As some veterans of MFB’s State Young Farmer Committee step down from their roles, let’s find out how their work on that team impacted them. Michigan Farm Bureau acknowledges and congratulates these four for their service, and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
Kate Wernette
Kate Wernette has been involved in three different county Farm Bureaus before finally joining Mecosta’s in 2019. Since then, she’s been part of several committees and boards.
“Throughout high school I had the opportunity to interact with our local Farm Bureau by volunteering for my county’s Project RED (Rural Education Day),” she said. “After that I continued my involvement with the Saginaw County Farm Bureau, participating in my first discussion meet in 2016.”
Wernette plans to complete her final years as a Young Farmer with applications and competitions. After that she plans to continue involvement with her county board and is open to any future opportunities that may come around.
Without hesitation, Wernette recommends involvement in Farm Bureau’s many leadership opportunities.
“I would recommend being part of Farm Bureau leadership for the connections it helps to make within the industry,” she said.
Chris Sanford
Jackson County’s Chris Sanford was born into agriculture and is determined to stay there. As the seventh generation on his family’s dairy farm, he earned a degree in agricultural business and is putting it to use raising beef cattle and operating a farm store with his wife Jackie and their two sons.
Sanford’s involvement started early, taking part in his first Discussion Meet at just 19 years old, and already having put in seven years on the Jackson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Although stepping away from the state committee, Sanford still plans to remain actively involved in other areas, including at the county level and on different state advisory committees.
“We can’t move forward without Farm Bureau leaders who are actively involved,” he said.
Cody Ferry
Genesee County Farm Bureau member Cody Ferry began his journey attending a Young Farmer Leaders Conference because a friend invited him. He hasn’t missed one since, returning year after year for the networking opportunities, valuable information and learning more about what Farm Bureau provides.
During his time on the committee, Ferry was part of organizing that same conference, pitching in to help guarantee its success. His insight as a frequent attendee informed his efforts to offer meaningful experiences for others.
“I would recommend others to step up if asked to be on a committee — or take on any other leadership role — to just give it a try,” Ferry said. “The networking and the experience you get from being in a leadership role helps you outside Farm Bureau, whether it’s your own business or personal life.”
Ferry’s most memorable Young Farmer experience was as a member of ProFILE, MFB’s advanced leadership development program. The 15-month curriculum was an opportunity he thoroughly enjoyed, and which gave him the chance to work with a well-connected team.
Riley Brazo
St. Joseph County’s Riley Brazo has had a deep involvement in Farm Bureau. It all started when he filled an empty board of directors’ seat with his county Farm Bureau. At home he juggles raising crops, leading biological fertilizer sales, and managing a custom trucking business.
“During my time on the committee, I challenged other members to start meeting our Young Farmers where they are at,” Brazo said. “Going out to non-Farm Bureau events and seeking out those Young Farmers to have a conversation about our organization and our members’ involvement.”
Brazo’s biggest takeaway from his time on the committee is the meaningful relationships he’s built. He highlights that being on the committee has allowed him to meet many people he wouldn’t have otherwise met — as has opened for him a lot of doors.
Brazo plans to continue being involved with St. Joseph County farm Bureau and hopes to be a resource for future committee members.
“Opportunities have come for me to serve at different levels, and with that has brought both personal and professional growth,” he said. “The relationships I’ve built are ones I know I will have for life; I know I can reach out to those people for any reason.
“Farm Bureau is truly a community — we’re there for one another, no matter what we farm or where we are from.”
Callie Loew is interning with MFB’s Young Farmer Department.
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