Midwest
AgLetter reports Midwest farmland values up slightly in the second quarter
The AgLetter reports farmland values for the Seventh Federal Reserve District in the second quarter of 2020 were 1% higher than a year ago. Values for “good” agricultural land in the second quarter of 2020... more »
Court denies temporary restraining order on testing of Michigan ag, food employees
After the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan denied a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit challenging Michigan’s order requiring the testing of farm and food processing employees for COVID-19, the director... more »
Michigan launches ag disaster GIS viewer for state’s farming community
Michigan’s farming community is certainly no stranger to the challenges thrown at it by Mother Nature. Thankfully, there are several programs to help farmers weather those challenges. In order to help the state’s farmers more... more »
Farmworkers file legal challenge to Michigan’s mandatory COVID-19 testing
Citing racial discrimination, farmworkers filed a complaint Aug.11 in United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, challenging an Aug. 3 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) emergency order mandating COVID-19... more »
Michigan pumpkin farm creates ‘COVID Go Away’ corn maze
Johnson’s Giant Pumpkin Farm near Saginaw, Michigan, has a message for the Covinovel coronavirus, and it’s spelled out loud and clear in its 13-acre corn maze. From the ground, the fall attraction at the Saginaw... more »
Early Michigan apple varieties estimated to be ready at end of August
Michigan’s much-anticipated apple crop is right on schedule, and growers are ready to harvest the delicious fruit for consumers to enjoy. “Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, so many events and traditions have been cancelled. But nature... more »
Employers, employees consider challenge to Michigan COVID-19 testing mandate
An Aug. 3 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Emergency Order mandating COVID-19 testing by farm employers with 20 or more farmworkers has not been well-received – by employees or their employers. According... more »
Collaborating with farmers to help protect streams and rivers in Michigan
Water quality is integral to crop health, but proper water management is also integral to protecting our natural waterways and lakes in Michigan. About 40% of Michigan’s consumptive water – water that is not returned... more »
