Giving Michigan agriculture a voice
Throughout the year, Michigan Farm Bureau members and policy staff work to implement the grassroots policies established annually. Here are just a few of the many Farm Bureau successes:
Agriculture Funding
Farm Bureau supported a 2024-25 state budget that included:
- A 2.5% funding boost for MSU Extension and AgBioResearch,
- $3 million in ongoing funds to support the voluntary and statewide Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program,
- $4 million in support of the state’s FFA programming,
- $7 million for climate resiliency and regenerative agriculture efforts and, $3 million in continued funding for the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture.
Member Advocacy in Lansing and D.C.
More than 300 county Farm Bureau members participated in Lansing Legislative Seminar where they spent time with state representatives and senators talking about issues important to Michigan farm families. Additionally, more than 100 members spoke with members of Congress and D.C. decisionmakers as part of the organization’s Washington Legislative Seminar.
Elections
In 2024, 368 county Farm Bureau members served on candidate evaluation committees, working to interview candidates and make endorsement recommendations to AgriPac. Endorsed Friends of Agriculture had a nearly 90% success rate in the November 2024 general election.
Regulatory Input
Nearly 900 individuals weighed in on behalf of Farm Bureau on a trio of Environmental Protection Agency public comment periods that included regulations on treated seed, livestock air emission reporting, and pesticide labeling.
Policy Development Participation
County Farm Bureaus submitted 680 recommendations this year through the policy development process, up significantly from last year’s 510 recommendations.
Water Use and Quality
Farm Bureau continuously advocates on behalf of farmers to ensure state and federal initiatives seek to use science-based practices and quality data to conserve and improve our water resources in the Western Lake Erie Basin, Saginaw Bay Watershed, and beyond.
Conservation Programs
Farm Bureau has a strong presence in a variety of voluntary initiatives throughout the state to provide famers with opportunities to further the conservation goals on their farm to protect water quality. We are actively representing members and providing resources on the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program, farmer-led watershed groups, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Programs, and more.
Opposing an Overreaching Large Livestock Permit
Farm Bureau and many partnering stakeholders continue to combat government overreach through a legal challenge of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s permit for large livestock operations.