LANSING, Mich. – MABA President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on Governor Whitmer’s veto of a new rebate program for fuel retailers offering E15, a higher ethanol blend:
“We are disappointed Governor Whitmer vetoed a pro-agriculture, pro-environment, pro-consumer policy that had already been approved by the Michigan Legislature. Promoting higher biofuel blends like E15 reduces our reliance on oil, supports the rural economy, reduces harmful emissions and gives families more choices at the pump. Legislators were spot on to approve this boost for E15 fuels and today’s veto by the governor was a missed opportunity.”
The recently-approved Michigan budget had created the program to provide retailers a five-cent rebate per gallon sold of E-15.
July 8, 2024 —The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) Educational Trust announced it will award scholarships to 16 Michigan students planning to enter the agriculture industry. These scholarships offered through the Educational Trust totaled more than $20,000 for the Fall 2024 collegiate semester.
“Thanks to the generosity and support of Michigan Agri-Business Association members, our educational trust was proud to deliver another round of scholarships to young leaders preparing for a career in agriculture,” said MABA Educational Trust Chair Ward Forquer. “Michigan’s rural businesses recognize the importance of investing in the next generation. We congratulate these scholarship recipients and wish them the best success in the future.”
Most Recent Updates
Updated July 1 with recent USDA and MDARD announcements of resources to assist dairy farmers implementing biosecurity practices.
June 26 Amendment to Michigan Emergency Order – Fairs – Order / FAQ
June 27 – USDA to Begin Accepting Applications for Expanded Emergency Livestock Assistance Program to Help Dairy Producers Offset Milk Loss Due to H5N1 (FSA News Release)
The Michigan Agri-Business Association is reminding member companies to focus on awareness, communication and collaboration as Michigan agriculture works to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The following information includes a summary of the situation and action steps for rural businesses in Michigan.
Fact sheets for employee communication and other resources for use by member companies appear at the bottom of this page.
With extreme heat forecast across Michigan and the region during the week of June 17, we remind all those working in Michigan agriculture, and throughout the Great Lakes states to be aware of the forecast change in conditions, heat safety and heat first aid steps.
This is an especially important message for anyone new to working outside. Heat illnesses are prevalent in those who are just starting out at their job, who may not be well-acclimatized to hot conditions.
Background: Extreme Heat Forecast
The National Weather Service has put Michigan in the center of an extreme heat advisory for next week. The image below (created June 14) shows Michigan, Northern Indiana and other parts of the upper Great Lakes in the NWS’ highest heat advisory category mid-next week. Many areas will experience mid to upper-90’s conditions.
This highest NWS advisory category represents a “level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
Action Steps
Anyone working outside should keep this in mind and prepare in advance with:
Anyone showing the signs of heat exhaustion or stress needs to stop working, move somewhere cool and sip water. Learn more about these conditions and first aid response at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness.
The following map is from NWS HeatRisk. The map was generated Friday, June 14 showing forecast conditions Wednesday, June 19.
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