83 Friends of Agriculture win their primary election races

Jerry Neyer has spent the last 30 years working his family's 300-cow dairy farm with his dad and brother, also raising heifers, and running a custom chopping service. He won a competitive race in the 92nd House District and credits his extensive Farm Bureau involvement in his victory. Image credit: Courtesy photo

Date Posted: August 3, 2022

Michigan Farm Bureau

A total of 83 Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) AgriPac-endorsed Friends of Agriculture were successful in the Aug. 2 primary, and will now focus their campaign efforts on the Nov. 8 general election.

Isabella County Farm Bureau leader and first-time candidate Jerry Neyer won a competitive race in the 92^nd House District (Isabella County and a portion of Gratiot County), crediting his extensive Farm Bureau involvement in preparing and deciding to run for office.

“After looking over the other candidates, they didn’t have the background that I thought we needed for the district — we needed somebody with an agriculture background,” Neyer said. “This was the type of race that needed a person dedicated to knocking on doors and getting out there and talking to the people and hearing what they had to say…that’s how I gained my support.”

Additionally, several incumbent state-level candidates with farm ties were successful and will appear on the November ballot. (click names to learn more)

Sen. Kevin Daley: The Senate Agriculture Committee chair and Lapeer County Farm Bureau member is pursuing reelection to the 26^th House District (portions of Lapeer, Genesee, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties).
Sen. Dan Lauwers: The St. Clair County Farm Bureau member is seeking reelection to the 25^th Senate District (St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron and portions of Tuscola, Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties).
Sen. Ed McBroom: The Natural Resources Committee chair and Iron Range Farm Bureau member is seeking reelection to the 38^th Senate District (the Upper Peninsula, excluding eastern portions of Mackinac and Chippewa counties).
Sen. Roger Victory: The Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee chair and Ottawa County Farm Bureau member is pursuing reelection to the 31^st Senate District (portions of Ottawa and Allegan counties).
Rep. Sarah Lightner: The Jackson County Farm Bureau member is pursuing reelection for her third and final term in the newly redrawn 45^th House District (portions of Calhoun and Jackson counties).
Rep. Luke Meerman: The Ottawa County Farm Bureau member is seeking reelection for his third and final term in the 89^th House District (portions of Ottawa and Muskegon counties).
Rep. Bryan Posthumus: The Kent County hops farmer is seeking his second term in the 90^th House District (portions of Kent County).

MFB’s election expert, Matt Kapp, said the organization is pleased with the success experienced by so many of the organization’s endorsed candidates.

“We’re sending congratulations to our victorious Friends of Agriculture,” Kapp said. “And we look forward to supporting them going into the general election.”

Kapp added that AgriPac will reconvene in early September to review county Farm Bureau recommendations and determine if any additional endorsements will be made.

“I’m thrilled about Jerry Neyer. Jerry was in a very competitive primary and did not have the same financial resources as some of his competitors, but he proved that by working hard and knocking doors six days a week that a common good man can win in politics," Kapp said.

“Jerry will be an outstanding farmer citizen legislator and I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that he’s a graduate of MFB’s Academy for Political Leadership.”

In the Congressional races Friends of Agriculture and incumbents Reps. John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg, and Lisa McLain easily defeated their primary challengers, as did 10^th district newcomer John James. Reps. Bill Huizenga, Jack Bergman, Dan Kildee, and Debbie Dingell were successful in their uncontested races.

See how all Friends of Agriculture fared in the primary election.