NAPOLEON TWP., Mich. (June 26, 2025) — As Republicans in Washington continue to propose unprecedented cuts to federal programs that provide critical funding and support for Michigan’s agricultural community, Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) hosted a listening session with local farmers on Wednesday to hear about challenges facing the industry and to explore potential solutions to be implemented at the state level.
“Farmers are the backbone of not just our local and state economies but our global food supply. Attacks on the agricultural industry are direct attacks on our rural communities, economic security, food systems, and our way of life here in Michigan,” said Sen. Shink. “It was enlightening to hear the concerns of local farmers and ag professionals, in addition to creative solutions to help address their needs at the state level, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to ensure our farmers have the tools and resources they need to thrive, no matter what we’re up against.”
Local farmers, growers, and agricultural professionals from the district attended the listening session, shedding light on how the disruptions in federal aid would have detrimental effects on their operations, Michigan’s economy, and our state’s food supply. The event offered local agricultural professionals the platform to voice their concerns, ranging from the impact of USDA funding cuts to rising operational costs.
The listening session helped to inform and build on Sen. Shink’s ongoing work in the Legislature to shine a light on the human impact of federal cuts on rural communities, including a recent hearing she led in the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee and this Senate floor speech on proposed budget slashes to federal food assistance programs.
Sen. Shink is proud to serve Michigan’s 14th Senate District, which includes parts of Ann Arbor and all of Dexter, Chelsea, and Jackson City, among many townships.
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