Holly LaPlant’s Membership Journey

Holly LaPlant’s membership journey started when she joined her county Farm Bureau Board. Learn more about her journey.

County Farm Bureau Board

What did you think Farm Bureau was when you first joined, and how has that perception changed?

Honestly, I was a little skeptical about the board’s insistence on bringing in younger members. A lot of times new ideas don’t mesh well with the old ways of doing things. However, I was pleasantly surprised. They allowed the younger generation to run with our ideas and helped us build off of them. I was also under the impression that Farm Bureau was an old boys club, but that perception did change quickly as our board has always been pretty evenly split.

Promotion and Engagement

Was there a moment when you realized Farm Bureau felt like “your place”? What happened?

Farm Bureau was my place when I realized I could truly be myself. I was accepted as a confident smart-mouthed young woman in agriculture. My ideas were heard and my opinions mattered and were appreciated. We are kind of a giant family, where we work together with the common goal of making agriculture the most important part of our county.

Young Farmer & Agriculturist

What roles, programs or experiences have shaped you the most? Which have been your favorite?

I’ve enjoyed every part of my Farm Bureau experience so far. I’ve been greatly involved in our Promotion and Engagement committee, our fair stand committee and I’ve been the Young Farmer and Agriculturist chair for five years now. My favorite has been being YFA chair. I enjoy coming up with new, fun ideas for events. I like planning events that are a little different and that encourage people to experience something new. Planning this year’s event, Plant Bingo, has been an absolute blast!

Fair Food Stand

What impact are you most proud of so far, even if it feels small?

I love that the Door County Farm Bureau has become a household name. I’m proud to hear people say that they hear our ads on the radio. We see little kids running around wearing the T-shirts from our Rural Safety Day and parents say that their children had so much fun at our events. I’m honored when people ask what the next YFA event will be, because they had so much fun at the previous one. I’m also very proud that our fair stand malts were voted the best food at our fair.

Farm Bureau Events

If someone new asked why they should get involved, what would you tell them based your own experience?

I would tell them that if they love agriculture and want to see it thrive, to join. Our Farm Bureau has a place for anyone and everyone who is in any form of agriculture. A great place to start is by attending our Farm Bureau 101: Back to the Basics event. It is a good way to learn what Farm Bureau is and what it can do for you and your community. We are a big family that gets a lot accomplished, but we always have a good time while doing it!