CANR Unveils Farm Bureau Pavilion at Special Celebration
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EmailLeaders from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU and Michigan Farm Bureau gathered on Tuesday, July 15, to unveil the newly re-named Farm Bureau Pavilion.
A new era is officially underway at the Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University. On Tuesday, July 15, leaders from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), MSU and Michigan Farm Bureau joined together during the Michigan Livestock Expo for a special event officially unveiling the Farm Bureau Pavilion.
A trusted pillar of Michigan agriculture, the renaming marks a significant milestone in MSU’s longstanding partnership with Michigan Farm Bureau. In December 2024, CANR announced a landmark gift agreement with the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies. In recognition of this generous support, the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education has been renamed the Farm Bureau Pavilion.
During the event, leaders unveiled newly installed Farm Bureau Pavilion signage near the spectator entrance of the pavilion. Farm Bureau’s gift will help fund a planned renovation and expansion of the facility, modernizing the Farm Bureau Pavilion’s role as a hub for agricultural innovation, education and community engagement.
“Today feels like a full-circle moment. Michigan Farm Bureau was founded on the Michigan Agricultural College’s campus back in 1919 and our work together is truly generational,” said Matt Daum, CANR Dean and Associate Provost. “We’re deeply grateful that our Michigan Farm Bureau partners continue to serve our advocates, empowering this college, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension to serve our Michigan producers and rural communities.”
"The Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion represents the future for our state’s livestock industry, serving as the central meeting point for countless events and gatherings that will help position our members for continued success," said Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross. "The entire Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies is proud to continue our storied legacy of support for MSU through this strategic investment that will benefit our state and livestock industry for years to come."
Home to livestock expositions, horse shows, youth programming and commercial events, the Farm Bureau Pavilion is an in-demand, high-traffic venue for agricultural events. Each year, around 100,000 guests visit the pavilion over the course of approximately 250 days of programming, contributing over $7 million annually to the local economy.
“I love to refer to this facility as the Breslin Center for agriculture. For many people from the state of Michigan and outside, for many young people, it's their first exposure to the MSU campus,” said George Smith, Director of AgBioResearch and Senior Associate Dean for Research. “And what a great way to learn about agriculture, learn about careers, get interested and get involved. This partnership is so special, and I can't extend my appreciation enough to Michigan Farm Bureau for taking our partnership to the next level."
The Farm Bureau Pavilion serves as an important venue for educating the public about the value and importance of Michigan agriculture. Cornerstone events include the annual Spartan Stampede Rodeo, the Michigan Livestock Exhibition, many 4-H and FFA youth events, the Michigan Horse Expo and the Lansing Home and Garden Show.
“We often say that agriculture teaches responsibility, resilience and respect, and nowhere is that more evident than the Michigan Farm Bureau pavilion,” said Quentin Tyler, Director of Michigan State University Extension and Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement. “As we unveil this new name, we also reaffirm a shared commitment to lift up the next generation, to support families who feed our state and our nation and to ensure that the Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion remains a beacon of learning.”
Visit the Farm Bureau Pavilion website to learn more and view upcoming events.
