The Michigan Agri-Business Association today recognized MABA Educational Trust supporters at its 2025 Scholarship Golf Outing at the Pohlcat Golf Course in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Founded 51 years ago, the Educational Trust provides scholarships to young people pursuing careers in Michigan agriculture.
Supporters of this year’s sold-out golf outing include hole sponsors and those who donated items to the outing’s silent auction. We thank all those who have participated to support the educational trust!
A list of 2025 Scholarship Golf Outing hole sponsors follows:
The following donated items for auction at this year’s Silent Auction, and/or raffle prizes:
On Friday, July 13, members of the MABA Board of Directors joined the Michigan Millers Association (MMA) at their 161st membership meeting, and held its own quarterly meeting, which included changes to the makeup of the MABA Board.
HB 4257 and 4265 provide a clear path forward for digesters that support food production, farming, clean energy
LANSING, MI – Michigan food, farming and agribusiness organizations today applauded the Michigan House Agriculture Committee for its approval of House Bills 4257 and 4265. The bipartisan bills, introduced by Rep. Jerry Neyer and Rep. Joey Andrews, promote anerobic digester use in Michigan by enacting critical improvements to the regulations governing them.
“This legislation provides much-needed clarity and a path forward for digesters that play a critical role for Michigan’s food production system,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “The current regulatory framework in Michigan has created roadblocks for the use of this important technology in our state. These bills address the challenge.”
“Michigan farmers are ready to invest in solutions that turn waste into something valuable — clean energy, healthier soils, and stronger rural economies,” said Rob Anderson, manager of government relations at the Michigan Farm Bureau. “This legislation gives them a clear and workable path to do just that.”
“This important legislation establishes a workable regulatory framework for proven science to implement a sustainable solution for Michigan family farms and rural communities,” said Travis Jones, CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “We applaud the Legislature for addressing the bio-digester issues that have languished for too long.”
“Anaerobic digesters help increase efficiency and reduce environmental impacts while supporting the rural economies around them,” said Scott Piggott, executive director of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. “This legislation will unlock these benefits for Michigan while adding in important safeguards and standards for operation. The Michigan Corn Growers Association is proud to support these bills that will move Michigan businesses, including agriculture, toward sustainable solutions for waste utilization and renewable energy production.”
“We appreciate the passage of this legislation to provide clarity to dairy producers who are interested in utilizing the renewable energy technology,” said Doug Chapin, Board Chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. “We urge the continued advancement of the bills in the legislative process.”
HB 4257 and 4265 would clearly define anaerobic digesters and digestate in state law, set clear compliance expectations for operators, and maintain stringent environmental standards for digester operation.
Supporting organizations have emphasized the bills will help food processors, farmers, and rural communities throughout Michigan that benefit from digester operations.
More information is available here from the bill sponsors.
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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.
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