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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.
David Van Dyke
March, 2007 Volunteer of the Month
Farm Bureau honors Ottawa member for service, dedication
Ottawa County farmer David Van Dyke has been recognized by Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) as the organization's Volunteer of the Month for March 2007. With his brothers Tim and Daniel, Van Dyke operates a dairy farm near Marne, milking 400 head of cattle and raising approximately 800 acres of hay and corn silage.
An active Farm Bureau member at both the county and state levels, Van Dyke most recently distinguished himself by turning out a substantial group of Ottawa County farmers to attend MFB's annual Lansing Legislative Seminar, where they were able to speak directly with state lawmakers about issues affecting them and their industry. Soon after volunteering to recruit local members to attend the event, Van Dyke had nearly filled his sizeable passenger van with more than a dozen willing farmers.
His accomplishment hit a snag, however, when his previously trusty van broke down the day before the event. Heading straight back to the drawing board, Van Dyke hastily retraced his steps and made carpooling arrangements to get the group to Lansing the next morning.
"David took complete ownership in getting people to attend the Lansing Legislative Seminar," wrote his nominator for Volunteer of the Month Honors. "He believes in Farm Bureau, strongly supports the need for members to get 'face' time with elected officials, and he made it successful for Ottawa County."
In addition to taking part in the Lansing Legislative Seminar (both this year and last), Van Dyke has served as a voting delegate representing Ottawa County to MFB's last three state annual meetings, and participated twice now in the organization's annual Ag Day at the Capitol event, another opportunity for Farm Bureau members to interact with elected officials in Lansing. Locally Van Dyke is deeply involved with the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, sitting on the board of directors since 2004 and serving on the county-level communications and candidate evaluation committees.
"David is very committed to his family and business, and still finds time to volunteer when asked," his nominator wrote. "He is a real asset to Ottawa County Farm Bureau, and to the organization as a whole."
Van Dyke lives in Polkton Township with his wife Cornelia and their eight children.
