Michigan’s Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program provides resources, continuing education and networking opportunities for professional agronomists spanning our state’s agricultural industry. Nearly 300 Michigan professional agronomists are CCAs, and they bring a wide range of experience and skills to our state’s agricultural industry. Today we are spotlighting Keith Leighton, a CCA with CHS Inc.
Keith Leighton, a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) with CHS Inc., is a great example of someone who followed an “unconventional” path in the agricultural industry, and who today is drawing on his agronomic expertise to make a difference across the region!
Although he grew up in Michigan agriculture being raised on a pig and cash crop farm in Decatur, MI, in Southwest Michigan, Keith followed a winding pathway into his current role. He initially studied electrical systems at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and started out a career in the construction industry. However, as with so many Americans, the 2008 recession impacted his industry and presented the opportunity for a career shift.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Agri-Business Association and other Michigan agricultural organizations supported the Avian Influenza Research and Response Act, new legislation led by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin to address ongoing detections of highly pathogenic avian flu in dairy cattle.
You can read more about this legislation here.
“The Avian Influenza Research and Response Act takes important steps to support Michigan and U.S. agriculture as we work together to slow the spread of HPAI,” said Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu. “Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin has stood with Michigan agriculture throughout this emergency – reaching out proactively to industry, convening experts to stay on top of the latest developments, and now delivering common-sense legislation that will strengthen critical research and biosecurity education efforts.”
The Avian Influenza Research and Response Act would:
LANSING, Mich. – MABA President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on Governor Whitmer’s veto of a new rebate program for fuel retailers offering E15, a higher ethanol blend:
“We are disappointed Governor Whitmer vetoed a pro-agriculture, pro-environment, pro-consumer policy that had already been approved by the Michigan Legislature. Promoting higher biofuel blends like E15 reduces our reliance on oil, supports the rural economy, reduces harmful emissions and gives families more choices at the pump. Legislators were spot on to approve this boost for E15 fuels and today’s veto by the governor was a missed opportunity.”
The recently-approved Michigan budget had created the program to provide retailers a five-cent rebate per gallon sold of E-15.
July 8, 2024 —The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) Educational Trust announced it will award scholarships to 16 Michigan students planning to enter the agriculture industry. These scholarships offered through the Educational Trust totaled more than $20,000 for the Fall 2024 collegiate semester.
“Thanks to the generosity and support of Michigan Agri-Business Association members, our educational trust was proud to deliver another round of scholarships to young leaders preparing for a career in agriculture,” said MABA Educational Trust Chair Ward Forquer. “Michigan’s rural businesses recognize the importance of investing in the next generation. We congratulate these scholarship recipients and wish them the best success in the future.”
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