State YF Discussion Meet virtual kickoff Nov. 11

Mark your calendars for Nov. 11 to watch 27 talented Young Farmers compete to move on in this year’s state-level Discussion Meet. These two preliminary rounds are the first step of each contestant’s journey, as they vie for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen and ultimately the Final Four, live on stage at Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2022 State Annual Meeting, Nov. 29 in Grand Rapids.

The preliminary rounds will take place virtually and are open to the public through Zoom.

Participants will tackle these two topics for this year’s preliminary rounds:

• 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?
• 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? 

Discussion Meets are meant to simulate a committee meeting where active participation is expected from everyone. The competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues, and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

The contestants moving on to the Sweet Sixteen competition will be announced on MFB’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. Nov. 11.

Want to tune in? Register by clicking on the below room link, for each room you’d like to watch.

ROUND 1: Room A, 10:15 a.m.

• Jacob  Tebos, District 4, Ottawa
• Daniel Ringkvist, District 2, Lenawee
• Chad Geoit, District 1, Kalamazoo
• Darcy Lipskey, District 6, Sanilac
• Madeline Smeltzer, District 9, Benzie-Manistee

ROUND 1: Room B, 10:15 a.m.

• Drew Bordner, District 1, St. Joseph
• Andrew Braun, District 5, Clinton
• Chad Fusilier, District 3, Washtenaw
• Lane Stotler, District 7, Oceana
• Sarah Hollon, District 10, Clare

ROUND 1: Room C, 10:15 a.m.

• Travis Fusilier, District 3, Washtenaw
• Marcia Cripps, District 1, St. Joseph
• Andrew Booher, District 7, Osceola
• Kelsi Dalgord, District 12, Hiawathaland
• Katelyn Thompson, District 5, Eaton

ROUND 1: Room D, 11:00 a.m.

• Emily  Calderone, District 5, Ingham
• Elizabeth Wernette, District 7, Mecosta
• Melissa Fusilier, District 3, Washtenaw
• Emily Swift, District 1, St. Joseph

ROUND 1: Room E, 11:00 a.m.

• Ethan Haywood, District 4, Barry County

• Kaddi  Gewirtz, District 5, Shiawassee
• Sam Schade, District 9, Mason
• Chris Sanford, District 2, Jackson

ROUND 1: Room F, 11:00 a.m.

• Kyle Rasch, District 4, Ottawa
• Kelsie Letts, District 2, Calhoun
• Jake Bushey, District 6, Huron
• Megan Cooper, District 9, Mason

ROUND 2: Room A, 12:30 p.m.

• Drew Bordner, District 1, St. Joseph
• Travis Fusilier, District 3, Washtenaw
• Emily Calderone, District 5, Ingham
• Kyle Rasch, District 4, Ottawa
• Sam Schade, District 9, Mason

ROUND 2: Room B, 12:30 p.m.

• Jacob  Tebos, District 4, Ottawa
• Marcia Cripps, District 1, St. Joseph
• Elizabeth Wernette, District 7, Mecosta
• Kelsie Letts, District 2, Calhoun

ROUND 2: Room C, 12:30 p.m.

• Daniel Ringkvist, District 2, Lenawee
• Andrew Braun, District 5, Clinton
• Melissa Fusilier, District 3, Washtenaw
• Ethan Haywood, District 4, Barry
• Jake Bushey, District 6, Huron

ROUND 2: Room D, 1:15 p.m.

• Chad Geoit, District 1, Kalamazoo
• Chad Fusilier, District 3, Washtenaw
• Andrew Booher, District 7, Osceola
• Kaddi Gewirtz, District 5, Shiawassee

ROUND 2: Room E, 1:15 p.m.

• Darcy Lipskey, District 6, Sanilac
• Lane Stotler, District 7, Oceana
• Kelsi Dalgord, District 12, Hiawathaland
• Emily Swift, District 1, St. Joseph
• Megan Cooper, District 9, Mason

ROUND 2: Room F, 1:15 p.m.

• Madeline Smeltzer, Benzie-Manistee
• Sarah Hollon, District 10, Clare
• Katelyn Thompson, District 5, Eaton
• Chris Sanford, District 2, Jackson

Rooms may face last minute adjustment, due to potential contestant changes. Visit the State Annual Meeting website for the most up-to-date listing. Contact Megan Sprague at [email protected] with questions.