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.”