Displaying items by tag: Michigan Farm Bureau
Trade policy, labor availability among key agriculture issues in 2021
As an industry that bounced back relatively quickly after the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture in Michigan and across the U.S. faces key issues that will shape its fate in 2021, experts say.
Farmers navigate shifting supply and demand equation
Jeff VanderWerff is one of the rare professionals whose day-to-day operations have remained virtually unchanged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foodservice disruptions create crisis for farmers
As the new coronavirus spreads throughout the Midwest and people’s behaviors change as a result, Michigan’s turkey farms are struggling to stay afloat.
Garden centers, greenhouses focus on survival amid COVID-19 shutdown
Like most non-essential businesses in the state, many garden centers and greenhouses in West Michigan have been forced to close as part of continuing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
State issues new environmental regulations for Michigan’s largest livestock farms
Food and ag workers considered ‘essential’ under Whitmer’s stay-home order
Michigan’s food and agriculture industries and related workers are considered as “essential critical infrastructure” to ensure continued food security across the state under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-home executive order.
Feds to investigate USDA aid to farmers after Senate finds ‘deep inequities’
Following a request from Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the U.S. Government Accountability Office will investigate the integrity of the U.S. Department of Agriculture aid to farmers affected by the U.S. trade war with China.
Food Biz Outlook: Embattled ag industry hopes trade stabilizes in 2020
News that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement appears to be headed toward ratification comes as a positive for farmers across the country and especially in Michigan.
Michigan dairy farmer hopes for best as pricing environment improves
Dairy producers are struggling to make ends meet, and many dairy farmers have lost money for months or even several years straight. Jem-Lot Dairy’s Stephanie Schafer, who is also a district director with the Michigan Farm Bureau, said the situation is largely the result of low milk prices. Her farm keeps 300 dairy cows in Clinton County.
Food/ag interests push for caution, common standards in PFAS testing
As the hunt for PFAS contamination has expanded into crops and livestock, it has revealed new food safety concerns related to the limited state-led testing system and lax federal standards.