Michael Boyert of Seville was elected as Northeast regional trustee to the Ohio Farm Bureau State Board of Trustees in November 2015. He represented members in 20 northeast Ohio county farm bureaus, working at the local, state and national level to make decisions that impact farming and their communities.
Mike’s passion for agriculture and his belief in what farmers do (provide food, resources and jobs for our communities) served him well throughout his tenure on the OFBF board, often reminding those around him that one in seven jobs in Ohio is rooted in agriculture. Mike ended his tenure last month at the OFBF Annual Meeting, stepping down from his OFBF Board of Trustees’ duties.
You might be thinking, I know that name, but I don’t know who he is, well, let us share a few interesting tidbits about the man that Summit County Farm Bureau called our friend and advocate for the past nine years.
Mike and wife, Patti, grew up about a half-mile apart, and knew each other since the first grade. Coincidentally, they both grew up at their parents’ greenhouses. Mike said when his dad wanted him to branch out and try his hand at something else, he worked for Patti’s father. Patti earned a biology degree at Heidelberg University and later worked in a water quality lab in Coshocton. Mike followed one of his childhood passions to have cattle and pigs and set out to earn a degree in animal sciences at Ohio State University.
The Boyerts have been raising cattle, hogs, and chickens at their farm in Seville since the mid1980s. Their grain-fed and pasture raised beef, pork and poultry is available for purchase in pieces or custom bundles. They raise cage-free chickens providing fresh brown eggs collected daily. They encourage their customers to enjoy the fresh taste and tenderness of locally grown, all natural meat and eggs from their farm.
Boyerts’ greenhouse offers a full range of flowers, vegetables and trees, as well as some special arrangements not found elsewhere. Always make sure to take a “special” trip to ooo and aww at the wonderful Christmas display during the holidays too. Over the years, the Boyerts and their six adult children have built Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm into one of the county’s premier greenhouses — growing most of what they sell and also maintaining a registered beef farm.
As Mike and his wife near retirement age, he said they’re looking at ways to transfer the business to their children, but expect to remain active in it. Over the past few years, their sons have really taken responsibility for the cattle, and with others helping in the greenhouse — it frees them up. And, with grandchildren now entering the picture, the farm and greenhouse have a promising future. SCFB sends best wishes as you move toward your retirement, Mike (and Patti)!
And in closing, please be aware that Mike’s sacrifice of time away from his family, farm and greenhouse is deeply appreciated, and his diligence and perseverance have brought great benefits to Summit County and all of Ohio’s agriculture. Thank you Mike for your many years of service to Farm Bureau!