North American agricultural trade remains a top priority for Michigan
HUNTSVILLE, Ontario – Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu on Tuesday emphasized the critical importance of a strong U.S.-Canada agricultural trade relationship in remarks to Canadian agribusiness leaders.
“When it comes to agricultural trade, the Michigan-Canada partnership is second-to-none. We need to grow the opportunity – not diminish it – and the pieces are in place to achieve that goal,” said Lippstreu, speaking at the 2025 Ontario Agri Business Association Summer Conference.
“Every year, billions of dollars in agricultural and food products move between Michigan and Canada. Many of our Michigan agribusinesses operate seamlessly between Michigan and Ontario, and with the upcoming completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, there’s even more potential for the future. We are hopeful ongoing negotiations between the United States and Canada will position our region to continue growing as a hub for North American trade, travel and investment.”
Lippstreu pointed to the Michigan-Ontario trade corridor as central to North American and global commerce, and emphasized the importance of trade for border states like Michigan:
Lippstreu reiterated MABA’s support for fair, free North American trade, noting the organization strongly supported the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) negotiated during President Trump’s first term in office.
“While our concerns continue around the potential for tariffs to stifle economic growth for Michigan, we are hopeful about ongoing trade negotiations with our state’s largest agricultural trading partner,” said Lippstreu. “This is an opportunity to continue economic growth and opportunity on both sides of the border.”
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With extreme heat forecast across Michigan and the region beginning Saturday, June 21 through at least next Tuesday, June 24, MABA reminds all those working in Michigan agriculture, and throughout the Great Lakes states to be aware of the forecast change in conditions, heat safety and heat first aid steps. Heat illness can affect anyone!
This is an especially important message for those new to working outside. Heat illnesses are prevalent in those who are just starting out at their job, who may not be well-acclimatized to hot conditions.
Background: Extreme Heat Forecast
The National Weather Service has put Michigan in the center of an extreme heat advisory for next week. The image below (created June 20) shows Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and other parts of the upper Great Lakes in the NWS’ highest heat advisory category mid-next week. Many areas will experience mid to upper-90’s conditions, and in some places approach 100 degrees.
This highest NWS advisory category represents a “level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
Action Steps
Anyone working outside should keep this in mind and prepare in advance with:
Anyone showing the signs of heat exhaustion or stress needs to stop working, move somewhere cool and sip water. Learn more about these conditions and first aid response at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness.
The following map is from NWS HeatRisk. The map was generated Friday, June 20 showing forecast conditions for Monday, June 23.
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.
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