Member LoginDiscussion Meet
The Discussion Meet is a contest where participants can freely discuss a current topic affecting the agriculture industry, and practice their public speaking and analytical skills.
The discussion is not a debate but rather a way to share ideas, identify the cause and effect of the problem, and evaluate and compare alternative solutions. The participants should attempt to cooperatively share ideas and further develop their understanding of the topic/issue.
2012 Discussion Meet Schedule
- District 1, March 12, RSVP to: spion@michfb.com
- District 2, TBD
- District 3, March 9, Robson Greenhouse, 9015 Haggerty Rd, Belleville, 7:00pm, RSVP to: kturner@michfb.com
- District 4, TBD
- District 5, TBD
- District 6, March 6, Woodland Hills Golf Club, Sandusky, 6:30pm, RSVP to: eruppre@michfb.com
- District 7, March 27, Big Rapids Holiday Inn, 6:00pm, RSVP: rfox@michfb.com
- District 8, February 28, Whiting Forest, Midland, 6:00pm, RSVP: kstonem@michfb.com
- District 9, August 30, RSVP to: rgleaso@michfb.com
- District 10, February 23, BJs in Gaylord, 6:30pm, RSVP to: ciaquin@michfb.com or snovotn@michfb.com
- District 11, April 17, RSVP to: cknudso@michfb.com
There are three parts of a Discussion Meet. They are:
- The opening statement is 30 seconds in length. The statement should be broad in scope, show relevancy, and importance of the topic.
- The body of the discussion will last 20-30 minutes in length. During the body of the discussion, contestants have the freedom to talk about any part of the topic. It is recommended the discussion start with addressing the background of the topic, discuss why it is an issue, come up with solutions to the issue, and share how they feel they can be a part of the solution.
- The closing statement is given at the end of the body of the discussion. Contestants will be given one minute of quiet time to put their closing statements together. Closing statements should summarize the discussion that took place during the body and make any final comments about the topic.
Contestants are scored in 6 areas:
Opening Statement, Closing Statement, Delivery, Problem Solving, Analysis of the Topic and Cooperative Attitude.
Discussion Meet Topics:
District Level
- How do we reach out to associate members to provide value to their membership?
- How can Farm Bureau play a role to ensure the viability of quality agricultural education programs within our schools?
State Level
- Certain sectors of agriculture are labor intensive and rely heavily on immigrant workers. What is a fair and balanced immigration policy?
- How should Farm Bureau help prepare its members--both young and old--for transferring operations to the next generation of farmers and ranchers? What is Farm Bureau's role in encouraging more transfers?
