Discussion Meets

• ​​​​​​Guidebook

The 2022 District Discussion Meets have concluded. Please check back early 2023 for next year’s dates & locations.

1. How can Farm Bureau effectively support and equip young farmers and ranchers to successfully manage economic and infrastructure challenges to ensure healthy and sustainable farms and ranches across the country? 

2. Due to current economic demands, many farmers and ranchers spend a lot of time outside the “fence rows” on off-farm jobs. How can Farm Bureau become more accessible and welcoming to members who are working in related fields and juggling responsibilities on and off the farm? 

3. Climate has become a major topic among business leaders, policymakers and consumers. As an industry that depends on the weather, what role do we as farmers and ranchers play in shaping climate initiatives to benefit society overall as well as our own farms and ranches?  

4. Advancements in autonomous equipment and drone technology offer solutions to challenges farmers and ranchers have faced for years. How can Farm Bureau improve access to, and help farmers and ranchers deploy, these emerging technologies on their operations? 

5. Many external influences are causing supply chain disruption for agricultural goods. How can Farm Bureau reduce the impact of external influences through policy development and programming? 

• Guidebook
• Collegiate Discussion Meet Prep Worksheet

1. According to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, currently 15% of Michigan residents and 18% of all children are considered food insecure. What role can high school students play to help combat food insecurity in their communities and throughout Michigan?

2. Less than 2% of the United States population is directly involved with agriculture. In order to bridge the gap, how can we diversify and be inclusive of non-traditional agriculture and urban communities to engage with agriculture?

3. How can organizations such as FFA, 4-H, and Farm Bureau work with industry partners to help high school students learn about, gain access to and incorporate emerging technologies into their agriscience programs and individual projects?

• Guidebook
• High School Discussion Meet Prep Worksheet

Register Now

If you have any questions about registration or Discussion Meets in general, please contact Katie Eisenberger.

REGION I

Event Date: Nov. 10

Registration Due Date: Nov. 3

Location: Vicksburg

Regional Competition Coordinator: Noreen Heikes 

Counties in Region: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Eaton, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren

REGION II

Event Date: Nov. 10

Registration Due Date: Nov. 3

Location: Springport

Regional Competition Coordinator: Danielle Martinez 

Counties in Region: Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne

REGION III

Event Date: Nov. 11

Registration Due Date: Nov. 4

Location: Delta College

Regional Competition Coordinator: Haley Cucinello 

Counties in Region: Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola

REGION IV

Event Date: Oct. 1

Registration Due Date: Sept. 23

Location: New Lothrop

Regional Competition Coordinator: John Wyrick

Counties in Region: Clinton, Genesee, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Shiawassee, and St. Clair

REGION V

Event Date: Nov. 9

Registration Due Date: Nov. 2

Location: Cedar Springs

Regional Competition Coordinator: Brent Willett

Counties in Region: Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceania, Osceola, and Ottawa

REGION VI

Event Date: Nov. 10

Registration Due Date: Nov. 3

Location: Bay Arenac Career Center

Regional Competition Coordinator: Kathleen Kirkey

Counties in Region:  Alcona, Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Iron, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft, and Wexford

Check back later for more updates!