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Volunteer of the Month
MFB's Volunteers of the Month are selected by a panel of discerning staff judges who work with Farm Bureau members statewide in a variety of program areas. Nomination forms are available at all county offices, or by contacting Lori Chamberlain at the MFB Young Farmer Department at (800) 292-2680, ext. 3234.
John Hardman
May, 2006 Volunteer of the Month
Farm Bureau honors Gratiot member for service, dedication
Local farmer John Hardman has been recognized by Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) as the organization's Volunteer of the Month for May 2006. Hardman works a family cash crop operation east of Ithaca, raising corn, soybeans, wheat and hay.
Since being elected president of the Gratiot County Farm Bureau just last year, Hardman has thrown himself into the leadership role and motivated his fellow board members in the process. He sets an example by getting involved in every aspect of his county-level organization, supporting the full range of committee activities and holding those volunteers accountable for their work.
"John is the type of person who others follow and respect, encouraging broad involvement and recognizing members for their service," wrote his nominator for the Volunteer of the Month award. "He was a leader at the state annual meeting and worked to provide new delegates - many of which he recruited - with a great experience and impression of MFB."
Last winter Hardman encouraged his fellow board members to strive for improvement thorough a goal-setting process, setting ambitious priorities and enriching the organization with new members and ideas. He then empowers those member volunteers through confident delegation of authority and other means of making volunteers understand the importance of their contributions.
"John is a true ambassador for both the Gratiot County Farm Bureau and the state-level organization," his nominator wrote.
In addition to his leadership as county president, Hardman has served on his county Farm Bureau's membership, information, young farmer, and the local and state affairs committees. He has attended Michigan Farm Bureau's Lansing and Washington Legislative Seminars, and is an active member of his county's Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Action Team.
Hardman lives on his home farm in North Star Township with his wife Jill and their children Brock and Ellie.
