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Michigan Farm Bureau Discussion Meets simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This 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.
Michigan Farm Bureau hosts Young Farmer Discussion Meets for 18- to 35-year-old members and Youth and Collegiate Discussion Meets to introduce young leaders to the organization.
![What is a Discussion Meet?](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ma7V_Dzyc4o/hqdefault.jpg)
2024 Young Farmer Discussion Meet Information
Miss your District Discussion Meet? Didn't move on to the state contest? Here's your chance to get back in the action! Join Young Farmers from across the state in a virtual Discussion Meet on September 4 at 6:00 p.m. The top three competitors will move on to the state contest preliminary rounds in November (if more than 10 participants, four will move on).
- Guidebook
DISTRICT 12
Event Date: August 15
Location: U.P. State Fair Fairgrounds Office, 2401 12th Avenue North, Escanaba, MI
Regional Manager: Craig Knudson
Counties in Region: Copper Country, Chippewa, Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac-Luce-Schoolcraft, Menominee
Details: Dinner at 6:00 p.m., Discussion Meet begins at 7:00 p.m.
- Young farmers and ranchers are finding they need to diversify their farm portfolio. What are some ways that young farmers and ranchers can utilize diversification to explore new revenue sources? How can Farm Bureau support YF&R members as they strengthen their farm and ranch businesses? This question will be used at all district discussion meets.
- 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? This is a back-up question at district discussion meets if a second round is needed.
- The landscape of American agriculture and the picture of the “typical" American farm continues to change. Meanwhile, Farm Bureau will need to continue to recruit and retain members in order to be a vibrant and effective organization into the future. How can Farm Bureau continue to provide value and opportunity to welcome members from across the broad diversity of modern agriculture and American farmers and ranchers?
- Succession planning is often a tough subject not only for individual farms and ranches but also within county Farm Bureaus. Some younger members may find it challenging to become involved in their county Farm Bureau beyond the YF&R committee. What are some ways that county Farm Bureaus can encourage involvement from young members and how can actively engaged young board members help their county Farm Bureaus plan for the future?
- Farmers and ranchers are reliant on multiple energy sources to run equipment, heat livestock barns and power storage and maintenance facilities. How can Farm Bureau work with energy companies, local governments and rural communities to increase domestic energy production, minimize loss of agricultural land and protect private property rights?
All questions will be used during the State Discussion Meet, two during Preliminary Rounds, two during Sweet Sixteen and one for the Final Round.