Running for the MFB Board of Directors
Farm Bureau offers countless opportunities for members to play an active role in steering the organization, the highest level being service on the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
This year, there’s one district director vacancy to be filled and five incumbent directors up for reelection, in addition to the MFB presidential election:
- District 6 Director Travis Fahley (St. Clair County) isn't seeking reelection.
Presidential Election Information for the MFB Annual Meeting Delegates
As usual, we will start the board election process during Delegate Session by electing the district directors, filling any vacancies, and electing the Young Farmer and Promotion/Education board representatives. Once that is complete, we will move into the presidential election process, as set forth in the MFB bylaws:
- The MFB Secretary asks those directors who are interested in being considered for President to announce their interest to the delegates.
- The delegates take a short break, during which the board convenes in separate room to consider its recommendation.
- The board announces their recommendation to the delegates.
- The delegates make their ‘nominations’ for their nominee. The delegates can propose several names but must select one final nominee.
- The delegates vote for their single nominee.
- The board convenes in separate room to hold the final election of the President. The board considers the nomination from the delegates but may select a different candidate.
- The board announces the new President to the delegates.
- The new President’s term takes effect immediately.
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming election process, contact Andy Kok, MFB General Counsel/Secretary at [email protected] or (517) 391-5066.
The following incumbent district directors are up for reelection; these seats are open to qualified candidates only from these respective districts:
- Dist. 2 — Jennifer Lewis (Hillsdale)
- Dist. 4 — Jeff Sandborn (Ionia)
- Dist. 8 — Michael Mulders (Bay)
- Dist. 10 — Leona Daniels (Arenac)
- Dist. 12 — Dave Bahrman (Hiawathaland)
Regular Farm Bureau members ready to take their involvement to the highest level — and who fit the criteria — are encouraged to throw their hat in the ring and declare their candidacy.
Prospective candidates should note the following deadlines:
Immediate
Determine your eligibility with respect to MFB bylaws. Qualified candidates must be:
- Regular members in good standing.
- Directly and actively engaged in farming as owners and/or operators of farms whose primary interest is in farming,
- Not employed full-time in an occupation other than farming.
- Not serving in a county, state or national elective office.
Nov. 6
Deadline for expressing your candidacy in writing (email works) to MFB Secretary Andy Kok; contact him directly for the necessary form or more information. Statements will be shared with state annual meeting delegates prior to elections taking place.
Nov. 15-Dec. 4
Even-numbered district meetings in which delegates make official nominations for their district directors. If you are planning to be a candidate, please check to find out when and where your district meeting is.
Dec. 3-4
Attend MFB Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, where the election takes place with the assembled county Farm Bureau delegates as the electorate. Contact your county Farm Bureau office if you’re interested in representing your county at the state annual meeting.
Directors in odd-numbered districts will be up for reelection next year, as well as the Young Farmer and Promotion & Education representatives.
Contact Andy Kok for more information.