Tired of late-night football games? Check out the season’s most exciting Farm Bureau contest, the state-level Young Farmer Discussion Meet — sharp young leaders in the making, discussing industry issues and their potential solutions for moving those issues into the ‘done’ column.
On Nov. 9, 30 talented Young Farmers will showcase their conversational skills in two preliminary rounds, vying for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. The excitement will build as they aim for their chance at the big stage for the Final Four, live on stage Dec. 3 at MFB’s State Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids.
Discussion Meets are designed to simulate a committee meeting where active participation is vital. Participants are evaluated on how they engage in thoughtful, diplomatic conversations on important agricultural issues, honing their discussion and collaboration skills.
Preliminary rounds take place virtually on Zoom and are open to spectators. Participants will tackle two topics in this year’s prelims:
- Young farmers and ranchers are finding they need to diversify their farm portfolio. What are some ways they can utilize diversification to explore new revenue sources? How can Farm Bureau support YF&R members as they strengthen their farm and ranch businesses?
- Increases in the price of agricultural land make access and ownership of land one of the biggest hurdles for young farmers and ranchers looking to start or expand farms and ranches. How can young farmers and ranchers position themselves to react to competition for agricultural land?
Contestants moving on to the Sweet Sixteen will be announced at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 (EST) on Michigan Farm Bureau’s Facebook page.
To cheer on your district’s competitors, register for the prelim you’d like to watch at our State Annual Meeting Discussion Meet page. Note that potential contestant changes can result in last-minute room changes.
Contact Megan Sprague with questions.
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