Our MABA team took part in a number of activites across the state and nation during August, and we want to provide a short snapshot of some of these for our members. We are looking forward to getting into the busy fall and winter meeting season, one of our busiest times and also an opportunity to continue hearing from you all! Please continue to contact Kara or Chuck with the MABA team with your questions, concerns and input. We encourage all members and industry partners to visit www.miagbiz.org/events to learn more about what’s happening throughout October, November and December! Meetings with state and federal policy leaders We had a number of opportunities to interact with policy leaders at the end of the summer. This included a listening session with Michigan State University Trustees on August 15, and taking part in a listening session with U.S. Representative Kristin McDonald Rivet later in the month on August 19. We appreciate the Farm Journal Foundation, a MABA member organization, for partnering with MSU on the meeting with Rep. McDonald Rivet. Rob Zeldenrust played the lead role in organizing the meeting with MSU Trustees, and we appreciate his efforts. You can read more about these events on the MABA Facebook page. A press story from Brownfield following the discussion with Rep. McDonald Rivet can be found here. Visit to Washington, DC and NASS Crop Report Lockup We appreciated the opportunity to have MABA members, staff and partners attend the August USDA-NASS crop report briefing. The work of NASS staff across the nation, and the reports prepared by the agency are critical for our industry. MABA was represented by Kara Boring from our team, and we were joined by leaders of The Andersons, Vita Plus Corporation, Advance Trading Inc. and MDARD for this meeting. The group especially appreciated the chance to hear from Secretary Brooke Rollins, and to visit with NASS leaders and USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Cohosting MABA Educational Trust Fishing Trip At the end of August, 20 Michigan industry members attended the 3rd Annual Educational Trust Fishing Trip at Pine Portage Lodge! This trip has greatly ramped up our efforts to fund scholarships for those with a future in Michigan agriculture. Special thanks to Phil Needler, Ward Forquer and Jon Rush for helping plan and lead a successful outing. We encourage everyone in the industry to learn about MABA Ed Trust Scholarship programs and encourage young people to apply by October 1: www.miagbiz.org/resources/educational-trust Working with our national industry partners On August 25, MABA President Chuck Lippstreu represented the Michigan industry at a summit of national policy leaders convened by Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) as part of its 2025 annual conference. Many of our members across Michigan have a role in the safe, responsible, regulated use of specialty pesticide and fertilizer products. We appreciated the opportunity to participate in this summit as we continue to share information and educate leaders in Lansing about the industry. Learn more about RISE at: www.pestfacts.org Engaging with industry at the 2025 AgroExpo In mid-August, we had another great time at the 2025 AgroExpo! Thank you to the 100+ MABA members who joined our industry breakfast on Wednesday, and our appreciation to AgroLiquid, Consumers Energy and Clinton County Catalyst for making it possible. We congratulate our partners at AgroLiquid for another successful Expo. Michigan Corn Between the Rows Tour One of our goals at MABA is to support and attend Michigan farm organization events, and any event that advances the success of agriculture. Last month we had an opportunity to join one of the Michigan Corn Between the Rows tour stops on August 26 in Rockford. This was a well done and well attended event, and we thank the Michigan Corn team for their time putting together another successful statewide tour in August. Some discussion of tour findings is here. We look forward to seeing you all throughout the fall and winter. Reach out any time by email to Chuck or Kara from the MABA team! # # #
