Michigan Young Farmers compete for more than bragging rights. Berrien County's Tera Baker, last year's Young Farmer Excellence winner, credits Farm Bureau's Young Farmer program for strengthening her leadership skills. Date Posted: October 14, 2026 Dori Stuever, Michigan Farm Bureau Michigan's Young Farmers & Ranchers are no strangers to hard work, big ideas and a little friendly competition. This year, several Michigan members will have the opportunity to take those qualities to the national stage as they compete in the American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) competitions. They're about much more than who walks away with a title. These contests give Young Farmers the opportunity to grow as leaders, share their stories, build connections and represent agriculture to peers from across the country. Behind those opportunities stand some incredible partners. Ford, Case IH, AmericanAg, Stanley Black & Decker were the generous sponsors supporting the 2026 AFBF YF&R competitive events. Their investment helped recognize and encourage young agriculturalists who made a difference in their communities and the industry. First-place winners of the AFBF YF&R Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions each received a $35,000 credit toward a new Ford vehicle, along with registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference. Case IH supported the second-place finishers with a $25,000 credit toward new Case IH equipment, providing an opportunity to invest back into the work they're already doing in agriculture. The third- and fourth-place finalists were also recognized. Third-place finalists received a $2,500 cash Investing in Your Future prize from AmericanAg, $2,500 in Stanley Black & Decker merchandise and a Case IH-branded safe. Fourth-place finishers received a Case IH-branded picnic set. For Michigan, this support has already made an impact. Tera Baker, Michigan's competitor last year, earned herself $35,000 toward a Ford vehicle. Her experience is a great reminder of what can happen when young agricultural leaders are given the opportunity to step forward, compete, and be recognized for the work they're doing. This year, Michigan Achievement winners Karl and Katie Wernette, and Excellence winners Samantha and Chase Bos, will follow in Baker's bootsteps if they win the state-level honors at MFB's State Annual Meeting. They will represent Michigan by competing at the 2027 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in South Carolina! Michigan Farm Bureau is proud to see these members represent Michigan and share their experiences with young farmers and ranchers from across the country. Their participation is a reflection of the energy, passion and leadership that continues to shape the future of agriculture. Michigan Farm Bureau thanks Ford, Case IH, AmericanAg and Stanley Black & Decker for investing in its Young Farmers, recognizing their accomplishments and helping create opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Michigan is ready. Let's cheer them on! Dori Stuever is interning with MFB's Young Farmer and Promotion & Education Departments.

Deere, Hutson veteran joins MFB field staff. Joel Merchant brings considerable industry experience to his new role as MFB's new District 5 regional manager. Date Posted: August 31, 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau Joel Merchant joined the Michigan Farm Bureau staff Aug. 31 as the organization's newest regional manager, responsible for implementing county, state and national programs and policies in five county Farm Bureaus: Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham and Shiawassee. Merchant brings considerable industry experience to his new role, having worked several years in agricultural business, sales, customer service, operations and leadership. Most recently he served as a safety and facilities manager for Hutson Inc., managing maintenance for 28 facilities, coordinating vendors and supporting workplace safety and OSHA compliance. Prior to that he was a regional aftermarket manager, overseeing profit and loss performance for four locations while working with managers to boost growth and the customer experience. Before Hutson he worked with John Deere in developing business plans, sales and marketing. Merchant earned his communications degree from Albion College. He and his family reside in Ithaca.

Register now: Webinar sessions offer inside look at Traction Ag, with exclusive discount for MFB members. Farm News Media Traction Ag is farm accounting and field management software that helps farmers see their true cost of production, manage input costs, and keep tax-ready books their lender trusts. Michigan Farm Bureau members save 15% on their first year with Traction Ag. Photo illustration by Traction Ag August 20, 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau has partnered with Traction Ag to bring its members an exclusive 15% savings to their first year with the company's farm accounting software that connects farmers' field records to their finances. With that in mind, Traction Ag will host three free webinars - starting with a 9 a.m. session Friday, Aug. 21. The webinars will provide a practical look at how their platform can help farmers know their cost of production by acre and bushel, manage their operation more efficiently, and keep the records their lender, insurance agent and tax preparer trust - all in one place. Built for producers who want a clearer, more current view of their operation and more control over the decisions that shape it, Traction Ag is used by farmers across the country - including more than 175 operations in Michigan. Farmers will have the chance to see how Traction Ag works, ask questions directly to the team and explore if it's right for their farm. Click below to choose a webinar session and register. During the webinar, farmers will learn how to: * Access your farm data anywhere: See how cloud-based accounting lets you securely access your financial records from any device, whether you're in the office, at home, or in the field. * Collaborate with your team: Learn how multiple users, including family members, employees, accountants, and bookkeepers, can securely work on the same data at the same time, keeping everyone in sync. * Connect your farm data automatically: Discover how bank accounts, credit cards, and equipment data can flow into one system, reducing manual entry and keeping your records up to date so you always have an accurate picture of your finances. * Turn data into better decisions: See how connected financial and field data can reveal key profitability metrics like cost per acre, cost per bushel, and field-level profitability to help you make more informed decisions about your operation Getting started. Have questions? Contact Bailey Brown, Traction Ag retail channel manager, at [email protected] or 402-628-7775 for assistance. More member savings. Along with savings for Traction Ag, Michigan Farm Bureau members enjoy discounts on everything from equipment and vehicles to hotels and prescriptions. Click here to see a full list of member savings. Not a Farm Bureau member yet? Joining is easy and can be done online here.