Farm Bureau members invited to help shape policy priorities

Members from Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola convened March 23 at Luke Ewald’s farm in Unionville where the group discussed issues including data centers, utility placement, large animal veterinary medicine programs, and more.

Date Posted: May 4, 2026

Nicole Sevrey, Michigan Farm Bureau

County Farm Bureau policy development committees across the state are rolling up their sleeves, beginning the annual process of crafting resolutions that guide Michigan Farm Bureau’s legislative and regulatory priorities year-round.

To support member engagement, a variety of resources are available to help spark ideas and strengthen local discussions. In the coming weeks, several districts will also host meetings (listed below) focused on local, state and federal issues impacting agriculture — and how Farm Bureau policy can help strengthen agriculture’s voice and influence outcomes.

“Our grassroots policy development process works because it reflects the voices of our diverse membership,” said Emily Reinart, Michigan Farm Bureau grassroots policy outreach specialist. “No matter how much time you have to give, your ideas and involvement help shape the future of Michigan agriculture.”

Once compiled, hundreds of resolutions from Michigan’s 65 county Farm Bureaus will be reviewed by a 21-member state-level policy development committee. The final slate of policies will then be considered by voting delegates at MFB’s annual meeting, Dec. 1-3 in Grand Rapids.

Resources to support discussions and idea generation

To help fuel meaningful conversations at the county level, several tools are available:

Emerging issue briefs

Developed annually by Farm Bureau staff, these briefs highlight current challenges and opportunities facing the food and agriculture sector and are designed to spark discussion. This year’s topics include:

Members can also access the 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau Federation policy books online to explore, search and download existing policy language.

Submit an idea online

The MFB website features a year-round policy submission form where members can propose amendments, suggest new policy, or recommend deleting existing language. Submissions are automatically shared with county policy development committee chairs for review.

Join a local committee

Serving on a county Farm Bureau policy development committee is a direct way to contribute ideas and hear from fellow members. The process varies by county, with some hosting large district meetings and others working through smaller groups or email.

Members can contact their county Farm Bureau office, regional manager, or Emily Reinart for more information on getting involved.

District meetings bring members together

In addition to county-level discussions, a series of district policy development meetings will provide members another opportunity to share ideas, discuss emerging issues and help shape policy priorities.

District 1 (Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren) — June 23 at 6:30 p.m.; Corey Lake Orchards, 12147 Corey Lake Rd, Three Rivers; contact Sarah Pion, 269-377-4841
District 2 (Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee) — June 29 at 6:30 p.m.; Pleasant View Dairy & Beef, 4840 Sand Lake Rd, Jonesville; contact Jackie Sanford, 517-262-2432
District 3 (Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne) — June 10 at 6 p.m.; Fusilier Family Farms, 16400 Herman Rd, Manchester; contact: Hannah Meyers, 616-485-4469
District 4 (Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa) — June 11; time and location to be determined; contact Lori Schrauben, 517-230-3462
District 5 (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Genesee, Shiawassee) — June 23 at 6 p.m.; MFB Home office, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing; contact Hannah Nunn, 517-930-6250
District 6 (Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola) — convened March 23; county PD work continues; contact: Laken Polega, 989-550-7069
District 7 (Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola) — convened March 24; county PD work continues; contact Andrew Smith, 989-553-2099
District 8 (Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw) — June 1 at 6:30 p.m.; Delta College, 1960 Delta Rd, University Center; contact Alex Schunk, 989-824-0738
District 9 (Benzie-Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Northwest Michigan, Wexford) — June 11 at 6 p.m., The Woods Event Center, 17345 6^th St, Wellston; contact Matt Frollo, 989-798-1663
District 10 (Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Huron Shores, Iosco, Ogemaw) — PD chair event — June 18 at 6 p.m.; Zettle Farms, 3058 Green Rd, West Branch; contact Sonya Novotny, 248-410-2340
District 11 (Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, Presque Isle) — June 17; time to be determined; Kirtland Community College, 60 Livingston Blvd, Gaylord; contact Kathleen Blust, 248-238-2363
District 12 (Chippewa, Copper Country, Hiawathaland, Iron Range, Mac-Luce Schoolcraft, Menominee) — Aug. 31 at 6 p.m.; Marquette; contact Craig Knudson, 231-357-3864

These meetings offer a broader forum for collaboration, bringing together members from multiple counties to strengthen the grassroots policy process ahead of final recommendations.