Herbert College of Agriculture Students Shine for Two Consecutive Years
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Callie Robinson, a junior in agricultural leadership, education and communications at the University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture, has won the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers 2025 Collegiate Discussion Meet — a national competition where participants discuss important and complex agricultural issues.
“This has been a huge goal of mine as I’ve looked up to past competitors and winners. It feels surreal to achieve this honor,” says Robinson.
This is the second consecutive year a Herbert College of Agriculture student has achieved this recognition with animal science alumna Ella McLerran receiving the award in 2024 — a testament to the quality of preparation that Herbert students receive.
Samantha Beard, assistant director for special programs at the Tennessee Farm Bureau, provided insight on coaching students for this competition. “Training a Collegiate Discussion Meet winner involves cultivating a deep understanding of agricultural issues, honing articulate communication skills and fostering the ability to engage in collaborative problem-solving.”
Discussion Meet participants receive unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. “This experience allowed me to dive deeper into real life agricultural issues and work towards finding solutions that benefit farmers while also refining my public speaking and collaboration skills,” Robinson added. “It also gave me the opportunity to network with young agriculture professionals across the state and nation.”
Robinson is no stranger to state level competitions, which can be “challenging and nerve racking.” The Collegiate Discussion Meet is even more elevated, making support critical for students competing on such a large stage against high-level competition. “Fortunately, the Farm Bureau staff, family, friends and colleagues prepared me well, and I was able to put my knowledge to use,” said Robinson.
Robinson praised the Herbert College of Agriculture for playing a crucial role in her success. “Being a Herbert student has taught me a lot of lessons, from what’s taught in the classroom, to the organizations I have been a part of, the internship experiences, and the faculty that supports students.” She added, “I truly could not have achieved this honor without the support of my Herbert family and all of the people who pour their passion into our university and industry.”
David White, dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture, expressed, “We were so excited to see Callie win this year’s American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet among such a distinguished list of competitors from across the country.”
White continued, “We are doubly proud as Callie joins last year’s winner, Ella McLerran, as back-to-back winners from UT. Here’s to a Herbert and UT three-peat next year!”
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.