February 7, 2024 | The Michigan Agri-Business Association’s Agribusiness Leadership Program group traveled to Washington, DC this week for briefings with MABA partners and meetings with federal policymakers. Now in its 15th year, the Leadership Group program brings together emerging leaders from Michigan agriculture across four sessions in Michigan and Washington. The program allows participants to learn more about MABA’s work, go in-depth on the ag policy landscape, and hone their advocacy skills. The MABA Leadership Group visited the headquarters of three key national partners: CropLife America, the Agricultural Retailers Association and The Fertilizer Institute. Pictured L to R: Alyssa Redding, Nutrien Ag Solutions; Justin Edwards, Ackerman Marketing; Chuck Lippstreu, MABA President; Rob Clark, Michigan Sugar Company; Raegan Gembarski, Star of the West; Jeff Leslie, Cooperative Elevator Co.; Melissa Carter, Caledonia Farmers Elevator; and Eddie Fahley, Helena Agri-Enterprises. “MABA’s strength lies in the willingness of our members to show up, and speak up, and this group delivered for Michigan Agriculture during their visit to Washington,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of MABA. “We also appreciated the time put forth by our partners in Washington, and the opportunity to meet with a wide range of federal officials.” Just a few of the topics the group discussed with government leaders included the need for a new, bipartisan Farm Bill; the importance of crop protection products and innovative ag technology; the need for a wage rate freeze to help Michigan’s fruit and vegetable growers; and the importance of continued cross-border trade. You can learn more about these priority issues here. MABA Leadership Program participants meet with U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain on February 6, 2024 in Washington, DC. Leadership Group members in DC this week included: Rob Clark with Michigan Sugar Company Jeff Leslie with Cooperative Elevator Co. Alyssa Redding with Nutrien Ag Solutions Eddie Fahley with Helena Agri-Enterprises Raegan Gembarski with Star of the West Milling Company Melissa Carter with Caledonia Farmers Elevator; and Justin Edwards with Ackerman Marketing. The group was co-led by Lippstreu and MABA Member Services Director Kara Boring. We appreciated the participation and support of Shasta Duffey with Lake State Railway, a former MABA Board member and key partner for the association. The program continues this summer as the 2023-24 class wraps up in Detroit, MI. Applications for the 2024-25 Leadership Group class open on February 13, 2024. Eddie Fahley with Helena Agri-Enterprises visits with U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee during the MABA Leadership Program fly-in to Washington, DC on February 6, 2024.
