At the core of Farm Bureau’s mission is our work to keep you informed on issues affecting Michigan agriculture and offering opportunities to influence, support and defend legislative and regulatory policies that impact your farms and agribusinesses.
If this kind of thing excites you, you won’t want to miss MFB’s 2025 Lansing Legislative Seminar, Feb. 25 at the Lansing Center.
This year’s agenda is packed with an exclusive lunch reception with state representatives and senators, essential issue updates and breakout sessions designed to give you insights on the current political landscape, state budget conversations, environmental policy, and a farm-focused economic outlook. Get there early and you can attend an optional Capitol Building tour or attend the AgriPac breakfast fundraiser for a nominal $50 donation.
Attendees will also hear from a House and Senate leadership panel — and ask them direct questions — a unique opportunity that few organizations can offer.
“Lansing Legislative Seminar is second to none because it gives county Farm Bureau members insights and access that are otherwise hard to come by,” said Rob Anderson, MFB’s manager of state government relations. “This event will fuel their work — and the organization’s work— with elected officials throughout the year to ensure agriculture’s voice is both heard and respected.”
Denise Prielipp, a Washtenaw County Farm Bureau board member and co-owner of Hilltop Greenhouse and Farms in Ann Arbor, is a Lansing Legislative regular and encourages members to try it if they haven’t yet.
“Long ago, I didn’t fully understand how Michigan Farm Bureau worked on behalf of my farm and others across Michigan,” she said. “It took years of attending functions and observing. I encourage members to attend, learn and take something home — just one tidbit of factual information can be a game-changer in any conversation.
“We’re busy tending our farms daily and not necessarily thinking about what’s happening behind closed doors when legislation is written and introduced — but MFB’s legislative staff is.
“So when it’s time for members to meet with legislators, we all need to be present,” Prielipp said.
The seminar also fosters invaluable connections among members across districts.
“Chatting with other districts, listening to what’s happening elsewhere, and keeping that on my radar when I advocate for my area is a highlight for me,” Prielipp added.
Members interested in registering should contact their county Farm Bureau by Jan. 24, 2025.
Agenda Highlights
Optional Activities
8:30 a.m. — AgriPac Fundraiser Breakfast
8:45 a.m. — Optional Capitol Building Tour
Main Program
9:30 a.m. — Registration
10 a.m. — Legislative and Regulatory Updates
12 p.m. — Lunch Reception with Representatives, Senators, and State Agency Leaders
1:45 p.m. — Breakout Sessions:
- Reflections & Resolutions: A Roadmap from 2024 to 2025
- From Policy to Practice: Supporting Environmental Stewardship
- The Business of Growth: Economic Outlook for Farms and Agribusinesses
3 p.m. — House and Senate Leadership Panel (participants invited)
- Speaker of the House, Rep. Matt Hall (R-Kalamazoo)
- House Minority Leader, Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton)
- Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids)
- Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp)
4 p.m. — Adjourn