Michigan Farm Bureau

“The organization has approximately 203,315 members who pay annual membership dues.”

“The members of the organization are represented by a delegate body of members who elect the board of directors of the organization.”

“Changes in the organization's bylaws must be approved by the delegate body. In addition, the delegate body annually ratifies all board actions and authorizes the president of the board to appoint all necessary committees and committee chairs.”

“The board of directors (board) of mfb is the governing body which is responsible for the annual review of the form 990 return. Prior to the forms filing, the audit committee of the board, consisting of 5 of the 17 board members reviews the annual audited financial statements to be used as basis of preparation for the form 990 return. The final preparation and review of the 990 are performed by the director of financial services, the public accounting firm, and the treasurer. The audit committee and board will review the completed return prior to filing and copies are made available to the remainder of the board prior to filing.”

“The conflict of interest policy is reviewed annually and a motion of acknowledgment is made by the board of directors. At this same time all officers, board members, key employees, and division directors must annually provide a signed statement listing all potential conflicts of interest while acting in their respective positions.”

“Mfb uses a salary administration program developed and maintained by an outside consultant, hewitt associates. All positions are evaluated through the position evaluation plan; competitive salary information is obtained through salary surveys and placed into individual salary ranges. Merit increases are based on: 1) an employee's performance; 2) merit increase guidelines, and 3)their current position relative to the salary range. Mfb's top management employees are evaluated by a five person executive committee of the board. The performance review along with any salary adjustments is then reviewed with the full 17 member board of directors.”

“Mfb uses a salary administration program developed and maintained by an outside consultant, hewitt associates. All positions are evaluated through the position evaluation plan; competitive salary information is obtained through salary surveys and placed into individual salary ranges. Merit increases are based on: 1) an employee's performance; 2) merit increase guidelines, and 3)their current position relative to the salary range.”

“No governing documents, conflict of interest policy, or financial statements are made available to the public.”

“Michigan farm bureau (mfb) is a member directed agricultural organization whose purpose is to represent, protect, and enhance the business, economic, social, and educational interests of our members located throughout the state of michigan.”

“All lines left blank are not applicable to the organization.”

“Policy development begins with the appointment by the 65 county farm bureaus of a policy development committee. It includes representatives from community action groups, young farmers, county committees, other special committees, and individual members. The policy development committee has the responsibility to study, discuss, and develop mfb policy recommendations on local, state, and national issues. Local, state, and national policy recommendations are made to members and are voted on at the county annual meeting. A 20-member state policy development committee is appointed with representation from all areas of the state. This committee meets to gather information on a wide range of issues, review all of the county recommendations, and produces a slate of proposed additions, changes, and deletions to the policy and for action by delegates at the mfb annual meeting. Mfb's policy development process resulted in about 1,100 policy recommendations from the counties. Other recommendations include those from various mfb advisory committees, for a total of approximately 1,200 policy recommendations considered by the mfb policy development committee. Final policy decisions are made by the voting delegates from each county farm bureau at the mfb annual meeting.”

“Tube, and instagram and event-related mobile apps.”

“The center for education and leadership development prepares and develops agricultural leaders. This is accomplished through education and leadership development programs for current local ag leaders, state and local committees, and members. A targeted program is for young farmers between the ages of 18 and 35. It offers agricultural education, action committees, leadership training, competitions, and social events to encourage involvement and to develop future leadership. Promotion and education programs for public education about the agricultural industry are offered for 4-h clubs, ffa chapters, schools, and civic groups.”

“Cost reimbursement - net with expense 255,583 county member growth net with membership 1,615 service fees -176 mfa designated grant net w/ expense -750 gain on sale of vehicle/ capital asset -67,907 afbf dues net with membership -798,736 county membership growth -1,615 cost reimbursement - net with expense -255,583 dues paid afbf 798,736 mfa designated grant net with expense 750 gain on sale of vehicle/capital asset 67,907 service fees 176”