What the Kansas FFA Discussion Meet Is
The Discussion Meet is a leadership development event where FFA members do not give speeches or argue against each other. Four to six members sit at a table and work through an assigned agriculture topic together for 15 minutes, in front of judges. The goal is to stimulate logical thinking, build communication and problem-solving skills, and get members engaged in solutions to current issues in the agriculture industry. Each participant is scored individually on how well they introduce the topic, analyze the problem, find solutions, think critically, draw others into the conversation and summarize accurately.
The event is sponsored and facilitated by Kansas Farm Bureau, which also hosts the rules and resources for the contest. It began in fall 2016 and the state finals are held during the Kansas FFA Convention in Manhattan.
How a Round Works
- A moderator welcomes the group and introduces the discussion.
- Each participant gives a 30-second opening statement.
- The group holds a 15-minute discussion.
- Participants get one minute of silence to prepare, then give a one-minute closing statement.
- Judges leave to tabulate scores and the next round's topic is announced.
Topics in the Kansas Farm Bureau materials cover crops, livestock, natural resources, agricultural education and FFA.
When and Where
The most recent finals were Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Wildcat Chambers on the K-State Student Union stage, which is open to the public during the 98th Kansas FFA Convention. The 2027 convention is June 1-4 in Manhattan; the exact finals time for 2027 has not been posted.
Who Can Enter
The event is for FFA members. Full rules are in the Rules and Resources document posted by Kansas Farm Bureau, and the Kansas FFA office can answer questions at the number below.
What the Winner Gets
The state winner is named at the convention and recognized on the Kansas FFA Discussion Meet page.
Past State Winners
| Year | Winner | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Braeden Stutzman | Inman |
| 2025 | Ethan Petersilie | La Crosse |
| 2024 | Mason Springer | Neodesha |
| 2023 | Jackson McCurry | Renwick |
| 2022 | Noah Goss | Ellsworth |
| 2021 | Isaac Jirak | Udall |
| 2019 | J.W. Wells | Sedan |
| 2018 | Max Harmon | Inman |
| 2017 | Alexa McCurdy | West Franklin |
The 2020 event was cancelled because of COVID-19. Two winners have gone on to serve as Kansas state officers: Braeden Stutzman was elected state treasurer and Ethan Petersilie state reporter.
Questions
Is it a debate?
No. Participants work toward solutions together, and each is judged on their own contribution.
Can the public watch?
Yes. The finals stage is open to general attendance, and convention sessions are streamed on AcresTV.
Who do I call?
The Kansas FFA Association, 110 Umberger Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506: (785) 532-6424. The Kansas FFA Foundation is at (785) 410-2576.
Official Links
- Discussion Meet LDE: purpose, format and winners
- 98th convention schedule
- 2026 tentative schedule (PDF)
- Kansas Farm Bureau Discussion Meet presentation: round format
- 2026-2027 officer team
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- K-State Ag Ed Speech Event
Public speaking event for Kansas FFA students on January 30, 2027 at the K-State Student Union in Manhattan, hosted with K-State Agricultural Education.
- K-State Career Development Events (Kansas FFA State CDEs)
Kansas FFA state Career Development Events are scheduled for May 2-4, 2027 in Manhattan. Chapters compete in judging, evaluation and skills contests; the 2026 round was held May 3-5.
- Kansas FFA State Convention
The 99th Kansas FFA Convention is set for June 1-4, 2027 in Manhattan. The 2026 convention ran May 26-29 at McCain Auditorium with a theme of Cultivate. Grow Leaders. Lead Change.
- Kansas Livestock Association Convention and Trade Show
Held each year; the most recent dates were November 19-21, 2025. Cattlemen gather for the banquet and live auction, Beef Industry University, committee meetings and the membership breakfast with policy votes.
- Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Held each year; the most recent dates were December 6-8, 2025 for the 107th meeting. Workshops, a tradeshow, awards banquet and a delegate vote on 2026 policy, with a keynote from the American Farm Bureau president.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.