Since its debut two years ago, a new scholarship program has helped a dozen Farm Bureau members across Michigan take part in external leadership development opportunities they may’ve otherwise missed out on.
Exemplifying the organization’s priority on investing in its members, MFB’s External Leadership Development Scholarships disburses awards to applicants committed to taking part in a leadership-development program — and pledging to apply their newfound skills to benefit their county Farm Bureau.
Mecosta County Young Farmer standout Cora Okkema, a member of the current ProFILE cohort, used her scholarship award to attend a dairy-science convention in Ottawa, Ontario.
“I used the External Leadership Scholarship to attend the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting in Ottawa,” Okkema said. “I was able to present, both in-person and in poster format, my graduate school research, which was recently recognized by the Journal of Dairy Science.
“The experience was incredible. I was able to expand my network of dairy professionals — including academics and other industry members — to collaborate with on future educational projects and discuss research.
“The breadth of research covered at ADSA — and the bringing-together of dairy professionals from across the world and areas of interest — it was invigorating. It directly impacted my work as a dairy educator at MSU Extension by providing educational materials on dairy heifer raising in Michigan.”
Okkema’s Ottawa excursion is just one example; other scholarship recipients have included several familiar names, from Young Farmer standouts and ProFILE participants to relative newcomers looking to wring extra value out of their Farm Bureau membership:
- St. Clair County P&E Chair Katie Blashill attended the 2023 National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Orlando, Fla.
- Bill Cagney from Kalamazoo County used his scholarship last year to attend National Lamb Feeders Association Leadership School.
- Ingham County Young Farmer Julia Chamberlain polished up her networking and communication skills at a Dale Carnegie course in Lansing.
- Charlevoix County leader Isaac Matchett — board member and Public Policy chair — used scholarship funds this year to be part of American Sheep Industry Annual Convention in Denver.
- Ogemaw County shepherdess Elaine Palm used scholarship funds to take part in Michigan Shepherds Weekend in Lansing with her husband Rick.
- Kent County Young Farmer Noah Roth used his scholarship award to attend an International Tree Fruit Association study tour in Nova Scotia.
- Jackson County’s Jackie Sanford took part in a virtual Farmers Coaching Farmers training.
Applicants are limited to one award of up to $1,500 per calendar year.
Programs should be rooted outside MFB’s current offerings but align with members’ leadership objectives and priorities: communication, conflict resolution, networking, innovation and engagement techniques for working with consumers and policymakers.
Applicants must provide documentation of acceptance into the program; proof of payment; and proof of attendance/participation.
Eligible applicants are current Farm Bureau regular members who have recently participated in a county Farm Bureau event, and who commit to applying their newly gained experience and skills by contributing back to their county Farm Bureau.
Awards are administered first-come, first-serve until budgeted dollars are depleted. Online applications are due by the first of each month, with recipients notified by the 15th after review by MFB staff. Click here for more information or to apply online.
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