Over the years, MABA has provided periodic updates for members regarding protection of the soil, air and water. These Stewardship Newsletters are a handy set of links and reminders for anyone in the industry learning more about important environmental protection topics. We encourage you to learn more about some of these topics at the following links.

If you have questions about these topics or want more information for any purpose, please do not hesitate to contact the MABA staff. We can also connect you with outside experts who can provide insights or answer questions on these topics.

  • Understanding Michigan’s Pesticide Container Recycling Program: In 2023, the Michigan Pesticide Container Recycling Program collected approximately 174,480 pounds of empty, properly-cleaned containers from more than 60 participating businesses. We encourage MABA members to learn about, and participate in this program. Here’s how you can participate in the Pesticide Container Recycling Program.
  • Building on Strong Sustainability Results for Crop Nutrient Use Takes “All Hands on Deck”: The agriculture industry nationally continues to deploy new innovation and embrace best practices – optimizing nutrient use, advancing stewardship of the air, land and water and delivering climate solutions. Just some of the results achieved by industry are detailed in the most recent annual report from The Fertilizer Institute that’s available here. MABA encourages everyone in Michigan agriculture to do their part to keep building on these impressive results. This starts with reviewing and following best practices for use of crop nutrients, including careful review of upcoming weather forecasts and available field analytics.
  • Recognizing Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) role in environmental stewardship: Across Michigan, more than 300 Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) play a pivotal role in the success of our agriculture sector by providing expert insights, analysis and advice to growers. While CCAs are known as a business resource – helping farmers optimize their return on investment and economic success – they are also a huge asset for the health of the Great Lakes and our soils. Read more.
  • Soil Testing: An Important Step to Maximize ROI, Support Environmental Stewardship. As technology has improved and the benefits of the practice recognized, soil sampling has become a widely adopted strategy in Michigan. Farmers and their ag retail advisors recognize the importance of having a solid view of a field’s nutrient profile to inform their decision making throughout the growing season. Read more.
  • Drainage water management (DWM) can benefit new or existing tile drain systems, help with water management in-field. Michigan’s soils, hydrology, and topography make tile drain systems an essential element of agricultural systems in many areas of Michigan. Swings in precipitation patterns make in-field water management more difficult. Drainage water management (DWM) systems allow for the adjustment of the water table elevation in fields, providing another tool to manage water. Read more.
  • Planning for a Following Year Crop Starts with Fall Fertilizer Management. Fall is an excellent time to test soils for nutrient levels, both for fertilizer applications that might be made yet this fall, as well as complete nutrient management plans for the following year’s crop. As growers begin to prepare for the crop year, consulting with a crop adviser to implement purposeful fertilizer management plans is important! Read more.
  • Consider Weather Forecasts When Planning Fertilizer Applications. Heavy rainfall events are a prime contributor to agricultural nutrient losses, with water transporting nutrients to surface water bodies. Recently applied mineral fertilizers on the soil surface are at particular risk for transport as moving water can carry fertilizer particles, as well as quickly convert nutrients into dissolved forms. Commercial fertilizers are designed to be highly water soluble for optimal agronomic performance, but that also means they can easily dissolve into water and carried from fields. Read more.
  • Harvested wheat fields are an opportunity to manage nutrients and implement conservation. Harvested wheat fields are prime candidates for intensive soil sampling, utilizing grid or zone sampling schemes to identify nutrient variability in the field. Managing fertility on an intensive basis is the key to maximizing the economic and environmental benefits of today’s technology. Read more.