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Farm Bureau Pavilion unveiled during Michigan Livestock Expo

The first steps to renovate Michigan State University’s Livestock Pavilion were unveiled this week during the Michigan Livestock Expo.

Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross tells Brownfield the facility has been renamed the Farm Bureau Pavilion as part of a gift agreement with the university.

“A lot of our farmers use the pavilions for expos and livestock shows, and things like that.”

“To be able to name that building the Farm Bureau Pavilion is really rewarding for our company, and it’s a complete partnership between Michigan Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Insurance, and Michigan State University,” he says.

Expansion plans are expected to add an additional indoor arena and renovate the facility, which originally opened in 1996.

LaCross says the history between the two organizations is closely intertwined.

“Michigan Farm Bureau was founded on the campus of Michigan Agricultural College, which then became Michigan State University back in 1919,” he explains. “Michigan Farm Bureau’s first executive vice president was named Clark Brody, and he’s the namesake of Brody Hall on campus.”

The Michigan Livestock Expo’s Sale-a-bration sale, following the ceremony, raised $297,850 to support the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund and youth exhibitors.

Sale coordinator Julie Judge tells Brownfield this year’s auction was the highest-grossing sale in the event’s 16-year history.

Featured new buyers included Koegel Meats, United Producers – Manchester, Taylor Insurance, and Smith Lumber. Continued supporters of the sale included Albright Swine Farm, Meijer, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Clemons Food Group, JBS, Tyson, Foster Swift Collins, Varnum, MMPA, CoBank, DFA, Kalmbach Feeds, Michigan Farm Bureau, Hazenkamp Premier Foods, National Beef, and AgroLiquid.