Updated May 4 with background on MDARD State Emergency Order, additional state government guidance on the order, and updated MABA fact sheets which appear below.
The Michigan Agri-Business Association is reminding member companies to focus on awareness, communication and collaboration as Michigan agriculture works to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The following information includes a summary of the situation and action steps for rural businesses in Michigan.
Fact sheets for employee communication and other resources for use by member companies appear at the bottom of this page.
As always, we want to keep MABA members informed about some of your Association’s activities during recent weeks!
Before we dive into events, importantly, this spring has included a major focus from MABA on upgrading and growing our member services. We detailed several of the new steps we have announced at a post here on our website. These include the launch of a new website, the ability to get the AgFacts via text message, enhanced online invoicing and the availability of a new Member Portal.
Here is a rundown of some other events and activities the past month:
Member company resources on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Throughout April and May, MABA has strived to deliver timely updates and useful resources for members amid the expanded outbreak of HPAI. We encourage all members, even those not in the poultry and dairy industries, to visit www.miagbiz.org/HPAI for fact sheets and other resources geared toward member businesses.
MABA member company hosts Agriculture Secretary, Member of Congress: On April 26, Jorgensen Farm Elevator hosted a roundtable discussion with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. Several MABA members were in attendance at this event. Thank you to these leaders for spotlighting mid-Michigan agriculture!
Member Services Director Kara Boring joins announcement events at AgroLiquid, King Milling Company: We had an opportunity to help mark two key announcements by MABA members during the month of April. On April 10, King Milling Company kicked off operations at their new flour mill in Lowell, MI. Then on April 15, leaders of The Fertilizer Institute presented the first-ever Certified Biostimulant award to AgroLiquid in St. Johns. Learn more about the Certified Biostimulant program here: tfi.org/biostimulant.
Lippstreu, MABA leaders join MSU groundbreakings: Earlier in April, MABA President Chuck Lippstreu, 1st Vice Chair John Tilt and many MABA member company representatives were on hand for groundbreaking events marking the construction of MSU’s new Plant Science Greenhouses and Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. These needed investments stand to maintain MSU as a global leader in agricultural research, education and innovation, and will advance Michigan agriculture for decades to come. Read more here.
Eastern Market Corporation hosts April Ag Club Breakfast: We appreciated leaders from Eastern Market for hosting the Lansing Ag Club Breakfast in mid-April. Eastern Market Corporation is a long-time MABA member and a great partner for Michigan agriculture. We encourage you to mark your calendar for Ag Club events during the summer and fall! See below or visit www.miagbiz.org/events for more information.
Upcoming Events
June 18, 2024 – Scholarship Golf Outing, Mt. Pleasant; the course is full but hole sponsorships and dinner tickets remain available!
July 23, 2024 – Detroit Ag Club Breakfast, Eastern Market; join us Tuesday, July 23 at 9:00 AM for this first-of-its-kind Ag Club Breakfast!
For a full event calendar, visit www.miagbiz.org/events.
The Michigan Agri-Business Association is proud of our role as a strong advocate and dedicated resource for the Michigan agriculture industry. As we often say, our Association’s effectiveness comes from the participation and support of our member companies. We strive to deliver world-class service and results for these Michigan businesses.
Throughout 2024, the MABA team has focused on steady, continuous improvement across all we do in member services, advocacy, information sharing and beyond. Today we wanted to share a summary of key investments and improvements your association has made during the last six months, all geared toward ensuring world-class value for you.
We are proud of these improvements we have made for MABA members. They are helping us maximize the value we provide for businesses statewide, and complement our work to grow the Association’s events, membership involvement and advocacy. We welcome your suggestions. At any time, contact Chuck or Kara of the MABA staff with your questions and comments!
MABA today announced a new text messaging service that will allow members to receive the AgFacts Newsletter via text message.
As we pilot this new service, only the AgFacts Newsletter will be sent via text message.
You must opt-in to receive text messages from MABA! To sign up, complete the form on this page.
This service is provided only to current MABA member company employees. If you have questions, contact the MABA office.
Thank you for signing up! You will receive messages from MABA, beginning on the next AgFacts date (Tuesday or Friday). If you have questions, contact the MABA office.
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