Cadence Brown, a third-year student at the University of Montana Western who will graduate this fall, recently represented Montana at the national level after winning the state Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet. Brown is majoring in business with a minor in equine studies and has developed strong skills in public speaking and agricultural advocacy during her time at Montana Western.
Brown first competed in the collegiate-level discussion meet last year. After earning the state title, she advanced to the national competition—an opportunity typically reserved for first-time collegiate winners. This year, she advanced to the YF&R Discussion Meet open to members ages 18–35. She again won at the state level and qualified for nationals for a second time.
At the state competition, Brown focused her discussion on the challenges posed by urban sprawl and the loss of agricultural land. Having grown up in the Gallatin Valley, she witnessed firsthand the rapid growth reshaping the Bozeman area.
“We want our communities to grow and thrive,” Brown said, “but at the same time, if the food supply is in danger, that’s national security.” Emphasizing the importance of farmland preservation, she added, “You can’t build houses on rocks,” underscoring the need for outreach and education to protect agricultural resources.
The national competition was held in Anaheim, California, where Brown advanced to the “Sweet 16,” placing among the top 16 competitors in the country. The event included three rounds of in-depth discussions with young agricultural leaders from across the United States. Participants addressed topics such as environmental stewardship, digital engagement, and farm and ranch succession planning.
Brown attributes much of her success to her academic experience and involvement with Montana Western’s YF&R chapter. “I don’t think I ever would have found Farm Bureau or discussion meet without Western,” she said. She noted that encouragement from faculty early in her academic career played a significant role in shaping her path.
Although she does not come from a farm or ranching background, Brown said Farm Bureau and YF&R provided an opportunity to deepen her understanding of agriculture while building community connections. “I did 4-H and FFA growing up and really liked that environment,” she said. “Farm Bureau presented a way I could do that at Western.”
Through Montana Western and YF&R, Brown has strengthened her leadership, networking, and public speaking skills while forming lasting professional relationships. She will attend her third YF&R leadership convention this spring in Portland, Oregon.
Brown is the first Montana Western student to compete in the adult-level YF&R Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. She said the achievement reflects both her commitment to agriculture and the support she has received from the Montana Western and Dillon communities. “The support Western has and the small community of Dillon is amazing,” she said. “You can’t get better than that.”
As she prepares to graduate, Brown said the knowledge, connections, and experience gained at Montana Western will continue to guide her future endeavors. “Western has so much potential,” she said. “It’s just about getting the word out there about how awesome it is.”
