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Agribusiness leaders brief Michigan House panel on exports, economics and regulatory certainty
Summary
Michigan Agribusiness Association and Cooperative Elevator Company told a House Agriculture Committee that exports, regulatory certainty and new markets such as sustainable aviation fuel are crucial as farmers face lower commodity prices and labor challenges; legislators pressed on insurance, food-bank diversion, and support for small and organic farms.
Michigan Agribusiness Association and Cooperative Elevator Company representatives told the Michigan House Agriculture Committee on the record that exports, stable regulation and new market opportunities are key to navigating a softer agricultural economy.
Chuck Lipstrew, president of the Michigan Agribusiness Association, said the association — which he said has existed since 1903 and represents about 300 business members — is tracking multiple challenges for 2026, including lower commodity prices, export uncertainty and labor shortages for specialty crops. "Things are uncertain for farmers and rural businesses," Lipstrew said, adding that impacts vary by sector: "Land values are holding. In some cases, land values have increased. Our livestock producers are having maybe an easier time economically than crop farmers." He told the committee the legislature’s full funding for…
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