SANDY, Utah. December 19, 2025 – Katelyn Hepworth of Utah County won the 2025 Utah Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet. The competition was concluded at the recent Utah Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Provo and is considered a top honor for young farmers and ranchers in Utah.

The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. More than a simple debate, this competition is evaluated on the exchange of ideas and information on a predetermined agricultural topic. The judges look for a contestant who offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.

From left to right: Clayton Beckstead (Utah Farm Bureau), Chris Riley (Utah County Farm Bureau Vice President), Katelyn Hepworth, Darren Hedin (Utah Farm Bureau), and Dave Robbins (Utah County Farm Bureau President)

Participants build basic discussion skills, develop an understanding of important agricultural issues, and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach a consensus and solve problems. Successful participants are productive thinkers rather than emotional persuaders and assist the group in developing ways to implement the solutions discussed and in highlighting the Farm Bureau’s involvement in those steps.

“I loved being able to share ideas and discuss various topics impacting farmers and ranchers today. As young farmers and ranchers, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to help shape the future of agriculture in Utah. I’m grateful to the other competitors and the preparation, ideas, and individual experiences they brought to the discussions. That is what makes this competition so great," Hepworth said. "I am honored to represent Utah at the national competition and feel grateful to be part of an organization that values input from all ages and experience in agriculture as we work to find solutions to keep American agriculture thriving.”

In addition to succession planning, the competitors spoke on topics ranging from preserving agriculture by preventing urban sprawl to environmental stewardship and digital engagement with policymakers.

Katelyn lives in Payson with her young family and has been involved with her family’s farm for many years, managing online sales for their agritourism operation. She also worked with youth agricultural leadership for Utah State University Extension for several years as a 4-H Educator, overseeing the horse, livestock, and shooting sports programs, before leaving to be a stay-at-home mom for her young children. Currently, Hepworth serves on the Utah County board as its County Secretary.

Hepworth competed against more than 12 other contestants from around the state. For winning the competition, she received an ATV courtesy of Intermountain Farmers Association (IFA) and Karl Malone Plaza Cycle, an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Anaheim.

Katelyn will also compete at the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet against Discussion Meet winners from across the nation during its annual convention in Anaheim this January. National winners of the Discussion Meet receive $35,000 credit towards a new Ford vehicle. The runner-up receives $25,000 credit towards a new Case IH piece of equipment, courtesy of Case IH. Others receive prizes courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.