Michigan Ag Policy

Genesee County Farm Bureau turned its annual open house into a packed opportunity for members to connect directly with candidates, drawing an impressive lineup of state and federal officials to the event last week.

Beyond the ballot: Genesee County Farm Bureau puts members face-to-face with candidates | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet; state Sen. John Cherry; state Reps. Phil Green, Jasper Martus, David Martin, Matt Bierlein and Mike Mueller; and Michigan State University Board of Trustees candidate

“Farm families, agribusinesses, and the agriculture and forestry industries are calling on Gov. Whitmer to provide these vital industries real relief during this critical time,” said Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross.

MFB calls on Gov. Whitmer to provide temporary diesel price relief for agriculture | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau MFB is asking Gov. Whitmer use her authority to declare a statewide State of Energy Emergency and take action to provide relief from diesel prices.

“Our goal is to make sure Farm Bureau members understand what they’ll be voting on and have access to reliable and objective information as they consider the proposal,” said Matt Kapp, Michigan Farm Bureau's election expert.

Farm Bureau encourages members to learn about constitutional convention ballot proposal | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Michigan Farm Bureau is providing members with nonpartisan information and resources to better understand Proposal 2026-01, which asks voters Nov. 3 whether to convene a constitutional convention.

Congratulations to county Farm Bureau members Jeremy Beebe (Ogemaw), Carla Schultz (Tuscola), Matthew Holysz (Kalamazoo), David Rupprecht (Tuscola), and Gwyn Atkinson-Lewis (St. Clair)!

Five Farm Bureau members appointed to state agricultural committees | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Five Farm Bureau members and agricultural leaders were recently appointed or reappointed by Gov. Whitmer to serve on state agricultural committees.

Schmaltz has served as a Representative for Michigan's 46th House District — which includes the city of Jackson, Blackman and Leoni townships, and parts of Grass Lake and Summit townships in Jackson County, as well as the city of Chelsea and Sylvan Township in Washtenaw County — since 2023.

‘Big advocate for local control’ Rep. Kathy Schmaltz earns Friend of Ag endorsement | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Republican Rep. Kathy Schmaltz has earned the coveted Friend of Agriculture endorsement from Michigan Farm Bureau’s AgriPac in her race for reelection.

This year’s Michigan Farm Bureau State Policy Development Committee is an impressive cross-section of Michigan agriculture, with members representing a wide range of commodities, generations, regions and Farm Bureau experiences.

Meet the volunteers shaping Michigan Farm Bureau's 2027 Policy Book | Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies This year’s committee is an impressive cross-section of Michigan agriculture, with members representing a wide range of commodities, generations, regions and Farm Bureau experiences.

Bay County Farm Bureau recently hosted Senator Chedrick Greene, the newest member of the Michigan Senate, for a farm visit with member Ben Ritter.

Ben gave Sen. Greene a firsthand look at the farm, including a conversation from the tractor cab about the upcoming harvest. They also discussed access to crop protectants, voluntary conservation through MAEAP, the need for less burdensome regulations and the diversity of Michigan agriculture.

Kudos to Bay County Farm Bureau and Ben for hosting!

Frisbie's priorities include cutting taxes, fixing roads, backing law enforcement, and putting Calhoun County families first.

Friend of Ag Rep. Steve Frisbie aims for lower taxes and regulatory burdens in reelection bid | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau Rep. Steve Frisbie has earned the coveted Friend of Agriculture endorsement from Michigan Farm Bureau’s AgriPac.

Because eligible acres exceeded the nationwide 30-million-acre cap, USDA is applying an across-the-board, prorated reduction of 3.69% to all newly allocated base acres.

USDA announces first base acre increase in 20 years, ARC/PLC enrollment dates | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau USDA has officially announced the first expansion of base acres for farm program enrollment in 20 years to include more than 30 million new base acres made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts

A controversial $85B merger plan between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways has been cleared to continue rolling forward, despite major concerns from groups including the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Controversial rail merger plans can continue, federal regulators decide | An official publication of Michigan Farm Bureau A controversial $85 billion merger plan between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways has been cleared to continue rolling forward.