As Senior Policy Director, Matt Smego oversees the organization’s policy and advocacy initiatives aimed at expanding market access and increasing demand for Michigan corn. He leads the management of both state and federal issues, building and maintaining strong relationships with agricultural stakeholders, policymakers, and advocacy groups to promote education and policy outcomes that support Michigan’s corn growers. Additionally, Matt directs the MICENT program, Michigan Corn’s leadership development initiative. 

Matt hails from Cass County in southwest Michigan, where he was raised on his family’s swine, corn, and soybean farm near Cassopolis. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriscience from Michigan State University. 

With 26 years of service at the Michigan Farm Bureau, Matt held several key roles, including Director of the Public Policy & Commodity Division, where he led the organization’s state and federal advocacy efforts. 

A respected voice in agricultural policy, Matt was recognized in the MIRS/Epic MRA Insiders Poll in both 2011 and 2019. He has served on multiple statewide boards appointed by Governors and Agency Directors and played a pivotal role in advancing major legislative initiatives such as the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact, reforms to state wetlands policy, and the codification of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) into law. 

Matt’s contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, Honorary State and American FFA Degrees, and in 2024, Honorary Membership in the Michigan Association of Agriscience Educators.