Get ready for Nov. 5: Election insights for the agriculture community

“If you don’t represent and defend agriculture locally, who will?” 

Keep those words from Michigan Farm Bureau’s election expert Matt Kapp in mind as you head to the polls Nov. 5. 

Your vote matters. Your voice matters. 

So, before you fill in those (tiny) circles on your ballot with (only) a blue or black pen, here’s a recap of the election information we’ve shared throughout the summer to help you prepare. 

Friends of Agriculture

MFB’s nonpartisan political action committee, AgriPac, in September announced the candidates selected to receive the organizations endorsement in the primary election. Check out the 89 candidates who make up the 2024 Friends of Agriculture roster.

You can also read our in-depth coverage of the following candidates:

• U.S. Senate: Mike Rogers (R)
• Supreme Court: Patrick William O’Grady and Andrew Fink
• MSU Board of Trustees: Mike Balow (R) and Julie Maday (R)
• State House: Dist. 31 – Dale Biniecki (R), Dist. 103 – Lisa Trombley (R), Dist. 109 – Karl Bohnak (R)

Candidates with agriculture experience

• Among the Friends of Agriculture are several who currently farm or have previous experience in agriculture and are seeking election or reelection in the Michigan House of Representatives. 
• Jennifer Wortz, a Branch County Farm Bureau member, is running for the 35th House District (all of Branch and Hillsdale counties and the city of Hudson in Lenawee County).
• Cady Ness-Smith, Ingham County Farm Bureau member and member of the MFB Equine Advisory Committee, is running for the 77th House District (portions of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties, including Lansing, DeWitt and Watertown Township). 
• Rep. Rachelle Smit, an Allegan County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection to the 43rd House District (most of Allegan County and portions of Barry, Eaton and Ottawa counties).
• Rep. Sarah Lightner, a Jackson County Farm Bureau member, looks to again represent the 45th House District (portions of Calhoun and Jackson counties). 
• Rep. Luke Meerman, an Ottawa County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection to the 89th House District (portions of Ottawa and Muskegon counties). 
• Rep. Bryan Posthumus, a Kent County hops farmer, looks to again represent the 90th House District (portions of Kent County).
• Rep. Jerry Neyer, an Isabella County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection in the 92nd House District (Isabella County and a portion of Gratiot County). 
• Rep. Greg Alexander, a Sanilac County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection in the 98th House District (Huron County and portions of Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola counties). 
• Parker Fairbairn, an Emmet County Farm Bureau board member, is running for the 107th House District (All of Charlevoix and Emmet counties and portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties).

Election logistics

If you’re looking for a full list of candidates who will appear on your ballot, visit our easy-to-use candidate locator. Or if you need to double check your polling location, hours, absentee ballot deadlines, clerk contact information and more, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center provided by the Secretary of State’s office.