Program areas at Michigan Farm Bureau
The public policy and commodity division provides leadership and resources for the organization in the public policy, commodity, agricultural ecology and government relations arenas. We assist county Farm bureaus and Farm Bureau members with agricultural and policy issues, with the development of ideas into policy positions, and we work to implement those policies via a variety of channels, including many different organizations , and many agencies of local, state and federal government. Our grassroots policy development process involves over 1,000 volunteer members throughout our state. The final results of our grassroots policy process culminates with new policies adopted by voting delegates at our annual meeting. Our programming and events served over 1,000 members this year, providing them with new resources, leadership training, and the most current information. Our policy implementation efforts achieve many successes for our farmers, including reducing regulatory burdens, improving infrastructure, and creating a business environment where farming can thrive and be successful.
The field operations division provides membership services. The regional representative's interaction is how Farm Bureau's grassroots process provides every Farm Bureau member an opportunity to participate and voice their concerns regarding issues pertinent to the agricultural industry. Promotes leadership and development for county leaders through the county leadership conference and presidents' conference. Designs, implements, and administers field support to county Farm bureaus.
The center for marketing and media division (cmm) is responsible for general communications with members regarding Michigan Farm Bureau (mfb) policies, programs and issues of importance in the agricultural industry through the following publications: agrinotes & news for more than 300 michigan-based media outlets; Michigan Farm news for farmer-members on the latest breaking news; benefits advisor for non-farm members on member services and insurance related services. Cmm also provides content updates and administrative support to the organization website, including editorial content, as well promoting via the organizations social media platforms on facebook, twitter, youtube and instagram and event-related mobile apps.
The center for education and leadership development prepares and develops agricultural leaders. This is accomplished through education and leadership development programs for current local ag leaders, state and local committees, and members. A targeted program is for young farmers between the ages of 18 and 35. It offers agricultural education, action committees, leadership training, competitions, and social events to encourage involvement and to develop future leadership. Promotion and education programs for public education about the agricultural industry are offered for 4-h clubs, and ffa chapters, schools, and civic groups. The Farm science lab is a 40 foot mobile classroom that travels directly to schools and is designed to reinforce grade-level standards with hands-on science experiments and increasing students' knowledge of how agriculture impacts their daily lives.