Youth Discussion Meets offer vital critical thinking, problem solving experience

In today’s world critical thinking, problem solving and expressing your views in an informed, professional manner are vital skills — and the earlier they’re learned, the better. If you are or know a high school student who’d benefit, they should seriously consider competing in our MFB Regional High School Discussion Meets!

Mirrored to reflect our Young Farmer Discussion Meets — a central component of our leadership development programming — the high school level invites students in grades 9-12 to engage with agriculture’s most pressing challenges, discuss their causes and effects, and propose solutions for moving forward.

Students will prepare an opening statement, engage in the discussion exchange, then offer their closing thoughts while working beside members of 4-H, FFA and Michigan Farm Bureau. Participants are scored on their understanding of the topic, problem-solving ability and collaboration skills.

The three topics for this year’s regional discussion meets include:

1. Agriculture can be hazardous. What can 4-H, FFA and county Farm Bureaus do to create a more preventative, rather than reactive, approach to farm safety in our communities?
2. As the world’s population increases, so will the need for renewable resources. At the local and state levels, how can you and your chapter help the people you influence understand and work toward renewable energy practices?
3. COVID revealed cracks in our food-supply chain and shed light on how much we rely on schools to provide well-balanced meals. What can you and your group do assist in meeting the needs of families in your community?

There’s still time to register for all but the first of these six regional contests:

• Sept. 25 — Byron High School; 9 a.m.
• Oct. 27 — Bay Arenac Career Center; time TBD
• Nov. 9 — Ravenna High School; 6 p.m.
• Nov. 10 — Vicksburg High School; 5 p.m.
• Nov. 11 — Delta College; 11 a.m.
• Nov. 11 — Milan High School; 4 p.m.

The top competitors from each regional event advance to the state-level contest during Michigan Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting, Dec. 1 in Grand Rapids.

To learn more, visit Michigan Farm Bureau’s discussion meet page.

Registration is open and can be completed here.  Each 4-H club, FFA chapter and county Farm Bureau can register up to three participants. Registration closes one week prior to each contest. For more information, contact Katie Eisenberger, High School and Collegiate Programs Specialist.