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.
Without further adieu…
Who are you and what’s your title?
I’m Katelyn Kelley, MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology Program Coordinator at Kellogg Community College.
What was the path you took to get the position you’re in now?
I grew up on my family’s cash crop farm in St. Joesph County, where I gained a true appreciation for agriculture. I was an 11-year 4-H member of St. Joseph County and seven-year FFA member at the Branch Area Careers Center. It was during my time in these organizations, through leadership opportunities, that I fell in love with education. I attended Lansing Community College for two years, then Michigan State University for my bachelor’s in agriculture, food and natural resources education. I was an agricultural sciences teacher and FFA Advisor at Charlotte Public Schools from 2018- 2024. During this time, I also received my master’s in AFNR Education from Michigan State University. In 2024 I became the program coordinator at MSU IAT for Kellogg Community College.
What programs related to Collegiate Farm Bureau (or your courses) are you most proud of?
The two courses I’m most proud of are Agricultural Leadership Course (AGRI 105) and Agricultural Seminar (AT 100). The main focus of AGRI 105 is to provide students with tools to be successful leaders in the ag industry through analyzing personality types, leadership styles, developing teamwork skills, attitudes, goal setting and more.
AT 100 is a first-year course where students explore different aspects of ag industries, careers in agriculture and preparation for their professional internships. Through AT 100 students are encouraged to participate in Collegiate Farm Bureau events such as the #SpeakAg Challenge and Discussion Meet as well as attend local Farm Bureau meetings and events.
What is the most exciting part of working with your students?
The most exciting part for me is seeing students gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue their career and personal goals, and then going out and doing it! Through the courses students take as part of the agricultural operations or food processing certificate programs, they get to truly dive deeper into the industry through internships and hands-on course work to help build connections and relationships.
How has your county Farm Bureau helped encourage member involvement in your Collegiate chapter, and how has MFB influenced its involvement?
At KCC I work with Calhoun, Barry and Branch County Farm Bureaus to ensure students know the benefits of being members, are aware of scholarship opportunities, conferences and competitions. Being in my role as program coordinator for one year, I’m looking forward to continuing that work and finding ways for students to be involved.
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), check out Michigan Collegiate Farm Bureau. It helps students like yourself network with peers and ag professionals, build career and leadership skills and develop the voices of agricultural advocates. Contact MFB Young Farmer Manager Katie Eisenberger for more information.
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