Millard County farmer attorney wins discussion meet

Steve Styler of Delta has won the Utah Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet contest.

The contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges looked for the contestant who offered constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.

Competitors discussed how to develop a fair and comprehensive immigration reform policy; challenges young farmers face in terms of sacrificing urban amenities to live and farm in rural areas; how to work with family farms facing the issue of asset transfer and estate planning; and educating young people on the values of agriculture.

Styler and his wife Lindsey farm 350 flood-irrigated acres, producing primarily alfalfa hay and grains. Their two children now make up the 5th generation of their family to help run the farm, which was originally developed by Styler's great-grandfather.

Styler, who also works as an agriculture and water attorney, competed with more than 18 other contestants from around the state.

He received a plaque, a $500 check from the General Motors, a 2012 Polaris Trailboss ATV courtesy of IFA, and an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn., where he will compete against other state winners.