One Michigan farmer is among 20 individuals appointed to serve on the Advisory Committee for New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (ACBFR).
Amanda Jo Carey of Morley, Mich. was one of seven farmers selected to serve on the committee for two years. Carey farms alongside her dad and grandpa, raising corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and dairy cows.
She said she’s excited to serve along side the rest of the committee, who will have their first set of meetings in Indianapolis the end of October.
“It’s important for actual beginning farmers to have a voice,” said Carey. “There’s not very many young farmers out there and they deserve a voice.”
Two years ago, Carey started the process of applying to be on the committee. She said her position allows for her to be a unique voice.
“At the time I was a 22-year-old female farmer running a dairy farm,” said Carey. “That tends to put me in a little bit different category than most farmers because of my age and the fact that I’m a woman running a farm.”
The committee will advise Secretary Sonny Perdue about the challenges beginning farmers or ranchers face. And her goal for the committee is simple.
“I hope to be able to give real knowledge and real experience from a young, beginning farmer,” said Carey.
You can follow Carey’s page on Facebook: Moooving Through Life.
