Programs

ACE -Agriculture's Conference on the Environment

This event occurs during odd numbered years. This is a one-day conference filled with both management and environmental updates, and information that will not only assist with attendees' bottom-line, but give them cutting edge information to move their operation to the next level. Michigan Farm Bureau will pay for registration, conference materials, and lunch/snack breaks for two volunteers to attend. The conference will be held January 28, 2009 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan.  If you are interested in more information or would like to attend please contact the county office at 426-2353.

Community Action Groups

This group of friends and neighbors meets monthly to discuss key issues affecting agriculture. Whether the issue is zoning, community planning, school finance, or even a neighborhood beautification project, a Community Action Group is the perfect tool to find solutions, gain knowledge, share ideas, and take action.

In Gladwin County we have 4 Community Action Groups:  Kountry Kousins, Pleasant View, Oberlin, and Busy Beavers.  If you are interested in joining a Community Action Group or just want to attend a meeting to see what it's all about please contact Joan Leuenberger at 989-435-9594.  We'd love to see you!

For more information about this program, visit the Community Action Groups website.

Lansing Legislative Seminar

Each year, Farm Bureau organizes face-to-face meetings with hundreds of Farm Bureau leaders and their respective elected officials. These annual "lobbying" missions are a key element in the Farm Bureau grassroots policy development and policy execution process.

Gladwin County has room for 4 delegates to attend this Seminar.  Please contact President Nancy Shearer @ 426-9628 or the county office @ 426-2353 if you are interested in volunteering.

For more information about this program, visit the Lansing Legislative Seminar website.

ProFILE

ProFILE (also know as Farm Bureau's Institute for Leadership Education) is an educational program designed to mold the next generation of Farm Bureau leaders by strengthening leadership skills and offering insight on how to become more involved in the organization's activities.  Selected participants, ages 25 to 35, are nominated by their county Farm Bureaus.  There is a cost of $100/year for the 2-year program.  This fee is refunded to the participant upon their successful completion of the ProFILE program.  If you have any questions or are interested in this activity you can contact our current ProFILE participant, Matt McKimmy at 435-9563, or the county office at 426-2353.

Promotion & Education

The goal of the Promotion and Education program is to educate Michigan consumers about agriculture through working with children and schools and coordinating public outreach programs to promote and educate about agriculture. In addition, the Promotion and Education program strives to educate farmers on issues impacting agriculture.

Ag in the Classroom

The Gladwin County Farm Bureau is very active with Ag in the Classroom activities in both the Gladwin Community and Beaverton Rural Schools.  Planet Pizza, Where Would We Be Without Seeds?, and Foods Amazing Journey are just a few of the programs that have been taken into the schools.  If you would like to be a part of this fantastic opportunity please contact Nancy Buzzell @ 426-7202 or the county office @ 426-2353.

Farm Fun Day at Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm

Farm Fun Day gives families the opportunity to learn more about farms as they interact with representatives from the local agricultural community.  Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm is located at 4676 S. M-18 in Beaverton.

Project T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More)

Project TEAM is held on even numbered years. This is a one and a half day conference with the second day centered on Ag in the Classroom (AITC) presentations at local schools.  The purpose of the conference is to provide new ideas, training and leadership development for individuals who are currently a part of P&E Committees or are interested in educating about or promoting agriculture. Michigan Farm Bureau will pay for registration, conference materials, and lunch/break snacks for two volunteers.  The conference will be held December 3rd & 4th, 2008.  If you are interested in this or any of the other Promotion and Education activities please contact Nancy Buzzell at 426-7202 or the county office at 426-2353.

For more information about this program, visit the Promotion & Education website.

Rural Urban Dinner

This dinner is held in April and is designed to bring together farm, city, business, and professional people in the community in an effort to create and develop relationships for building a better community for all.  Entertainment as well as a meal is provided.  Come and join us for an opportunity to get to know each other a little better!

Scholarship

In order to qualify for the $500.00 scholarship offered by the Gladwin County Farm Bureau the applicant or their parents must be a Farm Bureau member.  The applicant must be pursuing an agricultural or agriculturally related course of study.  The applicant must submit a short summary of future goals as well as a copy of their GPA and field of study.  He/She may be asked to participate in an interview.  The deadline for applications is June 1st.  This is an annual award and the winner will be announced at the Gladwin County Farm Bureau County Annual Meeting.

Washington Legislative Seminar

Each year, Farm Bureau organizes face-to-face meetings with hundreds of Farm Bureau leaders and their respective elected officials. These annual "lobbying" missions are a key element in the Farm Bureau grassroots policy development and policy execution process.

Gladwin Farm Bureau can send 2 participants to this seminar.  Michigan Farm Bureau will supply $839/person or $1676 per county.  This includes hotel accomodations, conference fees, some meals, and a portion of the travel expenses.  If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information please contact President Nancy Shearer at 426-9628 or the county office at 426-2353.

For more information about this program, visit the Washington Legislative Seminar website.

Young Farmer

The Young Farmer program is designed to develop leadership potential for men and women between the ages of 18 and 35.

Young Farmer Leaders' Conference

This conference offers Young Farmers between the ages of 18-35 the opportunity to learn more about current agricultural practices, management techniques, and their organization.  This program can best be described as educational, entertaining, and exciting.  It will host more than 250 young farmers from across the state.  Michigan Farm Bureau will pay for overnight accomodations, meals, and conference materials for 4 volunteers to attend.  If this sounds like something you might be interested in please contact the county office at 426-2353.

Also, there is currently a vacancy on the Board of Directors for the Young Farmers Committee Chairperson.  If you are interested in this position or would like more information please contact Vicki at the county office at 426-2353.

For more information about this program, visit the Young Farmer website.

Young People's Citizenship Seminar

Over two hundred twenty of the top students from Michigan convene each year in late June to learn about world economic and political systems and conduct their own mock election. Sponsored by county Farm Bureaus across the state, the Citizenship Seminar has been conducted for over 35 years and has provided leadership skills for over 5,000 of Michigan's youth.

Gladwin County Farm Bureau would like to thank Melissa Townsend for her participation in 2008.  If anyone is interested in attending the 2009 Seminar in June or would like more information please contact Vicki at the county office, 426-2353.

For more information about this program, visit the Young People's Citizenship Seminar website.