Born and raised near Sebewaing, Andrew Fahrner grew up on a farm surrounded by corn, wheat and dry beans. Today he farms alongside his dad and brother while also operating a repair business. His passion for agriculture doesn’t stop at the farm, though; it extends into the board room, where he’s currently president of the Huron County Farm Bureau.
Fahrner’s journey with Farm Bureau began with an auto insurance policy.
“I had my insurance through Farm Bureau, and then a couple of people I knew were on the board and they asked if I’d be interested.”
After a few short years later he was elected president, a role he’s held for the past year.
“My biggest value being the county president is being able to help mold our board into more of a team,” he said. “I can find everybody’s values and what assets they bring to the board and utilize that aspect.”
Stepping up into a leadership role has opened Fahrner’s eyes to the depth of Farm Bureau’s work.
“There’s a lot behind the scenes of Farm Bureau that the everyday person wouldn’t see,” he admits. “You get to learn more in-depth about the organization. I learn more about the policies, politics and local issues that Farm Bureau helps members take to the state and national level.”
“I am not a political person, so I learn a lot. It’s intriguing to listen and know how much work is going into policies that no one would ever know.”
Despite being new to the role, Fahrner has already made a mark. He’s helped lead efforts at the Huron County Fair, sponsoring themed days and organizing shirt giveaways, participating in Project RED and attending the Highland Cow Festival in Port Austin to help inform attendees where their food comes from.
Fahrner juggles a busy farm, repair business and life with his young family. As a father to his son Beau, he’s quick to credit his wife Tara for keeping things running smoothly at home during his absences.
“I have a great wife who lets me do extracurricular activities and be active in our community. Without her I definitely wouldn’t be able to do this role.”
He also acknowledges the support of his father: “My dad is also helpful and runs the farm and takes care of that when I need to leave to do my county Farm Bureau duties.”
Fahrner’s leadership style centers on building strong connections.
“I try to find a position or event that my board members are interested in, then put them in charge of it and support them through it.” He emphasizes the importance of individual interest: “If you keep everybody focused on the same thing, not everyone has the same interest. So it’s important to find what each board member’s focus is, give them something to work on related to that, and help them achieve it.”
For young farmers considering board service, Fahrner’s advice is simple: “Stick your neck out, join the organization, be a part of it, volunteer — anything to get your foot in the door. People will like you, and if you’re passionate about Farm Bureau, they will accept you with open arms. The sky’s the limit with what you can do.”
He emphasizes, “The younger generation brings a different perspective to the table.”
Fahrner points out that younger farmers often recognize aspects of modern agriculture that older generations might not think of. Their involvement is vital to keeping pace with the industry’s evolution.
You don’t need decades of experience to make a difference, just a willingness to engage and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Lilianne Trinkle interned with Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Promotion & Education departments this summer.
Share Story
Article Tags
