Moore County agronomy consultant wins Texas Farm Bureau Discussion Meet

(SAN ANTONIO, Texas)—Alisha Schwertner of Moore County won the 2016 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Discussion Meet during the organization’s 83rd annual meeting. The winner was announced during the meeting’s general session Dec. 4 in San Antonio.

Schwertner is an independent agronomy and business consultant focusing on nutrient management research and farm succession planning. She’s also involved in the family farm operation located in Miles.

In addition to her career in agriculture, Schwertner serves as the Moore County Farm Bureau president and assists with the Moore County Ag Day as a presenter. She’s also a member of St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and a Moore County YMCA soccer coach.

TFB’s Discussion Meet encourages problem-solving through cooperative discussion among young farmers and ranchers. Four finalists discussed how farmers and ranchers, not government agencies, can drive the management of natural resources.

The finalists held a 25-minute conversation and were scored based on their speaking skills, effective problem-solving and cooperative communication with other contestants.

Schwertner will receive a Polaris Sportsman ATV, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a $5,000 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit; and a $750 service voucher, courtesy of Chevrolet Certified Service.

The Discussion Meet finalists were Josh Ritchey of Erath County, Brent Carlson of Deaf Smith County and Justin Mitchell of Smith County.

The three finalists will receive a $500 cash award, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; a new pair of Justin boots, courtesy of Justin Brands, Inc.; and a power tool, courtesy of Grainger.