The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) Educational Trust today announced scholarships have been awarded to 19 students planning to enter the agriculture industry. These scholarships offered through the Educational Trust totaled more than $24,000 for the Fall 2026 collegiate semester.
“With the partnership of leaders across Michigan agriculture, the Michigan Agri-Business Association Educational Trust continues to achieve impressive results and support young people statewide,” said MABA Educational Trust Chair Ward Forquer. “We thank all those Michigan agribusinesses that continue to step up with support.”
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LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on the agreement to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge July 27:
“Michigan’s agricultural industry welcomes this agreement to open the bridge. The bridge modernizes and streamlines one of the most important commercial corridors in North America, supporting Michigan agricultural exports and rural economic success. This world-class infrastructure will benefit our state’s farmers and rural businesses from day one, and agricultural shippers are eager for it to open.”
Agriculture and its related industries represent Michigan’s second-largest economic engine. The state exports nearly $3 billion in agricultural products annually, with approximately 43% of that export value moving to Canada.
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About the Michigan Agri-Business Association: The Michigan Agri-Business Association represents nearly 300 business members spanning the agricultural value chain. These 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.
As a service to our members who support and advance the Michigan Agri-Business Association, we provide monthly summaries of highlights from your association’s work. This is not an all-inclusive update. If you have specific questions, please contact Chuck or Kara from the MABA staff.
June was an active month for MABA, with multiple events across the state. From an advocacy perspective, the month was dominated by the development of the FY27 state budget, which wrapped up just prior to the 4th of July. We wanted to provide a brief summary on our activities to MABA members, along with an initial assessment of the budget.
Extreme heat is forecast across Michigan and the region from Monday, June 29 through at least Friday, July 3. MABA reminds all those working in Michigan agriculture, and throughout the Upper Midwest to be aware of the forecast change in conditions, heat safety and heat first aid steps. Heat illness can affect anyone!
We are sharing this reminder this week as it represents the hottest and most humid weather seen in an otherwise very mild season.
This is an especially important message for those new to working outside. Heat illnesses are prevalent in those who are just starting out at their job, who may not be well-acclimatized to hot conditions.
Background: Extreme Heat Forecast
The National Weather Service has put Michigan in the center of an extreme heat advisory for this week. The image below (created June 29) shows Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and other parts of the upper Great Lakes in the NWS highest heat advisory category this week. Many areas will experience mid to upper-90’s conditions, and in some places approach 100 degrees.
This highest NWS advisory category represents a “level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
Action Steps
Anyone working outside should keep this in mind and prepare in advance with:
Anyone showing the signs of heat exhaustion or stress needs to stop working, move somewhere cool and sip water. Learn more about these conditions and first aid response at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness.
Heat forecast information is available at the NWS HeatRisk site.
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