Michigan Event Showcases Agricultural Research and Development
- Whitney McFerron
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
FRANKENMUTH, MICH. (Aug. 19, 2025) – U.S. Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) joined Farm Journal Foundation and several Michigan agriculture leaders today for a roundtable discussion on how investments in agricultural research and development (R&D) are crucial to Michigan, as well as global food and nutrition security.
The event, held in conjunction with a Michigan State University Field Day at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, was titled, “How Ag R&D is Transformative for Michigan and the World.” The discussion with the Congresswoman included input from Ken Nobis, Farm Journal Foundation Farmer Ambassador and a dairy farmer from St. Johns, Michigan; Dr. George Smith, Director of AgBioResearch at Michigan State University; Ben LaCross, Michigan Farm Bureau President; Tim Boring, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Director; Joe Cramer, Michigan Bean Commission Executive Director; Chuck Lippstreu, Michigan Agri-Business Association President; and was moderated by Patrick Cudney, Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations for Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension.
The roundtable discussion centered on the critical role that land-grant universities play in developing agricultural innovations that support food security, U.S. national security, and farmer livelihoods, long-term. Participants also discussed the impact of funding cuts to agricultural research programs at universities across the country, how U.S. research is falling behind other countries, and why increased investment is needed to ensure farmers can produce enough safe, affordable food for consumers. Farm Journal Foundation and its partners also voiced concerns about cuts to agricultural R&D programs like the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR).

“I grew up in a farm town in Central Michigan, where people worked from sunrise to sunset to make ends meet, feed our region, and ensure they can pass their family farms on to the next generation. Cutting edge research and development is essential to their work. It helps family farmers minimize their costs, preserve their land, and grow the food that feeds America,” said Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08). “Thank you to the Farm Journal Foundation and Michigan State AgBioResearch for bringing us together for a conversation about how we put growers first.”
“It was a great opportunity to explain to the Congresswoman why research is important to the agriculture industry, food production, food security, and national security,” said Ken Nobis, Michigan dairy farmer and Farm Journal Foundation Farmer Ambassador. “It’s great she’s shown sincere interest in our concerns.”
Agricultural research has one of the highest returns of any public investment, returning on average $20 in benefits for every $1 invested, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agricultural innovation and extension are particularly important for Michigan, which has one of the most diverse agricultural industries in the country. The food and agriculture industry contributes more than $125 billion annually to the state's economy and nearly a million jobs, which is almost a quarter of the state’s workforce, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau.
“It’s an honor to join Rep. McDonald Rivet and agriculture industry leaders to discuss the importance of agricultural research to Michigan,” said Dr. George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch. “Thank you to the Farm Journal Foundation for leading this roundtable discussion at our Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, which hosts critical research for our state’s growers. Our success in AgBioResearch is rooted in longstanding partnerships with legislators and agriculture industries. This close collaboration provides insight into the most relevant and timely research areas, allowing our scientists to meet the growing needs of Michigan’s wide range of commodities.”
Agricultural research undertaken in the public sector, such as that being conducted at Michigan State University, has an important role to play in strengthening global food security. While private sector research investments have had a significant impact, particularly on yields for large commodity crops such as corn and soybeans, the public sector can support early stage research to pave the way for significant long-term innovations. Public investment can also support comparatively under-explored areas such as animal health, environmental, and food safety research, and unlock innovations for smallholder farmers overseas, helping developing countries feed themselves. Investing in agricultural extension alongside innovation helps ensure that farmers have access to the latest tools and farm management practices.
Media Contact
Whitney McFerron, Vice President of Communications
Farm Journal Foundation

About Farm Journal Foundation
Farm Journal Foundation is a farmer-centered nonpartisan organization working to advance agricultural innovation, global food and nutrition security, conservation, and rural economic development. The Foundation believes in a future where agriculture works for everyone – supporting strong farmer livelihoods, business growth, consumer access to nutritious, affordable foods, and the preservation of our country’s natural resources. Achieving this vision starts with conversations – bringing all voices to the table to discuss industry challenges and how innovation can unlock solutions that serve us all. To learn more, visit www.farmjournalfoundation.org.