Michigan Farm Bureau Discussion Meets 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. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
Michigan Farm Bureau hosts Young Farmer Discussion Meets for 18- to 35-year-old members and Youth and Collegiate Discussion Meets to introduce young leaders to the organization.
2024 Young Farmer Discussion Meet Information
- Guidebook
DISTRICT 1
Event Date: March 2
Location: Griner Farms, 13120 Born St, Jones, MI
Regional Manager: Sarah Pion
Counties in Region: Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren
Details: Discussion Meet and chili cook-off. Chili cook-off starts at 4:00 p.m. with the Discussion Meet to follow. $10 donation at the door to enter, kids 10 years and under get in for free. Contact the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau at (269) 342-0212 or [email protected] to RSVP, enter, or with any questions.
DISTRICT 2
Event Date: April 12
Location: Hillsdale Brewing Company, 25 Hillsdale St, Hillsdale, MI
Regional Manager: Kim Kerr
Counties in Region: Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee
Details: Discussion Meet at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and axe throwing to follow. Contact Kim Kerr at (269) 781-7611 to RSVP.
DISTRICT 3
Event Date: March 15
Location: Alber Orchard & Cider Mill, 13011 Bethel Church Rd, Manchester, MI
Regional Manager: Hannah Meyers
Counties in Region: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne
Details: Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. with Discussion Meet to follow. All other regular members are welcome to enjoy dinner and watch the contest. Click here to RSVP.
DISTRICT 4
Event Date: March 14
Location: Lafayette Creamery, 109 W Main St, Hopkins, MI
Regional Manager: Lori Schrauben
Counties in Region: Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa
Details: Event begins at 6:00 p.m. Contact Lori Schrauben at (517) 230-3462 to RSVP.
DISTRICT 5
Event Date: March 23
Location: Lansing Shuffle, 325 Riverfront Dr, Lansing, MI
Regional Manager: Nicole Jennings
Counties in Region: Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Shiawassee
Details: Event takes place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Contact Nicole Jennings at (810) 569-9610 to RSVP.
DISTRICT 6
Event Date: March 14
Location: Ubly Heights, 2409 E Atwater Rd, Ubly, MI
Regional Manager: Laken Polega
Counties in Region: Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola
Details: Event begins at 1:30 p.m. with an optional tour of Corteva Agriscience (305 N. Huron Ave, Harbor Beach, MI). Optional dinner, networking, Discussion Meet, and trivia takes place from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. Click here to RSVP.
DISTRICT 7
Event Date: March 23
Location: Katke Golf Course, 1003 Perry Ave, Big Rapids, MI
Regional Manager: Rebecca Gulliver
Counties in Region: Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola
Details: Enjoy some time on the golf simulator and gather over dinner and a Discussion Meet. Event begins at 4:00 p.m. Contact Rebecca Gulliver to RSVP.
DISTRICT 8
Event Date: February 9
Location: Merrell Farms, 3180 Smiths Crossing Rd, Freeland, MI
Regional Manager: Alex Schunk
Counties in Region: Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw
Details: Discussion Meet, trivia, and an anything-from-a-crockpot cook-off. Arrive by 6:10 p.m. to enter the cook-off, with competition events to follow. Contact Alex Schunk to RSVP.
DISTRICT 9
Event Date: March 30
Location: Iron Fish Distillery, 14234 Dzuibanek Rd, Thompsonville, MI
Regional Manager: Kelsee Steenwyk
Counties in Region: Benzie-Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, NW Michigan, Wexford
Details: Event begins at 12:00 p.m. Contact Kelsee Steenwyk to RSVP.
DISTRICT 10
Event Date: April 6
Location: Tawas Axe & Lanes, 444 W Lake St, Tawas City, MI
Regional Manager: Sonya Novotny
Counties in Region: Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Huron Shores, Iosco, Ogemaw
Details: Event takes place between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Contact Sonya Novotny at (248) 410-2340 to RSVP.
DISTRICT 11
Event Date: April 13
Location: Gaylord Bowling Center, 1200 Gornick Ave, Gaylord, MI
Regional Manager: Kathleen Blust
Counties in Region: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, Presque Isle
Details: Event begins at 3:00 p.m. Come together to bowl a game with your family and discuss some policy. Dinner and bowling included. Contact Kathleen Blust at (248) 238-2363 to RSVP.
DISTRICT 12
Event Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Regional Manager: Craig Knudson
Counties in Region: Copper Country, Chippewa, Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac-Luce-Schoolcraft, Menominee
Details: TBD
- Young farmers and ranchers are finding they need to diversify their farm portfolio. What are some ways that young farmers and ranchers can utilize diversification to explore new revenue sources? How can Farm Bureau support YF&R members as they strengthen their farm and ranch businesses? This question will be used at all district discussion meets.
- Increases in the price of agricultural land make access and ownership of land one of the biggest hurdles for young farmers and ranchers looking to start or expand farms and ranches. How can young farmers and ranchers position themselves to react to competition for agricultural land? This is a back-up question at district discussion meets if a second round is needed.
- The landscape of American agriculture and the picture of the “typical" American farm continues to change. Meanwhile, Farm Bureau will need to continue to recruit and retain members in order to be a vibrant and effective organization into the future. How can Farm Bureau continue to provide value and opportunity to welcome members from across the broad diversity of modern agriculture and American farmers and ranchers?
- Succession planning is often a tough subject not only for individual farms and ranches but also within county Farm Bureaus. Some younger members may find it challenging to become involved in their county Farm Bureau beyond the YF&R committee. What are some ways that county Farm Bureaus can encourage involvement from young members and how can actively engaged young board members help their county Farm Bureaus plan for the future?
- Farmers and ranchers are reliant on multiple energy sources to run equipment, heat livestock barns and power storage and maintenance facilities. How can Farm Bureau work with energy companies, local governments and rural communities to increase domestic energy production, minimize loss of agricultural land and protect private property rights?
All questions will be used during the State Discussion Meet, two during Preliminary Rounds, two during Sweet Sixteen and one for the Final Round.