The Michigan Agri-Business Association today congratulated Dr. Matt Daum on his recommendation to serve as Dean of the Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources and Associate Provost.
“Dr. Matt Daum is an outstanding choice for this leadership role—one that extends far beyond the Michigan State University campus to impact Michigan agriculture and rural communities across our state,” said Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu. “As Interim Dean, Dr. Daum has served with distinction, building strong industry relationships, engaging stakeholders, and demonstrating a commitment to the partnerships that move our industry forward.”
“Dr. Daum understands the important impacts the College makes every day for education, ag research, and the success of our state’s farmers,” said MABA Chairman John Tilt, General Manager of Vita Plus Corporation. “I have had a number of opportunities to see Matt’s thoughtful leadership firsthand, and I am confident he will continue to strengthen ties between MSU and Michigan’s agricultural community.”
View the announcement from Michigan State University at this link.
SB235-236 and HB4424-4425 will help meet Michigan’s clean energy goals, spark rural economic opportunity
May 1, 2025 – Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu today issued the following statement of support for Senate Bills 235-236, and House Bills 4424-4425:
“These bipartisan bills will ensure Michigan is a go-to source for clean fuels to meet growing demand from America’s air carriers, and just as important, they will fuel a stronger rural economy that starts with Michigan farmers and Main Street businesses. We thank House Agriculture Committee Chairman Jerry Neyer, as well as State Senators Sam Singh and Joseph Bellino, for this thoughtful strategy that will spark rural economic growth, help meet Michigan’s clean energy goals, and capitalize on a rapidly-emerging market opportunity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.”
The bills were introduced in the Michigan Senate by Senator Sam Singh and Senator Joseph Bellino; and in the Michigan House by Representative Jerry Neyer. The legislation would provide a $1.50-per-gallon tax credit for those who purchase, produce, or blend sustainable aviation fuel. The credit is designed to directly support farmers and the businesses that develop and supply cleaner-burning, ethanol-derived aviation fuels.
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In recent days, the Michigan Agri-Business Association weighed in with comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding its revised proposal on Atrazine use. While MABA acknowledges the EPA’s efforts to address previous concerns expressed by industry, significant issues remain, including the continued use in the review of flawed scientific studies that were not reviewed by the EPA’s Scientific Advisory Panel.
“[Under the revised assessment], mitigation would be required across a much greater percentage of Michigan and U.S. corn acres than necessary,” wrote MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “We echo the concerns of many in agriculture that even with an expanded mitigation menu, not all practices will work for all farms, and as proposed, this new measure would hamstring both the industry’s economic success and its stewardship efforts.”
Atrazine has been a critical, proven tool for Michigan farmers for over six decades, supported by thousands of studies demonstrating its safety. It plays a vital role in supporting economic success and farmer-led stewardship. This formal comment is one step in MABA’s overall effort to promote sound science- and risk-based regulatory policies for pesticide use.
Read MABA’s comment here. Formal comments from other Michigan agricultural organizations can be viewed at these links:
Comment from the Michigan Corn Growers Association
Comment from the Michigan Farm Bureau
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Updated April 3, 2025 | 6:00 AM
The Michigan Agri-Business Association continues to receive various inquiries from our members about potential tariffs.
MABA is sharing regular updates as a service to our members and interested partners. This message primarily concerns potential tariffs on USMCA partners.
Current Update on Tariffs – April 3
In summary, President Trump announced on April 2 that the U.S. will enact a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, and enact various higher duties on select countries. A chart of these tariffs can be found at this link. The White House issued a fact sheet on the President’s announcement, which is here.
For Canada and Mexico, there are not major changes versus what was already enacted last month. The policies enacted last month remain in effect. In other words, goods from Mexico and Canada that comply with the USMCA trade agreement are largely exempt, except for auto exports and steel and aluminum which fall under separate tariff policies.
Additional updates and resources were sent to MABA members on April 3. Refer to the AgFacts for more.
MABA’s position on trade and tariffs:
Resources on Tariff Compliance
Amid tariff discussion in recent weeks, some MABA members have asked operational questions about compliance with tariffs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers several introductory resources on this topic which may prove useful in the future:
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