On National Ag Day, Michigan ag groups call for Congressional action to address labor costs

Groups that make up Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM) spoke out on National Ag Day, March 19, to spotlight skyrocketing labor costs facing farms and call on Congress to pass the Supporting Farm Operations Act (H.R. 7046).

The legislation, introduced by Congressman John Moolenaar, will address increasing labor costs that threaten the viability of a variety of sectors across Michigan agriculture.

ALM member groups represent lenders, agri-businesses as well as milk and pork producers and they are working with elected leaders to get a handle on high labor costs. ALM is made up of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Pork Producers, GreenStone Farm Credit Services and the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

The group applauded the Supporting Farm Operations Act, noting it addresses high labor costs facing Michigan farmers by freezing the wage rate for migrant farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), until end of 2025. The wage requirements set for these employees are determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.

A freeze in the AEWR is especially important for farmers in Michigan, which has one of the highest rates in the country. In January, the Department of Labor increased Michigan’s AEWR for the 10th consecutive year, to $18.50 per hour, an increase of $1.16 per hour from December.

“Michigan farmers grow and raise food for Michigan residents and people around the world,” Moolenaar said. “My legislation ensures they will continue to have a reliable workforce and can make ends meet while growing the food we need.”

Travis Jones, president & CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, noted the important role agriculture policy plays in maintaining the sustainability of its farmer members.

“As interest rates remain higher than previous years, it’s only one of many costs facing farmers,” Jones said. “As margins and returns on investment farmers earn continue to be slim, every dollar is critical, which is why we need help keeping labor costs in check.”

The milk and dairy sector of the agricultural industry also noted the continued labor challenges across sectors – from the supply chain to farms to manufacturing plants.  

“We look forward to working with our partners at the state and federal level to help in fulfilling year-round labor needs of dairy farmers,” said Joe Diglio, president and CEO of Michigan Milk Producers Association.

“Michigan’s pork industry is struggling with high input costs including labor,” said Mary Kelpinski, CEO of Michigan Pork Producers. “With help from our lawmakers at the state and federal level, we can take the steps needed to ensure pork, and all critical sectors of the ag industry in Michigan, continue long into the future.”

Chuck Lippstreu, president of Michigan Agri-Business Association, said farmers’ success translates to success for other businesses on the food value chain.

“Agriculture remains a leading economic engine for Michigan, but the rapid increase in the AEWR threatens the viability of some farms in our state, especially labor-intensive fruit and vegetable operations,” Lippstreu said. “It’s critical that Congress pass the Supporting Farm Operations Act without delay, to provide growers with certainty going forward. This legislation will strengthen the broader agricultural economy in our state.”

Michigan ag groups celebrate contributions of truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

LANSING, Mich. — Agricultural groups, including those representing rural lenders, agribusinesses, milk and pork producers, today celebrated the critical contributions of truck drivers for the success of Michigan and U.S. agriculture. The organizations, which comprise the Agricultural Leaders of Michigan, made the comments during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 10-16.

“The hard work put in every day by truck drivers across every corner of our state is absolutely essential for agriculture’s success, and the success of our broader economy,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “Michigan agriculture depends on truck drivers before, during and after each growing season. They play a crucial role in the food system. We take a moment this week to thank truck drivers across Michigan and America for their hard work and dedication.”

“Farm families rely on the hard work put in by truckers, both to deliver products farmers need to be successful, and to transport the goods they produce to markets across America and around the world,” said Travis Jones, President & CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “Our agriculture industry is proud to contribute more than $100 billion to Michigan’s economy. By keeping supply chains moving, truck drivers are a huge part of that success story.”

Roughly 3.5 million professional truck drivers deliver essential goods to families and businesses across the country. U.S. truck drivers transport 11.5 billion tons of goods and products every year, accounting for more than 70% of America’s total annual freight, according to the American Trucking Associations. Eighty percent of U.S. communities – many of them in rural, agricultural communities – depend solely on trucking to deliver goods.

"Thank you to all of the milk haulers who take on the roads for our dairy farmer members," said Joe Diglio, President and CEO of Michigan Milk Producers Association. "You play a critical role in ensuring our entire supply chain is successful in providing the world with nutritious and wholesome dairy products."

“Safely, efficiently transporting livestock and animal feed requires skill and dedication, so Michigan’s pig farmers join many across America this week in saying ‘thank you’ to truck drivers,” said Mary Kelpinski, CEO of the Michigan Pork Producers Association. “With 2.5 million pigs produced annually in Michigan, the pork industry here relies heavily on truck transportation. Our industry is able to achieve success and keep growing because of teamwork between our farmers and truckers.”

Agricultural Leaders of Michigan hosts Lunch & Learn with lawmakers, legislative and executive office leaders

Members of Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM), including the Michigan Agri-Business Association, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Michigan Pork Producers and the Michigan Milk Producers, met Monday with state lawmakers and members of the executive office who work closely on ag policy and investments in agricultural programs and services.

Each organization presented information about the background and mission of their group, priorities for the coming months and insightful updates about their sectors to those who attended the Lunch & Learn at Senate Binsfield Office Building in Lansing. Those who participated in the event on Monday, included:

·         Becky Taylor, vice president of Loan Administration and Legislative Affairs of GreenStone Farm Credit Services

·         Chuck Lippstreu, President of Michigan Agri-Business Association

·         Sheila Burkhardt, chief corporate affairs officer for Michigan Milk Producers Association

·         Mary Kelpinski, CEO of Michigan Pork Producers Association

·         Dianne Byrum, Agricultural Leaders of Michigan

Mary Kelpinski, CEO of Michigan Pork Producers Association, presents information about her organization and membership. 

Sheila Burkhardt, chief corporate affairs officer for Michigan Milk Producers Association, talks about MMPA. 

Chuck Lippstreu, President of Michigan Agri-Business Association, talks about MABA.

Becky Taylor, vice president of Loan Administration and Legislative Affairs of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, addresses the group.  

Michigan agricultural groups meet with supporters, discuss priorities with members of Congress in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Sen. Stabenow, U.S. Representatives attend Michigan Ag Club Breakfast with agri-business, lenders as well as pork, milk producers

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, speaks to the group assembled for the Michigan Ag Club Breakfast on Wednesday, March 29, in Washington, D.C., as others look on, including U.S. Rep. John Molenaar, R-Midland; U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, and chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Lansing Democrat and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

LANSING, Mich. — Agricultural business groups, including those representing lenders, agri-business as well as milk and pork producers, that make up Agricultural Leaders of Michigan met Wednesday with members of Congress and others in Washington, D.C., to discuss the state’s growing agriculture sector and related priorities and opportunities.

Wednesday’s Michigan Ag Club Breakfast in Washington, D.C., marked the return of the annual event after a hiatus of a few years. Groups and businesses in attendance are advocating on behalf of member farmers and organizations, while also monitoring developments related to the 2023 Farm Bill. Among those at the event on Wednesday were U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, who is chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, as well as U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Lansing Democrat and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Michigan’s agricultural industry is critical to the state’s overall economy as it employs 805,000 people, which is 17.2 percent of the state’s population, and contributes $104.7 billion to Michigan’s economy each year.

This year, agricultural business groups are focused on efforts to build the labor force in Michigan, to continue to make investments in infrastructure and to balance a number of financial variables, including inflation, interest rates and labor.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress who have a hand in funding and policy that directly affects the agricultural sector and the work our member farmers and organizations do every day. We look forward to continued dialogue with our valued representatives in Washington, D.C., and we remain deeply appreciative of Sen. Stabenow’s dedicated leadership on the Farm Bill, which is critically important to the success of the agriculture industry in Michigan and across the country,” said the member organizations of Agricultural Leaders of Michigan, which includes the Michigan Agri-Business Association, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Michigan Pork Producers and Michigan Milk Producers Association.

Chuck Lippstreu, president of Michigan Agri-Business Association, with U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet.  

Mary Kelpinski, CEO of Michigan Pork Producers, and Joe Diglio, President and CEO of Michigan Milk Producers Association, talk with U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Lansing.

Travis Jones, President & CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, talks with U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, speaks to the group assembled for the Michigan Ag Club Breakfast as U.S. Rep. John Molenaar, R-Midland, looks on.

Michigan organizations highlight issues on the horizon for the agricultural industry

LANSING, Mich. — Agricultural groups, including those that represent lenders, agri-business as well as milk and pork producers, that make up Agricultural Leaders of Michigan gathered on Monday to talk about issues facing their industry in Michigan.

Monday’s Zoom press conference comes as the state is marking Michigan Food and Agriculture Month in March and National Ag Day is March 21.

Agricultural groups and businesses are keeping a close eye on developments related to the 2023 Farm Bill as that sweeping spending bill moves through the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry under the leadership of chairwoman and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan. Another member of Congress from Michigan, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Lansing, is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Michigan’s agricultural industry is particularly important to the state’s overall economy as it employs 805,000 people, which is 17.2 percent of the state’s population, and it contributes $104.7 billion to Michigan’s economy each year.

“Agriculture is a bright spot in our state’s growing economy, and we urge policy leaders focus on addressing the infrastructure and workforce challenges that could stand in the way of future opportunity,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of Michigan Agri-Business Association.

A recording of the press conference is available online at youtu.be/LAEi4wRyKmc.

In 2023, agricultural business groups are focused on efforts to build the labor force in Michigan, to continue to make investments in infrastructure and to balance a number of financial variables, including inflation, interest rates and labor.

“Today’s agricultural economy has plenty of exciting opportunities on the horizon,” said Travis Jones, President & CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “It’s encouraging to see so many programs, resources and tools put in place to help those who have aspirations in agriculture so they can flourish in this critical industry.”

Over the past several years, the swine industry has been preparing for foreign animal disease outbreaks. Michigan pork producers are working to create safe supply plans to keep farms safe from disease in the future and it’s important to keep up federal funding for preventative measures, including the so-called Beagle Brigade at airports, dogs that are trained to find illegal pork products that people are trying to smuggle into the country on commercial flights.

“With nearly 2.5 million pigs produced annually in the state, the pork industry in Michigan is very healthy,” said Mary Kelpinski, CEO of Michigan Pork Producers. “Our producers are deeply committed to the safety of our hog supply and we look forward to working with state officials on continuing to keep the pork supply safe.”     

The milk and dairy sector of the agricultural industry called on state leaders to continue their investment infrastructure across Michigan.

“To move milk and dairy products across Michigan, we need reliable infrastructure – good roads and bridges,” said Joe Diglio, President and CEO of Michigan Milk Producers Association. “We also are looking forward to working with our partners at the state and federal level to help us increase year-round labor.”