AgriPac breakfast opens Lansing Legislative Seminar with an out-of-state farmer-lawmaker's perspective

When farmers step into public service, it’s rarely because politics was the goal — it’s because agriculture needed a voice.

That perspective will open the day at Lansing Legislative Seminar during the AgriPac Fundraiser Breakfast, where special guest Illinois State Representative Jason Bunting will share what it means to balance life as both a farmer and lawmaker. He owns his family’s farm and has been involved in Illinois Farm Bureau, including service as a county President and on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee. 

Bunting serves in a legislature where urban priorities — particularly those shaped by Chicago — often dominate policy conversations affecting agriculture, and will share his perspective on bridging the gap between production agriculture and the urban lifestyle.

In a previous Successful Farming profile, Bunting summed up that reality with honesty:

“I asked what you do and you said you were a farmer — I didn’t know you were a politician!’ and I said, ‘That’s because I am a farmer; the politician stuff is just something I need to do.’

“Father, farmer, then politician.”

Bunting’s message underscores why involvement in advocacy — and elections — matters. His remarks will set the tone for the AgriPac Fundraiser Breakfast, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs for approximately one hour, with breakfast provided. The optional event requires a minimum $50 donation, with proceeds supporting AgriPac, Michigan Farm Bureau’s political action committee.

AgriPac enables direct support to candidates who listen to farmers, seek to understand agriculture’s challenges, and advocate for policies rooted in common sense, science and real-world experience. That work takes on added urgency as Michigan heads into a pivotal election cycle.

In 2026, nearly every level of state government will be on the ballot, including governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, all 38 Michigan Senate seats, all 110 Michigan House seats, the U.S. Senate, all 13 U.S. House seats, seats on the Michigan Supreme Court, and two positions on the MSU Board of Trustees. The outcomes of these races will influence agricultural policy, regulatory approaches, budgets and court decisions for years to come.

The AgriPac breakfast is just one part of a full day of advocacy at Lansing Legislative Seminar. As outlined in earlier event previews, the seminar brings members together with lawmakers and regulators for timely updates and relationship-building. Attendees leave better prepared for conversations with elected officials and more informed about the legislative and regulatory landscape shaping Michigan agriculture.

Registration through your county Farm Bureau is required to attend Lansing Legislative Seminar. You can also let us know you’ re interested in attending by filling out this quick form.

Can’t attend the AgriPac Fundraiser Breakfast? Contributions to AgriPac are welcome in any amount and can be made online here.

AgriPac relies on member support to help elect candidates who listen to farmers, seek to learn, and reliably advocate for Michigan agriculture through common-sense, science-based policy.

Whether through attending the AgriPac fundraiser, participating in Lansing Legislative Seminar, or contributing from home, member involvement remains the foundation of Farm Bureau’s influence — especially in an election year that will shape agriculture’s future.