Midwest

Michigan seeks food safety education, training grant proposals

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking grant proposals for food safety education and training as part of the Food Safety Education Fund grant program. The grant cycle for 2020 will... more »

MSU seeks state growers’ input on wildlife damage to crops

Agricultural producers face a plethora of wildlife issues on the farm, from biosecurity in animal agriculture to food safety requirements for fresh produce farmers. Many wildlife species have social or economic value and may be... more »

After fire, Riveridge expands cider production facility

On July 3, 2018, a new cider production facility of Riveridge Produce Marketing in West Michigan burned down. Almost immediately, staff and leadership made plans for a stopgap measure to meet orders for the coming... more »

Michigan AgrAbility intoduces demonstration farm

Michigan AgrAbility has partnered with Holland area farmer Doug Ver Hoeven in establishing a demonstration farm where farmers can see and try a variety of assistive technology tools and equipment before investing in aides that... more »

Michigan House panel seeks protection for cherry producers

The Michigan House Agriculture Committee, chaired by Rep. Julie Alexander, approved on Sept. 4 a resolution supporting a petition before the U.S. International Trade Commission to protect Michigan’s domestic cherry industry. Michigan growers supply roughly... more »

Michigan blueberry growers’ research fund starts well

With new research on the way, and a promising crop in the field, it’s a good year to be a Michigan blueberry grower. Halfway through the harvest season, all indications were for good total yields.... more »

Ontario growers find niche in climate, market advantages

Ontario’s tree fruit growers know how to take advantage of being located next to one of the best marketplaces in North America. Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth-largest city in North... more »

Southwest Michigan farms receive USDA disaster declaration

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, Michigan, issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a secretarial disaster designation for Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. “(The Aug. 30) announcement is welcome... more »