Growing up on a family farm in Presque Isle County, Christian Tollini saw firsthand what his community needed and has always looked for ways to make a difference. When he isn’t focused on his role as a father, farmer or full-time employee, he’s an active leader as president of the Presque Isle County Farm Bureau and a member of its policy development committee.
Tollini first got involved with Farm Bureau through a community of friends who were active members. After joining, he began attending events like the Young Farmer Leaders Conference. Over time, county members encouraged him to join the board and become more involved.
Since earning his “seat at the table,” Tollini has worked steadily to advocate for his county Farm Bureau, both locally and at the state level. Presque Isle is small as membership goes, so Tollini’s put a priority on representing local farmers and bringing attention to their needs.
“Being on the Farm Bureau board of a really small county in a very small part of the state, you wonder how much impact can you really have steering the industry,” he said. “With the grassroots nature of our organization, you really can have a big impact no matter what size your county is:
“You have a seat at the table. You’re able to lobby for your needs and for the needs of the farmers in your area.”
Presque Isle, he explains, is "in an area that’s kind of unique to the rest of the state.
“We have kind of our own set of problems here in northeast Michigan that might not be on the radar of other farms in the rest of the state.”
Through his role as county president, and on the policy development committee, he’s worked hard to get Presque Isle’s policy resolutions added to the statewide book.
“To have our county’s voice heard — and use my platform to do that — has been my proudest moment.”
Balancing his Farm Bureau responsibilities with his other roles requires Tollini to be highly organized. Beyond farming he manages the agronomy section at Ellsworth Farmers Exchange. At home he relies on his wife Jessica for support in raising their three children, Grace, Noel and Noah. He says creating an efficient schedule is key to managing it all.
Tollini wants Young Farmers to know that while being a board member “can be a lot at times, it’s definitely a good thing to take part in.
“It’s a great thing to be involved in and it’s definitely worth your time,” he said. “Even if you don’t think you’d be suited to fill that role, I can promise you that you probably are.”
All county Farm Bureaus host events to support and represent the agricultural community, and Tollini urges Young Farmers to get involved.
“Take your seat at the table. We've all got problems and different things we’re dealing with.
“Being involved is how we can help provide assistance.”
This is part of a series highlighting Young Farmers serving as county Farm Bureaus presidents; look for more in upcoming issues of Farm Gate. If you’re interested in making a positive impact in your county and supporting your agricultural community, reach out to your county Farm Bureau president or MFB Regional Manager.
Lilianne Trinkle is interning with Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Promotion & Education departments.
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