Skip to main content
Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies

Young Farmer Program

Young Farmer Program

The Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer program develops new Farm Bureau and agricultural leaders and provides these members with an understanding of the organization’s philosophy and goals. The program identifies and serves the needs of young farmers, ages 18-35, to assist them in their personal and professional lives. The Michigan Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee consists of 15 volunteer members, one from each of Farm Bureau's 12 districts and three members-at-large.

In addition to Michigan Farm Bureau's social media networks, stay connected to Young Farmers.

Young farmer stands in front of tall corn

Young Farmer Program Features

Award

Young Farmer Awards

Recognizing up-and-coming leaders in the ag community is critical to the future. The Young Farmer Awards program honors deserving individuals in four categories.

Young Farmer Awards
Farming verb

Young Farmer Leaders Conference

This event centers on young farmers’ professional and personal growth. The next event is planned for February 23-25, 2024 in Port Huron, Michigan. Click below for more details!

Young Farmer Leaders Conference
Talk bubbles

Young Farmer Discussion Meet

One of the most popular Young Farmer programs, Discussion Meets are an opportunity to flex your public speaking, problem-solving and conversational muscles while discussing some of the most pressing issues facing agriculture.

Discussion Meet

State Young Farmer Committee

The Michigan Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee consists of 15 volunteer members, one from each of Farm Bureau's 12 districts and three at-large members.

Committee members must be 18 to 35 years of age at the time of their appointment and be regular Farm Bureau members. They are nominated by Michigan Farm Bureau district directors and approved by the full board of directors. 

Roles and responsibilities: 

  • Serve as a committee of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors representing young farmers 
  • Create and carry out the committee's goals and objectives
  • Plan, coordinate and evaluate statewide Young Farmer events and activities 
  • Relay information from the State Young Farmer Committee to county Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committees
  • Serve as a resource to county Farm Bureaus on Young Farmer-related issues
  • Encourage the development of county-level Young Farmer programs
  • The State Young Farmer Committee elects an executive committee, and the chairperson of that executive committee sits on the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors as the Young Farmer representative.

Michigan Farm Bureau 2024 State Young Farmer Committee

  • District 1: Riley Brazo
  • District 2: Chris Sanford
  • District 3: Chad Fusilier
  • District 4: Daniela Dryer
  • District 5: Cody Ferry
  • District 6: Joe Ankley
  • District 7: Kate Wernette
  • District 8: Sarah Zastrow
  • District 9: Samantha Schade
  • District 10: Josh Aube
  • District 11: Nate McGuire
  • District 12: Jim Love
  • At-Large: Abby Vittore
  • At-Large: Mitch Bigelow
  • At-Large: Natalie Holbrook
CFB-by-District-Map-No-Names_1.12.2020(1)

Staff Contacts

Megan Sprague headshot

Megan Sprague

Young Farmer Programs Specialist
517-679-5658 [email protected]
Tonia Ritter head shot

Tonia Ritter

Education and Leadership Programs Manager
[email protected]
GreenStone Credit Union Logo

Thank you to our Young Farmer Program Sponsor, GreenStone.