By Andi Anderson
State Rep. Jerry Neyer has been appointed chair of the Michigan House Agriculture Committee for the 2025-2026 term. The announcement was made by Speaker of the House Matt Hall, following the Republican takeover of the chamber with a 58-52 majority.
Neyer’s Agricultural Background
Neyer, a lifelong dairy farmer from Shepherd, has been actively involved in Michigan agriculture for decades. He has served on the Isabella County Farm Bureau and United Dairy Industry of Michigan Board, making him well-suited for this leadership role. His family operates Neyer Farms, established in the 1960s.
Legislative Priorities
Neyer plans to meet with industry groups to identify pressing agricultural issues. His top priorities include:
- Reducing fines for family farms—He seeks changes to laws requiring farms to report workplace fatalities within eight hours.
- Easing regulations for cottage farms—Neyer wants to simplify online sales regulations for small farms.
- Supporting methane digesters—He aims to make it easier for small farms to share digesters.
Additional Committee Assignments
In addition to leading the Agriculture Committee, Neyer will serve on:
- Insurance Committee—Addressing rising insurance costs and no-fault policies.
- Regulatory Reform Committee—Working on business-friendly policies.
- Transportation & Infrastructure Committee—His first term on this committee.
Serving Michigan’s 92nd District
Neyer represents House District 92, covering Isabella County and parts of Gratiot County, including Alma, Ithaca, and St. Louis. He is committed to supporting rural communities and advancing Michigan’s agricultural sector.
With his extensive experience in farming and policymaking, Neyer is set to bring meaningful changes to Michigan’s agriculture industry in the upcoming term.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle