Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) Vice President and at-large Director Andy Hagenow is retiring from his positions after more than 20 years of service.
Before winning his at-large seat in 2000, Hagenow served as a Young Farmer representative (1994-95), then chaired MFB’s State Young Farmer Committee. He represented the Midwest on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Rancher Committee and chaired its discussion meet subcommittee.
Prior to that he served as the Kent County Farm Bureau's vice president and chaired its policy development committee.
“Michigan Farm Bureau is an organization of farmers run by farmers to advocate for the industry,” Hagenow said. “Our strength is not our diversity. Our strength is being able to come together, even though we are diverse.”
Hagenow raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa and dairy steers for beef at his farm in Rockford.
Now 55, he’s found a new love in farm-stock tractor pulling, a pastime he’s embraced with two hands and a 40-pound wrench.
"I want to thank Andy and his wife Char for their years of service," said Carl Bednarski, president of MFB. "Andy was a selfless advocate for agriculture, dedicated to our members. On a personal level, he's become a trusted friend — honest and loyal. We will be sure they stay active members of our organization."
Interested in serving on the MFB Board of Directors?
If you’re interested in running for the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors, here is some basic information for your consideration:
- Potential candidates are asked to announce their candidacy by Oct. 15, 2021, so their names can be circulated to County Farm Bureaus and delegates for their consideration as early as possible.
- The deadline for announcing your candidacy is Nov. 3, 2021. A standard form is required to be submitted by that day, and is available from MFB Secretary Andy Kok, [email protected].
- More detailed information and FAQ’s about MFB board member responsibilities is found at https://www.michfb.com/mi/Board-Candidate-FAQs/. Please read this before making your decision to be a candidate, as the responsibilities are significant
- Contact Andy Kok at [email protected] if you have other questions.