By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) has entered into a significant partnership with the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, renaming the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education to the “Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University.”
This marks a new chapter of collaboration between MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and the Michigan Farm Bureau.
The announcement was made at Michigan Farm Bureau's annual meeting in December 2023, where MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz praised the partnership, likening the Pavilion to the university’s “Breslin Center for agriculture.”
This strategic naming and the accompanying gift from Farm Bureau will help fund important renovations and expansions to the facility.
Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski expressed his belief that the partnership reflects Farm Bureau’s ongoing commitment to supporting Michigan agriculture. The investment aligns with MSU’s mission to advance agricultural research and technology, benefiting Michigan’s rural economy.
The Farm Bureau Pavilion, which has hosted over 100 annual events since its opening in 1996, serves as a key venue for Michigan agriculture. Events like the Spartan Stampede Rodeo, Michigan Livestock Exhibition, and various 4-H and FFA youth programs attract around 100,000 visitors annually, contributing more than $7 million to the local economy.
This partnership will fund key upgrades to the Pavilion, including the addition of an indoor arena and expanded exhibition space. These improvements will allow for more concurrent events and better showcase Michigan agriculture to a broader audience.
MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith emphasized that such partnerships support critical infrastructure investments at MSU, benefiting both agricultural professionals and the public.
The MSU Pavilion will continue to play a vital role in educating the public about the importance of Michigan agriculture, and this new partnership will ensure its impact continues for years to come.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, General