Farm Bureau staff engage 4-H youth at MSU Exploration Days

A pair of Michigan Farm Bureau staffers recently took part in 4-H Exploration Days, a pre-college program hosted by MSU Extension for ages 12–19. This three-day event gives young people the opportunity to experience college life, explore future careers and deepen their knowledge of 4-H projects.

When MSU Extension called for session presenters, MFB stepped in to support 4-H and connect with the next generation of agricultural leaders. Staffers Katie Cooper and Jon Adamy led an interactive session titled "Consumer Conversations & Media Training: Communicating with Consumers at Fairs and Events."

The session was designed to help 4-H participants gain confidence in engaging with the public about agriculture. Whether representing a 4-H project or advocating for farming practices, attentive participants learned how to share messages clearly, accurately and authentically. In addition to communication techniques, participants received practical media training for radio, television and print interviews.

This three-hour session helped empower young people to confidently share the real story of how food is produced, covering topics including:

• Why Consumer Conversations Matter
• Communication Techniques: Sharing Your Story, Conversation Basics, Calming Nerves
• Media 101
• Careers in Agriculture
• The Role of Social Media and AI in Consumer Conversations
• Tips for Representing Agriculture and 4-H 

Participants also engaged in real-world scenarios and mock media interviews, gaining valuable experience that will serve them in future fairs, events and leadership roles.

"While our session was focused on agriculture, we also worked with several students who didn't have a direct connection to farming, but were able to incorporate their goals into our presentation," said MFB Promotion & Education and Youth Programs Specialist Katie Cooper. "The students practiced telling their own stories and connecting with people in various scenarios, and it was incredibly rewarding to see their skills grow — even in just a few hours!"

This effort builds on the work of MFB Promotion & Education, which offers Consumer Conversation trainings across the state. By partnering with 4-H, MFB continues to invest in the next generation of farm leaders and ensure that agriculture’s story is told.