County Farm Bureau members interested in meeting with lawmakers to discuss agricultural issues and Farm Bureau policy should register for one of seven regional legislative events scheduled between Feb. 3 and March 13.
Dates and locations are below and online; members can register by contacting their county Farm Bureau or MFB regional manager.
“Conversations between our members and state lawmakers are as critical as ever,” said Rob Anderson, Michigan Farm Bureau’s government relations lead. “The House and Senate have entirely new leadership and committee chairs, and half of all representatives and senators are serving their first term.
“We must help legislators understand the challenges Michigan farm families face to remain viable. To do that, they need to meet you, build relationships with your county Farm Bureaus and hear your personal stories.”
Attendees will hear tailored updates from policy staff regarding:
- The new political landscape in Lansing,
- Agricultural program funding,
- Investment in research initiatives,
- Initiatives to strengthen the state’s farm workforce,
- And potentially more as bills are introduced and Gov. Whitmer delivers her State of the State address Jan. 25.
“We’re excited about the experiences these regional events will offer and hope our county Farm Bureau members take advantage of the opportunity,” Anderson said. “If you’ve never attended a legislative event or met with an elected official, there’s no need to worry: You’ll be surrounded and supported by fellow members.
“Legislators are everyday people with life experiences. They’ve owned businesses, managed employees, worked in customer service and shouldered other roles that led them to where they are today. Their job is to get to know you and the issues impacting your farm, so don’t miss out on developing these relationships.”
Districts 1 & 4
- 9 a.m. Feb. 3 at Sportel Greenhouses, 5912 L Ave E, Kalamazoo
- Register by Jan. 20
- County Farm Bureaus: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Van Buren
- Includes tours of KVCC Food Innovation Center and Kellogg Biological Station
District 6
- 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at The River View, Frankenmuth Brewery, 423 S. Main St., Frankenmuth
- Register by Feb. 6
- County Farm Bureaus: Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola
District 12
- 10: 30 a.m. Feb. 20 at Island Resort, W 399 US-2, Harris
- Register by Feb. 6
- County Farm Bureaus: Chippewa, Copper Country, Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac-Luce-Schoolcraft, Menominee
Districts 2 & 5
- 11 a.m. March 1 at the Radisson Hotel at the Capitol, 111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing
- Register by Feb. 15
- County Farm Bureaus: Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Shiawassee
Districts 7 & 9
- 10 a.m. March 6 at Comfort Inn, 5323 US-10, Ludington
- Register by Feb. 20
- County Farm Bureaus: Benzie-Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Northwest Michigan, Oceana, Osceola, Wexford
District 3
- Noon March 10 at Detroit Port Authority, 130 Atwater St., Detroit
- Register by Feb. 24
- County Farm Bureaus: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne
- Includes tours of Germack’s or Planted Detroit
Districts 8, 10 & 11
- 11 a.m. March 13 at Forward Conference Center, 2980 Cook Road, West Branch
- Register by Feb. 27
- County Farm Bureaus: Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Emmet, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron Shores, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Otsego, Presque Isle, Saginaw
Share Story
Article Tags
