Michigan’s agricultural industry was in the spotlight Monday as U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Congressman Tom Barrett visited the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center and held a roundtable with industry leaders. The Secretary and Congressman also announced new federal funding supporting Michigan’s specialty crop industry. The Michigan Agri-Business Association truly appreciated Secretary Rollins for hosting an in-depth discussion with industry leaders on issues important to the sector. MABA President Chuck Lippstreu represented the association at this discussion, joining Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross, several Michigan farmers and others spanning Michigan’s agricultural community. MABA Board member John Tilt was in attendance on behalf of the association. “Monday’s meeting was an important opportunity to elevate the unique aspects of our Michigan agricultural industry and provide Secretary Rollins actionable information to take back to Washington,” said Lippstreu. “The Secretary’s visit to Michigan State University was appreciated because it underscored the incredible partnerships between MSU and our state’s agricultural industry. The Secretary also took time to hear directly from farmers and rural business leaders, and we were glad to have the opportunity to elevate topics important to our MABA members. We thank Secretary Rollins for her time visiting Michigan and her interest in advancing Michigan agriculture.” Lippstreu emphasized MABA’s strong support for the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the university’s world-class outreach and partnership efforts with the agricultural industry. MABA also recognized Michigan Farm Bureau and the organization’s president, Ben LaCross, for helping to organize and lead Monday’s meetings. MABA members interested in learning more about our association’s federal policy priorities and topics raised with Secretary Rollins can contact Chuck Lippstreu at the MABA office at chuck@miagbiz.org. MABA President Chuck Lippstreu joins MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, Congressman Tom Barrett, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross at a roundtable discussion. MABA Board Member John Tilt with Vita Plus Corp. greets Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins during a visit to the MSU Dairy Cattle Research and Teaching Center. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announces new specialty crop funds at a media conference alongside agriculture industry leaders.
