Jared Knock, of Carpenter, S.D., finished third in the nation at the Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention held recently in Nashville, Tenn.
The Discussion Meet competition simulates a committee meeting where contestants are judged on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic. Knock advanced to the national competition after winning the South Dakota contest held during the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) Centennial Convention in November.
Competition began on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the AFBF convention. Knock first advanced to the “Sweet 16” level on Sunday; and then moved to the “Final Four” round which took place on Monday morning, Jan. 8.
Following the competition, the Discussion Meet winner was announced during the AFBF closing session, which included a speech by United States President Donald J. Trump.
Knock received a Case IH 40″ combination roll cabinet and top chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH. In addition, he took home $2,000 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise, courtesy of Black & Decker.
Besides spending time with their three daughters and getting back to life at home, which includes a company the Knocks founded called Dakota Vision Ag, they hope to get more involved with their county Farm Bureau and also with the South Dakota YF&R program.
Knock will share more about his experience at the upcoming Farm and Ranch Conference, Jan. 19-20, 2018 in Sioux Falls.