By Blake Jackson
Cody Burke, a cattle farmer from Franklin County, earned first place in the 2025 Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Discussion Meet, a debate-style competition designed for young farmers to showcase their skills in reasoning and logical discussion.
This year’s topic challenged participants to explore how the Farm Bureau can encourage responsible community growth while preserving farms, ranches, and the agricultural way of life.
Burke competed against three other finalists in the state-level event and emerged victorious, taking home a Kubota RTV sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life. As the state champion, he will advance to the national competition at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January, where he will compete for top prizes, including a new Ford truck.
Megan Wetenkamp of Henry County finished as the runner-up, earning $1,000 for her performance. The other finalists included Jacob Mattingly of Meade County and Molly Sullivan of Taylor County, who each received $250 for their participation.
The KFB Discussion Meet offers young farmers a platform to develop critical thinking and communication skills while addressing important issues facing agriculture, helping them become informed leaders within their communities.
Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Livestock, Beef Cattle