Farm Bureau's Lansing Legislative Seminar: Your Voice in Action

Kent County Farm Bureau members Bruce Klamer (left) and Nicole Zaagman (right) meet with Rep. Angela Rigas at the 2024 Lansing Legislative Seminar. Image credit: Bri Grunden, Michigan Farm Bureau

Date Posted: November 14, 2024

Nicole Sevrey, Michigan Farm Bureau

At the core of Farm Bureau’s mission is our work to keep you informed on issues affecting Michigan agriculture and offering opportunities to influence, support and defend legislative and regulatory policies that impact your farms and agribusinesses.

If this kind of thing excites you, you won’t want to miss MFB’s 2025 Lansing Legislative Seminar, Feb. 25 at the Lansing Center.

This year’s agenda is packed with an exclusive lunch reception with state representatives and senators, essential issue updates and breakout sessions designed to give you insights on the current political landscape, state budget conversations, environmental policy, and a farm-focused economic outlook. Get there early and you can attend an optional Capitol Building tour or attend the AgriPac breakfast fundraiser for a nominal $50 donation.

Attendees will also hear from a House and Senate leadership panel — and ask them direct questions — a unique opportunity that few organizations can offer.

“Lansing Legislative Seminar is second to none because it gives county Farm Bureau members insights and access that are otherwise hard to come by,” said Rob Anderson, MFB’s manager of state government relations. “This event will fuel their work — and the organization’s work— with elected officials throughout the year to ensure agriculture’s voice is both heard and respected.”

Denise Prielipp, a Washtenaw County Farm Bureau board member and co-owner of Hilltop Greenhouse and Farms in Ann Arbor, is a Lansing Legislative regular and encourages members to try it if they haven’t yet.

“Long ago, I didn’t fully understand how Michigan Farm Bureau worked on behalf of my farm and others across Michigan,” she said. “It took years of attending functions and observing. I encourage members to attend, learn and take something home — just one tidbit of factual information can be a game-changer in any conversation.

“We’re busy tending our farms daily and not necessarily thinking about what’s happening behind closed doors when legislation is written and introduced — but MFB’s legislative staff is.

“So when it’s time for members to meet with legislators, we all need to be present,” Prielipp said.

The seminar also fosters invaluable connections among members across districts.

“Chatting with other districts, listening to what’s happening elsewhere, and keeping that on my radar when I advocate for my area is a highlight for me,” Prielipp added.

Members interested in registering should contact their county Farm Bureau by Jan. 24, 2025.