Appropriately distanced district-level Young Farmer Discussion Meets took place statewide over the summer and fall, resulting in 81 contestants for the forthcoming state-level competition.

By this point even words like “unprecedented” have become overused; 2020 is the year of doing things differently. This year 32 Young Farmers representing all 12 districts will come together and have a state Discussion Meet like never before: virtually.

Discussion Meets are competitions that simulate a committee meeting in which conversation and active participation are expected from each participant. While the online format may be new to the state-level event, many committees have met virtually this year and it will be a vital skill for young professionals moving forward.

These competitors have already flexed their conversational muscles over the summer and fall, competing against a total of 81 peers from 35 counties at district-level Discussion Meets. The results of those sessions led to the field of 32 (listed below) competing in this year’s state-level event.

Discussion Meets are evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic:

1. The decline in rural populations is accelerated by a poor farm economy. What solutions would enhance the vibrancy and economic sustainability of agriculture and rural communities?
2. Is big data a big solution or big exposure? Technology tools are often cited as a method of increasing productivity and profitability, but there are liabilities that go along with technology. As young farmers and ranchers we are often first adopters. How do we ensure clear understanding of the risks and rewards of big data and smart farming?
3. International trade is important to agriculture. We must continue working to build strong relations with existing customers while seeking out new trade partners to strengthen market stability. How can we enhance existing, and establish new and diverse foreign trading partners?
4. The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters creates additional risk for farmers and ranchers. What tools and production practices can be engaged to reduce climate and weather risks?

Want to keep up with this year’s competition? Show your support? Tune in for our announcements on Nov. 23 and 24 and sit down with some popcorn to livestream the final round. Here’s the overall schedule:

• Nov. 23 — Preliminary rounds 1 & 2
• Nov. 23 — 7 p.m. Sweet Sixteen announcement
• Nov. 24 — Sweet Sixteen Competition
• Nov. 24 — 12:30 p.m. Final Four announcement
• Dec. 1 — 2 p.m. Final Four competition
• Dec. 2 — 12 p.m. overall state winner announcement

The preliminary and Sweet Sixteen rounds will only be viewable by contestants and their guests. The Final Four round and all announcements will be streamed live on Facebook. Follow the MFB Facebook page for updates and links.

The winner of MFB’s 2020 Young Farmer Discussion Meet will receive $2,000 (sponsored by AIS Equipment) and will represent Michigan — again, virtually — in the American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet in January 2021.

Each of the four state finalists will receive a Yeti Cooler, $400 cash prize, branded luggage and an MFB jacket (sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau Health Services and the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture.)

MFB staff contact: Megan Sprague, Young Farmer Program Specialist

2020 State Young Farmer Discussion Meet participants (alphabetical by county Farm Bureau)

• Madeleine Smeltzer — Benzie-Manistee
• Kaitlyn Fraser — Branch
• Kelsie Letts — Calhoun
• Tyler Villwock — Cass
• LilyAnn Matchett — Charlevoix
• P.J. Feldpausch — Clinton
• Brenda Sisung — Clinton
• Susan Mattila — Copper Country
• Amanda Rodabaugh — Gladwin
• Matt Bernia — Gratiot
• Kera Howell — Gratiot
• Andy Kirsch — Huron
• Julia Chamberlain — Ingham
• Chris Sanford — Jackson
• Natalie Holbrook — Lapeer
• Dirk Okkema — Mecosta
• Kate Sollman — Mecosta
• Beth Wernette — Mecosta
• Jordan Smith — Missaukee
• Chris Heck — Monroe
• Nate Wilson — Northwest Michigan
• Jasper Cunningham — Oceana
• Kendra Kissane — Ottawa
• Tyler Hendrickson — Ottawa
• Avianna Jackson — Shiawassee
• Kyle McCarty — Sanilac
• Loren King — St. Joseph
• Riley Brazo — St. Joseph
• Morgan Walton — St. Joseph
• Melissa Fusilier — Washtenaw