Continuing the pattern begun by Elton R. Smith and his successor Jack Laurie, Marlette dairyman Wayne H. Wood was another product of Farm Bureau’s priority on developing strong leaders from within its own ranks. Already active as Sanilac County Farm Bureau president, Wood’s first taste of state-level leadership came in 1974, representing the state Young Farmer committee on the MFB Board of Directors.
Ten years later he won an at-large seat on the state board, then the District 6 seat representing members across the Thumb. When Laurie was picked to succeed Smith in December 1986, Wood was picked as his second in command.
Twelve years later it was Wood’s turn, chosen to succeed Laurie as President of the Michigan Farm Bureau in December 2000. His 14-year presidency was marked by some major wins for Michigan agriculture, many of them owing to Wood’s political savvy and aptitude for working both sides of the aisle in Lansing.
In 2003, Wood became the sole agricultural representative on two high-profile councils. First, Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed him to her Michigan Land Use Leadership Council, charged with studying urban sprawl and making recommendations on how to minimize the impact of current land-use trends on the state’s environment and economy. Second, the director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) appointed him to a new Environmental Advisory Council, responsible for advising the department on major issues that may affect DEQ programs, policies and operations.
Wood served and for a time chaired the Michigan Agriculture Preservation Fund Board, appointed by the governor to oversee the state’s Purchase of Development Rights program and grant funding. He also spent four years presiding over the Michigan Farmland and Community Alliance (MFCA), an MFB affiliate dedicated to farmland preservation.
As co-chair of the DEQ’s Water Use Advisory Council, Wood helped advise the DEQ, DNR and MDARD on the state’s water-use program, including the Great Lakes Compact, water withdrawal and water-use conflict.
In 2004, the general manager of the Michigan State Fair appointed Wood to co-chair a commission charged with studying and making recommendations regarding changes and improvements to the annual state fair. In 2005, Governor Granholm appointed him to a newly formed Michigan Food Policy Council, charged with making recommendations on ways to boost economic development opportunities in Michigan’s food sector while improving agricultural production, community well-being and public health across the state.
Wood was a member of Michigan’s Agricultural Preservation Fund board and the state’s Strategic Fund Board following his retirement.
“Wayne Wood is truly one of the great agricultural leaders of his generation,” said past DEQ Director Dan Wyant, rattling off a laundry list of his accomplishments including the state’s coveted Right to Farm legislation, the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), livestock and plant initiatives and the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University.
“Michigan had model programs under Wayne’s leadership and tenure,” Wyant said. “He had a tremendous ability to get things done and a tremendous vision for agriculture — a true leader for Michigan.”
Nationally, Wood was appointed by former Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz to the Rural Environmental Conservation Program Advisory Board. He was among eight directors representing the Midwest on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. He’d previously served on AFBF’s Labor Advisory Committee and for four years chaired its Dairy Advisory Committee.
Wood stepped away from the presidency at its 95th annual meeting; a year later he was back to receive the organization’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture honor. Among those singing his praises on that occasion was Rick Snyder, an enthusiastic ag booster as Michigan’s governor from 2011-2019.
“Thank you for serving our state and the agricultural community throughout your career,” Snyder said. “Your expertise in the industry has played a significant role in Michigan’s comeback.
“Your support of key initiatives like MAEAP has been instrumental in driving the agricultural sector forward. Under your leadership, the food and ag industry has exceeded the $100-billion mark for annual contributions to Michigan’s economy.
“On behalf of all Michiganders, I sincerely thank you for your leadership and continued efforts. I have no doubt that agriculture in Michigan is better off today thanks to your dedication.”
Wood still farms near Marlette with his brother Randy, son Mark and nephew Greg. The 1,600-acre family farm milks 300 cows and grows corn and alfalfa.
His long history of serving his community close to home includes 20 years chairing the Sanilac County Mental Health Board, two decades as Marlette Township supervisor, and active leadership in Marlette’s Second Presbyterian Church.
Wood’s leadership legacy continues at every level, and comes full-circle in counseling and encouraging a new generation of young Farm Bureau leaders.
Subsequent Sanilac County Farm Bureau president Mike Noll remembers approaching Wood for his take on stepping up into that role: “I said, ‘Wayne, what drives you? What makes you want to be so involved and so active?’”
Wood’s response was a characteristically humble master class:
“Mike, the most rewarding thing for me is this is the same at the county level as it at state… When I walk away, if it can be better than when I got here, I know I accomplished what I set out to do.”
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