09/25/2026
We are excited, blessed and humbled to share that our dad and fearless leader, Steve Jennings, was honored with the ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ by the Genesee County Farm Bureau.
If you know him, you know what a good man, father, husband, and farmer he is. If youโd like to hear more about his involvement and character, please read through the following speeches given by his daughter and son.
๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐ต๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐:
Thank you, Genesee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors โ my brother and I appreciate the chance to recognize the 2026 Genesee Count Farm Bureau Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award to Mr. Steve Jennings.
A lifelong farmer, our dad is the 6th generation of our family farm in Swartz Creek. Originally farming alongside his father Henry, and brother Tom. He became sole owner operator in 2003 after the loss of his brother and carries the farm on in Tomโs and his late fatherโs legacy today, now in partnership with his son.
As a long-standing member of Genesee County and greater area agriculture community, his past and current involvement includes:
๐ฝGenesee County Farm Bureau Boad of directorsโ member
๐ฝGenesee County Fair Board Member
๐ฝGenesee County Candidate Evaluation Committee Member
๐ฝGenesee County Beef Superintendent
๐ฝPresident of the Genesee County Junior Livestock Committee
๐ฝMember of the Shiawassee County Junior Livestock Committee
๐ฝGenesee County Soil Conservation Board
๐ฝChairman of the Genesee County Young Farmer Committee
๐ฝMember of the Michigan Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee
๐ฝMember of the Michigan Farm Bureau Agri PAC committee
๐ฝAdvisory Committee Member for the Genesee Career Tech Center Ag Science Program
๐ฝGaines Township Zoning Board
Outside of his agriculture community involvement and the farm, he is an avid hunter, a tractor pulling pit crew leader, watching the latest Rodeo on the Cowboy Channel, being MSU Menโs Basketball Team biggest fan or harshest critic and, though he might not admit it fully, he thinks his girlโs horses arenโt so bad either. His is a loving husband, a dedicated father and a proud Papa. He gives the absolute best hugs on your worst day, and is your loudest cheerleader on your best. We love you dad, and could not be more proud of you and all you do.
๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐:
It is my honor tonight to take part in recognizing my dad with this award. Agriculture is the science, art and practice of cultivating soil and growing crops and livestock to produce food. But as we all know, it is even more than that. It's people. It's families. It's lifetimes of dedication to something that requires faith, patience, knowledge, and innovation โ all things which my dad possesses.
I am blessed to have the opportunity to work alongside my dad every day. I do have a tendency to argue, though, even though I know he's (almost) always right. I'm just trying to keep his blood PSI in check...
I get to witness the way he embodies the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award every single day. His life has been defined by the pursuit of a successful next generation - something we are all grateful for.
In many ways, Dad, I'm still the boy who follows in your footsteps. I have spent all my years looking up to you as a leader in this industry, and as a husband and father. Your leadership in all parts of your life is worthy of recognition. Your work on this farm and to Genesee County agriculture and beyond has always been selfless. But tonight is about you.
My dad is hardworking and has a never-give-up attitude that he happily shares with those around him. Helping others and being a support for people getting into agriculture is something he prioritizes. There is always a helping hand extended from my dad and he is always a phone call away from anyone who needs him.
To the Genesee County Farm Bureau - thank you for seeing what we see in my dad and choosing to recognize him with this award. Dad, congratulations! Here's to doing what we love together.
