Strength in Numbers
Michigan Farm Bureau is always hard at work advocating for agriculture, growing the next generation of industry leaders, creating meaningful connections between our members and the things they care about, and providing everyday value through exclusive member savings.
Below is a brief summary of some of the things Michigan Farm Bureau has accomplished during the 2024-25 membership year.
Farm Bureau members advocated for the safeguarding, growth, and sustainability of the agriculture industry.
Strengthening Advocacy and Engagement
More than 500 policy recommendations were submitted by 59 county Farm Bureaus to support farms, families, and communities.
368 members served on candidate evaluation committees, helping AgriPac-endorsed candidates achieve nearly 90% success in the November 2024 elections.
More than 300 members engaged with state lawmakers in Lansing and more than 100 advocated in Washington, D.C.
With support from 176 public policy committee members, events were planned to help members build relationships with elected officials.
Maximizing Action Request Campaigns
Farm Bureau members and supporters sent more than 5,000 messages to state and federal legislators and regulatory leaders.
Securing Agriculture Funding
Farm Bureau supported a state budget that delivered $89 million in general funds to the agriculture department to support programs such as the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, state FFA programs, and efforts focused on climate resiliency and regenerative agriculture. Additionally, MSU Extension and AgBioResearch received a 2.5% funding increase.
Defending Agriculture
Throughout the 2023-24 legislative session, Michigan Farm Bureau actively opposed more than 50 bills that threatened the agricultural sector. Thanks to dedicated advocacy, these bills either failed to advance or were ultimately abandoned.
Protecting Resources and Driving Conservation
We actively supported voluntary conservation programs that help farmers enhance environmental practices, including MAEAP, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Manure Hauler Certification, and 4R Nutrient Stewardship, among others.
Pushing for a Modernized Farm Bill
Partnering with the American Farm Bureau Federation, Michigan Farm Bureau is urging Congress to pass a new, bipartisan farm bill, giving farmers the long-term stability needed for business planning.
Advocating for Agricultural Workforce Reform
Farm Bureau is leaving no stone unturned as we continue advocating for long-overdue agriculture workforce reforms. With more and more farms at risk of going out of business due to unchecked wage rate increases, we are working relentlessly with our Congressional Delegation to get action and results from USDA and the Department of Labor.
Through leadership development opportunities, members gained skills and knowledge about the industry to better their operation, career and personal lives.
Membership Growth
For the fifth consecutive year, our organization achieved its target and experienced membership growth. As a result, the delegate body at the 106th Annual Meeting increased by three delegates to a total of 420 delegates. Additionally, Michigan’s representation at the AFBF Annual Meeting grew by one delegate.
Professional Development
16 members participated in ProFILE Institute, a 15-month leadership program designed for agriculture’s most promising leaders.
Since its inception, the Michigan Farm Bureau External Leadership Development Scholarship program has awarded $16,010 to 13 members, continuing our strong tradition of investing in leadership development.
Business Solutions
Great Lakes Ag Labor Services (GLALS), one of our affiliates, became Michigan’s largest full-service H-2A contract filer. In 2024, GLALS helped 90 operations secure 2,450 seasonal guestworkers and now serves four additional state Farm Bureaus.
Social Mission
The Farm Bureau Family of Companies donated more than 100,000 pounds of food, coordinated more than $50,000 in grants, and volunteered over 1,000 hours to support Michigan families in need.
Farm Bureau Insurance donates $1 for every policy in force to hunger-relief efforts. Along with the Agent Charitable Fund, $900,000 was invested in the fight to end childhood hunger.
Through Farm Bureau programs and events, members connected with peers and industry experts.
Strategic Partnerships
Farm Bureau Insurance became the first organization to secure naming rights with Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The well-known livestock pavilion was renamed the Farm Bureau Pavilion.
Engaging Media
Farm Bureau issued press releases covering policy, regulations, consumer advocacy, and the critical role of Michigan farmers. These efforts generated publicity valued at over $87.2 million.
Information and Member Involvement
Members received timely updates and insights through Michigan Farm News, with more than 1,819 articles shared in our print and digital publications.
The Michigan Farm News website saw a traffic increase, reaching 848,685 pageviews.
Members found additional value in their Farm Bureau membership by utilizing exclusive discounts.
Expanding Member Savings
Our exclusive member savings programs continued to grow in 2024, adding new discounts on everything from travel and cell phones to farm management tools and prescriptions.
Members can view all statewide savings programs — including Ford, Caterpillar, John Deere, and Case IH — here.
42,086
Total Regular Members
2,358
New Regular Members Written
95.46%
Regular Member Retention Rate
14.3%
Regular Member Involvement Rate
"Farm Bureau has given me the opportunity to have a seat at the table, have a stronger voice, and more knowledge about the industry I am passionate about."
— Darcy Lipskey, Sanilac County Farm Bureau Member
Raises Beef and goats; grows corn, wheat and alfalfa
Protect
We work hard to give you peace of mind with insurance policies that offer a wide variety of coverages at affordable rates. Whether you’re on the road, in the field, at the doctor, or simply at home, you can rest assured that you’re protected no matter what comes your way.