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Michigan’s ag industry takes to the Capitol steps

Michigan’s ag industry is educating legislators about one of the state’s top industries. 

Jim Zook with the Michigan Corn Growers Association tells Brownfield corn is the largest grain commodity in the state and it’s important for elected officials to understand its importance to the economy.

“About 20-25 percent of the ground is used for corn production.  On an economic value, we are up there second to dairy.”       

He also testified during a Michigan House Ag Committee hearing calling for continued support of ag research and a regulatory environment that’s favorable for farmers.

Chairman of Start of the West Milling Co. Art Loeffler tells Brownfield with less and less people raised on farms, they want legislators to understand issues like labeling and declining acres. “Wheat is one of the commodities that is not genetically modified, so one of our issues is our yields are not growing as fast as corn and soybeans because of the genetics.”     

Dozens of ag groups lined the halls of the Capitol for the 15^th Annual Ag Day at the Capitol Wednesday to educate about their commodities and discuss their top priorities with law makers.