Change is a constant on the farm. Whether it’s the unpredictable Michigan weather, the shifting global markets, or the arrival of a new generation ready to take the reins, agriculture is an industry defined by adaptation. As a fifth-generation farmer, I’ve seen this rhythm play out season after season.
Today, I’m embarking on a significant change of my own. I have recently joined Michigan Farm Bureau as the Director of Information Security. While this marks a new chapter in my professional career, it feels less like a departure and more like a homecoming. It is an opportunity to bring my experience in technology and public service to the very community that raised me, continuing to deliver for Michigan agriculture in a meaningful new way.
Why Agriculture Matters
It is easy to take for granted the food on our plates, but farming remains the most critical foundation of our overall well-being. It is the bedrock of our economy and the literal sustenance of our society. In Michigan, this impact is particularly profound. We are the second most diverse agricultural state in the United States, producing over 300 different commodities ranging from cherries and blueberries to dairy and dry beans.
This diversity is our strength, but it also means our challenges are complex. As technology becomes more integrated into every aspect of the food chain, the need for robust, farmer-focused technical leadership has never been greater.
A Farmer-Led Organization
What drew me to Michigan Farm Bureau, and what makes it the perfect fit for this stage of my journey, is that it is an organization run by farmers. Its priorities aren’t dictated from a distant boardroom; they are built from the ground up by the men and women who work the land.
In my new role, I see a clear path to expanding my impact on the community. By protecting the information and systems that support our agricultural network, I am helping to ensure that Michigan’s farmers can continue doing what they do best: feeding our neighbors and the world.
Looking Ahead
I’ve always believed that the best way to honor your heritage is to strengthen the systems that will support it for the next five generations. Transitioning into this role allows me to bridge the gap between my technological expertise and my agricultural roots.
The rows might be different, and the tools might be digital, but the mission remains the same: stewardship, service, and a commitment to the land and people that make Michigan great. I am excited to see what we can accomplish together.