When you join Farm Bureau, you strengthen the voice of agriculture in Michigan.
Let’s talk about what membership really means.
“Isn’t Farm Bureau just another insurance company?” Nope… Michigan Farm Bureau—along with the state’s 65 county Farm Bureaus (including Mecosta)—is a member-driven, nonprofit organization that exists to: Advocate for agriculture, support farm families, and protect the future of farming in Michigan. Founded in 1919, Michigan Farm Bureau was created to serve as the unified voice of Michigan agriculture, bringing together county Farm Bureaus that had begun forming across the state.
“Okay… so what’s Farm Bureau Insurance?” Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan is an affiliate company owned by Michigan Farm Bureau…It was launched in 1949 to provide affordable, high-quality insurance designed specifically with farm families in mind.
“Do I have to buy insurance to join?” Not at all…You can become a member of Mecosta County Farm Bureau and support local farm families without purchasing insurance. Membership helps strengthen the voice of agriculture right here in our county.
“I’m more of a homesteader or hobby farmer.” That counts…Farm Bureau represents all kinds of agriculture, including: Crop farmers, livestock producers, specialty growers, homesteads and small farms We represent farms of every size and style, from hobby farms to large commercial operations.
“Does the insurance company control the organization?” No…Farm Bureau policy is grassroots and member-driven. Our advocacy is guided by policies written, discussed, and voted on by Michigan farmers and members—not by the insurance company
What does your $50 membership do?
Your $50 membership supports agriculture locally, statewide, and nationally. Your membership supports agriculture right here in Mecosta County while connecting you to a powerful statewide network working to protect and strengthen Michigan agriculture.
In Mecosta County
Your membership helps make these local efforts possible:
-Supporting Local Youth & Agriculture | Support of the Mecosta County Fair Board and financial support of livestock projects
-Helping Neighbors in Need | Donations to local food pantries
-Community Learning & Workshops | Canning classes, sourdough workshops, and farm and equipment maintenance classes
-Grassroots Policy Development | Policy begins with members like you and moves through the organization to shape the policies that guide our advocacy.
-Scholarships for Local Students | Mecosta County Farm Bureau scholarships support high school seniors and college students pursuing their futures.
-Project RED (Rural Education Day) | Hands-on agricultural education experiences for local 4th graders.
- Member Appreciation Events | Wine & Crafts Night, Sap Shack gatherings, Annual County Celebration, and Other member events throughout the year
Across Michigan
Your membership also connects you to Michigan’s largest agricultural organization.
-A 40,000 Member Network | Farmers, agribusiness leaders, and supporters working together to strengthen Michigan agriculture.
-Access to Agricultural Expertise | Industry experts representing every commodity, region, and production style across the state.
-Exclusive Member Discounts | Savings on travel, health services, equipment, fuel, tools, farm vehicles, and more.
-Strong Agricultural Advocacy | From local township halls, Lansing, and Washington D.C., Farm Bureau works to protect the future of farming.
-Leadership Development | Programs designed to help members grow as leaders in agriculture and their communities, at every stage of life.
Who should join Farm Bureau and how?
You don’t have to be a full-time farmer to belong.
Farm Bureau membership is for anyone who: Farms full-time or part-time, lives on a homestead or small acreage, works in agriculture or agribusiness, supports the future of farming in Michigan, wants to stay connected to their local agricultural community.
If agriculture matters to you, there’s a place for you in Farm Bureau!