The Block Party

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.

Join us for an episode of The Block Party focused on agricultural labor and what it means for Michigan agriculture. As we transition from our policy discussion series on emerging issues, we invite you to listen, consider how this topic connects to your farm or community, and think about the questions you’d bring to the conversation.

Tune in and join the conversation about ag labor, then share your thoughts with fellow Farm Bureau members. What challenges are you seeing, and what would you like Farm Bureau policy to address? Your grassroots perspective can help spark ideas and shape the policy conversations ahead.

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? We wants to hear from you! Send your feedback her way and keep the conversation going at [email protected]

Resources:

• 2026 MFB and AFBF Policy Books
• Member On-line Policy Submission: Don’t forget there is a member on-line policy submission option providing any member with 24-7-365 access to offer their thoughts and ideas. Ideas that are submitted will be forwarded to the county PD chair.

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 wrapping up our three-part policy discussion series on emerging issues impacting Michigan agriculture with a closer look at supply chain sustainability initiatives. In earlier conversations, we explored data centers and ultra-processed foods — and now we’ll turn our attention to how sustainability expectations, market demands and supply chain decisions may shape opportunities and challenges for farmers. As always, Farm Bureau policy starts with grassroots voices, and this series is designed to spark discussion, encourage engagement and help members think ahead as new issues take shape. 

This month, MFB Staff Member Tess VanGorder hosts members, Katie Adam and John Halverson on supply chain sustainability initiatives and kick off October’s discussions.  

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: 

• 2026MFB and AFBF Policy Books 
• Member On-line Policy Submission: Don’t forget there is a member on-line policy submission option providing any member with 24-7-365 access to offer their thoughts and ideas. Ideas that are submitted will be forwarded to the county PD chair. 
• 2026Emerging Issues 

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. 

Onto part two of our three-part policy discussion series on emerging issues impacting Michigan agriculture. As we continue to explore these topics, consider how Farm Bureau members (like you) can help shape the policy conversations around them. Farm Bureau policy starts with grassroots voices, and this series is designed to spark discussion, encourage engagement and help members think ahead as new challenges and opportunities take shape. 

This month, MFB staff members Rebecca Park and Theresa Sisung are joined by State Young Farmer Committee members Sarah Zastrow and Sam Schade to talk about Ultra Processed Foods. You may remember Sarah and Sam from Episode 41 in our Discussion Meet Series, https://www.buzzsprout.com/2134475/episodes/19140961, this conversation compliments that previous conversation well. 

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: 

• 2026MFB and AFBF Policy Books 
• Member On-line Policy Submission: Don’t forget there is a member on-line policy submission option providing any member with 24-7-365 access to offer their thoughts and ideas. Ideas that are submitted will be forwarded to the county PD chair. 
• 2026Emerging Issues 

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. 

Welcome to our three-part policy discussion series on emerging issues impacting Michigan agriculture. Over the next few months, we’ll explore topics like data centers, ultra-processed foods and supply chain sustainability — and, more importantly, how Farm Bureau members can help shape the policy conversations around them. Farm Bureau policy starts with grassroots voices, and this series is designed to spark discussion, encourage engagement and help members think ahead as new challenges and opportunities take shape. 

This month, MFB Staff Members Matt Kapp, Laura Campbell and Josh Scramlin kick off discussion on Data Centers.  

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: 

• 2026MFB and AFBF Policy Books 
• Member On-line Policy Submission: Don’t forget there is a member on-line policy submission option providing any member with 24-7-365 access to offer their thoughts and ideas. Ideas that are submitted will be forwarded to the county PD chair. 
• 2026Emerging Issues 
• Data Center Resources: https://greatlakes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AGL_DataCenter_Playbook_2026_Final.pdf  
• Citizens Research Council Information: 
• rpt426-data_centers_in_Michigan.pdf 
• Data Centers in Michigan: Evaluation of Policy Controversies Regarding Hyperscale Data Center Deve… 

Michigan Farm Bureau Final State Level Question

Engaging Public Concerns About Diet, Childhood Health, and Modern Agriculture

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: “Increased public concern over healthy diets and chronic childhood disease has raised questions, as well as criticism, about modern agriculture and the food system. How can Farm Bureau effectively engage in this discussion and advocate for the critical science-based tools and research farmers need to fulfill their commitment to grow healthy, sustainable food, fiber and fuel?” Join Sarah Zastrow and Sam Schade of the State Young Farmer Committee as they share their perspectives working in the industry, and as young moms.

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
• Michigan Farm Bureau’s Food Club Guidebook/Playbook

Michigan Farm Bureau State Level Question 2 

Leveraging Farm Bureau’s Grassroots Network to Break Barriers in Local USDA Certified Meat Processing 

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 Matt Gibson, a Young Farmer leader, and MFB staff member Pierce Bennett as they explore a powerful and timely topic: “With the continued ripple effect of supply chain challenges related to meat processing, how can Farm Bureau leverage its grassroots network to reduce barriers and create pathways for the development of local USDA certified meat processing?” 

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 

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 Way

The 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]

Resources:

• Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Discussion Meets
• Michigan 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 Seth Earl, Mason County's 2025-2026 President, and Darcy Lipskey, current MFB State Promotion & Education Committee Member 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 

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 

*Please excuse the audio issues in the beginning of this episode*

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