Ogemaw County Farm Bureau member Elaine Palm is the Michigan Sheep Producers Association’s (MSPA) new executive director. She replaces Samantha Bos who will conclude her organizational duties in January. Bos led the organization for four years.
Palm works alongside her parents, Jim and Sherrie Bristol, on their northern Michigan sheep farm. She purchased her first farm in 2015 to build a second-generation business, adding value to the flock through sales of meat, raw wool and superior genetics.
She grew up as an active 4-H, FFA and MSPA youth member and holds a degree from Michigan State University in ag communications. She has an employment history of working with non-profits, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and Michigan Farm Bureau.
MSPA President John Schut applauded Palm’s skills and long-term commitment to the organization.
“Elaine brings an extensive history of sheep and agricultural experience to the position, and we are excited to have her serve the organization,” he said. “It is a great time to be involved in the industry and working with professionals such as her.”
Palm praised her predecessors for building a strong foundation of programs including MSPA’s Shepherds Symposium, summer picnic, a blossoming on-line sheep and equipment auction, quarterly webinars and newsletters, and frequent email blasts focused on training, event updates, and useful industry news and information.
“The strength of this organization is in its people, and we have incredible people and partnerships,” Palm said. “I look forward to building on those strong relationships and communicating with current and prospective members.”
She credits previous leadership within the organization for encouraging her toward achieving goals and she is eager for the opportunity to fulfill the same role for producers of all ages.
“I’m looking forward to taking the baton and keep the organization moving forward,” Palm said. “I feel that the timing is right for me, our family and our farm business to step into this role.”
Palm and her husband, Rick, have two children.