Michigan Farm Bureau’s pending redistricting plan means change is coming to the organization’s board of directors. The new 12-district arrangement takes effect at the beginning of 2019 Annual Meeting, Dec. 3-5 in Grand Rapids.
Directors in odd-numbered districts are up for re-election this year, and there will be no change to the election process in districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, where these leaders are up for reelection:
Up North, however, it gets more complicated:
The terms of all three at-large directors expire this year: Andy Hagenow, Doug Darling and Larry Walton. With the addition of a 12th district-specific director, only two at-large positions will be open for election (both to two-year terms).
The organization will function as 12 districts throughout the entire annual meeting, beginning with district kickoff meetings Tuesday morning.
County Farm Bureau presidents’ caucuses are strongly encouraged to convene and nominate prospective directors at the annual meeting.
Individuals included on the slate of candidates must meet the Michigan Farm Bureau qualifications for district director and should be willing to serve if nominated. MFB regional representatives are responsible for planning the district meetings or a conference call in their respective regions.