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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.
Doug Holstege
December, 2006 Volunteer of the Month
Farm Bureau honors Zeeland member for service, dedication
Ottawa County farmer Doug Holstege has been recognized by Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) as the organization's Volunteer of the Month for December 2006. Holstege was chosen for playing a pivotal role in coordinating a campaign event for Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos following his endorsement by MFB's AgriPac last fall.
Schreur Farm in Hudsonville hosted the "town hall"-style meeting, which more than 300 people attended. Holstege had a hand in organizing every facet of the event, from cleaning and decorating the facility to sending invitations and coordinating traffic control. The event went off so smoothly the host farm's business operation wasn't disrupted even on the day of the rally.
"The event let people know that Farm Bureau is active in the community," wrote Holstege's nominator for Volunteer of the Month honors. "The Ottawa County Farm Bureau would not have been able to hold this event without Doug's help. He answered the call to action."
While Holstege had attended a number of Farm Bureau meetings since joining the organization in 1993, he had never before gotten directly involved in its core mission of advocating for the interests of Michigan farmers.
"For a first-time volunteer, Doug did an exceptional job," his nominator wrote. "He and other previously passive Farm Bureau members renewed their excitement in the organization and ignited a flame for others to follow."
Holstege raises vegetables and greenhouse crops on 90 acres of open land and under glass in 90,000 square feet of greenhouses. He also sells alternative heating devices, such as corn-burning furnaces.
Holstege lives in Blendon Township with his wife Michelle and their four children.
