From Kansas Roots to the National Stage: Lindy McMillen’s Farm Bureau Journey

For many young people in agriculture, finding a place where their voice truly matters can be transformative. For Lindy McMillen, that journey started in high school—and led all the way to the national stage.

McMillen’s involvement with Farm Bureau began more than 15 years ago when she served on her county Farm Bureau board as an ag ambassador. That early experience introduced her to the organization’s mission and its role in advocating for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

“I really enjoyed learning about the work that the organization does on behalf of farmers and ranchers,” McMillen said. “It opened my eyes to the importance of having a collective voice.”

That connection stayed strong through college, where she remained engaged through collegiate Farm Bureau, scholarships, and leadership opportunities. While attending Kansas State University, McMillen competed in the collegiate Discussion Meet, winning the state contest in 2016 and advancing to nationals in Pittsburgh. She placed in the top 16—an achievement she still considers a major honor.

What drew McMillen to the Discussion Meet, she explained, was how different it felt from traditional speaking contests.

“This competition is unique because it’s collaborative,” she said. “It’s not about giving a memorized speech. It’s about sitting down with a group, talking through real issues, and working toward solutions that matter.”

What Is the Discussion Meet?

The Discussion Meet is designed to mirror real-life boardroom conversations at the county, state, and national levels. Participants engage in moderated discussions centered on current agricultural topics, identifying challenges and exploring potential solutions.

Each round includes:

• An opening statement explaining personal interest in the topic

• 25–30 minutes of open discussion with fellow competitors

• A closing statement summarizing key takeaways

Competitors prepare in advance using a set list of topics released earlier in the year. For McMillen, preparation meant researching issues, talking with subject-matter experts, and ensuring she understood a wide range of perspectives.

“It was important to know not just my own viewpoint, but also what others across the industry might be experiencing,” she said.

From State Champion to National Winner

Last year, the timing was right for McMillen to compete again—this time in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. After winning at the state level, she advanced to nationals in California, where all participants were state champions.

“My goal going in was to make the top 16,” McMillen said. “There were 36 competitors, and everyone there had already won at the state level.”

As the rounds progressed, she found her rhythm. Despite the competitive nature of the event, she said it never felt cutthroat.

“It’s competitive, but it doesn’t feel like it,” she explained. “You’re genuinely focused on the discussion and finding solutions together.”

When McMillen was named the national winner, the moment felt surreal.

“It felt like a dream come true,” she said. “It was incredibly exciting and such an honor.”

Why Young Farmers and Ranchers Should Get Involved

Beyond competitions, McMillen emphasized that the real value of Farm Bureau lies in its people and its network—especially within the Young Farmers and Ranchers program.

“The voice of the collective is more powerful than the voice of the individual,” she said. “Farm Bureau gives us a voice that matters.”

McMillen and her husband have been involved in Young Farmers and Ranchers programming for several years, and she credits those relationships as one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

“Having a network of people you can call—whether you’re dealing with a problem or just want to understand how an issue is affecting another part of the state—is huge,” she said.

While the competitions are meaningful, she stressed that engagement at the grassroots level is just as important.

“At the end of the day, we have to stay involved in the issues and make sure our perspectives are heard,” she said. “That’s how policy is shaped, and that’s how change happens.”

An Honor to Represent Kansas Agriculture

As McMillen reflects on the experience, gratitude stands out.

“It was such an honor to represent Kansas and Kansas Farm Bureau,” she said. “I’m incredibly thankful to the many people who supported and encouraged me along the way.”

Her message to others is simple: get involved.

“Whether it’s through competition or not, Farm Bureau’s work is important—to our industry and to rural communities,” McMillen said. “Those are the things I really care about.”