Recognizing Bright Stars in Michigan Ag
One of the highlights of the State Annual Meeting are the opportunities to shine a spotlight on some of the best and brightest among us. The annual honors and awards presentations are popular events that bring well-deserved attention to those who often work behind the scenes to make a big difference for Michigan agriculture. Here are the awards and honors that will be recognized during this year’s State Annual Meeting.
Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Awards
Presented during Leadership Dessert Banquet, Tuesday, Nov. 28.
This attendee-favorite presentation showcases the winners from the annual Young Farmer Award program in four categories:
- Young Agriculture Employee: Drew Bordner, 2023 winner
- Young Farmer Achievement: Mitch and Brandie Kline, 2023 winners
- Young Agriculture Leader: Elaine Palm, 2023 winner
- Excellence in Agriculture: Chris and Jackie Sanford, 2023 winners

Educator of the Year
Presented during Leadership Dessert Banquet, Tuesday, Nov. 28.
Education has a special place in the hearts of Michigan Farm Bureau members and plays a critical role in the future of Michigan agriculture. Designed to recognize an educator's efforts to incorporate agriculture and natural resources into the school curriculum both in K-12 classrooms or in Agriscience Career and Technical Education programs, the Educator of the Year candidates are nominated by County Farm Bureaus.
Learn more about Anthony Wood, this year's Educator of the Year, here.

Presidential Volunteer of the Year
Presented during the Annual Banquet on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Michigan Farm Bureau and MFB President Carl Bednarski considers it an honor to recognize one outstanding volunteer with the Presidential Volunteer of the Year Award at State Annual Meeting.
Learn more about this year's Presidential Volunteer of the Year winner, Lynda Horning of Washtenaw County, here.
