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Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reintroduced what is known as the

Small farms, ranches hope for better treatment in new Farm Bill

Congress passed a one-year extension of the current Farm Bill, which means the debate over a new bill will continue well into 2024. Advocacy groups …

the National Young Farmers Coalition delivered a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership signed by 175 national, regional and local organizations in support of the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act. (Johnstocker/Adobe Stock)

Young farmers advocate for climate changes, face land-access issues

Young Farmers in Michigan hope the new Farm Bill will include key benefits regarding land access so they can continue to pursue farming passionately…

According to Clean Jobs Midwest, 1.7 million homes are powered by the clean energy generated in Michigan, and the industry employs 123,983 people in the state. (pinkrabbit/Adobe Stock)

Sweeping clean energy bills passed in Michigan

New clean energy legislation in Michigan has passed and is heading to the governor's desk to be signed into law. Backers of the bills said they will …

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (Stiefi/Adobe Stock)

No Heat Protections for Michigan Outdoor Workers

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

Mexico and Canada are the largest importers of meat into the United States, but other countries such as Brazil, Australia and Japan sell significant amounts of beef, pork and lamb here, as well. (Grecaud Paul/Adobe Stock)

USDA Proposes New Rules on Who Can Use 'Product of USA' Labels

A proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture would change the rules on what foods can be labeled "Product of USA." Current regulations allow …

One of the benefits of silvopasturing is to relieve grazing animals, such as cattle, from the perils of heat stress. (UllrichG/Adobe Stock)

Farmers Mix Trees, Crops, Livestock to Fight Climate Change

By Caroline Miller for Great Lakes Echo. Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Michigan News Service, reporting for Solutions Journalism/Public …

Jon Kent (kneeling) and a cadre of volunteers are raising vegetables and feeding the community from their urban farm at Charlevoix and Lakeview streets in East Detroit. (Sanctuary Farms)

Young Farmers of Color: Feed Detroit, Fight Injustice, Protect Climate

By Britny Cordera for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

The RECOMPETE Act establishes a federal block-grant program to empower small, economically distressed communities. (Atstock/Adobe Stock)

RECOMPETE Act Could Bring New Jobs to Rural Michigan

A program approved by Congress aims to give rural communities a leg up when applying for federal dollars. The CHIPS Act, passed last month, aims to …

Michigan is second only to California as the states with the most diverse agriculture industry.(Michael/Adobe Stock)

MI Farmers Encouraged to Apply for New USDA "Climate-Smart" Program

Michigan farmers say the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new, billion-dollar investment in projects by "climate-smart" farmers, ranchers and …

The United States ranks 27th for access to high-speed internet, according to allconnect.com. (Chay_tee/Adobe Stock)

MI Educator: Focus on Rural Communities in Broadband Buildout

PARADISE, Mich. -- Rural educators say the funding for broadband in the bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last month is critical for …

Some rural areas of Michigan never fully recovered from the last recession. (Want2Know/Flickr)<br /><br />

COVID Relief Bill: A Path to Recovery for Rural Michigan?

LANSING, Mich. -- The COVID-19 relief bill headed to President Joe Biden's desk is expected to provide much-needed economic relief for Michigan's …

The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network is reimagining ways to grow food in cities, inspired by urban gardens in the 1960s and 70s. (espiegle/Adobe Stock)

Black-Led Food, Land Justice Groups: Land Leads to Self-Determination

By Ruth Terry for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Lily Bohlke for Michigan News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

The warming climate is proving to be a serious threat to Michigan's $100 billion agricultural industry. (Adobe Stock)

More MI Farmers Stand Up to Climate-Change Threats

LANSING, Mich. - With farms and ranches on the front lines of climate change, there's a new effort to keep their lands resilient. The Food and …

1,358 counties are red zones where COVID-19 infection rates are out of control. (The Daily Yonder/USA Facts)

COVID Spikes in Rural MI: "No One is Getting a Pass on the Pandemic"

LANSING, Mich. -- COVID-19 cases are on the rise almost everywhere, but the share of new cases in rural Michigan counties is outpacing the new …

Some advocacy groups say rural Michiganders will need more than another federal relief check to recover from the effects of the pandemic. (Bailiwick Studios/Flickr)

Agenda Answers: "What Do Michigan's Rural Voters Want?"

LANSING, Mich. -- There's a new blueprint for how candidates in 2020 might be able to sway rural voters from Michigan and other states. People's …

Saginaw Bay farmer Jason Haag says extreme weather patterns are becoming a regular challenge for his operation. (Michael DL Jordan/DLP)

Farmers Shift Toward Better Soil Practices to Combat Extreme Weather

LANSING, Mich. -- Amid the challenges of another rain-soaked spring, flooding and a global pandemic, some Michigan farmers are using conservation …

The economic strains on workers stand to last long after the coronavirus outbreak is under control. (Adobe Stock)

Think Tank Offers Guidance to Keep Michigan Strong

LANSING, Mich. -- As state leaders assess the evolving challenges created by the COVID-19 outbreak, some policy analysts want to do their part to …

A new report says harmful algae blooms such as this one in Bolles Harbor in Monroe, Mich., may become more frequent because of climate change. (Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Climate Change to Cause More Algae Blooms, Floods in Great Lakes

MONROE, Mich. — Bigger, more frequent storms; more floods. Many millions in financial losses. Massive environmental shift. Climate change …

Bullkill Marsh is about 200 yards from the proposed potash facility near Hersey in Evart Township, Osceola County. (Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation)

Clean-Water Groups Fight Proposed Potash Mine in Osceola County

Updated 5:35 pm EST to include response from Michigan Potash Company CEO Ted Pagano. HERSEY, Mich. – The fight continues over a potash-mining …

Wetlands and vernal pools such as this one would no longer be protected under a new rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. (Podruznik/Wikimedia)

Clean-Water Groups Criticize Plan to Gut Federal Protections

LANSING, Mich. – Negative reaction from conservation groups was swift to a Trump administration proposal on Tuesday to remove federal clean-…

A new report shows that rural areas in Michigan have particularly benefited from the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. (Flickr)

Uninsured Rate Plunged in Rural MI After Medicaid Expansion

LANSING, Mich. — The uninsured rate for low-income adults has plunged 22 points in rural areas of Michigan since the state expanded Medicaid …

Chlorpyrifos is used on apples and other crops, which some groups argue is harmful to farmworkers and children. (tubafil/Flickr)

Groups Argue Against "Unacceptable" Pesticide

LANSING, Mich. – Labor, civil rights and health groups, and seven states, made their final arguments in court Monday challenging the …

Doctors diagnose thousands of poisonings a year among agricultural workers. (Mike Goad/Flickr)

EPA Taking Heat for "Failing to Protect Farmworkers"

LANSING, Mich. — A new lawsuit accuses the Environmental Protection Agency of putting farmworkers in Michigan, as well as other states…

Public comments are being solicited through May 31 on a draft conservation plan to reverse the decline of the eastern monarch butterfly population. (David P. Whelan/Morgufile)

The Eastern Monarch Butterfly May Die Out Unless People Take Action

LANSING, Mich. – Wildlife officials say the "king" of butterflies could meet the same fate as the passenger pigeon unless people step in to …

There are more than 10,000 soybean producing farms in Michigan. (usda.gov)

Michigan Soybean Growers Urged to Save the Bees

DETROIT -- A major endeavor is under way to educate soybean farmers about helping to save honeybees. The Honey Bee Health Coalition this month …

At least 180 school gardens are growing in Michigan thanks to Farm to School programs. (KyleJones/morguefile)

Farm to School Program Looks to Grow in Michigan, Nationwide

LANSING, Mich. – A program that helps connect more than 700,000 Michigan students to local farmers would get a big boost under new legislation…

The CDC warns against kissing or hugging poultry kept as pets to help prevent salmonella. (thebrassglass/morguefile)

Got Backyard Chickens? Don't Get Salmonella

LANSING, Mich -- Backyard poultry is a growing hobby for many Michiganders, but if you're not careful, it could make you sick. Nearly 1,000 people in …

Studies indicated three insecticides could harm 97 percent of fragile species. (mrmac04/morguefile)

Conservationists Question Dow Chemical's Push to Set Aside Pesticide Study

MIDLAND, Mich. – A conservation group is raising questions about Dow Chemical's attempts to convince the Trump administration to drop studies …

A multi-state natural-gas pipeline running though Michigan has been approved. (DodgertonSkillhause/morguefile)

Controversial Pipeline Project Gets OK

LANSING, Mich. – A $4.3 billion natural-gas pipeline that will run through Michigan has been given the green light, sparking concerns about …

Michigan is working to restore habitats for the Monarch butterfly, along with other troubled pollinators. (cohda/Morguefile)

A Boost for Michigan Bees and Butterflies

LANSING, Mich. – Federal dollars are flowing into Michigan to help bee and butterfly species struggling to thrive. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife …

The use of antibiotics in factory farmed animals is linked to antibiotic-resistant infections (Pixabay)

Report Could Be a Wake-Up Call for Antibiotic Reform

LANSING, Mich. – A new report calls for banning or restricting the use of antibiotics in farm animals to curb the global spread of infections…

Honeybee bees are responsible for more than $20 billion of the U.S. economy. (Pixabay)

The Stinging Truth About the Honeybee Decline

LANSING, Mich. - Honeybee populations in the United States dropped by 44 percent last year, according to a new national survey. Tiffany Finck-…

The Animal Welfare Approved label sets the highest standard for treatment of egg-laying hens. (Pixabay)

Rotten Eggs? Carton Labels Can be Deceiving

LANSING, Mich. – Whether it's for a hunt or a brunch, animal welfare groups are advising Michigan residents purchasing eggs this Easter week …

Manure from CAFOs contains phosphorus that contributes to the growth of toxic algae in Lake Erie. (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

Michigan Manure Linked to Toxic Algae in Lake Erie

LANSING, Mich. – A new report connects the dots among manure from Michigan, toxic algae and taxpayer dollars. Manure from confined animal …

The pesticide sulfoxaflor should not have been registered because it can kill bees and other pollinators, according to a federal court ruling. Credit: AcryllicArtist/morguefile.com

Court: EPA Should Not Have Approved Bee-Killing Pesticide

MIDLAND, Mich. - A pesticide that kills bees should not have been cleared for agricultural use by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Ninth …

Initiatives at farmers markets across Michigan hope to encourage healthy eating and purchasing habits at an early age. Courtesy of USDA.

Growing Healthy Eaters: Farmers Markets Reach Out to Kids

DETROIT, Mich. - Summertime in Michigan means produce is peaking, and initiatives at many farmers markets aim to capture the attention and shape the …

PHOTO: With the recent rise in popularity of backyard chicken coops, experts say it's all the more important that all Michiganders know what to do to prevent the further spread of avian influenza. Photo credit: yoel/morguefile.com

What Does Bird Flu Mean for You?

LANSING, Mich. – With news that the deadly bird flu, which already has killed millions of poultry and captive birds, has been confirmed in …

PHOTO: Many groups are unhappy with the Obama administration pushing for fast-track authority for multinational trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would give Congress the ability to put it to an up-or-down vote with very limited debate. Photo credit: chelle.morguefile.

Farm Groups Call On Obama, Congress to Slow Down on Trade Deal

LANSING, Mich. - A growing coalition of American food and farm groups is calling for rejection of a plan to give President Barack Obama fast-track …

PHOTO: The chairman of the FCC, Tom Wheeler, is recommending the strongest open-Internet regulations ever proposed by the regulatory agency, which would ensure

Proposal Would Pave Way for Faster Internet for Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. - The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing to reclassify the Internet the same as a utility, which …

PHOTO: A new national tip line established by the Humane Society of the U.S. gives farm and livestock workers in Michigan and across the U.S. an anonymous option to report the abuse of farm animals. Photo credit: Andrea Church/Morguefile.

See Animal Abuse? Anonymous Tip Line Now Open

LANSING, Mich. - Whistleblowers in Michigan could earn up to a $5,000 reward if their tip leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in …

PHOTO: One acre of wetland can absorb as much as one million gallons of water, according to a recent report from the National Wildlife Federation. Many Michiganders are still recovering from the damage caused by five inches of rain which fell in August. Photo credit: M. Shand.

Report: Mother Nature Offers Best Defense From Floods and Storms

LANSING, Mich. – As many Michiganders are still cleaning up from the devastating effects of last summer's storms while bracing for winter…

PHOTO: The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation effort that encourages farmers to address resource concerns in new and innovative ways. Those farmers whose contracts are up this year must renew by Sept. 12 to continue with the program. Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farm Conservation Program Deadline Nears

LANSING, Mich. - Since the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) was launched five years ago, more than 60 million acres of farmland across the U.S…

PHOTO: A new report finds agriculture in Michigan could experience significant financial losses if the impacts of climate change are not addressed. Photo credit: S. Garton/morguefile.

Report: Extreme Heat Will Test Agriculture in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. - Extreme heat could change the face of agriculture in Michigan. New research outlines the financial impacts businesses face in the …

PHOTO: This photo of a downer calf is part of an undercover investigation of a veal slaughter plant in Shrewsbury, N.J. Photo courtesy Humane Society of the United States.

Efforts to Close “Painful” Loophole in Animal Slaughter Regs

LANSING, Mich. – Some see it as a painful loophole in animal slaughter regulations. It affects so-called downer calves – cattle that …

PHOTO: The harsh winter has been enough to freeze Lake Michigan, but scientists say that could actually be a good thing, come spring. Photo credit: M. Shand

A Silver Lining to Michigan's Cold, Snowy Winter

EAST LANSING, Mich. – With snow banks piled sky high, sub-zero wind chills closing schools and four of the five Great Lakes now frozen over…

PHOTO: Ohio-based Wendy�s is demanding quarterly reports from pork suppliers about their ability to provide pork produced without the use of gestation crates. Photo credit: Humane Society of the United States.

Wendy’s Demands Progress Reports on Elimination of Pig Crates

LANSING, Mich. – The world's third-largest fast-food chain is making more strides toward elimination of controversial pig cages. Fast food …

PHOTO: President Obama will see the fruits of Michigan's growing agriculture industry firsthand when he travels to the state on Friday to sign the federal farm bill. Photo courtesy of Michigan Dept. of Agriculture.

MI Ag Sector Takes National Spotlight With Presidential Visit

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Move over, Motor City. It might be time for Michigan to be known as the Ag State. That's according to experts who say …

PHOTO: Selecting a family Christmas tree is more than just a chance for making memories, say Michigan tree farmers. It also helps the state's economy. Photo courtesy MCTA.

Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Which are Better for Michigan?

HOWELL, Mich. – Many Michiganders are decking the halls and decorating their Christmas trees this weekend, and the choice between a real tree …

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MI: Rural/Farming