Take 5: Collegiate FB Advisor Thomas Green 

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 Thomas Green, program coordinator for the Institute of Agricultural Technology Michigan State University.

What was the path you took to get the position you’re in now?  

I have an advanced degree from MSU’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Although my career path took a turn toward the turfgrass industry — for 18 years! — my affection is with crop farming, as our family still retains the farmstead in Cass County. We now lease the land to the neighboring farmer; it’s prime farmland on Kalamazoo loam that continues to produce bountiful harvests year after year. 

What programs either related to collegiate Farm Bureau or your courses are you most proud of? 

As for a feeling of pride, it could be toward the ag-tech courses taught in-person at Southwestern Michigan College.

What is the most exciting part of working with your students? 

I teach five of the course offerings ranging from horticulture to farm management, and to be honest this is the most exciting part of working with students—helping them build their library of knowledge.

What are ways your county Farm Bureau has helped encourage membership involvement in your Collegiate chapter and how has Michigan Farm Bureau influenced the chapter involvement? 

I support our county Farm Bureau both as a judge for Young Farmer Discussion Meets and as an advocate for the local farming community. I’ve had students participate in previous Discussion Meets and I’ll encourage future 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), you should check out Michigan Collegiate Farm Bureau. It helps students network with peers and ag professionals, build career and leadership skills, and develop their voices as agricultural advocates. 

Cassie Bosworth interned this summer with MFB’s Young Farmer and Promotion & Education departments.