Tagg Mickelsen, a Sheridan College student and native of Wheatland, Wyo. was crowned the champion of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Collegiate Discussion Meet during the recent Young Farmer and Rancher Conference held in Cheyenne. Seven competitors represented the University of Wyoming, Central Wyoming College and Sheridan College.
“The discussion meet gives students the opportunity to learn about agricultural issues and bring those ideas to the table with their peers,” according to WyFB YF&R Committee Chair Hannah Guild. “The goal is to share knowledge, work together respectfully, and come to a thoughtful conclusion on how to move an issue forward. These experiences build confidence and practical skills students can take back to meetings in their counties and workplaces, helping strengthen their communities and the future of agriculture.”
“This is my second-year competing, and I’ve been impressed by the quality of the panels, the strong contestants, and the discussions throughout the contest, Mickelsen said following the contest. “The solutions presented to the challenges were thoughtful and well developed, and I’m excited to represent Wyoming at the next level.”
Sheridan College Collegiate Farm Bureau Advisor Angel Sparkman noted Mickelsen was confident and well-prepared for the contest. “Having the experience of competing last year made a huge difference. Coming back with that knowledge and confidence allowed him to step up his game in a big way,” she said.
Mickelsen was joined by two of his fellow Sheridan College students in the final four, contest runner-up Brook Greenwalt and Gary Brenneman. Central Wyoming student Maylee Nordstrom rounded out the final four. Mickelsen will receive a $1,000 cash prize and an expense paid trip to the national contest. Additionally, the runner-up will receive a $150 cash prize, while third and fourth-place finishers will each receive $25.
Sparkman emphasized how much work her students put in to prepare for this contest each year and the impact Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation has on them. “Having three of the four finalists is a testament to the students and the work they put in. They truly take ownership of the process and keep pushing themselves forward,” Sparkman said. “It’s so exciting to watch students step into a professional role and confidently talk about today’s agricultural issues. You really get to see a different side of them.”
She continued, “Farm Bureau has given students opportunities to network in ways they never thought were possible, and that impact will stay with them long after college. The real value isn’t just what students learn in the classroom, it’s the experiences that help them grow as people. These competitions build networking skills, confidence, and the ability to speak about complex issues.”
Following this victory, Mickelsen will move on to represent Wyoming at the 2026 Farm Bureau YF&R Leadership Conference held in Portland, Ore. in March.
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WYFB – 2026
