A new year means new perspectives in Farm Bureau, so let’s meet the new, incoming members on Michigan Farm Bureau’s State Young Farmer Committee. We are excited to see how this group will come together to shape the future of Michigan Young Farmers.
“These four represent the amazing depth of talent we have in Michigan’s Young Farmers,” said Katie Eisenberger, who manages MFB’s Young Farmer program. “They all bring unique skills the committee can leverage to continue providing elite-level learning opportunities for our 18-35-year-old members — including some exciting new ideas, like our upcoming Farmers Teaching Farmers event.”
Without further adieu:
Lauren Christensen — Mecosta
By day, Lauren Christensen is an animal feed safety inspector with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. After hours she helps her parents and grandparents on the family farm: 300 acres of hay, a 25-ewe flock of club lambs, and a small cow/calf operation.
As a newcomer to the state Young Farmer committee, Christensen is excited to meet more Young Farmers across the state and step outside of her comfort zone into this new experience.
After getting involved in Farm Bureau because of her parents’ and grandparents’ long-term memberships, chose a leadership path in hopes of gaining new skills, knowledge and career-applicable experiences.
“A Farm Bureau membership is more than just a membership,” she said. “It gives farmers a voice in creating a support system for everyone in the industry.”
Allison Grimm — Hillsdale
Allison Grimm is a district technician for the Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District. She assists with various tasks including coordinating tree, plant and fish sales; on-farm field days; equipment maintenance and rentals; and tree planting, seeding and mowing. She also helps with surveying and implementing conservation practices for farmers and landowners.
On the side she raises 100 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat, and keeps a flock of pastured poultry for direct-market sales of eggs and meat.
Grimm is a first-generation farmer with her sidekick, Lou, a Bernese Mountain Dog. After the passing of her farming partner Nathan, she found immense support from her parents, neighboring farmers and others throughout her local ag community. While she operates the farm herself, the village she’s built around her provides continued guidance, support and a like-minded passion for farming.
Grimm was first asked to join Farm Bureau when working as a MAEAP technician in Hillsdale County.
“Being involved in Farm Bureau has grown my leadership skills, providing me with experiences and knowledge that I use every day,” she said.
As part of the state Young Farmer committee, Grimm hopes to bridge the gap between older farmers and the next, up-n-coming generation. She’s excited to learn more about Farm Bureau and the greater industry.
“Farm Bureau membership is a family,” she said. “It’s a place for common minds to meet and grow and advocate for agriculture.”
Tricia McDonald — Gratiot
Tricia McDonald works with farmers every day to implement conservation practices through her role with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Her family operates a crop farm raising corn, beans, wheat and sugar beets.
McDonald began her Farm Bureau involvement at the collegiate level at Michigan State University. After graduation a family friend invited her to MFB’s Young Farmer Leadership Conference — a positive experience that spurred her membership and even stepping up to serve as Gratiot County’s Young Farmer chair.
“I’ve networked with people of all ages from all over Michigan and the U.S., involved in all industries of agriculture,” she said. “I’ve traveled around the state and across the county, toured livestock farms, orchards, processing facilities and ag businesses.”
McDonald is eager to work with the state committee, share her experiences with Young Farmers statewide and continue growing her peer network. She brings with her a strong drive to bolster resources for new Young Farmer chairs, especially those related to supporting young leaders as they work to boost local-level involvement opportunities.
“Farm Bureau membership is so many things,” she said. “I truly believe there is a benefit for everyone; we just have to figure out what that is. Farm Bureau has resources, educational opportunities, and so much more available to make everyone’s membership worthwhile.”
Zach Wagner — Clinton
Clinton County cash crop producer Zach Wagner raises corn, soybeans and canola — and some beef cattle, and does custom harvesting — alongside his wife Ronna, their young daughter Ellie, and a new baby Wagner on the way!
Wagner’s Farm Bureau involvement hasn’t let up since he was “dragged” to his first state annual meeting six years ago. He’s excited to boost others’ Young-Farmer involvement across District 5, and to network with like-minded peers statewide.
“The $50 membership is a drop in the bucket,” Wagner said. “Farm Bureau has taken me across the country to events like the AFBF Annual Convention and the Washington Legislative Seminar in D.C.
“A lot of my membership value, I feel, comes from our lobbying efforts in both state and federal government.”
Callie Loew is interning this year with MFB’s Young Farmer department.
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