COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 23, 2005) — Tennessee Tech University junior agricultural education major Rachael Klamer of Munford, is this year’s winner at the national collegiate agricultural policy discussion meet sponsored by the National Farm Bureau Organization.

Klamer became eligible for the national meet by winning the state Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers competition in July.

“This is a very significant accomplishment for Rachael, the School of Agriculture and the university,” said Dr. Ben L. Byler, professor of agricultural education.

The national competition was held in New Orleans, and Klamer competed against winners from 25 other states in panel discussions where participants tried to find solutions to problems in agriculture.

With topics ranging from agricultural policy to future food preparation, the panel discussions educated the public and farmers about agriculture in general and its technological aspects.

At the end of the second round of the discussions, judges picked the top four individuals based on cooperative attitude and facilitation, and out of those four finalists, Klamer was chosen as the winner in the third and final round.

In addition to a plaque, she also received a $2,500 prize.

Her parents are Donnie and Tina Brown, and she has an older sister, Brianne.

--Tracey LeFevre
This information posted 2 March 2005