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Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies

Accomplishments

Giving Michigan agriculture a voice

Throughout the year, Michigan Farm Bureau members and policy staff work to implement the grassroots policies established annually. Here are just a few of the many Farm Bureau successes:

Storage grain bin silos in a field of matured corn crop in harvest time.

Agriculture Funding

Farm Bureau supported a 2023-24 state budget that included:

  • A 5% funding boost for MSU Extension and AgBioResearch,
  • $25 million in grant funds for career and technical education programs,
  • $13 million focused on promoting usage and implementation of new technology and regenerative farming practices,
  • Nearly $2 million for food and agriculture supply chain investment to support accessibility of cold storage, distribution of processing facilities, and
  • Continued funding for the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, conservation districts, county fairs, and more.

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Three well-dressed Farm Bureau members smiling at the camera as they stand around a round cocktail table in an event hall.

Member Advocacy in Lansing and D.C.

More than 330 county Farm Bureau members participated in regional Lansing Legislative Seminar events where they spent time with state representatives and senators talking about issues important to Michigan farm families. Additionally, nearly 100 members spoke with members of Congress and D.C. decisionmakers as part of the organization’s Washington Legislative Seminar.

 

Closeup shot of an unrecognisable man and woman shaking hands on a farm.

Local Relationships with Decisionmakers

2023 was a year of firsts with new legislative districts, new political dynamics, and many new elected officials at the local, state and federal level. County Farm Bureau members are nurturing relationships with these individuals to communicate challenges and opportunities facing the food and agriculture sector. We are proud of the numerous events, meetings and farm tours that have been held to share our story and implement member-developed policy.

 

Wide shot of the bustling delegate floor of the 2023 MFB Annual Meeting.

Policy Development Participation

County Farm Bureaus submitted 680 recommendations this year through the policy development process, up significantly from last year’s 510 recommendations.

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Cows feeding in a barn

Influencing Dairy Program Reform

Following years of urging by Michigan Farm Bureau members and participation in the AFBF policy development process, USDA held a Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing in Carmel, Indiana where Van Buren County dairy farmer Tim Hood, Shiawassee County dairy farmer Brad Ritter and Branch County producer Brian Preston testified on behalf of the organization.

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Wide shot of a group of people in suits having a discussion while seated around a conference room.

Specialty Crop Representation

Also a result of member participation in the AFBF policy development process, in 2023 farmers and agricultural leaders from across the country convened in Traverse City for AFBF’s Trade Advisory Committee. The visit included several tours at Farm Bureau member farms as well as a meeting where growers shared trade concerns and challenges specific to specialty crops.

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Four well-dressed Farm Bureau members standing on a rooftop and smiling at the camera with the U.S. capitol building in the distant background.

Academy for Political Leadership

The fourth class of the Academy for Political Leadership graduated with seven county Farm Bureau participants learning about what it takes to run for public office and how to support candidates as campaign staff or volunteers.

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Grape vines in a vineyard on the Old Mission Peninsula outside of Traverse City, Michigan during autumn.

Water Use and Quality

Farm Bureau continuously advocates on behalf of farmers to ensure state and federal initiatives seek to use science-based practices and quality data to conserve and improve our water resources in the Western Lake Erie Basin, Saginaw Bay Watershed, and beyond.

A husband standing next to his wife who is holding their small child while smiling at the camera next to a tall sign reading "THIS FARM IS ENVIRONMENTALLY VERIFIED" posted outside a farm.

Conservation Programs

Farm Bureau has a strong presence in a variety of voluntary initiatives throughout the state to provide famers with opportunities to further the conservation goals on their farm to protect water quality. We are actively representing members and providing resources on the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program, farmer-led watershed groups, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Programs, and more.

 

Milking cows eating forage and hay in modern farm cowshed on dairy farm.

Opposing an Overreaching Large Livestock Permit

Farm Bureau and many partnering stakeholders continue to combat government overreach through a legal challenge of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s permit for large livestock operations.

close up of a man using a phone

Farm Feed Texting Program

In 2023, more than 3,400 members and supporters sent nearly 21,000 messages to elected officials and regulatory decisionmakers or signed a petition to share the organization’s position on important agriculture issues.