submitted by Michigan Farm Bureau 

Katelyn Packard is a Washtenaw County dairy farmer, milking 400 cows and raising 800 acres of corn, alfalfa, wheat, soybeans and forage crops with her grandparents, parents, brother, and husband.

“My leadership activity over the past five years includes involvement on multiple county Farm Bureau committees and events, and involvement with 4-H,” Packard said.

“In 2018, I brought a new idea to our county Promotion and Education committee to host an agriculture themed trick-or-treat event,” she added. “The event grew into our now-annual ‘Treat of Agriculture.’ It’s a trick-or-treat event featuring Michigan agriculture products. Instead of handing out candy, as is traditional, we hand out various agriculture products at various interactive stations.”

Packard said she’s implemented a farm open house, inviting neighbors to the farm to have some ice cream.

“It’s a great community builder, not just around where the farm is, but where I live, three miles from the farm,” Packard said. “It’s helped to not only get to know my neighbors but create greater understanding about agriculture. I also enjoy being a 4-H leader as it gives me an opportunity to share my passion for dairy and agriculture with youth.

“I continue to build the 4-H dairy project in our county,” she continued. “I offer our farm and our cattle to 4-H members who don’t have their own cattle to use for their dairy project. Last year, I had two individuals use cattle from my farm for their dairy project, and this year I anticipate having six youth take advantage of this opportunity.”

Packard and her husband, Joe, live in Manchester.

The Agriculture Leader Award recognizes successful young farmers for outstanding leadership roles in Farm Bureau, agriculture, and his or her local community. Contestants are judged on their ability to actively serve in leadership roles while managing a successful farm operation.

As the state winner, Packard receives a lease on a New Holland compact tractor or utility vehicle from Burnips Equipment, a $1,000 AgroLiquid gift certificate, and an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF FUSION Conference in Portland, Oregon, sponsored by the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture.