ANAHEIM — “I’m going to Disneyland!” said Tera Baker, still holding the oversized cardboard Ford key that was handed to her on stage by American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall.
The Berrien County Farm Bureau member, who just won AFBF’s Excellence in Agriculture Award, won’t have to go far — the “happiest place on earth” is right across the street.
Michigan Farm News caught up with Baker in Anaheim, California, where the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention is taking place.
“Coming to American Farm Bureau Convention to compete was just an amazing experience,” Baker said. “I couldn't hardly turn a corner without somebody hyping me up from Michigan, saying ‘congratulations, you got this, I loved what you did, can't wait to see more!’”
Baker reflected on how the conversations have evolved through the competition process, now focusing on how her story can impact young farmers back in Michigan.
“This is the chapter one of a pretty exciting journey of trying to go and hype up those next contestants from Michigan,” Baker added.
She’s no stranger to the national stage, having won second place in the YF Discussion Meet at the 2019 American Farm Bureau Convention. This time around, she presented her story to panels of judges, outlining how her daughter changed how she and her husband Shawn see the world, and how they manage their farm.
“We now see how she views everything around her, the environment, and how we think about how we can build and leave a legacy for that next generation,” Baker said during her presentation.
“It's really shifted how we think about our future.”
Along with her husband and parents, Baker owns a cash cropping farm and precision agriculture dealership. By day she’s a marketing manager with Nedap Livestock Management, a leading provider of dairy-farm technology.
Baker said her daughter was the driving force for why she decided to compete in the first place.
“I really want her to see a strong woman and a strong presence as a role model,” Baker added. “And I want her to see that I'm not afraid to do something, so she should certainly not be afraid to fail either.”
See more about Baker’s story here.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive most of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.
As the national winner, Baker receives $35,000 in credit toward a new Ford vehicle, and paid registration to the AFBF Young Farmer & Rancher Conference, both courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
Baker said young farmers must be nimble, willing to take risks, and not be afraid to fail, adding that support and encouragement from older generations is also critical.
“Don't be afraid to step in and step up and start your young farmer journey,” she added. “You never know where it's going to take you.”
Baker’s presentation focused on a theme of “disrupt, build and futureproof,” which Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) President Ben LaCross said not only encapsulates the work she’s done on her own farm, but also applies to what so many other young farmers are doing in Michigan.
“They're learning how their role in agriculture is going to impact their future in their futureproofing it so that the work that they're doing now is sustainable for the long term,” LaCross said, adding that Baker’s win proves Michigan young farmers are second to none.
“And if there's some young farmers out there that have great ideas who want to compete in our young farmer competitions, they should come out to a Farm Bureau event and get involved. It's a great opportunity to showcase all the great things that our young farmers are doing.”
Those young farmers include MFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet winner Abby Vittore and Achievement Award winners Zach and Ronna Wagner, who also squared off with top participants from across the country.
Pictured from left to right are Excellence in Agriculture winner Tera Baker, MFB Achievement award winners Zach and Ronna Wagner, and MFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet winner Abby Vittore. | Photo by Michigan Farm Bureau
“Watching our Young Farmers compete nationally is a reminder of why these programs matter,” said Katie Eisenberger, MFB Young Farmer manager.
“They stretch our members, build confidence, and give them space to lead. We’re proud of how they represented Michigan, and deeply appreciative of the county and state leaders who invest their time, energy, and encouragement into these Young Farmers long before they ever step on the national stage.”
To learn more about Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer awards, click here.