U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, Michigan’s member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, toured Co-op Elevator Co. at its Ruth, MI location on Thursday.
Experts from Co-op Elevator discussed industry economics, the importance of export markets for Thumb products like dry beans, advancements in agricultural technology and more.
As part of this tour, MABA raised several important topics affecting our members, including the importance of North American trade, USMCA renewal, and common-sense regulations for the use of agricultural drones. We also discussed efforts to promote safety and security at agricultural facilities.
“Michigan agriculture is fortunate to have Senator Slotkin as a leading voice on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, and it means a lot that she took the time to visit the Thumb and hear directly from the growers and rural businesses at the heart of our industry,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “With so many issues impacting agriculture, it’s important that we help policymakers understand what’s happening on the ground and how they can help.”
We appreciated Senator Slotkin’s thoughtful questions and interest in learning about the Co-op’s many roles serving Thumb agriculture.
The visit was covered by the Huron Daily Tribune and the story can be found at this link. The visit was one of several meetings Senator Slotkin has had this week with Michigan growers and agricultural leaders.
ST. JOHNS, MI – Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) yesterday joined Michigan farmers and agricultural leaders for a roundtable discussion on the importance of Canadian and Mexican markets to Michigan agriculture and the role the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) plays in supporting farm profitability, market access, and rural economic growth. The discussion, hosted by Farmers for Free Trade and the Michigan Agri-Business Association at AgroLiquid in St. Johns, brought together producers from across Michigan’s diverse agricultural economy.
Participants shared how access to Canada and Mexico shapes decisions on their operations, from marketing and input costs to long-term investment, and discussed what a strengthened USMCA would mean for the next generation of Michigan farms.
Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07): “The farmers and producers in our mid-Michigan agricultural community work tirelessly to raise the animals and grow the food we all rely on. Thanks to Farmers for Free Trade for bringing so many together today. It was great to meet with them to hear how competitive access to trade markets in Canada and Mexico will help give them the certainty they need to continue fulfilling that mission. That goal — and leveling the playing field — must remain a top priority as the Trump administration begins renegotiating the USMCA.”
Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu: “We appreciate Congressman Tom Barrett for meeting with mid-Michigan agriculture leaders to discuss the importance of North American trade for our industry. Michigan agriculture benefits greatly from exports and relies on strong trading relationships with Canada and Mexico. North American agricultural trade remains a top priority for our organization because exports are a key ingredient in the success of our state’s agricultural sector and broader rural economy.”
Jacob Smith, Michigan Farm Bureau Associate National Legislative Council: “Thank you to Congressman Tom Barrett for meeting with mid-Michigan farmers and agriculture leaders to discuss the ongoing USMCA negotiations. A strong trading relation with our neighbors is vital to Michigan agriculture and ensures a dependable agriculture market across North America.”
Brian Kuhel, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade: “Canada and Mexico are Michigan’s top two agricultural markets, and more than $1.7 billion in Michigan farm and food exports depend on them. Congressman Barrett gave producers a direct line into that conversation today, and that is what the Joint Review needs. We are encouraged by the work underway to extend and strengthen USMCA, and we want farmer voices shaping that work.”
Canada and Mexico are the leading export destinations for Michigan agriculture. New state-specific data released by Farmers for Free Trade shows that Michigan farmers and food processors export more than $1.7 billion in agricultural products to Canada and Mexico annually. A wide range of Michigan crops and commodities benefit from trade with Canada and Mexico, the state’s #1 and #2 export markets, respectively.
Yesterday’s discussion was part of Farmers for Free Trade’s USMCA Roundtable Series, a multi-state effort to bring farmer voices directly into the USMCA Joint Review process. Previous stops have included San Antonio, Green Bay, Phoenix, Palm Desert, Des Moines, and Omaha.
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.”
READ MORE
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.
# # #
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.
© 2026 Michigan Agri-Business Association - All rights reserved.
