December 10, 2019
Michael Ceja, a business management major at Delta College, has a new item to add to his resume.
The Alma native took first place at the Michigan Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet December 3 in Grand Rapids. He competed with nearly 20 students from colleges and universities across the state.
The competition challenged participants to take an industry problem and build a 20-minute discussion about the topic and offer solutions. During the final round this year, the state finalists were asked to discuss mental health awareness.
“Michael did an amazing job coming up with creative solutions,” said Leslie Siefka, program coordinator for the Michigan State University Institute of Agriculture Technology at Delta. “What set him apart was when he engaged with the audience by asking questions and getting them to interact with each other.”
The meet included three rounds. A panel of professionals from agriculture and farming industries served as judges.
“I’m thrilled and still in shock,” Ceja said. “Going into it, I knew I had a good chance because I made it to state finals last year, but you never know who you’re going to face and how strong they will be.”
Ceja was introduced to the agriculture industry when he joined the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club in high school. His mom, who grew up on a farm, encouraged him to get involved.
“I joined and planned on doing it for just one semester, but my advisors and peers really motivated me and introduced me to the world of youth leadership, agriculture and advocacy. I love it,” he said.
After graduating from Delta, Ceja plans to study social and community service and development. He wants to eventually work for Farm Bureau.
The Discussion Meet was sponsored by the Michigan Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee. Ceja is a member of the Farm Bureau Club at Delta, which began in 2018 for students interested in agriculture careers to network and learn.
Ceja will represent Michigan at the National Collegiate Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in Louisville, Kentucky in March.
Written by Leah Twilley, Communications Specialist.