Young Farmer Program

Each member shapes the vision of the Young Farmer program through quarterly meetings, carried out through county-level engagement, awards, district events, and state conferences. The committee also sets and carries out goals in coordination with MFB staff.

The committee consists of one Young Farmer representative from each district and three at-large members, nominated by individual members of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors and approved for appointment by the entire state board of directors. 

Members may serve a maximum of two, two-year terms. Committee members must be 18 to 35 years of age at the time of their appointment and be a regular Farm Bureau member in good standing. 

Through committee engagement, members grow their abilities for leadership, including public speaking, meeting facilitation, networking, and goal setting.  They also have the opportunity to travel to national conferences through the American Farm Bureau Federation.

District Representatives:

• Communicates with county chairs, district director, and regional managers to accomplish program goals.
• Supports their district’s county YF programs.
• Leads the District Discussion Meet.

Michigan Foundation for Agriculture Agent Charitable Fund At-Large Member: 

Serves as a liaison to the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture Agent Charitable Fund. 

• Attends Agent Charitable Fund Committee meetings and events as an ex officio member.
• Provides leadership and vision for the Harvest for All program.
• Offer insight to staff on strategies for programming.
• Provides support for district-level vacancies and absences.

High School and Collegiate At-Large Member: 

• Works with staff to represent the committee at high school and collegiate outreach events.
• Serves as chair of the High School and Collegiate Discussion Meets at State Annual Meeting.
• Offers insight to staff on strategies for programming. 

Chair:

In addition to committee and executive responsibilities, the chair serves on the MFB board of directors. 

• Attends and presents a report at MFB board meetings/events.
• Clarifies policy when necessary and develops policy if none exists. 
• Abides by and supports board actions.

Executive Committee:

The executive committee consists of a chair, a vice chair, and a third member. 

• Attends executive committee meetings and meets before/after events as needed for additional questions and feedback.
• Provides leadership for committee subgroups, subcommittees, or task forces.
• Ensures the committee works toward its goals.
• Provides insight, feedback, and oversight to MFB staff to further the committee’s priorities and enhance transparency and accountability.