The Michigan Agri-Business Association encourages its members to vote the full ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 3, including in the race for Michigan State University Board of Trustees, which is especially important for the future of the agricultural industry. Voters may select up to two candidates. The MABA PAC has endorsed State Sen. Roger Victory and MSU Board Chair, Trustee Brianna T. Scott.
“Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees makes decisions that shape agricultural research and agricultural education, setting the stage for the future success of our industry,” MABA President Chuck Lippstreu said. “Senator Victory is a lifelong farmer who has been a reliable voice for agriculture during his time in the Legislature. Trustee Scott has remained directly engaged with Michigan’s agricultural sector during her service on the Board, and we are confident she will continue to provide critical leadership for MSU.”
MABA candidate endorsements are made by its political action committee and board of directors, representing MABA members from across Michigan and across the agricultural system.
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LANSING, Mich. – Registration is now open for the Michigan Agri-Business Association’s (MABA) 2027 Winter Conference and Trade Show, set for Jan. 12-13, 2027, at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. The annual event brings together agribusiness leaders from across Michigan for two days of market outlooks, policy updates, continuing education and networking.
Go here to learn about the conference, secure early registration discounts and book a hotel room.
“Now in its 94th year, the Winter Conference is where Michigan’s agribusiness community comes together prepare for the year ahead,” MABA President Chuck Lippstreu said. “The Winter Conference has a long history as a go-to event for networking, training and certification in the Michigan agriculture industry. The conference is also a chance to look at what’s coming our way in Michigan agriculture and an opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues.”
The conference offers a wide range of RUP and CCA credits. MABA will again host virtual RUP/CCA sessions on Dec. 15-16, 2026, ahead of the in-person event, for all those registered for the conference.
Early registration discounts are available until November 20. Costs increase again on December 15.
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.
20 Michigan agriculture and agri-business organizations, led by Michigan Farm Bureau, this week requested Gov. Gretchen Whitmer act to provide farmers and timber producers with temporary relief from diesel prices.
A letter led by MFB and cosigned by MABA and 18 other organizations requests the Governor to provide 90 days of temporary relief from state restrictions and penalties on the use of nontaxable, dyed diesel fuel in highway vehicles registered for agricultural or forest product use.
The letter notes, in part:
“Michigan is in the middle of harvest, one of the most important and fuel-intensive times ofthe year for farmers, loggers and the businesses that support them. Farmers andagribusinesses are already facing high input costs, tight margins and continued marketvolatility, while diesel prices have reached record-high levels. Grain trucks, farm trucks,livestock haulers, log trucks and other agricultural and forestry vehicles are moving cropsand products from farms and forests to elevators, processors, storage facilities andmarkets every day.These higher fuel costs extend throughout the agricultural and forestry supply chains.Elevators, processors, trucking operations and other businesses that help move Michigan’scrops and forest products are also facing increased transportation costs, adding furtherpressure during this critical time of year.”
If you have questions about this topic, contact Chuck Lippstreu. More discussion of this topic is available from the Michigan Farm News.
MABA finished September strong, with a successful Outlook Conference on Mackinac Island, continued engagement with legislative candidates ahead of the November election, meetings with our members at national industry events and continued efforts supporting the Educational Trust.
As a service to all of you who support and advance the Michigan Agri-Business Association, we provide regular summaries of these types of activities. This is not an all-inclusive update. If you have specific questions, please contact Chuck or Kara from the MABA staff.
Membership dues renewals for 2027 are being distributed this week! As a reminder, MABA dues will remain unchanged for 2027, and 2027 Sustaining Sponsor Program support levels will also remain unchanged. Sponsorship commitments for 2027 are requested by December 31, 2026 (we need a verbal or written commitment by this date) and are billable anytime in the coming year. Thank you for your strong support of MABA!
Engagement with State Legislative and Statewide Office Candidates
MABA continues to interact with candidates of both parties as we are one month from the November election. We have also worked hard to connect our members with candidates and facilitate opportunities for you to meet them. This month, your association:
When we meet with candidates, we are emphasizing the need for predictability, partnership and a seat at the table for agriculture. Our efforts are slated to continue through, and following the election.
Continued Work at the State Capitol
Even with election season well underway, there is some activity in the Michigan Legislature and a number of bills were heard by committees last week. While little legislation is likely to be passed prior to the next session of the Legislature in 2027, it is highly important to stay engaged because bills being taken up now will likely be taken up next year. Here are notes on two key pieces of legislation we have worked on in recent weeks:
MABA and Educational Trustees host Memorial Golf Outing
On September 10, we hit the road to Ithaca for the 2026 MABA Educational Trust Memorial Golf Outing. MABA members completely sold out The Fields Golf Course and made a big difference for the scholarship fund, raising several thousand dollars to support scholarships.
Just yesterday, we closed the Spring 2027 semester application window for scholarships. We anticipate approximately 20 scholarships will be awarded later this month, thanks to your strong support and participation!
MABA, Partners Host Outlook Conference on Mackinac Island
We enjoyed visiting with 200+ MABA members September 11, 12 and 13 on Mackinac Island at the Outlook Conference! This was another well-attended and insightful meeting, bringing together leaders from across the state and nation, and from every segment of our industry. We appreciate all of the organizations and experts who took time to present at this meeting.
We hope you will be sure to save the date for September 10-12, 2027!
MABA supports Michigan Corn-led Sustainable Aviation Fuel Symposium
We appreciated the opportunity to be part of the Great Lakes Sustainable Fuel Symposium hosted by Michigan Corn in Dearborn. The purpose of this meeting was to focus on positioning Michigan as a leader in sustainable fuel production, including through the production of advanced biofuels like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). MABA was glad to help sponsor this first-of-its-kind event because advanced biofuels hold substantial economic promise for Michigan agriculture. Your support of MABA equips our association to play a role in new opportunities such as this one.
Registration for 2027 Trade Show Opens
We are receiving strong participation for the 2027 Trade Show at the upcoming Winter Conference. Registration for exhibitors is open now and we encourage you to consider being part of this special event! The Trade Show brings energy and excitement to the Winter Conference by serving as the central location for conference meals and reception events.
Notably, we have seen strong attendance from state legislators and their staff in recent years as MABA deliberately focuses on bringing these decision-makers to tour the show. Your participation in the Trade Show is a unique way to help communicate the strength of the industry. This is especially important next January as we will welcome a new legislature to Lansing.
Go here to secure your spot at the Trade Show!
Upcoming Event Reminders
Be sure to mark your calendar for upcoming association events!
Ag Club Breakfast events are upcoming on October 6, November 4 and December 3. Information, along with dates for 2027 and 2028 Ag Club Breakfast events, is posted at: www.miagbiz.org/events. If you are interested in hosting a breakfast, contact the association.
We encourage members to save the date for Winter Conference activities, including the association’s virtual RUP seminars on December 15-16, 2026 and the Winter Conference & Trade Show in Lansing on January 12-13, 2027.
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