John G. Laurie

Jack Laurie’s leadership in Michigan agriculture is well-recognized and respected everywhere from community farms to the Michigan legislature. He retired as president of the Michigan Farm Bureau in 2000, but during his tenure had significant impact on state legislative support for agricultural research and education. A member of the Michigan Farm Bureau since 1966, he served as vice-president for nine years before being elected president in 1986. He chaired the executive committee that spearheaded the Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative that brought more than $70 million to Michigan State University to build and renovate livestock research facilities and increase staffing for animal agriculture programs. He also helped secure a $5 million annual appropriation from the state for the plant-based initiative Project GREEEN. At retirement, he assumed a one-year position as Michigan agricultural affairs specialist for the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Laurie is a retired partner in a a 1,600-acre farm that produces feed grains, alfalfa and soybeans. He has been an avid supporter and advocate for 4-H youth programs in Michigan, soliciting support for the Vision 2021 Campaign to renovate Kettunen Center, the state 4-H leadership training center.