Charlie Coblentz of Mayes County was named the 2015 Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet winner at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau 74th Annual Meeting Nov. 13 in Oklahoma City.
Coblentz competed against five other participants in three rounds of debate-style discussion where performance was evaluated on the exchange of ideas and information on pre-determined topics. Participants were judged on their ability to offer constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.
“It can be very challenging to get your point across because it’s very competitive,” Coblentz said. “If you stick to the topic, you’ll get a chance to make your point. But it was very nerve-wracking.”
As the state discussion meet winner, Coblentz received a John Deere X320 Lawn Mower, presented by P&K Equipment, an Icehole cooler, and the opportunity to compete in the national discussion meet contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Jan. 10-13 in Orlando, Florida.
Coblentz runs a cow-calf operation and dairy farm with his father and brothers in Choteau, Oklahoma. They also grow various row crops including corn, wheat, soybeans and milo.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is the organization’s largest gathering of farmers and ranchers every year. At the event, members vote on grassroots policy, elect leaders and award outstanding individuals. OKFB has a presence in all 77 Oklahoma counties and serves as the voice of agriculture and the rural way of life. To learn more, visit www.okfarmbureau.org.
Photos
Click here to download a high-resolution image of Coblentz receiving the YF&R Discussion Meet Award.
Suggested Cutline
(L to R) Jason Pitts of P&K Equipment presents Charlie Coblentz of Mayes County with the keys to a new John Deere Mower as the 2015 winner of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet along with OKFB YF&R Chairman Zac Harris and OKFB President Tom Buchanan at the organization’s annual meeting in Oklahoma City Friday, Nov. 13. Coblentz will go on to compete in the American Farm Bureau YF&R Discussion Meet in January.
Audio
Listen to and download our interview with Charlie on our SoundCloud page.
