The Kent County Farm Bureau (KCFB) met on Thursday, September 5 for a lively evening of conversation, giveaways, and making decisions that will shape the year to come.
Over 85 members and guests gathered at the Fairway Event & Banquet Center in Lowell, Michigan. We were pleased to welcome Jeff Sandborn, Patrick Carpenter, Jon Adamy, and Sarah Richardson from the FB Family of Companies; Jerry Miller, FB member and Chair of the Kent County Conservation District; Samantha Griffin of MSU Extension; Becky Huttenga of the Ottawa County Conservation District; Peter Dickow, Khristian Silvis, and Sherlynn James, representing our area Senators and Representatives; Joshua Volk and Damon Jordan representing candidates for office.
County Vice President Bruce Klamer announced the 2024 Scholarship awardees: Genevieve Calhoun and Hailey Smith. He presented the 2024 Grant awardees with their funds. Kevin Nugent and four students accepted the Lowell FFA Chapter’s grant to expand their first-grade chick program. Kerry McKinley and two students accepted the Sparta High School’s grant to build a new FFA program.
Four new members received KCFB picnic blankets embroidered by Sherry Richmond, and the youngest attendee received a signed picture book and stuffed animal pygmy goat from Nicole Zaagman.
After charcuterie boards by Andrea Boyd and a delicious dinner catered by Four Chefs, KCFB President Kylee Zdunic-Rasch called the Annual Meeting to order. Third Member Bryan Heffron read the rules of order and proof of notice and we approved the minutes and financials from the previous year.
Jeff Sandborn, District Director from the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors presented Farm Bureau Insurance agent Mark Johnson with his Key Club for signing 14 new farmer members this year. Jeff noted that in this election year, Kent County is considered one of seven counties nationwide that could determine the result—so we should keep telling our stories to make sure that agriculture is part of the conversation.
Farm Bureau Insurance Managing Partner Patrick Carpenter always threatens to show a 45-minute video, but, sadly, never does. He introduced the insurance agents present—Mark Johnson, Kelly Obenauf, Ryan Fox from crop insurance, Alex Ericksen from the farm group—and gave a short report. He noted that Kent County is important to Farm Bureau Insurance because of its diverse cross-section of rural, suburban, and urban/commercial opportunities.
Board of Directors Vote
We are saying farewell to County President Kylee Zdunic-Rasch--but not good-bye. She has reached the end of her term on the Board of Directors, but not of her time at Farm Bureau. We look forward to seeing her on stage at the State Annual and at future member events.
The following people were voted in by unanimous ballot for two-year terms as members of the Board of Directors:
District 1: Laurie Pant for a 2-year term.
District 3: Ryan Alt for a 2-year term.
District 5: Nicole Zaagman for a 2-year term.
At-Large: Bryan Heffron and John Schut for two 2-year terms.
Policy Recommendations
Michigan Farm Bureau believes in the members setting policy priorities, so voting on those is part of every County and State Annual Meeting. This year, we focused on FFA and on Agritourism. The following policy recommendations were approved and will go on to the state committee, where they will decide which policies to bring to the vote at the State Annual Meeting in December:
40-Agriscience-Food and Natural Resources Education and the FFA Organization FFA. Add line 83: We support implementation of inclusion and support of agriscience programs and FFA chapters in all Michigan public and private schools, including home school programs.
15-Direct Marketing and AgriTourism. Lines 5-10: We support legislation defining agritourism as activities on the farm that may or may not be directly related to the farm operation, conducted for the purpose of increasing income for the farm business including education, entertainment, experiences, or farm stays, but does not change the general intent of the farm operation.
15-Direct Marketing and AgriTourism. Lines 11-16: We support the development of an agritourism act, administered by MDARD, that preempts local ordinances. Areas of coverage should include, but not be limited to, event barns, corn mazes, farm stays, and farm animal related activities.
15-Direct Marketing and AgriTourism. Add Line 85: We support defining farm stays as an agritourism experience.
Membership Means More
The evening ended with giveaways from Farm Bureau companies and member operations. Annie Link received a Farm Bureau Insurance fire extinguisher, Connor Nugent won the Young Farm corn hole game, Kathleen Swanson received a wine and cheese basket from Robinette’s and Dairy Discovery, Peggy Johnson won two large mums from Koetsier’s, Kevin Nugent received the Donut Trail gift certificates to 5 member orchards, Denny Heffon and Ron Thomet won some apples from Robinette’s. Members took home the flower centerpieces from Sherry Richmond and Nicole Zaagman, as well as Share the Road yard signs, and MFB hats and Be Agriculture stickers.
It was a great night. People were having such a good time at their tables that it took them awhile to settle down for the business portion of the meeting. There was a wide array of members there: Young Farmers who grew up in ag, people who’d been in ag for a year, and people who’d been farming for over sixty years; brand new members of Farm Bureau and decades-long members; young children and FFA students and agriscience teachers; people with operations of all sizes and varying commodities. What a perfect start to this membership year!