Members attending the Michigan Farm Bureau Lansing Legislative Seminar (LLS) on Feb. 20 will have exclusive access to receive updates from and ask questions of three of state government’s top leaders: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring; Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen; and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Phillip Roos.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity — register with your county Farm Bureau by Feb. 2.
“Many of our Michigan farms and agribusinesses interact with, or even rely on, one or more of these state departments to successfully produce, raise and market the food, fiber and fuel we all depend on,” said MFB State Government Relations Manager Rob Anderson.
“We appreciate the directors taking time to meet with our organization and I hope our members enjoy the experience and take advantage of the ability to ask the directors questions about current issues facing the industry.”
In addition to the hallmark legislative reception with state representatives and senators, the event agenda also includes a 2024 election forecast with political reporter Rick Albin. Michigan voters will consider the following offices on their ballots:
President
Open U.S. Senate seat (from Sen. Stabenow’s retirement)
13 Congressional seats
2 MI Supreme Court seats
2 MSU Board of Trustees
110 State Representatives
County & Township positions
“There’s a lot at stake for agriculture in the upcoming election and Rick Albin will help us understand why,” said MFB Government Relationship Specialist Matt Kapp. “Our membership needs to be involved in this election and should work to elect pro-farming candidates — Farm Bureau policy can be implemented by electing the right people who will implement Farm Bureau policy.”
Another key component of the event are the legislative and regulatory issue updates provided by expert MFB staff. Topics on tap include state agriculture funding, environmental regulation and community anaerobic digesters.
The event will conclude earlier than in years past — 4 p.m. — to give attendees more time for their trip back home.
Event agenda
Visit the LLS web page for details and agenda updates. All activities are held at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave.
9 a.m. — Optional Capitol Building tour departing from Lansing Center (See the new Heritage Hall space with history exhibits, artifact space and more.)
9:30 a.m. — Registration
10 a.m. — Legislative and regulatory updates
11:30 a.m. — Welcome from MFB President Carl Bednarski and presentation of the Excellence in Grassroots Lobbying Award
12 p.m. — Lunch reception with representatives, senators and state agency leaders
1:30 p.m. — Break
2 p.m. — Sessions:
Option 1: Quality of Life Director Panel discussion
MDARD Director Tim Boring
MDNR Director Scott Bowen
MDEGLE Director Phillip Roos
Option 2: A Look Back to Move Forward
A review and analysis of recent issues impacting Farm Bureau policy and agriculture, including but not limited to energy, environment and higher education.
Option 3: Work Zone: Excavate some tips for building successful relationships with your elected officials
Spend time with fellow members interested in hosting or attending county Farm Bureau activities with elected officials. This is a great session to attend whether you're a public policy committee member or not!
3 p.m. — 2024 Election Forecast from political reporter Rick Albin
4 p.m. — Adjourn
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Nicole Sevrey
