It’s time to Take 5 with the 13 members partnering with Michigan Farm Bureau to host a Collegiate Farm Bureau for college students across the state. Collegiate Farm Bureau advisors offer many opportunities and resources, including Discussion Meet preparation and shouldering a mentorship role through each student’s journey toward Farm Bureau involvement.
Who are you and what is your official title?
I’m Lance Fowler, MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology program coordinator at Delta College.
What was the path you took to get the position you’re in now?
I graduated from St. Louis High School in 2012 and was an active FFA member of the St. Louis FFA since 2007, where I served as a chapter, regional and state officer. I’m now a lifetime alumni member serving on the Michigan FFA Alumni & Friends Council as executive secretary. From there I joined Michigan State University as an AmeriCorps member serving in the 4-H STEAM Corps in 2018. I served my first year in Gratiot County and the next two in Bay County. My focus areas included short-term SPIN (specific interest) 4-H Clubs, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) education, family engagement programming, volunteer recruitment, and building relationships in Gratiot and Bay counties. I have been an IAT program coordinator since 2022; previously I was at Muskegon Community College.
What programs, either related to Collegiate Farm Bureau or your courses, are you most proud of?
I am proud to teach career development in agricultural technology: We show how diverse Michigan agriculture can be and the different types of careers students can go into. We also host the Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in the course, where students can further develop critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills to discuss current topics affecting them.
What is the most exciting part of working with your students?
Every minute of seeing them grow as individuals. I enjoy building the relationships with them and helping them find their voice. I love seeing them when they’re done with the program and the pathways they’ve taken since graduating.
What are ways your county Farm Bureau has helped encourage membership involvement in your Collegiate chapter, and how has MFB influenced the chapter involvement?
Our Collegiate chapter is student-led. The students come up with community service project ideas, fundraising activities and engagement throughout the community. In 2023, the students came up with the idea of hosting a holiday tractor-decorating event, bringing in multiple types of farm equipment and decorated them with holiday lights. We served hot cocoa and holiday cookies to the community. This was all planned and coordinated by the students.
If you are a college student interested in agriculture, agriculture education, community events revolving around agriculture, or come from an ag background, consider Michigan Collegiate Farm Bureau. It is a great way for students to make connections, grow leadership and career skills, as well as gives a platform to advocate for agriculture.
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