State Young Farmer committee welcomes new leaders

A New Year means new blood on the state-level committees at the helm of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Promotion & Education and Young Farmer programs. 

Click here to meet the new state Promotion & Education committee members; keep reading to learn more about your new Young Farmer leaders — in their own words.

DISTRICT 1: Matt Gibson, Kalamazoo County

I raise 1,750 acres of corn and soybeans — and have an 800-head hog finishing barn — in Kalamazoo County near Climax. My wife Alisha and I are raising the farm’s third generation: our toddlers, Brooklyn and Caleb.

I’m vice president of our county Farm Bureau board and also chair our Young Farmer program, which I’m passionate about: It keeps the next generation involved, contributes to their voice in agriculture and just brings people together.

The value of a membership to me is having a voice and being able to network with other farms to learn and build off of one another to help keep ag going in the right direction for years to come. Plus all the fun things you get to do. I got into farm bureau by a friend telling me I think you would be a good person the lead the county chair seat and pretty much told me that I had to do it and it worked out great. Others should look into join because there are programs and things to do for any ones ag background and the vale in what you get out of it is great.

DISTRICT 4: Allan Robinette, Kent County

I grow 15 acres of apples, six acres of sweet cherries, two acres of peaches — and manage our year-round market near Grand Rapids, which includes a cider mill, winery and corn maze.

My Farm Bureau involvement started in 2018 with ProFILE, where Farm Bureau invested heavily in me. Since then my involvement has grown to include service on the Kent County Farm Bureau board, MFB’s Direct Marketing Advisory Committee and a national issue advisory committee.

My time in MFB’s Academy for Political Leadership honed my passion for public policy and government relations — areas in which I hope to best advocate for Michigan agriculture.

I grew up farming with my grandfather, and now farm alongside my father and two uncles. Their work ethic and devotion to stewardship of the land have inspired me to make farming my career; I’m now the fifth generation to call this farm home.

I even met my wife Marah on the farm; she works seasonally at the farm market.

Before my involvement in Farm Bureau, I was not very well connected to other farmers. But as a result of my involvement I’ve formed friendships and working relationships with farmers all across the state.

I’m passionate about advocating for our industry, and Farm Bureau has given me a voice with which to do so — our organization truly is on the front lines.

DISTRICT 6: Nathan Beyerlein, Tuscola County

I grew up helping my grandparents and uncles on their cash crop farm, growing sugar beets, corn, edible beans and cucumbers. After graduating from Michigan State University, I worked at Star of the West in Richville as a custom application dispatcher and agronomist. 

The past three years I’ve worked at Hutson, Inc. as their data manager, working with customers at our 17 Michigan locations. I help manage and analyze cropping data and machine metrics to boost productivity, profitability and sustainability. I also train customers and staff on new technologies as well and the John Deere operations center.

I’ve been on our county Farm Bureau board the past few years and have attended numerous State Annual Meetings, plus the Young Farmer and Growing Together conferences. I’ve attended both the Lansing and Washington Legislative Seminars and sit on Tuscola’s public policy and policy development committees.

I’d love to see increased Young Farmer involvement in all aspects of the program, bringing the next era of leaders into our communities.

Growing up I always enjoyed spending time with my grandpa around the farm, every summer while my parents worked. That — and my love of the land — led me to my career. I enjoy being able to help farms meet their goals, grow and prosper for the next generation.

Farm Bureau provides a network like none other. It’s a community where each member has a voice to actively shape and contribute to the industry. It allows me to connect with farmers from across the country while advocating for us all, from locally to nationally.

Farm Bureau gives members a voice and a platform within a community that’s truly invested in agriculture’s future.

AT LARGE: Ben Butcher, Shiawassee County 

I rent and manage around 30 acres of alfalfa grass hay. I was an agriculture education teacher for two years, and am now an account manager for the ADM elevator in Grand Ledge.

My Farm Bureau involvement began with Collegiate Farm Bureau at MSU. I participated in the Collegiate discussion meet and really enjoyed the opportunity to network with folks in the industry. After college I was an FFA advisor and coached students in the Youth Discussion Meet. Every Young Farmer event I’ve attended has been a great opportunity to meet others; I’m so inspired by the ingenuity of Young Farmers and would love to see this group grow.

I come from a small farm near Corunna. Through the years it’s grown cash crops, cattle, hogs and vegetables. My great-grandfather Gerald Butcher operated a dairy farm and was very active in Shiawassee County Farm Bureau. My grandfather and father have both served on the county board, and it’s an honor to continue working with this organization.

The value of Farm Bureau membership is beyond its weight in gold. It truly is the voice of Michigan agriculture and fights for farmers and ranchers every day at the state and national level as well. 

Beyond policy, the organization supports educational outreach by bringing ag education to the general public, allowing consumers to learn where their food comes from, building a bridge between the farm gate and the dinner table. As a professional organization, the Young Farmer conferences, competitions and events help develop your business and take it to the next level. Whether it be practical knowledge learned in a workshop, or networking with other farmers and business professionals you call on for support in the future.