Programs

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.

For more information about joining a Community Action Group, or starting your own group, contact the Macomb County Farm Bureau office at (586)727-0025.

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.

If you are interested in attending this event please contact the county office.

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

Macomb County Scholarships

Purpose: To award students for their achievement in Agricultural (Ag) related course studies and help them further their education. Macomb County Farm Bureau may awarding two - $1000 scholarships toward the continued agricultural education area students. For more information on our 2009 scholarship program call the Macomb County Farm Bureau office at (586) 727-0025 or you may e-mail deschen@ctyfb.com or go to the Educational Opportunities for a link to the on-line application.

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.

IN MACOMB COUNTY WE OFFER:

Agriculture Educator of the Year Awards

The K-12 Agriculture Educator award is designed for a teacher who integrates agriculture into their classroom. The Agri-science Educator award is designed for an agri-science teacher who goes above and beyond teaching agriculture. These awards are a great opportunity to recognize local teachers for the work they do educating today's youth.  Award applications due March 21. 

AG IN THE CLASSROOM: 

Agriculture touches lives daily from food and clothing to medicine and fuel. This is why it is important to integrate agriculture into schools across Michigan. Michigan Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureau's across the state carry out a variety of AITC programs.

Ag in the classroom is a grassroots program generally conducted by local farmers and agricultural leaders.  Its goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in our society. It is a program geared to school children & customized by grade level, Kindergarten through 12th grade.  These lessons usually take about 1 hour depending on class participation. 

There are accredited lesson plans about seeds, soils & gardening, understanding insects and bees (which insects are good and which ones are bad), chickens, cows, various commodities and where in our state they are grown, etc. Whether it is planting seeds or testing the water for PH - what better way is there for kids to learn and participate?  We've received incredible response from not only teachers, but the students as well. In addition there are educational videos and books.

Ag in the classroom is greatly needed and we are here to help!

GARDEN GRANT PROGRAM

Developed to help initiate new programs or expand existing programs to educate students from K - 8 and increase gardening literacy. The grants are generally given in the form of gift certificates and gardening supplies from area farms & businesses.  This will provide an excellent start for children to get a "hands on" gardening experience that will carry in to their future. Applications are available on our web site and at the county office and must be received by April 1.

PROJECT R.E.D. (Rural Education Day)

Is a project sponsored by Macomb County Farm Bureau volunteer help from the agricultural community, usually held towards the end of April. Its' purpose is to give 3rd grade students a fun, hands-on experience, sort of an inside look at agriculture and how it helps them in their everyday life.

Many of the volunteers are local farmers, 4-H Students and Leaders, Master Gardeners, MSU Extension and Farm Bureau staff.  They share their knowledge, help to direct students and teachers to their proper areas, help with parking and a number of behind the scenes activities.

Project RED is FREE!  The only cost involved may be your transportation costs to get the students to the Armada Fairgrounds. You decide if you would like to attend a morning or afternoon session. 

For volunteer opportunities or more information please contact Co-Chairs: Susan Kutchey (586)781-9560, Sabrina Haack (810) 367-3453 or the county office.

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

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.

If you would like to participate or need more information please contact the county office.

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.

For more information about the Young Farmer Program in Macomb County, please contact the committee chairman, Amanda Kutchey at (586) 781-9560 or the Macomb County office.

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.

Students learn about the power of their vote. Any high school junior or senior is eligible to apply to attend. Macomb County Farm Bureau generally sponsors two students to participate.  At the seminar students will:

* Vote in actual elections and experience how YOUR vote really does count

* Run for office and participate in rallies and caucuses

* Dances, recreational activities and free time on the campus

* Humorous and inspirational speakers

For information on how you can participate contact the county office at (586) 727-0025.

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