This year’s Young Farmer Leader Award winner embodies her qualifications by saying the quiet part out loud: “I have a hard time saying no.”
That’s Lenawee County’s Abby Vittore, recent chair of Michigan Farm Bureau’s State Young Farmer Committee and a central player at Carpenter Farms, her family’s popular greenhouse operation just outside Adrian.
Growing up in agriculture put her on a familiar path, where she found herself readily engaged with like-minded peers from similar backgrounds.
“In high school I was involved in 4-H and FFA — discussion meets, leadership, competitions — and I really liked and kinda thrived off the competition part,” she said. “Once I graduated from those programs, I felt like I needed another avenue to put that energy into.
“I still had that energy but didn’t know where to put it.”
Fortunately, waiting for her at Michigan State University was its fledgling Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter.
“I started Collegiate my freshman year at Michigan State. We had maybe three members that year, but by the time were seniors there were about 20,” Vittore said — including some familiar names from today’s roster Young Farmer standouts, including Darcy Lipsky in Sanilac County and the Fusiliers in Washtenaw.
“I saw more potential in the organization. It was a good outlet for my intrinsic wants and needs: competition, leadership skills, etc.
“When I came home after graduating, Laurie Isley was our county president and said there were openings on the board. I came on as a district director, then became the Young Farmer chair when that position opened.”
She was Lenawee’s vice president when she was tapped for MFB’s State Young Farmer Committee, which she soon went on to chair, installing her onto the state board of directors. Four years later she was back home in Adrian, refocusing, reevaluating and enjoying being “just” a rank-n-file member.
“After coming off the state Young Farmer committee and the MFB Board of Directors, it seemed like a natural point to step back for a minute. I needed a breather — but I’m not going anywhere. I’m just in a moment of ‘let’s catch back up’ — enjoying the Farm Bureau experience from the base, member level. I’ve been asked to rejoin the county board, and I will be back when the time is right.”
And while she’s mostly laying low for the time being, Vittore said she’ll still take involvement opportunities that fit into her life amidst the constant flow of visitors pulling in off US-223.
“I was just appointed to MFB’s Greenhouse & Nursery Commodity Advisory Committee,” she noted, and is open to joining AFBF’s national-level Young Farmer & Rancher Committee. “I was approached about it my last go-around. I can see doing that — if it fits.”
Fitting Farm Bureau into her life comes at a more measured pace now — there’s a toddler to keep track of — but its value remains undiminished.
“I always find a ton of value in the connections,” making the most of Farm Bureau’s vast network of farmer members. “I’ve gotten a lot of ideas for our own business from connections I’ve made through Farm Bureau.
“I had an issue with some tomato seedlings and was in a panic to get some more, so I called Mike Fusilier. When I have flower questions, I call Joe Ankley. If there’s something I want to try or have questions about, there’s always someone I can call.”
Echoing sentiments expressed by generations of deeply involved members, Vittore confirms her Farm Bureau network runs the gamut, from purely business contacts to close, personal friends.
“The friendship question… This might be a very Millennial answer, but my top-10 Snapchat friends are all Farm Bureau people — all over the state. It’s just a cool vibe — comforting — because everyone understands, and it’s just a fun place to share!
“The Young Farmer program is like a little hug — an all-encompassing Farm Bureau experience that opens all the doors and shows you what’s behind them. Then you turn 35 and you’re cut loose to go find your way, pick your own path.”
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