Brent Haken of Payne County was named the 2014 Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet winner at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau 73rd Annual Meeting Nov. 14 in Tulsa.
Haken competed against three 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.
“I learned and heard so many different inputs from other parts of the state,” Haken said. “As we move to the national level, I’ll learn so much more about what other agriculturalists in the country have to offer.”
As the state discussion meet winner, Haken received an iPad package and the opportunity to compete in the national discussion meet contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Jan. 11-14 in San Diego.
Brent said he looks forward to preparing for the national competition in the next few weeks.
“I think it will be important to get the best education I can on the national issues so that I can showcase what Oklahoma can do,” Haken said.
Brent and his wife Jenny operate a Simmental-influenced cattle seedstock operation near Glencoe. The couple has two children: Emmie and Luke.
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Brent Haken of Payne County was named the winner of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet at the 73rd Annual OKFB Convention on Nov. 14. Haken received an iPad package and an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in January where he will represent Oklahoma in the AFBF Discussion Meet. Pictured from left to right: Marty Williams, YF&R chairman; Patrick Zeka, Farm Credit of Eastern Oklahoma; Brent Haken; and Tom Buchanan, OKFB president.
