Chelsea’s Elizabeth and Matthew Hinderer were among the more than 300 young farmers from around the state who gathered in Dearborn on Feb. 22-24 for Michigan Farm Bureau’s (MFB) 2013 Young Farmer Leaders’ Conference.
The conference offers farmers ages 18 to 35 years a combination of leadership development, informative seminars and idea exchanges – all with a focus on building a strong new generation of agricultural producers to lead Michigan’s second-largest industry into the future.
Also attending from Washtenaw County John and Tammy Broesamle of Saline, and Travis and Chad Fusilier of Manchester.
This year’s theme was “I Farm for You.”
“Our goal was to provide young farmers with tools to manage successful farms and take charge of their future,” Jason Jaekel, manager of MFB’s Young Farmer department, said in a press release.
“Participants were challenged to get involved in policy development, reinforcing the importance of having their voice heard on issues affecting Michigan farms,” he said.
In addition to its educational components, the conference provided younger farmers an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each other.
“We try to strike a balance between professional and social activities,” Jaekel said. “It helps build strong relationships throughout the industry and across the state.”
