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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.
Phil Carter
November, 2006 Volunteer of the Month
Farm Bureau honors New Era member for service, dedication
Oceana County farmer Phil Carter has been recognized by Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) as the organization's Volunteer of the Month for November 2006. Carter raises corn, apples and roaster chickens on 250 acres in Shelby Township with his wife, Kathryn.
Carter devoted 26 years of his life to teaching young people about the food and fiber industry as an agriscience instructor at Shelby Public Schools. During his time there, he oversaw the operation of a 77-acre "land lab," where students raised various field crops, fruit and livestock. Carter also oversaw the management of the school district's 250-acre school forest, where FFA students planted, pruned and harvested wood products.
A Farm Bureau member since 1967, Carter has previously served on the Oceana County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for six years - three as county president. He was elected yet again earlier this year, and currently serves as third member of the executive committee. In addition to his leadership roles and chairing the White Lake Community Action Group, he has also been involved in Oceana County's information, state affairs, candidate evaluation, land use, policy development and membership committees.
Particularly active in policy development, Carter is a fixture of his county annual meeting, helping compose local, state and national-level policies for consideration by Oceana County farmers. He also never misses an opportunity for "face time" with lawmakers; he's a regular at local legislative breakfast meetings, works closely with state senators and representatives, and often takes part in MFB's Lansing Legislative Seminar, bending the ears of lawmakers on their home turf.
Outside Farm Bureau, Carter has been a 4-H swine club leader for 26 years, and currently serves as superintendent of the swine barn at the Oceana County Fair. He is also active in organizations representing apple growers, pork producers and horticultural commodities.
"When Oceana County Farm Bureau is mentioned, Phil Carter's name comes to mind as a key leadership person," wrote his nominator for Volunteer of the Month honors. "He gets results, whether it involves promoting agriculture, working with legislators on Farm Bureau policy, or educating our young people."
