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Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies

Growing Together Conference

Sprouts Growing from seed

Growing stronger, growing bolder, growing as leaders...

February 28-March 2, 2025 | Delta Hotels Marriott Muskegon Convention Center, Muskegon

Growing Together is open to all regular members and synthesizes the best of Farm Bureau’s advocacy, outreach and leadership training. Network with 500 of your peers from across the state and take home new ideas, business resources, leadership skills and a deep roster of new allies and connections throughout Michigan’s farm sector.

Registration is open January 6-17, 2025

Top Reasons to Attend:

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Learn about finance, consumer education, marketing, and current ag issues during interactive breakout sessions and workshops.
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Meet hundreds of agricultural leaders and industry experts.
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Build confidence to ag-vocate for the industry and step up to fill leadership positions.
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Get behind-the-scenes tours and experiences.
Interested in attending? Tell us here!

Submit this short form and we will share your response with the appropriate county Farm Bureau.

Portrait Growing Together keynote speaker Chris Koch sitting in a field in front of a John Deere combine harvester.

Dinner Keynote Speaker: Chris Koch

Chris Koch doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way.

Despite being born without arms and legs, Chris grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school and helping on his family farm. Neither he or his family treated his disability like a tragedy, and instead used it to fuel his dreams.

Today, Chris is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they dream of. Chris loves sharing his story and spreading his message of, “If I Can…”

An avid traveler, marathoner, and farmer, his presentation reflects his full life. Simply put, Chris asks, "if I can do what I’ve done so far in my life, what’s stopping others from doing the same?"

Portrait of Dr. Trey Malone

Lunch Keynote Speaker: Trey Malone

Farming Forward: Michigan Agriculture in 2040 

Join Dr. Trey Malone, Boehlje Endowed Chair for Managerial Economics in Agribusiness at Purdue University, as he explores the future of Michigan farming.

Drawing on his expertise in agribusiness entrepreneurship and agri-food supply chains, Dr. Malone will examine the trends shaping agriculture today and those poised to define the next 15 years.

With insights backed by over 60 published research articles and funding from organizations like the National Science Foundation and USDA, this keynote will uncover the exciting innovations, challenges, and opportunities awaiting Michigan farmers in 2040. Don’t miss this forward-looking discussion about the future of agriculture.

AGENDA

 

Breakouts & Workshops

Tours and Experiences

A Northern Exploration of Wine, Dairy, and Fruit Research

A large green sign reading "Michigan State University AgBioResearch" posted outside of an office building.

This tour will depart north to three stops that offer a blend of agriculture, craft beverages, and innovation. 

Country Dairy is a fourth-generation dairy farm that has become an agro-toursim and educational destination. Their farm milks 1200 cows and bottles 70,000 gallons of milk per week. They sell their milk, cheese, butter and ice cream in their retail store and restaurant and employ 125 people. 

Fox Barn Winery has been a part of the farming community for five generations. The business’ foundation is the care of 2000 acres of land that is 75 percent fruit with the remaining land growing asparagus and wood lots managed by a forester. The Farm Market was introduced in 2005 and the Winery added in 2008. 

West Michigan Research Station is a community-based, non-profit research station dedicated to agricultural research for the neighboring communities of Oceana, Newaygo, and Mason Counties. Situated on 68 acres of farmland, the station partners with stakeholder groups and provides support to farmers with training, research, community space, and equipment.

Please bring a jacket, hat, and gloves as some of this tour will require walking outdoors. 

Crops, Critters, and Beverages

A man showing a black calf to a group of students.

Buckle up for this tour into the innovative practices and sustainable methods that drive modern agriculture. Whether you are an industry professional, entrepreneur, or simply just curious, this tour will take your understanding of the agricultural sector to the next level!

Bring your crew to Spring Meadows Nursery, where you’ll explore the fascinating world of plant genetics and shrub liners. Find how innovative breeding techniques lead to diverse and resilient liners, service, and plant varieties.

At Critter Barn there is an elite hands-on agricultural education center with real farm experience. Engage with a variety of farm animals and learn about roles in agriculture. Through interactive exhibits and guided talks, you’ll gain insights into Critter Barn’s inspirational practices. 

St. Steve’s Farm~Crafted Beverages is where the art of farm-crafted beverages comes to life. Here, you can learn about the selection of handcrafted sodas, sparkling waters, cordials and teas made locally from their farm and the production process of St. Steve’s Farm~Crafted Beverages. 

Please bring a jacket, hat, and gloves as some of this tour will require walking outdoors.

Working Farms Double as Agricultural Classrooms

A group of people on a Dairy Discovery tour.

Join us for an afternoon exploring two unique stops that celebrate agricultural heritage, modernization, and consumer experience. 

Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery, which started in 1911 as a peach farm, is now a sixth-generation, year-round agrotourism staple right outside of Grand Rapids. Learn more about their retail marketing, apple production, and innovative direct-to-consumer strategies.

Dairy Discovery is a non-profit educational organization that helps tell the story of modern dairy farming through programs, tours, and camps as well as hosting educational open house events. Dairy Discovery was founded by Annie Link of Swisslane Farms, after many years of welcoming classrooms on their farm to learn where their food comes from.

Please bring a jacket, hat, and gloves as some of this tour will require walking outdoors.

Barn Quilt Making & Coopersville Farm Museum Barn Quilt

Wide exterior shot of Coopersville Farm Museum

At Coopersville Farm Museum you have the chance to not only learn about the techniques behind creating your own barn quilt, but the historical and now direct-to-consumer significance of barn quilts in Michigan. 

Each participant will paint and take home their own 2 ft. by 2 ft. wooden barn quilt.

While you wait for your barn quilt to dry, explore the Coopersville Farm Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring farming and rural life! This experience brings you an enjoyable time and the souvenir of your very own barn or wood quilt!

There will be a $40 fee for each participant to cover the barn quilt making supplies and class.

Farm Safety

Rural rescue workers propping up a fertilizer tank.

Join Jonathon Degen from Rural Rescue for an interactive and immersive, 2.5 hr. experience at Muskegon Fire Department where you will have the opportunity to...

See a live skid loader rollover extrication and rescue demonstration,
Participate in a hands-on major bleeding demonstration,
Receive training on wet and dry chemical decontamination, and
Learn more about heat and cold environmental emergencies.

The demonstrations will take place partially outdoors. Attendees should wear warm winter gear. 

After the training, the group will head to Pidgeon Hill Brewing Company for a tour and to learn about the craft beverage industry.

Service and Cocktails

Overhead shot of a spread of various beverages and appetizers.

What better way to learn the significance of your community involvement and knowledge than to get real-world observation into community service. This experience will begin with a volunteer opportunity with Kids Food Basket of Muskegon and then the group will participate in a grand tour of a distillery and a cocktail making class at Wonderland Distilling! 

Must be 21+ to register for the distillery tour/class. 

Shop and Explore

Wide shot of a row of buildings in downtown Muskegon, Michigan.

Spend your tour time exploring Downtown Muskegon where history meets modern charm. Visit an array of unique shops and one of the many local museums and historical sites:

Muskegon Museum of Art (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Muskegon Museum of History & Science (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
The Frauenthal center (11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Hackley & Hume Historic Site (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Scolnik House of the Depression Era (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Fire Barn Museum (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Downtown Shopping 

This perfect blend of shopping, culture, and history is sure to make for an unforgettable adventure. 

A metal basket filled with labeled, packaged beer brats.

Member-to-Member Market

Do you sell products directly to consumers, made from commodities you raise?

Michigan Farm Bureau is excited to help you reach more customers through the 2025 Growing Together Member-to-Member Market, a new opportunity to help enterprising members showcase their products and increase brand awareness.

Participating attendees will find a platform for displaying and selling items directly tied to their farm operations. Whether you’re known for your honey, meats, lavender, jams or syrup, this is your chance to showcase the fruits of your labor.
 

Learn More & Register

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

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