Spring has sprung, and county Farm Bureaus statewide have been busy bees planning and hosting a flurry of legislative events with local, state and federal elected officials. These important conversations help lawmakers better understand the issues facing agriculture, how these challenges impact farmers, and Michigan Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy positions.
Here’s a roundup of some of the great work county Farm Bureaus have been doing:
Kent County
Kent County Farm Bureau hosted its legislative breakfast April 25 at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery. The event drew a who’s-who of western Michigan politics, including Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, Senator Mark Huizenga, Senator Rick Outman, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Rep. Luke Meerman, Rep. Stephen Wooden and Rep. Bryan Posthumus. Staff from the offices of Senator Gary Peters and Congressman John Moolenaar also attended. Discussions centered around regulatory barriers, agricultural workforce challenges, farm stress, agriculture education opportunities and ways Michigan can create a more favorable regulatory landscape for farmers.

Macomb County
On April 14, Macomb County Farm Bureau hosted a legislative breakfast at Wolcott Metropark’s Farm Center featuring Congressman John James, Sen. Dan Lauwers and Rep. Denise Mentzer. Topics included environmental stewardship, supporting the agricultural workforce, balancing development needs with farmland preservation, securing agriculture’s future and strategies for better storytelling about Michigan agriculture.

Van Buren County
Van Buren County Farm Bureau spent time April 10 meeting exclusively with county commissioners at the county Farm Bureau office. Discussions focused on key agricultural issues and strengthening the partnership between agriculture and local government — relationships that are just as critical as those at the state and federal levels.

Monroe County
Heading south, Monroe County Farm Bureau continues to show why they were honored with the Excellence in Grassroots Lobbying Award earlier this year. Monroe held a meeting with Congressman Walberg March 19 at the county office to discuss the farm bill, crop insurance, trade, interest rates, federal budget cuts and more. Then transitioning to state level issues, the county held another successful legislative event March 31 at Calder Dairy in Carleton with Rep. William Bruck and Rep. James DeSana. The group covered a wide range of issues, including funding for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), Michigan Merit Curriculum graduation requirements, earned sick time employer mandates, property tax reforms, road funding, wildlife damage and more.

Ottawa County
Ottawa County Farm Bureau gathered members March 14 at Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven. Guests included Rep. Luke Meerman, Rep. Bradley Slagh and staff representatives from the offices of Sen. Roger Victory and Congressman Bill Huizenga. Local elected officials, including members of the county commission, road commission and county prosecutor’s office, also joined to discuss agriculture policy priorities.

Shiawassee County
On March 14, Shiawassee County Farm Bureau welcomed more than 70 attendees to their legislative breakfast at the Owosso VFW. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who had just announced his bid for governor in 2026, joined the group, along with Congressman Tom Barrett, Rep. Brian BeGole and several local officials. Discussions included road funding, the future of solar energy and farmland, the upcoming farm bill and farm succession planning.

Gratiot, Isabella & Montcalm counties
A growing tradition, the Gratiot, Isabella and Montcalm County Farm Bureaus teamed up once again to host a joint legislative lunch at Riverdale Tavern March 10. Members had the opportunity to connect with state and local officials, including Sen. Roger Hauck, Sen. Rick Outman, Rep. Jerry Neyer and Rep. Pat Outman. Staff from the offices of U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Congressman John Moolenaar and Rep. Tim Kelly also attended, making for a robust and lively discussion on key issues impacting agriculture.

Get Involved!
Events like these highlight the strength of Farm Bureau’s grassroots network, and the critical role local voices play in shaping agriculture policy and keeping legislators apprised of farm business realities. With more opportunities ahead during the state legislature and Congressional summer recess, county Farm Bureaus are poised to keep agriculture’s priorities front and center.
Interested in attending or helping plan events like these with your county Farm Bureau? Contact Emily Reinart, MFB’s grassroots policy outreach specialist, to learn more!
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