Share with a high schooler — 2022 Discussion Meet Registration is Open!

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?

High school students across the state will be tackling this question in the first round of their regional discussion meet competitions this fall.

Each year, Michigan Farm Bureau hosts the High School Discussion Meet program for high school FFA, 4-H, and Farm Bureau member dependents across the state. The purpose of the discussion meet is to build students’ public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, while exposing them to the agriculture industry’s largest challenges and the organization of Michigan Farm Bureau.

New in 2022, questions were predetermined for each round and shared with all high school competitors to allow students time to research and feel confident going into the event.  In addition, the physical set-up of the discussion meet tables changed from representing a panel discussion to a committee meeting, with students facing each other across the table.

With one regional meet complete, these changes have already proven to increase interactions, provide more knowledge of topic, and create sound, viable solutions.

Each FFA chapter, 4-H club, and county Farm Bureau can register up to three competitors by completing the information at this link. Registration is due one week prior to the regional level competition date. 

County Farm Bureau members interested in supporting their nearby discussion meet as a judge or timekeeper are encouraged to contact their Regional Manager or Katie Eisenberger at [email protected].

To assist in preparation, students may download a topic worksheet, read through the competition guide, and watch examples of past discussion meets on the MFB Discussion Meet page.

The top three competitors of each district will compete during MFB’s State Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 30^th. Sponsored by DTE Energy and the Michigan Foundation of Agriculture, the winner will receive a cash prize of $250, while second place earns $150.

Now, try your hand at the two additional high school discussion meet regional questions with a family member or fellow county Farm Bureau member!

Round Two Question: 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?

Round Three Question: Focusing on careers in agriculture, what resources and opportunities are needed to recruit and retain high school students not enrolled in agriscience CTE programs or 4-H clubs?