We often say the #1 way MABA members demonstrate support for your association’s efforts is through your time and participation. By that measure, we had an excellent kickoff to the fall and winter meeting season, as members from across the state came together for another strong Educational Trust golf outing and our largest Outlook Conference in at least five years. Thank you to all MABA members for your continued support and participation as we head into the new FY. Don’t forget to reach out to us anytime you have a question, concern about an issue, or suggestion for us on the MABA team. Educational Trust Golf Outing sells out The Fields: On September 4, the MABA Educational Trust hosted its second golf outing of 2024, with a full golf course at The Fields in Ithaca, MI. This was another great year for the Educational Trust, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars and delivered much of that back to students in the form of scholarships, while increasing the Trust fund for the future. Thank you to all golfers, and 2024 hole sponsors! Thanks as well to Ward Forquer, Educational Trust Chairman, and all of those who stepped up with time and contributions to make this event possible. Outlook Conference returns to Mackinac Island, MI: On September 5-7, more than 200 members and friends of agriculture joined us on Mackinac Island for this year’s Outlook Conference. We appreciate all those who participated as speakers at this special event. Mark your calendar for next year’s conference, which will be September 11-13, 2024. Michigan CCA Chairman attends ICCA: Tim Schaub with Rob-See-Co, in his capacity as 2024 Chair of the Michigan Certified Crop Adviser Board, attended the Certified Crop Adviser International (ICCA) Board meeting alongside CCA program leaders in Gainesville, FL. Throughout this year, under Tim’s leadership, the CCA program has focused on revising the Michigan exam for the first time in 15 years, and recognizing the efforts of Michigan’s 300 CCAs through Winter Conference activities and MABA’s continued CCA Spotlights. We have appreciated Tim’s dedication, enthusiasm and leadership that has helped position this program for the future! Educational Briefing on Vomitoxin Testing: In mid-September, MABA partnered with North Dakota Grain Inspection (NDGI) to provide a briefing for grain handlers on Vomitoxin testing best practices. Vomitoxin has presented a complex challenge for the industry, especially last year and this webinar served as a refresher on key testing information. We appreciate Moses Teel with NDGI for leading the webinar. Registration opened for the 2025 Trade Show: This year’s Trade Show will be January 7-8, 2025 in line with the Winter Conference. Last year’s Trade Show sold out by Thanksgiving, and the 2025 event is already more than one-third full. Head to this link without delay to begin the registration process for your booth! Thank you to our September Ag Club host, Harvest Solar! Harvest Solar works on solar installations for businesses, including several MABA member locations. We appreciate their support and participation in the Ag Club Breakfast! Upcoming Events Visit www.miagbiz.org/events for information on upcoming activities, and registration information. October 9: Lansing Ag Club hosted by Consumers Energy November 6: Lansing Ag Club hosted by MSU December 17-18: Virtual RUP Training Sessions January 7-8, 2025: MABA Winter Conference and Trade Show
