Each year, Michigan Farm Bureau hosts discussion meets for high school FFA, 4-H and Farm Bureau member dependents across the state. Discussion meets build students’ public speaking, collaboration and problem-solving skills, all while exposing them to agriculture’s biggest challenges and the Farm Bureau organization.
High school competitors get predetermined questions ahead of each round to allow them time to research and feel confident with each topic. They can also download a topic-specific worksheet, survey the competition guide and watch examples of previous meets at the MFB Discussion Meet page.
Each FFA chapter, 4-H club and county Farm Bureau can register up to three competitors online. Registration is due one week prior each regional event:
- Region I — 5 p.m. Nov. 12 at Vicksburg High School for students in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Eaton, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.
- Region II — 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Milan High School for students in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
- Region III — 10 a.m. Nov. 13 at Delta College for students in Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties.
- Region IV — 9 a.m. Sept. 28 at Byron High School for students in Clinton, Genesee, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Shiawassee and St. Clair counties.
- Region V — 4 p.m. Oct. 16 at Cedar Springs High School for students in Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceania, Osceola and Ottawa counties.
- Region VI — 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Bay-Arenac Career Center for students in 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 counties.
The top three competitors in each district will compete Dec. 4 at MFB’s 2024 State Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids. Sponsored by DTE Energy and the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture, the winner will receive a cash prize of $250; second place earns $150.
High school discussion meets are a great way for county Farm Bureau members to get involved with the next generation of leaders. Members interested in supporting their nearby discussion meet as a judge or timekeeper are encouraged to contact their MFB Regional Manager or MFB Youth Program Specialist Katie Cooper.
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