May was a productive month for MABA as we launched another new member program, part of our effort to make sure we are leaning into new ideas that support you and your business. We also took new steps to strengthen partnerships with agribusiness leaders across the Midwest. At the same time, we are looking ahead to a busy summer and fall season filled with educational programs, networking opportunities and preparations for our 2026 Outlook Conference. Hosting the May Ag Club, Plus a New Event for MABA MembersIn May, MABA hosted another successful Ag Club gathering cohosted by People Spark Consulting. MABA was glad to welcome special guest Erin Mies with People Spark for a presentation at breakfast. People Spark has led two different workshops for our members this year, providing important leadership and workplace communication insights. As we continue to launch new opportunities for our members and reinvest in your success, MABA also facilitated a new workshop with People Spark for member company employees focused on workplace communication. Programs like the one in May are made possible in part by our 2026 Sustaining Sponsors, so we also took a moment yesterday to recognize and thank them for supporting the association’s efforts. Launch of Outlook Conference Registration and Planning for Future EventsMABA officially launched registration for the 2026 Outlook Conference, scheduled for September 10-12 in Lansing. The conference remains one of Michigan agriculture’s premier educational and networking events, bringing together agribusiness leaders, policymakersband industry experts to discuss economic trends. We encourage members to secure their registrations early and join us for another outstanding program!Additionally, our team continued to plan for summer Ag Club Breakfast events, which will include visits to Morgan Composting in Sears on June 26, Eastern Market on July 22, and the AgroExpo on August 12. Welcoming Our 2026 Summer InternsMABA was pleased to welcome our 2026 summer interns, Alexandria “Allie” Tilt and Karle Welden, both students in Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Throughout the summer, Allie and Karle will support MABA’s policy, communications, events, and member engagement activities while gaining firsthand experience in Michigan’s agribusiness sector. We are excited to have them on our team and look forward to their contributions in the months ahead. Coordination with Agribusiness Association Partners Across the MidwestIn May, MABA President Chuck Lippstreu traveled to Des Moines, IA, to participate in a regional meeting of agribusiness association leaders from across the Midwest. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss emerging industry challenges and share insights. These conversations help strengthen relationships among state associations and importantly, they help your membership investment go further by aligning the industry on our advocacy efforts. We thank the Agribusiness Association of Iowa for hosting this meeting. Participating organizations included the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, Minnesota Crop Production Retailers, Minnesota Grain & Feed Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Nebraska Agri-Business Association, North Dakota Grain Dealers Association, Ohio AgriBusiness Association, South Dakota Agri-Business Association, and the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association. State Budget Advocacy ContinuesAs the state budget process continued throughout May, MABA remained actively engaged in monitoring proposals and advocating for priorities important to Michigan agriculture. Staff maintained communication with legislators, administration officials and coalition partners to track developments affecting the FY27 budget. We will continue keeping members informed as budget negotiations progress in the months ahead.
