Shows
The Block Party36. EP. 36 - From “What Do You Want to Be?” to “Who Will Walk with You?” – Building Pathways and Community in AgricultureJoin 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 tha...
2026-02-0115 min
Crime Stories with Nancy GraceRODEO QUEEN GIRLFRIEND SAYS PATRICK FRAZEE BASHED FIANCE HEAD WITH BAT, NOW HE DEMANDS CONVICTION BE REVERSEDBE REPatrick Frazee was convicted of murdering fiancé, Kelsey Berreth, on Thanksgiving Day in 2018. He's already appealed once, but that was denied. Now he's trying again. Frazee claims an expert's trial testimony should not have been admissible. The original details of a police affidavit reveal shocking details about how Patrick Frazee allegedly used a baseball bat to smash the head of finance' Kelsey Berreth on Thanksgiving Day, and how he struggled to collect all the Colorado mom's teeth while cleaning up the crime scene. Nancy Grace explores the newest details with a panel including f...
2026-01-3140 minThe Block Party35. EP. 35 - Farmland Value and CompetitionJoin 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...
2026-01-0113 minThe Block Party34. EP. 34 - Farm Bureau's Fight vs. Food InsecurityJoin 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...
2025-12-0124 minThe Block Party33 EP 33 Local issues on farmers’ mindsJoin 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.
2025-11-0117 minThe Block Party32. EP 32 - Discussion Meets and Community Action GroupsJoin 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 y...
2025-10-2843 min
The Key with Inside Higher EdEp. 178: Voices of Student Success: Providing AI Training for All StudentsThis series of Voices of Student Success focuses on the use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education and how technology can support student success goals.
While AI tools have proliferated in education and workplace settings, not all tools are free or accessible to students and staff, which can create equity gaps regarding who is able to participate and learn new skills. To address this gap, San Diego State University leaders created an equitable AI alliance in partnership with the University of California San Diego and the San Diego Community College District. Together, the institutions work to ad...
2025-10-1725 minThe Block Party31. EP 31 - Do Smaller Producers Threaten Farm Bureau's IntegrityJoin 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 Po...
2025-09-0138 minThe Block Party30. EP - 30 Farmers, Government, and the Constitutional Convention: What’s at Stake?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 Po...
2025-08-0116 minThe Block Party29. EP 29 - MAEAP's Milestones, Funding and FutureJoin 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 t...
2025-07-0132 minThe Block Party28. EP 28 - Trade and Tariffs - The Trade-Offs of Tariffs: What's at Stake for US Agriculture?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 al...
2025-06-0120 minThe Block Party27. EP 27 - Building a Stronger Farm Bureau TogetherJoin 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 Bure...
2025-05-0130 minThe Block Party26. EP. 26 - The Buzz About EPA’s Pesticide StrategyJoin 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 h...
2025-04-0130 minThe Block Party25. EP. 25 - Deer Management: A Growing Challenge for Michigan FarmersJoin 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 lo...
2025-03-0120 minThe Block Party24. Ep. 24 - Nutrient Tales The Good, the Bad, and the AlgaeJoin 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 p...
2025-02-0120 minThe Block Party23. EP. 23 - Do you have an On-Farm Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?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...
2025-01-0127 minThe Block Party22. Ep. 22 - Let’s Discuss the Farm BillJoin 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 in...
2024-12-0318 minThe Block Party21. Ep. 21 - Feeding kids, families, and neighbors statewideJoin 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 a...
2024-11-0128 minThe Block Party20. Ep 20 - The Fraternity of Farmers’ Changing CodeJoin 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...
2024-10-0135 minThe Block Party19. Ep. 19 - Supporting Rural CommunitiesThanks 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.Di...
2024-09-0149 minThe Block Party18. EP. 18 - It’s about being honest and fair and showing respect.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 i...
2024-08-0130 minThe Block Party17. Ep. 17 - PFAS DiscussionJoin 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...
2024-07-0133 minThe Block Party16. Ep 16 - Protecting 10 Million!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...
2024-06-0114 minThe Block Party15. Ep. 15 - Emerging Issue: Artificial IntelligenceJoin 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 d...
2024-05-0116 minThe Block Party14. Ep. 14 - All Aboard the MEMBERship!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 Devel...
2024-04-0117 minThe Block Party13. Ep. 13 - Discussion Meets and Community Action GroupsJoin 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 als...
2024-03-0116 min
2024-02-0705 minThe Block Party12. Ep. 12 - Making a Good StoryJoin 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 id...
2024-02-0130 minThe Block Party11. Ep 11 - Long-term Viability of Agricultural ProcessingJoin 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 yo...
2024-01-0118 minThe Block Party10. Ep. 10 - Local Government InvolvementJoin 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...
2023-12-0114 minThe Block Party9. Ep. 9 - Water Use Regulations and JurisdictionJoin 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...
2023-11-0115 minThe Block Party8. Ep. 8 - Bringing Consumers Down on MI FarmJoin 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 Fa...
2023-10-0223 minThe Block Party7. Ep. 7 - Foreign Ownership of Agricultural LandJoin 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...
2023-09-0116 minThe Block Party6. Ep. 6 - Fewer operations, more consolidation: What is farm’s future?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 w...
2023-08-0124 minThe Block Party5. Ep. 5 - Discussion Meets and Community Action Groups – One in the sameJoin 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 discussio...
2023-07-0135 minThe Block Party4. Ep. 4 - What’s Happening, grass roots?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...
2023-06-0140 minThe Block Party3. Ep. 3 - I Order Groceries OnlineJoin 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 wu-cagloop@fbinsmi.com
2023-05-0129 minThe Block Party2. Ep. 2 - Basketball & Policy DevelopmentJoin 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 l...
2023-03-3125 minThe Block Party1. Ep. 1 - Who Was Your 5th Grade Teacher?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.
2023-02-1517 min