Michigan Farm Bureau reminds members and supporters they can stay informed and take quick action on urgent issues by signing up for text alerts. When time is of the essence and prompt outreach is necessary to make Farm Bureau’s priorities known to lawmakers, regulators and agency officials, the program helps ensure agriculture’s voice is heard when decisions are being made.
Signing up is easy: Just text FBACT to 855-374-5673. After a quick confirmation, participants receive alerts only when action is needed, making it easy to engage on issues directly affecting our farm families and the broader agricultural community.
Since launching nearly a decade ago, Michigan Farm Bureau’s action request program has expanded to more than 57,000 advocates, including 10,000 text subscribers. This community of farmers, agribusiness professionals, consumers and other supporters has facilitated more than 200,000 connections with state and federal lawmakers, regulatory leaders and other government officials. The program’s continued growth reflects strong support from county Farm Bureaus, members and agricultural advocates across the state.
“Our organization’s strength has always come from members who are willing to share their experiences and perspectives with decision-makers,” said Nicole Sevrey, MFB’s public policy outreach and communications team lead. “When farmers and supporters take a few moments to respond to an action request, they help demonstrate the breadth, strength and importance of Michigan agriculture and the food, fiber and fuel it provides.”
Over the past 12 months, action requests have mobilized thousands of Farm Bureau members and supporters around issues ranging from wildlife management and environmental regulations to federal farm policy and state budget priorities.
Recent campaigns include:
Last year, more than 1,700 members and supporters responded to an MFB action request urging state lawmakers to prioritize agriculture in the state budget. Their messages highlighted the importance of continued funding for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and reforms to improve environmental permitting processes.
Earlier this year, nearly 3,000 messages were sent to Michigan’s congressional delegation in support of federal economic assistance for farmers. As producers faced low commodity prices, rising input costs, and ongoing economic uncertainty, advocates helped elevate the challenges facing farm families directly to lawmakers in Washington.
Just a few months ago, more than 1,000 members and supporters contacted the Natural Resources Commission ahead of decisions affecting antlerless deer seasons and tag allocations. The strong response helped ensure farmers’ concerns about crop damage and deer population management were part of the conversation as commissioners considered changes to Michigan’s deer regulations.
From state budget priorities to federal farm policy and wildlife management, these campaigns highlight the impact that engaged advocates can have on issues affecting Michigan agriculture.
To stay informed and be ready when opportunities to engage arise, sign up for MFB action requests by texting FBACT to 855-374-5673.
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