Fourteen finalists have been announced across Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2025 Young Farmer awards program, celebrating outstanding young leaders in the state’s prodigious farm sector.
The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes successful young farmers (individuals or couples) who derive a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise and showcases their achievements in the business of farming. Let’s meet this year’s finalists in the Achievement category:
Amanda Carey Goodfellow – Mecosta County
Amanda Carey Goodfellow farms in partnership with her father, raising 650 acres of corn, 350 acres of soybeans, 120 acres of hay, and 80 acres of wheat and rye.
“I’m proud to be part of a multi-generation farm that has not just survived many changes but continues to thrive into the future,” Goodfellow said. “From growing the operation, transitioning to robotic milking, and working through multiple transition and succession plans, I’ve learned that not every opportunity works out the way we think it will — but there are lessons to be learned along the way that help us become the best versions of ourselves, and our farms, that we can be.”
Her farming goals include continued use of modern equipment and new technologies to help reduced labor. She also hopes to serve the industry through political involvement and advocacy.
“The biggest value of my Farm Bureau membership most days is the fellowship with other farmers and industry professionals,” she said. “I also value the leadership opportunities and the chance to be involved in grassroots politics.”
Blake Gordon – Sanilac County
Under the B&C Gordon Farms name, Blake Gordon and his father raise 280 acres of corn, 400 acres of soybeans, 340 acres of red wheat and 80 acres of sugar beets.
“I’m most proud of growing the organic matter in our soils, which I’ll continue as long as I farm,” Gordon said. “It makes me proud to ensure our land is in the best condition for future generations of farmers.
“My ultimate ambition is to make the farm economically — and agronomically — sustainable and resilient.”
He values Farm Bureau’s mission to represent farmers’ interests in Lansing and D.C., promoting agriculture and farm-friendly policy to lawmakers.
Zach & Ronna Wagner – Clinton County
First-generation farmers Zach and Ronna Wagner raise 3,600 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and beef cattle. In addition, Ronna works a full-time job with Munters Corporation.
“We’re most proud of growing to where we are today and how hard we worked to get here,” Wagner said. “Starting from one tractor and 14 acres in four different fields — to farming 3,600 acres today — is an achievement we are humbly proud of.”
Future plans include a grain-handling facility to improve efficiencies and to farm more ground closer to home.
“Through Farm Bureau we have gained a network of like-minded people and resources,” she said. “Being involved on our county board has also increased our community involvement.”
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