Ross County Native Ruth Beery wins Ohio Farm Bureau 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet

Article Presented By The Bean Foundation…

COLUMBUS, Ohio (OFBF) – Ruth Beery of Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau is the winner of Ohio Farm Bureau’s 2026 Collegiate Discussion Meet competition.

The results were announced during the YAP Winter Leadership Experience in January. As the winner of the state Collegiate Discussion Meet, Beery received a $1,000 scholarship and complimentary registration to the 2026 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon, where she will compete at the national level this month.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet tests participants’ knowledge of key issues, problem-solving abilities and communications skills around current agricultural issues, and to work together to find solutions.

Beery grew up in Ross County and has been heavily involved with Farm Bureau on the county and collegiate levels. This spring she will finish up her two-year term as Wilmington College’s Collegiate Farm Bureau president. She also serves as board secretary for Ross County Farm Bureau.

She is a senior at Wilmington College and will graduate this spring with degrees in animal science and biology. After graduation, Beery plans to attend The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with the goal of becoming a large-animal veterinarian.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Collegiate Farm Bureau program connects current industry professionals and students, promotes agriculture and related fields and develops future leaders of the agriculture industry by providing opportunities in leadership and civic engagement, career development, professional development and experiential learning.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Become a member today at ohiofarmbureau.org