Michigan Farm Bureau Discussion Meets simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.
Michigan Farm Bureau hosts Young Farmer Discussion Meets for 18- to 35-year-old members and Youth and Collegiate Discussion Meets to introduce young leaders to the organization.
Miss your District Discussion Meet? Didn't move on to the state contest?
Here's your chance! Join Young Farmers from across the state in a virtual Discussion Meet on September 3 at 6:00 p.m. The top three competitors will move on to the state contest preliminary rounds in November (if more than 10 participants, four will move on).
2025 Young Farmer Discussion Meet Information
- Guidebook
Missed your District Discussion meet? Register for the statewide makeup Discussion Meet held virtually on September 3 at 6:00 p.m. Any eligible Young Farmer member can compete for a chance at moving on to the state contest.
DISTRICT 1
Event Date: March 22 (completed)
Location: Griner Farms, 13120 Born St, Jones, MI
Regional Manager: Sarah Pion
Counties in Region: Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren
Details: Dinner at 4:00 p.m., Discussion Meet at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by March 14 to either Sarah Pion at (269) 377-4841 or Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau at (269) 342-0212.
DISTRICT 2
Event Date: June 26 (completed)
Location: River Dell Event Barn, 26450 H Drive South, Homer, MI
Regional Manager: Becca Gulliver
Counties in Region: Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee
Details: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dinner included. RSVP here.
DISTRICT 3
Event Date: April 4 (completed)
Location: Farm of Dave & Denise Reaume, 8889 US Turnpike, Newport, MI
Regional Manager: Hannah Meyers
Counties in Region: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne
Details: Dinner at 6:30 p.m., Discussion Meet at 7:00 p.m. RSVP here.
DISTRICT 4
Event Date: April 2 (completed)
Location: Red Barn Market, 3550 Alden Nash Ave NE, Lowell, MI
Regional Manager: Lori Schrauben
Counties in Region: Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa
Details: Event begins at 6:30 p.m. Contact Lori Schrauben at (517) 230-3462 to RSVP.
DISTRICT 5
Event Date: January 19 (completed)
Location: Brody Square Dining Hall, 241 W. Brody Rd, East Lansing, MI
Regional Manager: Hannah Nunn
Counties in Region: Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Shiawassee
Details: Missed it? Watch for details on the fall statewide makeup Discussion Meet!
DISTRICT 6
Event Date: March 14 (completed)
Location: Bootlegger's Axe Co., 402 Quay St. Port Huron, MI
Regional Manager: Laken Polega
Counties in Region: Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola
Details: Tour of Blue Water Bridge at 2:30 p.m.; dinner, Discussion Meet, and Axe throwing at 4:30 p.m. Contact Laken Polega to RSVP.
DISTRICT 7
Event Date: April 12 (completed)
Location: Hillhaven Farms, 4246 E. McBrides Rd, Edmore, MI
Regional Manager: Andrew Smith
Counties in Region: Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola
Details: 4:00 p.m. Discussion Meet, dinner and euchre/bingo game night to follow. Main dish is provided, but please bring a side dish to share.
DISTRICT 8
Event Date: April 6 (completed)
Location: Dow Diamond, 825 E. Main St, Midland, MI
Regional Manager: Alex Schunk
Counties in Region: Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw
Details: Arrive by 12:15 p.m.. Food and baseball tickets provided. RSVP here.
DISTRICT 9
Event Date: May 3 (completed)
Location: Great Wolf Lodge, 3575 US-31, Traverse City, MI
Regional Manager: Kelsee Steenwyk
Counties in Region: Benzie-Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, NW Michigan, Wexford
Details: 12:00 p.m. lunch; Discussion Meet and water park to follow. Discussion Meet participants receive two free tickets to use day-of until 8:00 p.m.
DISTRICT 10
Event Date: April 6 (completed)
Location: Dow Diamond, 825 E. Main St, Midland, MI
Regional Manager: Sonya Novotny
Counties in Region: Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Huron Shores, Iosco, Ogemaw
Details: Arrive by 12:15 p.m.. Food and baseball tickets provided. RSVP here.
DISTRICT 11
Event Date: May 21 (completed)
Location: Charlevoix Public Library, 222 Clint St, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Regional Manager: Kathleen Blust
Counties in Region: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, Presque Isle
Details: Event starts at 5:00 p.m. with dinner to follow. Door prizes will be raffled off — including a portable speaker, MFB cornhole boards, and an Amazon gift card. RSVP to Kathleen Blust at (248) 238-2363.
DISTRICT 12
Event Date: August 14 (completed)
Location: UP State Fair — Delta Chamber of Commerce,1001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI
Regional Manager: Craig Knudson
Counties in Region: Copper Country, Chippewa, Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac-Luce-Schoolcraft, Menominee
Details: Event begins at 6:30 p.m. EST. RSVP to your county Farm Bureau: Chippewa — (906) 430-5035; Copper Country — (906) 779-1774; Hiawathaland — (906) 789-9373; Iron Range — (906) 779-1774; Mac-Luce Schoolcraft — (906) 430-5035; Menominee — (906) 779-1774
- Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of environmental stewardship. From soil health to local ecosystems, producers are concerned about how to be both environmentally and financially sustainable. How can farmers and ranchers effectively advance environmental stewardship while balancing the needs of their farms? This question will be used at all district discussion meets.
- Urban sprawl presents significant challenges for farmers and ranchers, impacting access to land and resources. We see that 1.9 million acres of agricultural land are lost to development each year. How can Farm Bureau help promote responsible growth in communities while mitigating the loss of farms, ranches, and the agrarian way of life? This is the backup question at district discussion meets, if a second round is needed.
- Technology has made the world more interconnected than ever, creating new avenues for communication with policymakers. How can digital engagement be leveraged to effectively connect Farm Bureau members with their local, state, and national elected and appointed officials?
- There are numerous resources available to support seamless farm and ranch succession planning. How can Farm Bureau help increase understanding, access and utilization of tools and resources that help facilitate the smooth transition of land and capital from one generation to the next?
- Farm Bureau offers a diverse range of member benefits at the state and national levels. What strategies can be implemented to ensure members are fully informed about the savings on products and services available to them? Additionally, how can young farmers and ranchers leverage these industry relationships to strengthen local partnerships and increase utilization of these discounts to keep their operations running smoothly?
All questions will be used during the State Discussion Meet:, Two during Preliminary Rounds, two during Sweet Sixteen and one for the Final Round.
Opening Statement (30 seconds each, clockwise around the table):
Introduce yourself, your connection to agriculture, and any personal reflections you have on the topic.
Discussion Body (15-20 minutes): With your fellow participants, analyze the topic, ask relevant questions, define solutions that are achievable, specific, and showcase Farm Bureau’s role. Be an active listener, show courtesy to others, and address your fellow participants with good eye contact and clear communication.
Closing Statement (1 minute each, counterclockwise around the table):
Share your closing thoughts, acknowledging others’ ideas and summarizing some actionable items.
2025 Collegiate Discussion Meet Information
- Competitors:
- Each chapter can enter up to five students.
- Every competitor receives one additional lunch ticket for a guest.
- Guests can be an advisor, family member, or friend.
- Additional spectators/supporters are welcome to attend. They will need to enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and plan to return to the banquet hall by 1:30pm to watch the announcement. Additional banquet lunch tickets are not available for purchase.
All Competitors and Guests must register by completing this form by Nov. 15.
- Guidebook: Please review for complete rules, format, scoring structure, and scorecard.
- Worksheet: Use this worksheet to help you critically think through each question.
Competitors are encouraged to review the following resources as they prepare:
Collegiate Farm Bureau members 18-35 years old have the opportunity to compete in the Collegiate State Discussion Meet held in conjunction with the High School State Discussion Meet during the MFB State Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2026, at the DeVos Center Place in Grand Rapids, MI.
7:45-8:15am Collegiate Meet Registration — DeVos Grand Gallery
8:15-8:30am Collegiate Discussion Meet Briefing — DeVos Grand Gallery A
8:30-9:15am Collegiate Discussion Meet Round 1 — DeVos Grand Gallery Rooms
9:30-10:15am Collegiate Discussion Meet Round 2 — DeVos Grand Gallery Rooms
10:45-11:00am Collegiate Discussion Meet Finalists Announcement — DeVos Grand Gallery DE
11:30am-12:30pm Collegiate Discussion Meet Finals — DeVos Grand Gallery AB
12:45-2:30pm Collegiate Discussion Meet Winners Announcement — Member Engagement Lunch, DeVos Ballroom BCD
All competitors will participate in Opening Round One and Opening Round Two. The top six combined scores from the opening rounds will move on to the Final Round. All questions are based on questions provided by the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher National Committee.
Opening Round One: Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of environmental stewardship. From soil health to local ecosystems, producers are concerned about how to be both environmentally and financially sustainable. How can farmers and ranchers effectively advance environmental stewardship while balancing the needs of their farms?
Opening Round Two: Farm Bureau offers a wide range of member benefits, including discounts on ag-related products and services. What creative strategies can be used to help more members — especially young farmers — understand and take full advantage of these benefits? How might these partnerships be promoted locally to support farm businesses and build stronger connections between members and industry partners?
Final Round: What are some challenges facing farmers or agriculture in your community? Suppose your youth organization wanted to make a difference or create change. What strategies could you use to raise awareness, organize support, and connect with local, state, or national leaders?
2025 High School Discussion Meet Information
The following links provide reliable resources and information you may find helpful as you prepare:
- American Farm Bureau Federation
- Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program
- Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Michigan Farm Bureau Education & Leadership
- Michigan Farm Bureau Political Action
- Michigan Farm News
- Michigan Grown, Michigan Great
- Michigan State University Extension
All high school students who are FFA members, 4-H members, and/or dependents of Michigan Farm Bureau members, except past Michigan Farm Bureau High School Discussion Meet state winners, are eligible to compete. Each regional competition is based on FFA regional boundaries and hosted by FFA chapters.
Each FFA chapter, 4-H club and county Farm Bureau can send up to three competitors to compete in the regional competition. Competitors may only compete in one regional competition per year. The top three individuals from each regional competition will move on to the state competition at the Michigan Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 3 in Grand Rapids, MI.
Register Now
Online registration must be completed one week prior to the competition date. If you have any questions about registration or Discussion Meets in general, please contact Katie Cooper.
REGION I
Event Date: Nov. 18, 5:00 p.m.
Registration Due Date: Nov. 7
Location: Vicksburg High School
Counties in Region: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Eaton, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren
REGION II
Event Date: Nov. 6 6:00 p.m.
Registration Due Date: Oct. 28
Location: Milan High School
Counties in Region: Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne
REGION III
Event Date: Nov. 13, 10:00 a.m.
Registration Due Date: Nov. 4
Location: Delta College
Counties in Region: Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola
REGION IV
Event Date: Oct. 4, 9:00 a.m.
Registration Due Date: Sept. 24
Location: Corunna High School
Counties in Region: Clinton, Genesee, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Shiawassee, and St. Clair
REGION V
Event Date: Oct. 15, time TBD
Registration Due Date: Oct. 3
Location: Cedar Springs High School
Counties in Region: Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceania, Osceola, and Ottawa
REGION VI
Event Date: Nov. 12, 5:00 p.m.
Registration Due Date: Nov. 3
Location: Magnus Center — Harrison
Counties in Region: Alcona, Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Iron, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft, and Wexford
Regional Level Questions
- Round One Question: As more land is used for housing, stores, and roads, there’s less space for farming. What are some creative ways we could grow more food using less land? And how can farmers and communities work together to make land-use decisions that benefit both?
- Round Two Question: Farmers work hard to protect the land, water, and animals they depend on — while also keeping their farms successful. What are some ways they can care for the environment and still run a strong, profitable farm? And how can farmers and ag supporters share these ideas with others to help more people use them?
- Final Round Question: What are some challenges facing farmers or agriculture in your community? Suppose your youth organization wanted to make a difference or create change. What strategies could you use to raise awareness, organize support, and connect with local, state, or national leaders?
State Level Questions
- Round One Question: As more land is used for housing, stores, and roads, there’s less space for farming. What are some creative ways we could grow more food using less land? And how can farmers and communities work together to make land-use decisions that benefit both? (Regional Level Round One Question)
- Round Two Question: Youth organizations like 4-H, FFA, and student government offer valuable experiences — but not every student knows about them. How can these programs create more ways for students to get involved and stay engaged? What role can community partners like Farm Bureau, schools, businesses, and local leaders play in helping these organizations thrive. (Brand New Question)
- Final Round Question: Farmers work hard to protect the land, water, and animals they depend on — while also keeping their farms successful. What are some ways they can care for the environment and still run a strong, profitable farm? And how can farmers and ag supporters share these ideas with others to help more people use them? (Regional Level Round Two Question)
Check out our training videos and discussion examples
at the Michigan Farm Bureau YouTube page!
Thank you to our Discussion Meet Sponsors
