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.”
