Michigan Farm Bureau Discussion Meets simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
Michigan Farm Bureau hosts Young Farmer Discussion Meets for 18- to 35-year-old members and Youth and Collegiate Discussion Meets to introduce young leaders to the organization.
2026 Young Farmer Discussion Meet Information
- Guidebook
DISTRICT 1
Event Date: Feb. 21
Location: Griner Farms, 13120 Born St, Jones, MI
Regional Manager: Sarah Pion
Counties in Region: Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren
Details: Event Begins at 4pm, Discussion Meet at 5:30pm. RSVP by Feb. 13 to either Sarah Pion at (269) 377-4841 or Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau at (269) 342-0212.
DISTRICT 2
Event Date: April 7
Location: Irish Acres Events & Experiences, 8800 Gordon Rd, Cement City, MI
Regional Manager: Jackie Sanford
Counties in Region: Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee
Details: Event begins at 6pm. Bring the family and join us for dinner, a wildlife tour, networking, & a Discussion Meet. Discussion Meet participation is not required to attend the event. RSVP or send any questions to Jackie Sanford at (517) 262-2423 by March 25.
DISTRICT 3
Event Date: March 28
Location: Ford's Garage, 21367 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI
Regional Manager: Hannah Meyers
Counties in Region: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne
Details: 12pm Burger Bar Lunch, 1pm Discussion Meet, 2:30pm visit to the Henry Ford Museum. RSVP here by March 20.
DISTRICT 4
Event Date: March 26
Location: Red Barn Market, 3550 Alden Nash Ave NE, Lowell, MI
Regional Manager: Lori Schrauben
Counties in Region: Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa
Details: Event begins at 6:30pm RSVP here by March 23. Contact Lori Schrauben at (517) 230-3462 with any questions.
DISTRICT 5
Event Date: Aug. 2
Location: Clinton County Fairgrounds, 800 W Sickles St, St. Johns, MI
Regional Manager: Hannah Nunn
Counties in Region: Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Shiawassee
Details: Event begins at 1pm.
DISTRICT 6
Event Date: June 29
Location: Ankley Family Farm 6767 Clear Lake Rd, Imlay City, MI
Regional Manager: Laken Polega
Counties in Region: Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola
Details: TBD
DISTRICT 7
Event Date: March 5
Location: Katke Golf Course, 1003 Perry Ave, Big Rapids, MI
Regional Manager: Andrew Smith
Counties in Region: Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola
Details: Free golf simulators from 5-8:30pm, discussion meet and pizza at 7pm. RSVP here by March 2. Contact Andrew Smith at (989) 553-1099 with any questions.
DISTRICT 8
Event Date: March 28
Location: Kackmeister Farms 16535 Lunney Rd, Hemlock, MI
Regional Manager: Alex Schunk
Counties in Region: Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw
Details: Event starts at 6pm. Bonfire, Cornhole and Discussion Meet for Young Farmers! Includes, dinner, door prizes and drinks sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. RSVP here by March 23.
DISTRICT 9
Event Date: March 14
Location: Schade Farms, 2828 W Chavez Rd, Scottville, MI
Regional Manager: Matt Frollo
Counties in Region: Benzie-Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, NW Michigan, Wexford
Details: Event begins at 2:30pm, prior to the Mason County Farm Bureau Membership Fish Fry. RSVP to Stephanie Morehouse at (231) 775-4430 by March 7.
DISTRICT 10
Event Date: June 18
Location: The Cellars, 4081 Brewer Rd, West Branch, MI
Regional Manager: Sonya Novotny
Counties in Region: Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Huron Shores, Iosco, Ogemaw
Details: Dinner at 6:30pm; event begins at 7:30pm. RSVP to Sonya Novotny at (248) 410-2340 or [email protected] by June 15.
DISTRICT 11
Event Date: April 11
Location: Black Barn, 121 S. Indiana Ave, Gaylord, MI
Regional Manager: Kathleen Blust
Counties in Region: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, Presque Isle
Details: Event takes place from 4-7pm. Event includes laser tag and dinner. Call or text Kathleen Blust at (248) 238-2363 to RSVP by April 8.
DISTRICT 12
Event Date: Aug. 20
Location: UP State Fair — Delta Chamber of Commerce,1001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI
Regional Manager: Craig Knudson
Counties in Region: Copper Country, Chippewa, Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac-Luce-Schoolcraft, Menominee
Details: Event begins at 6pm.
- Growth in rural areas can strain rural energy infrastructure. How can Farm Bureau work with stakeholders to advocate for proactive planning at the local, state and national levels that safeguards affordable, reliable energy access for farmers and ranchers as well as their rural neighbors while protecting farmland from unnecessary eminent domain? This question will be used at all district discussion meets.
- How can Farm Bureau and its young leaders leverage relationships with agricultural youth organizations to attract more young leaders to the Young Farmers & Ranchers program? This is the backup question at district discussion meets, if a second round is needed.
- Rural and large animal veterinary practices and professionals continue to decrease in numbers across the country. How can Farm Bureau help attract and retain rural and large animal veterinarians for member communities?
- With the continued ripple effect of supply chain challenges related to meat processing, how can Farm Bureau leverage its grassroots network to reduce barriers and create pathways for the development of local USDA certified meat processing?
- Increased public concern over healthy diets and chronic childhood disease has raised questions, as well as criticism, about modern agriculture and the food system. How can Farm Bureau effectively engage in this discussion and advocate for the critical science-based tools and research farmers need to fulfill their commitment to grow healthy, sustainable food, fiber and fuel?
All questions will be used during the State Discussion Meet, two during Preliminary Rounds, two during Sweet Sixteen and one for the Final Round.
Opening Statement (30 seconds each, clockwise around the table):
Introduce yourself, your connection to agriculture, and any personal reflections you have on the topic.
Discussion Body (15-20 minutes): With your fellow participants, analyze the topic, ask relevant questions, define solutions that are achievable, specific, and showcase Farm Bureau’s role. Be an active listener, show courtesy to others, and address your fellow participants with good eye contact and clear communication.
Closing Statement (1 minute each, counterclockwise around the table):
Share your closing thoughts, acknowledging others’ ideas and summarizing some actionable items.
Check out our training videos and discussion examples
at the Michigan Farm Bureau YouTube page!
Thank you to our Discussion Meet Sponsors
