March 24, 2026 – Speaking to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board today, Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu emphasized MABA’s strong support for a bipartisan proposal to help expand La Colombe’s processing facility in Norton Shores, Michigan. The company today announced a major $567 million expansion at the facility that will create hundreds of new jobs and greatly increase the facility’s demand for Michigan milk.
A news release from Governor Whitmer’s office on the announcement can be found here.
A statement from Michigan House Agriculture Committee Chairman Jerry Neyer can be found here.
MABA delivered the following remarks at the MSF Board meeting:
“Good morning, Chairman and members of the Board. I’m Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. MABA is a nonprofit trade association based in Lansing, representing agricultural value chain businesses across Michigan. Our members partner with Michigan farmers to help them achieve year-round success. MABA members span the entire industry, from rural farm supply businesses, to animal nutrition companies, transportation and logistics providers and beyond.
Michigan agriculture is proud to serve as a job-creating engine in our smallest towns and biggest cities. The dairy sector is especially important for the Michigan industry, benefiting our entire agricultural system. That’s why I am here today in strong support of this project to further support Michigan’s dairy sector, building on the strong success La Colombe has delivered for Muskegon and our state.
This is exactly the type of employer and project Michigan agriculture can count on. La Colombe has been making ready-to-drink lattes in Norton Shores for more than a decade and is deeply rooted in the community. This expansion will take the facility to the next level. It’s an investment in a trusted, longtime employer that’s ready to double-down on our state.
For all of us in Michigan agriculture, this project couldn’t be more important. It will dramatically increase milk demand to the facility, from 30 million gallons of milk annually to an estimated 615 million gallons, a 20 fold increase. That increased demand for milk benefits — first and foremost — our Michigan dairy farmers. But the benefits don’t stop there. Success for dairy farmers means success for the rural businesses working with them, and the communities they call home. It’s an investment in the entire Michigan agriculture sector.
It’s also a project that’s come together the right way, with strong, bipartisan partnerships. I want to note and recognize the collaboration that’s gone into this project, starting first on the ground with local leaders helping shape what’s right for Muskegon County, and then building strong support at all levels from there. From an agricultural perspective, I can confidently say we stand with the many local, state and federal leaders who have identified this as a well-planned and common-sense investment for the future of Michigan.
MABA is proud to stand in support of this project which will be a win-win for the whole community. We urge the Board to approve it. Thank you.”
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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