Beamesderfer has built a strong reputation as a confident public speaker through her involvement in FFA, Penn State Extension 4-H, and the Pennsylvania Fair Queen contest, where she earned the title of 2025 State Alternate.
Recently, the Penn State agribusiness management student tested her skills in a new setting - the Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, a competition focused on real-time agricultural discussions.
Unlike traditional speech contests, this event requires participants to think quickly and engage in meaningful conversations on key industry topics.
Beamesderfer advanced to the national final four at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference, held March 13-16 in Portland, Oregon, after winning the state competition in November.
Contestants prepare for several possible topics, but each discussion unfolds differently. This year’s themes included urban sprawl, technology’s role in connecting farmers with policymakers, farm succession, environmental and financial sustainability, and increasing awareness of Farm Bureau benefits.
“They take important issues that need solutions, and by having this contest with live discussion, that’s how solutions are formed,” Beamesderfer said. “It’s very much a conversation - not a debate - and you’re graded more on how well you hold a conversation and bring ideas to the table.”
Beamesderfer passion for agriculture is deeply rooted in her upbringing on her family’s Thistle Creek Farm in Lebanon County, where they grow crops, raise poultry for Bell & Evans, and manage grass-fed beef and meat goats.
“I always say agriculture has really set the foundation for my life,” she said. “I credit my upbringing for instilling those hands-on experiences and also my values.”
"Brooke does well as a communicator because she really wants to promote what she sees as her industry and lifestyle,” said Stan Ernst, assistant teaching professor in agribusiness management in the college’s Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education.
“She speaks well and is well practiced. And the same organizational skills that benefit her as a student help her put messages together and work to perfect them. But behind that is a huge passion for agriculture.”
Looking ahead, Beamesderfer aims to pursue opportunities in agricultural policy or communications, adding, “My main goal is that I want to advocate for farmers and support the agricultural community.”
Photo Credit: penn-state-college-of-ag-sciences
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Education