Farm Bureau endorses Tudor Dixon for governor

Michigan Farm Bureau endorses Republican candidate Tudor Dixon to be the state’s next governor. 

According to AgriPac, the organization’s nonpartisan political action committee, Dixon of Norton Shores is the best choice for agriculture, as her stances on state regulation, energy and education are farmer friendly policies.  

MFB AgriPac Chair and vegetable grower Mike Fusilier made the announcement Wednesday at the Kalamazoo Radisson Inn.  

“MFB's grassroots political endorsement through county Farm Bureau feedback was instrumental in determining that AgriPac back Tudor Dixon,” said Matt Kapp, government relations specialist for MFB.  

“The Farm Bureau way is taking the lead for the grassroots. Tudor’s common-sense approach to running state government will support the growth of the agricultural industry. She will fight to keep our agricultural economy strong.”  

Dixon, a mother of four, spent nearly a decade in manufacturing, including working at her father’s steel foundry in Muskegon. She and husband Aaron own Cornerstone Foundry Supply LLC in Norton Shores. 

Dixon’s running mate is Shane Hernandez of Port Huron.  

In a closed session Wednesday, farmers pressed Dixon on strict state regulations, a future plan for Line 5, and how to bring agriculture back in the classroom. 

“The agriculture industry is vital to Michigan's economic growth, and we currently have a bureaucracy that makes it difficult for farmers and processors to do business. That will end with the Dixon administration,” Dixon told Michigan Farm News. 

“We will support the agriculture industry and make it easier to do business in our state. Our future depends on it.”  

Dixon’s traveled the state and visited with farmers and processors, some who mention overregulation hindering their way of farm life. 

MFB President Carl Bednarski said there’s a solution to that — in a vote for Dixon. 

“Under Tudor Dixon’s leadership, and collaboration with legislative and state agency partners, there’s potential to create an environment where farms and agribusinesses can spend more time and resources investing in their communities, instead of fighting unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations,” said Bednarski, a Tuscola County sugar beet grower.  

“We'd like to call you our Friend of Agriculture and write our endorsement of you for the next governor of Michigan.” 

Dixon and incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will face off in the Nov. 8 election.