LANSING, Mich. (September 15, 2022) – Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on news that rail union leaders and freight rail carriers reached an agreement to avoid a rail worker strike:
“This agreement is good news for rural Michigan and our agriculture sector. A freight rail shutdown would have been devastating for Michigan agriculture during the fall harvest season, and we applaud all parties for coming together in good faith at the negotiating table to secure an agreement and avert further service disruptions.
We also appreciate the hard work of federal leaders, including Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, to help avert a devastating freight rail shutdown.
The strength and stability of the U.S. freight rail system is critical for agriculture, with 25 percent of all U.S. grain moving by rail. As a peninsula, Michigan is especially dependent on freight rail to deliver products to export markets around the world. We look forward to continuing to work together with our member businesses, national partners and policymakers to strengthen the U.S. rail system and help ensure reliable freight rail service for Michigan grain handlers.”
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About the Michigan Agri-Business Association: The Michigan Agri-Business Association is a strong advocate and dedicated resource for Michigan’s food and agriculture sector. The association’s members include ag retailers who provide seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products to farmers; grain handlers; feed suppliers and food processors. Learn more at www.miagbiz.org.
MABA members and supporters are encouraged to save the date for the 2023 Winter Conference and Trade Show, taking place in Lansing on January 10-11, 2023! Here are key points to know about this special industry event, returning for its 90th year:
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LANSING (July 22, 2022) – Michigan agricultural organizations today hailed introduction of H.R. 8432, the Beagle Brigade Act of 2022, and urged its speedy approval by Congress.
“The importation of infected animals or contaminated products is the most likely path for a foreign animal disease to enter our country,” said Mary Kelpinski, CEO of the Michigan Pork Producers Association. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the first line of defense to protect American pork production and American agriculture from devastating diseases. If African Swine Fever entered this country it would cost the pork industry billions of dollars in lost revenue, so we fully support this measure to get more trained dogs to the border to help detect unauthorized imports.”
LANSING (June 30, 2022) — Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on Senate approval of SB814, which would expand the availability of lower-cost biofuels at the pump:
“Today’s vote is a welcome sign of progress on legislation that promises to deliver lasting benefits for Michigan motorists and our rural economy. We applaud the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee for moving quickly to approve this bill, and we urge lawmakers to work quickly to send it to Governor Whitmer’s desk. In some areas of the country, savings on E15 have risen to nearly a dollar per gallon, and that’s an opportunity we must provide for Michigan families.”
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