District-level core programs are underway, with some already in the books, others around the corner, and plenty more in various stages of development.

The panel of lawmakers at District 12’s recent legislative summit were all properly spaced, as was their audience of Farm Bureau members from across the U.P.

In the southeastern Lower Peninsula, District 3 kicks off a series of events next month that, by fall, will touch most Farm Bureau program areas. First out of the gates will be a virtual Consumer Conversations training event April 22.

Rooted in Farm Bureau’s Promotion & Education program, Consumer Conversations training offers practical guidance in some of the finer points of everyday ag-ed outreach, including when (and when not) to engage, and remote strategies to employ when conversations aren’t happening face to face.

Case studies and real-world examples will help illustrate outreach scenarios in both online and in-person settings. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and have options for reviewing the recorded presentation at a later date if they’re unable to attend.

Subsequent Dist. 3 events will include a springtime safety event (including RUP credits), a midsummer member picnic and in August the regional Young Farmer Discussion Meet plus legislative reception.

Dist. 12 Director David Bahrman honored Iron Range member Marsha Wainio for her years of service on MFB’s state P&E committee.

Here are what some other District core programs in the works:

• In mid-June, members in District 1 will see a leadership development summit including DiSC assessment and board member training. Their regional-level Young Farmer Discussion Meet, cookout and trap shoot is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 14.
• District 2 hosted a legislative briefing March 3.
• District 5 members are encouraged to pitch in on a regional service project at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing that will also wrap in the regional Young Farmer Discussion Meet and a legislative seminar with lawmakers.
• A series of virtual legislative town halls in District 8 began in late February and continue March 22 and April 5.
• Members in District 9 are planning the regional Young Farmer Discussion Meet for late summer.
• In District 10 a series of P&E-based seminars will center around expert panels discussing vegetable gardening (March 23), poultry (April 6), livestock (April 20), cut flowers (May 4) and food preservation (Aug. 24). Members in the northeastern Lower Peninsula will also see a Breakfast on the Blueberry Farm June 19 near Tawas City.
• District 12 held a legislative summit March 8, followed by lunch and a presentation on consumer confidence in the afternoon.

Members in District 3 (Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties) can contact MFB Southeast Regional Manager Hannah J. Meyers (616-485-4469) for more information.