This announcement is cross-posted from the Michigan CCA site, www.michigancca.org.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program announced Mark McClintic of Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC) as the recipient of the first-ever Michigan CCA of the Year Award. The award, created to honor a Michigan agronomist who demonstrates technical excellence and a commitment to farmer success, was presented January 14 during the Michigan Agri-Business Association’s 2026 Winter Conference in Lansing.
“Mark represents the qualities the Certified Crop Adviser designation stands for and serves as an ambassador for Michigan’s 270-plus CCAs,” said Tim Schaub, Michigan CCA Board Chair. “Mark is highly respected for his agronomic expertise as well as for his mentorship skills. Launching this new award was an important step to recognize the knowledge and skills of Michigan’s Certified Crop Advisors, and Mark is a fitting first honoree.”
The Michigan CCA Board recognized McClintic after a review of industry nominations for the award. The board noted his more than 30 years of service, industry leadership and focus on guiding the next generation of agronomists.
“I am honored to receive this award and want to recognize the role the Certified Crop Adviser program plays in our state, spotlighting the contributions of professional agronomists,” said McClintic. “Working with Michigan farmers is a privilege and earning my CCA has been an important part of my professional journey. I’m grateful to my colleagues and the Michigan CCA Board for this award.”
In addition to the CCA of the Year recognition, the Michigan CCA Board also recognized three “Honorable Mention” agronomists: Jeff Martus with Star of the West Milling Company; Jason Stegink with Wide Angle Agriculture; and Ernie Klug, recently retired from Keystone Cooperative.
The award was presented by the Michigan Certified Crop Adviser Board in partnership with the American Society of Agronomy, which oversees the national and international CCA programs.
Learn more about the new award by visiting www.michigancca.org.
# # #
MABA today submitted formal comments to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding proposed revisions to Regulation 641, governing commercial fertilizer bulk storage in the state of Michigan.
This written comment follows testimony delivered on January 5 by MABA President Chuck Lippstreu at a public hearing on the rules. The hearing was also attended by representives of a number of MABA member companies.
MABA’s comment to MDARD is available here.
MABA expressed appreciation for MDARD’s collaborative approach during the Part 641 rulemaking process. We shared various elements of the proposed rule supported by the association, and raised a small number of remaining concerns and proposed changes prior to rule finalization. We expect the rule to be finalized in the coming weeks and will continue to communicate updates to impacted members.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) PAC today endorsed state Sen. Roger Victory in his bid for Michigan State University trustee, emphasizing the value of Sen. Victory’s agricultural experience and his proven track record as a voice for Michigan agriculture.
“As he has done throughout his career of service to our state, Senator Victory will be a strong voice for agriculture and rural Michigan as a Michigan State University trustee,” MABA president Chuck Lippstreu said. “Michigan State University was founded as an agricultural institution, plays a central role in agricultural innovation and deserves an experienced agricultural voice on its Board of Trustees. Rural business leaders across Michigan are proud to endorse Senator Victory in his bid to lead the way as an MSU trustee.”
MABA candidate endorsements are made by its political action committee board, in partnership with the association’s board of directors, representing MABA members from across Michigan and across the agricultural system.
About the Michigan Agri-Business Association: The Michigan Agri-Business Association serves as a strong advocate and dedicated resource for Michigan’s food and agriculture sector. The Association’s 300 members span the agricultural value chain. They include retailers that provide seed, fertilizer, crop protection and technology to farmers; businesses that handle and export grain; animal feed suppliers; food processors; logistics companies and beyond. Learn more at www.miagbiz.org.
January 6, 2026 – MABA is pleased to announce our Sustaining Sponsor program supporters for 2026! Each year, Sustaining Sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the Association’s activities on behalf of our members across Michigan. We thank these companies and organizations for going above and beyond their dues investment in the Association
RubyStar of the West Milling Co.MACConsumers EnergyHelena Agri-Enterprises
Diamond
BASFBayerCaledonia Farmers ElevatorCF IndustriesCorteva AgriscienceGreenStone Farm Credit ServicesHerbrucks Poultry RanchKeystone CooperativeMichigan Milk Producers AssociationMosaicNorth Dakota Grain Inspection (NDGI)NutrienNutrien Ag SolutionsSyngentaThe Andersons, Inc.
Platinum
AT&TBrink Farms Inc.Co-op Elevator Co.GowanGenessee & Wyoming RailroadHarvey’s CommoditiesMichigan Farm BureauMichigan Potash CompanyMichigan Sugar CompanyPotato Growers of Michigan, Inc.Timac Agro USAVarnum Vita Plus CorporationWilbur-Ellis Co.ZFS
Gold
A&L Great Lakes LaboratoriesAgricoAgroExpoAqueusAMP MicronutrientsAssured PartnersCameron ChemicalCobankFarmers Cooperative of KindeFlying Acres LLCHarvest SolarMichigan Corn Growers AssociationMichigan Soybean AssociationRiveronUPLValent
Silver
Barrett Easterday Cunningham & EselgrothFreeland Bean & GrainFreeland Lawn & FeedHubbard FeedsMichigan WheatRob-See-Co.Specialty IndustriesTreasure Valley Seed
© 2026 Michigan Agri-Business Association - All rights reserved.
