Michigan Ag Connection - Farmers Appointed to Michigan Soybean Board

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Farmers Appointed to Michigan Soybean Board
Michigan Ag Connection - 10/17/2018

Michigan soybean farmers have their checkoff interests represented at the state level by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee (MSPC). Appointments of the seven farmer directors who serve on the MSPC board are made by Governor Snyder. This fall, three positions were up for appointment and each of the three current directors were reappointed to the board.

Pete Crawford of Dansville represents District 2 (Calhoun, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham and Jackson counties). When asked about his role on the board, his encouragement of future industry leaders and his personal farm operation, Pete stated, "I feel it is my responsibility to help make sure farmers get the best return possible from their check off investment. I have found being involved in a leadership role in the soybean industry and Michigan agriculture over the past 30 plus years very rewarding and would encourage anybody thinking about stepping up to represent your industry's future to go for it! In our operation we try to keep up with newer technology and farming practices -- sometimes I feel this is much easier for younger generations."

The Governor also reappointed Dennis Gardner of Croswell in District 4 (Huron, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac and St. Clair counties). In response to the same questions, Dennis said, "I truly enjoy being a voice for farmers in the community and communicating with people in the surrounding area. This summer we were able to get farmers together with decision makers on our farm and we were able to help broaden their understanding of agriculture. I'm happy to say we are now a fifth-generation family farm raising diverse crops. I encourage others to consider becoming involved on a board like MSPC. The connections, networking and experiences you can apply to your own farm are endless. We are the first to hear of new technologies -- new things with soybeans and are on the cutting edge with projects we are working on."

In District 5 (Arenac, Bay, Lapeer, Saginaw and Tuscola counties), Mike Sahr of Saginaw was reappointed to the board. Sahr, who farms in three counties, said, "Being on the MSPC board is my way to help promote soybean production in my district and across Michigan. I live on a centennial farm and am proud to continue on the MSPC board in the years to come. We, the farmers, are the only ones that will promote our own products, and we encourage more farmers to step forward to get on these boards and involved in other leadership opportunities with the MSPC."

The goal of MSPC is to work on behalf of soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for checkoff investments.

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