When Tom Raap of Grant introduced granddaughter Kasey Folkema to the newest addition to his herd, his actions would have been considered illegal if she had assisted in any way with the care of the calf under rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor last fall. Nationwide, five percent of the comments opposing the proposal were submitted by Michigan Farm Bureau members in the last 48 hours before the comment deadline, proving that the grassroots efforts of farmers can lead to positive political action. -Photo by Ryan and Sandy Folkema.
Grassroots wins labor battle
The U.S. Department of Labor withdrew its proposal to prohibit people under age 16 from working on farms. Click here for full story.Disaster declarations sought for fruit growers
Michigan fruit growers could get help to survive the unprecedented crop damage due to the unusually warm March and freezing temperatures throughout April Click here for full story.Diversify to slow weed resistance
To reduce the incidence of herbicide-resistant weeds, farmers should diversify their weed management practices and the types of herbicides they use. Click here for full story.Domino's shareholders reject crate-free requirement
Domino's Pizza shareholders rejected a resolution from the Humane Society of the United States requiring the company to source its pork products from suppliers who do not use sow gestation crates. Click here for full story.Senate Ag Committee passes farm bill
The 2012 farm bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee. Click here for full story.Weather forecasts get powerful boost from new computer model
A sophisticated new weather forecast computer model, the Rapid Refresh, updates every hour with a new forecast extending out 18 hours for North America. Click here for full story.
