Page 127 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

74 ABR and MSUE must work closely with production
75 agriculture, agribusiness and other research entities so
76 research and the subsequent dissemination of research
77 information and outreach is focused on the most
78 appropriate industry needs. We support increasing state
79 and federal funding for MSUE and ABR, placing them at
80 the forefront of agricultural research and outreach.
81 We strongly support the research/extension
82 specialist program on and off campus. These positions
83 have provided direct contact with stakeholders and
84 research has been field-applied. We encourage a
85 focus on core agricultural programs.
86 We urge MSUE to consider years of applied career
87 experience in lieu of a Master’s degree as an alternate
88 avenue to recruit top-tier applicants into MSUE educator
89 positions. We support a reemphasis on hiring and filling
90 research-related faculty positions to address the
91 emerging needs and priority issues of the production
92 agriculture industry.
93 We strongly support Michigan 4-H youth programs
94 with over 181,000 members and We encourage MFB
95 and county Farm Bureaus to assist in state and local 4-H
96 activities. We recognize the educational efforts and
97 impact of more than 58,000 youth experiences in animal
98 projects and 8,600 in plant science projects.
99 Stakeholders are the volunteers that make these
100 programs successful for the youth of our state, and
101 must be involved as Extension plans for the future
102 delivery of these programs and hires staff.
103 MFB will continue its partnership with 4-H Capitol
104 Experience. The partnership will encourage students to
105 participate in a high-quality youth leadership
106 experience, with continued support from county Farm
107 Bureaus. 
#44 BROADBAND
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Rural access to broadband internet service is a major factor that impacts the ability of rural Michigan residents to compete and participate in the economy. The failure of public policy to address this critical need must be addressed. Access to internet is an important issue for business, agriculture, and academic purposes for rural students. The state of Michigan should address a comprehensive policy for the provision of universal broadband access statewide that is equitable in cost and quality in both rural and urban settings.

We support:
Allowing municipalities to utilize special
assessment districts in expanding broadband.
State Policies – Page 41