Michigan Farm Bureau cares about the people of our state, the future of Michigan and giving back to our communities. Highlighted here are just some of our annual charitable contributions and volunteerism.
The FaRM Project is a cooperative fund-raising effort sponsored by the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, county Farm Bureaus and Michigan Easter Seals to administer AgrAbility, a program that provides direct services to farmers with disability, illness or aging condition so they can continue the occupation and lifestyle they love. Visit Easter Seals Michigan - AgrAbility to learn more.
Harvest for All is a national program which encourages county Farm Bureaus to help fight hunger in their local communities by donating surplus agricultural commodities, non-perishable food products, money and/or volunteer hours to local food banks. Michigan Farm Bureau's participation is coordinated under the leadership of our Young Farmer and Promotion and Education Committees in partnership with the Food Bank Council of Michigan. Visit Harvest for All to learn more.
Michigan Farm Bureau is a longtime friend and advocate of the Michigan FFA Association, offering a variety of financial, in-kind, and volunteer support annually to further the development of FFA students and advance the FFA mission. Examples of Farm Bureau support include co-sponsoring business and industry tours and recognition for Michigan FFA Star finalists; sponsoring local participation in the FFA Washington Leadership Conference; and sponsoring Michigan FFA's Agriculture Experience Tracker, an online tool allowing FFA members to keep accurate records of their supervised agricultural experiences. Visit Michigan FFA to learn more.
Whether volunteering as 4-H leaders and resource people or supporting 4-H clubs and activities at county fairs and other events, Michigan Farm Bureau cares about 4-H. In 1995, Michigan Farm Bureau and its network of county Farm Bureaus pledged over $165,000 toward the renovation of the Kettunen Center, a conference center and retreat facility owned and operated by the Michigan 4-H Foundation in Tustin.
Michigan Farm Bureau was among the founders of the Michigan Livestock Expo and remains one of the event's leading sponsors. The expo gives youth from across the state an opportunity to exhibit a variety of animal species and sell award-winning animals to the highest auction bidder. Youth typically apply earnings from the auction to their current or future college expenses, and/or invest the money back into their youth livestock projects. Proceeds above a sales cap support the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships and educational awards to youth involved in livestock exhibition activities. Visit Michigan Livestock Expo to learn more.
Michigan Farm Bureau has been a financial supporter of the U.P. State Fair since 1991. Most recently, the organization and county Farm Bureaus from the Upper Peninsula contributed funds for the construction of a 21,000 square-foot pavilion to permanently house the fair's Miracle of Life exhibit. Co-sponsored by Farm Bureau, the Miracle of Life exhibit gives fairgoers an opportunity to witness the live births of calves, lambs, piglets, chickens, ducks and quail. Visit the U.P. State Fair to learn more.