HPAI Resources

Most Recent Updates

Updated July 1 with recent USDA and MDARD announcements of resources to assist dairy farmers implementing biosecurity practices.

June 26 Amendment to Michigan Emergency Order – Fairs – Order / FAQ

June 27 – USDA to Begin Accepting Applications for Expanded Emergency Livestock Assistance Program to Help Dairy Producers Offset Milk Loss Due to H5N1 (FSA News Release)

The Michigan Agri-Business Association is reminding member companies to focus on awareness, communication and collaboration as Michigan agriculture works to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The following information includes a summary of the situation and action steps for rural businesses in Michigan.

Fact sheets for employee communication and other resources for use by member companies appear at the bottom of this page.

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Thank you for a successful 2024 Scholarship Golf Outing!

With last week’s successful Scholarship Golf Outing on June 18, we want to take a moment to recognize those who stepped up as hole sponsors, volunteers and planners for this event. The MABA Educational Trust continues to raise substantial resources for scholarships supporting the next generation of Michigan Agriculture, and it can’t be done without your help and support. Thank you to our hole sponsors, Silent Auction donors, volunteers and Educational Trustees for making another special event possible.

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Briefing: Take steps to stay safe amid forecast extreme heat

With extreme heat forecast across Michigan and the region during the week of June 17, we remind 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.

This is an especially important message for anyone 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 14) shows Michigan, Northern 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.

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:

  • Plenty of water carried with you. Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Sun protection, especially a hat.
  • A plan to take breaks in the shade, in a truck cab or inside.
  • Good communication with each other to make sure everyone is drinking water, resting, and looking out for signs of exhaustion.

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 14 showing forecast conditions Wednesday, June 19.

MABA Member Update for May 2024

As MABA members and Michigan farmers were hard at work with planting this past month, our Association was focused on our core goals of information sharing, advocacy and convening the industry. We had an opportunity to travel the state for meetings with members, partners and elected officials, and announced yet another big step forward on the member services front! Here are some highlights from May 2024:

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