The Block Party

AFBF Discussion Meet Questions Series (Michigan Farm Bureau – State Level Question 1)Attracting and Retaining Rural and Large Animal Veterinarians: How Farm Bureau Can Lead the WayThe American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Discussion Meet is a competitive event that helps young farmers and ranchers build skills in researching issues, developing solutions and communicating them in a collaborative setting. In this episode, we unpack one of the state-level Discussion Meet questions—offering helpful context whether you’re thinking about competing or you’re simply interested in the future of rural veterinary care.Join us as we dive back in with some of our incredible Young Farmer leaders as they explore a powerful and timely topic from Michigan Farm Bureau’s Discussion Meet Competition State Level Question 1: “Rural and large animal veterinary practices and professionals continue to decrease in numbers across the country. How can Farm Bureau help attract and retain rural and large animal veterinarians for member communities?”Get ready—this month’s episode of The Block Party is officially LIVE, and you won’t want to miss it! Tune in now and catch up on this episode and all past episodes at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475.Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you? Awesome! Share it with your local County Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair—or submit it online using the link provided below.Have thoughts, ideas, or something you’d love to hear on a future episode of The Block Party? Ashley wants to hear from you! Send your feedback her way and keep the conversation going at [email protected]:Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Discussion MeetsMichigan Farm Bureau Policy Amendment / Idea Form  

Michigan Farm Bureau District Level Question 2 Join us at The BLOCK Party! Get ready—this month’s episode of The Block Party is officially LIVE, and you won’t want to miss it! Tune in now and catch up on this episode and all past episodes at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475. We’re diving back in with some of our incredible Young Farmer leaders as they explore a powerful and timely topic: “How can Farm Bureau and its young leaders leverage relationships with agricultural youth organizations to attract more young leaders to the Young Farmers and Ranchers program?” Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you? Awesome! Share it with your local County Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair—or submit it online using the link provided below. Have thoughts, ideas, or something you’d love to hear on a future episode of The Block Party? Ashley wants to hear from you! Send your feedback her way and keep the conversation going at [email protected] Resources: Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Discussion Meets Michigan Farm Bureau Policy Amendment / Idea Form 

*Please excuse the audio issues in the beginning of this episode*Join us at The BLOCK Party! Get ready—this month’s episode of The Block Party is officially LIVE, and you won’t want to miss it! Tune in now and catch up on this episode and all past episodes at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475. We’re diving back in with some of our incredible Young Farmer leaders as they explore a powerful and timely topic: “Growth in rural areas can strain rural energy infrastructure. How can Farm Bureau work with stakeholders to advocate for practice planning at the local, state and national levels that safeguards affordable, reliable energy access for farmers and ranchers as well as their rural neighbors while protecting farmland from unnecessary eminent domain?” Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you? Awesome! Share it with your local County Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair—or submit it online using the link provided below. Have thoughts, ideas, or something you’d love to hear on a future episode of The Block Party? Ashley wants to hear from you! Send your feedback her way and keep the conversation going at [email protected] Resources: Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Discussion Meets Michigan Farm Bureau Policy Amendment / Idea Form  

Join us at The BLOCK Party! This month’s episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen, check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475.  In this episode we will meet our 2026-2027 ProFILE Class and hear what they have to say about this issue, building excitement for agriculture careers and supporting young farmers.  We will hear it from them, first hand and you won’t want to miss this episode. Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Resources: ProFILE: https://www.michfb.com/agriculture/education/young-farmer-program/profile-institute  

Join us at The BLOCK Party! This month’s episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen, check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475.  We will listen in on an AFBF Newsline reviewing the annual farmland value survey and join in on the state young farmer committee’s DM chats as member Chris Sanford and MFB’s staffer Matt Kapp explore real issues farmers are facing.  You won’t want to miss this episode. Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Resources: DM Chats: https://youtu.be/m8z22D-2kMA AFBF Newsline: https://www.fb.org/newsline AFBF Market Intel: https://www.fb.org/market-intel/real-estate-rising-farmland-values-hit-record-high  

Join us at The BLOCK Party! This month’s episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen, check it out! In this episode we will hear from the Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom Manager, Michelle Blodgett, who shares what MFB is doing beyond food and financial contributions to fight food insecurity in the state. To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Resources: https://miagclassroom.org/ https://www.endhungerinmichigan.org/  https://agclassroom.org/matrix/companion-resources/1214/  

Join us at The BLOCK Party!This month’s episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Deb Schmucker, MFB's Field Operations Division Director joins in a discussion regarding issues on farmers' minds to compliment the discussion topic written by Jeremy Nagel.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!This month’s episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Mecosta County Farm Bureau member, Cora Okkema joins to share her personal experience with Young Farmer Discussion Meets and the overall Young Farmer Program.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Resources·       Discussion Meets·       Discussion Meet Training Videos

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Michigan Farm Bureau’s staff members Jeremy Nagel and Hannah Meyers.  In this episode we explore a common question in our grassroots organization, do smaller producers threaten Farm Bureau’s integrity?Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Michigan Farm Bureau’s staff member Matt Kapp.  In this episode we explore another one of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Emerging Issue Briefs regarding the potential of an upcoming Constitutional Convention.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Michigan Farm Bureau’s staff members Laura Campbell, Rebecca Park and Josh Scramlin.  In this episode we explore another one of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Emerging Issue Briefs on the reauthorization of Michigan’s Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Michigan Farm Bureau’s Economist, Loren Koeman.  In this episode we will diver deeper into one of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Emerging Issue Briefs on Tariffs.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Michigan Farm Bureau’s President and cherry farmer, Ben LaCross.  In this episode we will learn more about MFB’s strategic plan and the steps leadership is taking to develop that plan.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Laura Campbell discussion topic.  In this episode we explore the Nutrient Tales: The Buzz About EPA’s Pesticide Strategy.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Andrew Vermeesch and Pierce Bennett to introduce March’s discussion topic.  In this episode we discuss deer management and how after a number of years it continues to be a growing challenge for Michigan farmers.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  Relevant Policies discussed in this episode include MFB Policy #35 TB – Mycobacterium Bovis Tuberculosis, and MFB Policy #90 Wildlife Management.Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Tess VanGorder and Laura Campbell discussion topic.  In this episode we explore the Nutrient Tales: The Good, the Bad, and the AlgaeCheck it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]  

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Tom Piepkow, Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan’s Risk & Safety Management Representative to introduce January’s discussion topic.  In this episode we will dig into on-farm emergency action plans (EAP) and how to best prepare your farm for the unexpected.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with John Kran, Michigan Farm Bureau’s National Legislative Counsel to introduce December’s discussion topic. Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Persis Sopariwala, Farm Bureau of Michigan’s Agent Charitable Fund Manager and Audrey Carey, Farm Bureau Family of Companies Community Engagement Specialist to introduce November’s discussion topic.  In this episode you will learn about the great work being conducted around the state and how you can make an impact to accomplishing Farm Bureau’s social mission of ending childhood hunger.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Jeremy Nagel to introduce October’s discussion topic and get to know.  This episode discusses how farmers today are fewer in number and rely less on face-to-face contact, meaning less neighborliness, fewer handshake agreements, and less community.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]  

Thanks for joining us at The BLOCK Party!On this episode we talk with Leona Daniels, District 10 Director on the Michigan Farm Bureau board or directors to introduce September’s discussion topic and get to know.  This will preview the four-corner post as determined by Michigan Farm Bureau’s Rural Communities Task force.  You will hear more regarding the great work happening across Michigan and how you can get involved.  In case you want to learn more about the resources Leona mentioned, check out the Rural Communities update, Feeding MI Families report and the Agent Charitable Fund.Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Jeremy, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Member Communications Specialist, to introduce August’s discussion topic and get to know.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. Are you interested in receiving The Block Party Podcast on your phone as soon as a new episode is released?  Sign up for the Member Savings Texting Program, and when we have enough participants using the join code “CAG” we can start sharing the podcast that way.  You can sign up by texting “CAG” to 517-210-0800.  You’ll go through the brief sign-up process, receive a few updates in the next five days, then you will receive a monthly text message highlighting a great seasonal discount or the newest program update.  Once we have a large enough group, we can start sharing the podcast each month through this tool.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party!The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Laura Campbell, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Senior Conservation and Regulatory Relations Specialist, Tess VanGorder, MFB’s Conservation and Regulatory Relations Specialist, and Emma Totzke MFB’s Agricultural Ecology Department Intern, to introduce July’s discussion topic and get to know.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475 Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party! The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Matt Kapp, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Government Relations Specialist, to introduce June’s discussion topic and get to know.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party! The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Theresa Sisung, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Industry Relations Specialist, to introduce May’s discussion topic, Artificial Intelligence in agriculture, and get to know.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Interested in digging into the Farm Bureau policies discussed in this podcast? You can review all of Michigan Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation Policy here. Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party! The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Laura Lunceford, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Membership Development Manager, to introduce April’s discussion topic and get to know.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475   Also, here is the online membership application link: https://www.michfb.com/join Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party! This month’s episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Audrey Martin, Delta College Collegiate Farm Bureau and Beth Wernette, Mecosta County Farm Bureau, to introduce March’s discussion topic and get to know a little better.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Additional Resources Discussion Meets Discussion Meet Training Videos  

Join us at The BLOCK Party! The next episode of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Austin Large Senior Director of Membership and Organization Development at American Farm Bureau, to introduce February’s discussion topic and get to know.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Additional Resources Farm Bureau University – get  started by visiting university.fb.org  Step 1: Click “Sign up here” Step 2: Fill out the Sign-up Form    Items marked * are required Select Organization Code:  Michigan’s code: mifb Step 3: Click “Register” 

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Eleven of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Theresa Sisung, Tess VanGorder and Ernie Birchmeier, to introduce December’s discussion topic and get to know a little better.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Policy References MFB #2 Agricultural Innovation and Value-Added Initiatives MFB #28 Michigan Meat Processing Industry MFB #61 Antitrust MFB #83 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy Policy AFBF #341 Food Quality and Safety Additional Resources Starting Food Processing? Fact Sheet: Slaughterhouse/Meat Processor Groundwater Discharge Permit MSU Extension Safe Food & Water Antitrust enforcement in Agriculture  

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Nine of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Matt Kapp, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Government Relations Specialist, to introduce December’s discussion topic and get to know him a little better.  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Additional Resources The Candidate Handbook explains all the roles and responsibilities of local government positions.  MFB’s Academy for Political Leadership combines Government 101 and Introduction to Campaign Management — a developmental program designed to teach members how government functions and equip them with what it takes to run for office get elected. Related Articles https://www.michfb.com/about/news-media/matchett-model-voice-ag-local-govt https://www.michfb.com/about/news-media/mfb-rural-communities-task-force-preps-recommendations-policy-development https://www.michfb.com/about/news-media/proposed-policy-amendments-reflect-work-mfb-rural-communities-task-force  

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Nine of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Laura Campbell, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Ecology Department, to introduce November’s discussion topic and get to know her a little better.  You won’t want to miss this episode as if there are questions on water use regulations and jurisdiction, Laura is the person you want to talk to! Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Farm Bureau Policy References MFB #9 Commission System of Government MFB #89 Water Use in the Great Lakes Basin Additional Resources Michigan’s Water Use Program Michigan Water Use Annual Report, 2021 Michigan Farm Bureau’s Comment Letter on the Proposed Prairie River Reclassification MDNR Director’s Statement on the Prairie River Stream Temperature Reclassification 

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Eight of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Noelle Nachreiner, Executive Director and Michael Ceja, Outreach Specialist for the Michigan Ag Council.  In this episode Noelle and Michael will introduce October’s discussion topic and get to know them a little better. Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] Are you interested in learning more about the Michigan Ag Council? Check out their podcast, Michigan AF, https://michigangrown.org/podcast/.  You can also connect with them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/migrownmigreat.   

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Seven of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with John Kran, Michigan Farm Bureau’s National Legislative Council, Theresa Sisung, MFB’s Industry Relations Specialist, and Loren Koeman MFB’s Manager of Industry Conservation and Regulatory Relations and Lead Economist.  In this episode we will get to know John, Theresa, and Loren a little more and have a brief introduction to September’s Discussion Topic “Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land.”  Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party!Episode Six of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Mitch Galloway, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Associate Editor of Member Publications (Farm News).  In this episode we will get to know Mitch a little more and have a brief introduction to August’s Discussion Topic “Fewer operations, more consolidation: What is farm’s future?”  From mega sites, solar, wind turbines and more, farms are anticipated to look different for many reasons.  It’s time to jump in and have these conversations because if not we may be left behind.Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here.If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected]

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Five of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Katie Eisenberger, Michigan Farm Bureau’s High School and Collegiate Program Specialist and Megan Sprague, Michigan Farm Bureau’s, Young Farmer Program Specialist.  In this episode we will have a brief introduction to July’s Discussion Topic “Discussion Meets and Community Action Groups – One in the same” and get to know both Katie and Megan a little more. Be sure to check out Discussion Meet resources that are referenced in our discussion.  To learn more about Young Farmer or High School and Collegiate Farm Bureau Program visit the MFB Website. Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Four of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Jeremy Nagel, Michigan Farm Bureau’s Member Communications Specialist.  In this episode we will have a brief introduction to June’s Discussion Topic aka the mother of all discussion topics “What’s Happening, grass roots?” and get to know Jeremy a little more. Check it out!  To listen to this episode and others, visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475  Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us as we talk with Michigan Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Specialist, Amelia Miller.  In this episode we will have a brief introduction to May’s Discussion Topic “I order my groceries online,” get to know Amelia a little more and learn about exciting opportunities coming for county Farm Bureaus. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Join us at The BLOCK Party! Episode Two of The Block Party is live and ready for you to listen!  Join us as we talk with Michigan Farm Bureau’s Grassroots Policy Outreach Specialist, Emily Reinart.  In this episode we will have a brief introduction to April’s Discussion Topic “Basketball and Policy Development” and get to know Emily a little more. Be sure to check out the MFB and AFBF Policy Books that Emily references in our discussion. Did this discussion spark a policy idea for you?  Be sure to submit that idea to your local county Farm Bureau Policy Development Committee Chair.  You can also submit your policy idea online here. We are excited to feature another member benefit with Colten Franzen, MFB’s Member Services Specialist, and hope it opens the door to a lot of possibilities. If you have additional thoughts or feedback on what you would like to hear at The Block Party, pass that along to Ashley at [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to the first episode of the CAG Podcast: The Block Party. This month we will be talking with MFB’s Promotion and Education Specialist Amelia Miller as we kick off March’s discussion topic of “Who was your 5th grade teacher?”  We will consider tactics to connecting with schools, how to measure success and get to know Amelia better.