Standing in for the opportunity normally provided by Farm Bureau’s High School Discussion Meets, students this year are encouraged to try out a new event with similar goals. MFB CREW is for 4-H and FFA members, or dependents of MFB members, to address a current agriculture issue from a:
Students have until noon on Oct. 30 to submit a 3-5-minute video response via a YouTube link and a completed CREW worksheet addressing this topic:
Beyond boosting ag education programs in high schools and blasting social media posts, how can programs like 4-H, FFA and Collegiate Farm Bureau help the agriculture industry attract the best and brightest minds from diverse backgrounds and interests?
Judges in each of Michigan’s six FFA regions will choose three entrants to advance to the state preliminary round. Those 18 semifinalists will have until Nov. 19 to submit another 3-5-minute response video and worksheet addressing the next question:
With abundant productivity, farmers are in need of new markets, including opportunities outside traditional food and feed channels. How do we develop, invest and commercialize to innovate new uses of agricultural products and by-products to benefit all of agriculture?
The final four winners will be announced live on Facebook Nov. 24. Their submissions will be passed to one last set of judges who will choose the state winner and runner-up.
Katie Eisenberger leads high school and Collegiate Farm Bureau programming at Michigan Farm Bureau.
“By crafting their videos similar to how a student prepares for a discussion meet, our CREW participants shouldn’t have to worry about the strength of their internet connections or getting familiar with a new virtual platform,” Eisenberger said. “This approach should work in any school environment, whether you’re teaching face-to-face, virtually or some combination of the two.”
Prospective CREW participants can register through their 4-H leader, FFA advisor or county Farm Bureau administrative manager.
A complete MFB CREW guidebook, contest worksheet, and sample discussion meets can be found on the MFB website.
Contact Eisenberger for more information.