East Michigan News

State Representative Jerry Neyer, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, led a resolution on Wednesday to designate March 2025 as Agriculture Appreciation Month in Michigan. The initiative acknowledges the significant role of the food and agriculture industry in the state's economy and workforce. This sector contributes over $125.8 billion annually and supports around 805,000 jobs.

Neyer's resolution received strong bipartisan backing in the House. He emphasized the critical importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy and culture.

"Our agricultural industry is the backbone of our state," stated Neyer, R-Shepherd. "We have 45,300 farms in Michigan, 99 percent of which are family-owned. Farming is more than a full-time job; it’s a lifestyle. Those 45,300 farms and the families that work them put their blood and sweat into their crops and livestock to ensure families across Michigan, the United States, and the world have food on their dinner tables."

He further highlighted farmers' dedication: "Farmers don’t take sick days; many don’t even take vacations. They aren’t doing this job because of the benefits or the retirement package. They’re doing this because they care about the work. They care about the health and well-being of the ground they farm, the animals they care for, and the people their work provides for."

The resolution presented by Neyer also included important data about Michigan's agriculture sector.