We’re headed into April and the busy spring planting season! Our team at MABA has been busy the past month with spring events, legislative engagement, conference planning and more. Here are some highlights from March at the Michigan Agri-Business Association: MABA, North Dakota Grain Inspection Host Grain Grading Seminar: On March 7, we welcomed grain industry professionals to Lansing this week for the 2024 Grain Grading Seminar. This year’s program was once again led by the expert trainers at North Dakota Grain Inspection (NDGI), who reviewed the overall federal grain inspection system and standards for properly evaluating corn, wheat and soybeans. The strong participation from across the industry demonstrates MABA members’ interest in applying standards in a uniform way – a benefit for all of Michigan agriculture! Highlighting the AEWR on National Ag Day: MABA joined other ag organizations in Michigan to spotlight skyrocketing labor costs under the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, and called on Congress to pass the Supporting Farm Operations Act (H.R. 7046). The legislation, introduced by Congressman John Moolenaar, will address high labor costs facing Michigan farmers by freezing the wage rate for migrant farm workers until end of 2025. GreenStone Farm Credit Services spotlights Patronage Day and farm economy updates at March Ag Club Breakfast: On March 13, leaders from GreenStone provided an overall farm economy update and discussed the farm credit cooperative’s 2024 Patronage Day during the Lansing Ag Club Breakfast. We appreciate GreenStone’s strong support and partnership in hosting breakfast this March! Go here to learn more about the Patronage announcement. The Michigan Legislature has continued work on a range of priorities, especially the 2025 state budget, and we remained engaged at the Capitol this month. One highlight has been to register our association’s support of the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program proposal, a partnership widely supported by industry that’s aimed at addressing long-term ag challenges related to climate change and water. MABA and others have requested full funding for this effort in the 2025 budget. You can learn more at www.canr.msu.edu/climate-resiliency/. In addition, MABA supported a measure under consideration by the Michigan Senate to expand the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Senate Bill 447 would enact a credit for those who purchase, produce, and/or blend Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). MABA sent a letter of support to the Michigan Senate Committee on Energy and Environment regarding this legislation. We also registered our support of the legislation at a Committee hearing. View MABA’s letter on SAF here. Coming Up at MABA: On April 17, join MABA and Eastern Market Corporation for our Lansing Ag Club Breakfast! We look forward to a presentation from Eastern Market, a longtime MABA member and supporter. SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 Scholarship Golf Outing, June 18 in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Go here to get signed up. We expect a full golf course and once it’s sold out, it’s sold out! Visit www.miagbiz.org/events for more information on upcoming events! Recent Media Stories: Stakeholders Testify In Support Of Michigan Bill To Create SAF Tax Credit (Ethanol Producer Magazine)
