In recognition of National Agriculture Week, the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu on Monday joined WILS-1320 in Lansing to highlight the opportunities and challenges facing one of the state’s most vital industries. Agriculture stands as Michigan’s second-largest economic engine and we continue to use every platform at our disposal to share opportunities and challenges for the industry.
To hear the full conversation, go here.
“It’s certainly an important industry for our state, with 300+ crops and commodities that we grow,” Lippstreu said. “Agriculture is the number two economic engine in our state, the number two job creator. And there’s a reason why: You have a lot of people working extremely hard to make sure agriculture and food production are successful and that the industry is creating jobs in small towns and in big cities.”
Lippstreu touched on the uncertainty facing growers and industry headed into the planting season.
“Farmers and the rural businesses that work with them are doing so in a pretty uncertain environment. We’ve got to partner together in the state of Michigan to make sure farmers are prepared to plant a crop, to have what they need during the growing season, and ultimately to hopefully be successful — have a good crop, have good production that can then be sold somewhere in the U.S. or around the world.”
We also covered the critical importance of trade for Michigan.
“When you look at the total of all agricultural and food products that are being exported from Michigan, around 42% of those exports are going to Canada. Our number two export market is Mexico, close to 20% of our exports by value. That’s one of the reasons that we continue to work hard to amplify the benefits of the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, which is up for renewal and review right now,” he said.
During the segment, MABA recognized several of the many ag organizations working on behalf of Michigan agriculture.
The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) today announced an expanded slate of events in the coming weeks, and beyond, doubling down on our support of members and the broader industry.
“As you invest in the Michigan Agri-Business Association, we are investing in your success,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “Your association will never be complacent and today’s announcement brings more events, more resources and more opportunities to members statewide. There is even more to come in the future. Whether it is at an Ag Club Breakfast, listening session lunch or training event, I hope to see you soon!”
MABA announced the following today:
Throughout the spring, Ag Club Breakfast events will head to West Michigan and Northern Michigan, including Hart (April 17) and Sears (June 26), in addition to the Lansing Ag Club Breakfast (May 12).
In March, MABA will host member listening sessions in Jackson (March 26) and Bad Axe (March 27), bringing MABA’s work directly to the Thumb and south-central Michigan, and giving you a direct line to our team. Lunch will be served at both events!
In April, industry-leading grain evaluation training will return across mid-Michigan (April 9) and the Thumb (April 14), in partnership with North Dakota Grain Inspection (NDGI). These trainings are always well-attended and reflect the industry’s commitment to serving Michigan farmers.
In May, People Spark Consulting will bring its insights to a special workshop in concert with the May 12 Lansing Ag Club Breakfast. This workshop received high marks from members at the recent MABA Winter Conference and due to strong member demand, we are offering another opportunity to hear from People Spark.
Looking beyond the spring, MABA will once again host the Educational Trust Scholarship Golf Outing on June 16; return to Detroit for an Ag Club Breakfast on July 22; and cohost breakfast at the AgroExpo on August 12.
Registration details and information on additional events for 2026 are here on MABA’s event calendar at: www.miagbiz.org.
This announcement is cross-posted from the Michigan CCA site, www.michigancca.org.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program announced Mark McClintic of Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC) as the recipient of the first-ever Michigan CCA of the Year Award. The award, created to honor a Michigan agronomist who demonstrates technical excellence and a commitment to farmer success, was presented January 14 during the Michigan Agri-Business Association’s 2026 Winter Conference in Lansing.
“Mark represents the qualities the Certified Crop Adviser designation stands for and serves as an ambassador for Michigan’s 270-plus CCAs,” said Tim Schaub, Michigan CCA Board Chair. “Mark is highly respected for his agronomic expertise as well as for his mentorship skills. Launching this new award was an important step to recognize the knowledge and skills of Michigan’s Certified Crop Advisors, and Mark is a fitting first honoree.”
The Michigan CCA Board recognized McClintic after a review of industry nominations for the award. The board noted his more than 30 years of service, industry leadership and focus on guiding the next generation of agronomists.
“I am honored to receive this award and want to recognize the role the Certified Crop Adviser program plays in our state, spotlighting the contributions of professional agronomists,” said McClintic. “Working with Michigan farmers is a privilege and earning my CCA has been an important part of my professional journey. I’m grateful to my colleagues and the Michigan CCA Board for this award.”
In addition to the CCA of the Year recognition, the Michigan CCA Board also recognized three “Honorable Mention” agronomists: Jeff Martus with Star of the West Milling Company; Jason Stegink with Wide Angle Agriculture; and Ernie Klug, recently retired from Keystone Cooperative.
The award was presented by the Michigan Certified Crop Adviser Board in partnership with the American Society of Agronomy, which oversees the national and international CCA programs.
Learn more about the new award by visiting www.michigancca.org.
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MABA today submitted formal comments to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding proposed revisions to Regulation 641, governing commercial fertilizer bulk storage in the state of Michigan.
This written comment follows testimony delivered on January 5 by MABA President Chuck Lippstreu at a public hearing on the rules. The hearing was also attended by representives of a number of MABA member companies.
MABA’s comment to MDARD is available here.
MABA expressed appreciation for MDARD’s collaborative approach during the Part 641 rulemaking process. We shared various elements of the proposed rule supported by the association, and raised a small number of remaining concerns and proposed changes prior to rule finalization. We expect the rule to be finalized in the coming weeks and will continue to communicate updates to impacted members.
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