Michigan Bits: Register for MABA Outlook Conference; apply for equine grants before June 30; MSU career fair is Sept. 30.
The Michigan Milk Producers Association, in partnership with CoBank, has established the Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment. This permanent fund, to be managed through the Michigan 4-H Foundation, is dedicated to supporting the next generation of dairy youth leaders in Michigan.
These funds create an endowment to support dairy youth programming, scholarships and leadership development opportunities through Michigan 4-H Youth Development.
Partial funding for the endowment’s establishment is a result of MMPA President and CEO Joe Diglio being named the 2025 Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year by the National Council Farmer of Cooperatives in February.
With his passion for youth development and the future of the dairy industry, Diglio selected the Michigan 4-H Foundation as his awarding charity, and the NCFC Foundation made a contribution in his name.
For more information about the Joseph M. Diglio 4-H Dairy Youth Endowment and how to contribute, visit mi4hfdtn.org/4hdairyendowment.
Register now for MABA Outlook Conference
Registration is now open for the 2025 MABA Outlook Conference, which will take place Sept. 11-13 on Mackinac Island.
The event will bring together stakeholders from across Michigan’s food and agriculture sector for two days of economic outlook and policy discussions, networking and enjoying the island. Early registration is open until Aug. 1. Registration and hotel information are available here.
Equine grant application deadline is June 30
Applications for the 2025 Equine Grant Program are being accepted until June 30, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission.
The Equine Grant Program, established by the Horse Racing Law of 1995 and supported by the Horse Racing Advisory Commission, provides a total of up to $125,000 in grant funding annually for:
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the promotion and marketing of horse racing
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equine-related research
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equine-related support and aftercare
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other equine-related or horse racing programs
To qualify for the Equine Grant Program, entities must have been in business for at least two years, be in good standing with the state and be able to provide financial statements for the previous fiscal year. Program information, application details and submission criteria are available on the MDARD website.
Additional details about the Equine Grant Program are available by contacting Tracy Ebels at mdard-equine@michigan.gov.
MSU career fair is Sept. 30
For those recruiting for summer 2026 interns or entry-level talent, consider attending MSU’s upcoming career fair to connect with MSU’s two-year agriculture technology certificate students, bachelor’s degree students and advanced degree students.
The fair will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 30. Go here for more information, or contact Jill Cords, CANR career consultant at jcords@msu.edu or 517-355–0234.
Daum named dean of MSU CANR
After a competitive national search, Matthew Daum has been named dean of the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and associate provost, with his term beginning June 13. Daum has provided interim leadership to CANR since July 1, 2024, when he succeeded outgoing dean Kelly Millenbah.
Prior to being named interim dean in 2024, Daum served as director of the MSU School of Packaging and assistant dean of corporate relations and strategy for CANR.
Smith named MFB associate national legislative counsel
Jacob Smith is Michigan Farm Bureau’s new associate national legislative counsel, beginning June 2.
Smith, of Haslett, will be MFB’s lead on federal policy priorities — such as H-2A and the farm bill — and be the primary contact for the Michigan congressional delegation and administration leadership and staff.
Previously, he had worked as a staffer in the Department of Labor’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. He’s also represented a wide variety of trade association clients in his four years in Washington, D.C., including the National Turkey Federation.
In 2017, Smith graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law.
MDARD seeks wine grape grower input
MDARD is seeking input on the potential establishment of a legislatively enacted Michigan wine grape commodity group after growers submitted enough signatures to pursue organization. The department is taking nominations for a temporary advisory committee composed of industry members, which will oversee the process moving forward.
Michigan wine grape growers, and businesses affiliated with the purchase of Michigan wine grapes, are encouraged to submit their contact information to receive updates about the P.A. 232 process, including information on committees, public hearings and referendums.
Using this form, grape growers may also nominate themselves to participate in the temporary advisory committee. Survey responses are due June 11 to be considered for the committee.
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