It’s back: “Take 5” with the 13 enthusiastic faces partnering with Michigan Farm Bureau to host a Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at their institution. Our Collegiate Farm Bureau advisors offer students a variety of opportunities, preparing them for Discussion Meets, connecting them with their county Farm Bureau and introducing them to the organization.
Who are you and what is your official title?
I’m Brian Gardner, program coordinator at Montcalm Community College and Collegiate Farm Bureau Advisor.
What was the path you took to get the position you’re in now?
I started as program coordinator at Montcalm Community College through MSU in August 2020. I was the Alma-Gratiot Fair manager for 13 years before my job at MSU, and before that I was a 4-H agent. I have a bachelor's degree in biology from MSU.
What programs, either related to Collegiate Farm Bureau or your courses, are you most proud of?
My favorite classes to teach are career seminars in agriculture technology. It keeps school fun and meaningful. I am also proud of my work at Collegiate Farm Bureau competitions.
What is the most exciting part of working with your students?
Seeing them accomplish their goals. I enjoy helping them find the job they’ll be most happy with, and the most successful — that’s what makes me the happiest. The students aren’t here for long so it’s nice being a part of their journey.
How has your county Farm Bureau helped encourage member involvement in your Collegiate chapter, and how has Michigan Farm Bureau influenced the chapter involvement?
We have eight current students able to go to the Growing Together conference. It’s amazing and gives them the opportunity to learn more about agriculture — to advocate and promote it better. It’s good for young people to learn this because Farm Bureau can help them grow professionally, and the county board helps them a lot with bringing things together. They are very willing to help us. I think the biggest thing is the #SpeakAg project and having those competitions as well. Students can participate in #SpeakAg and choose to understand social media. If you’re going to be a young agriculture advocate, you need to learn social media. Discussion Meets also help them learn valuable skills in a positive way and are incredibly beneficial to students in my program.
If you’re a college student interested in where our food comes from, or have a background in agriculture, or just want to help Michigan grow (literally), you should check out Michigan Collegiate Farm Bureau. It helps students like yourself network with peers and ag professionals, build career and leadership skills, and develop their voices as agricultural advocates.
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