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March 15, 2005
Manure Pit Construction
Construction of huge manure pits has been a relatively common occurrence in recent years, but now, the EPA wants to study those pits and many barns for air pollution. In an agreement with some ag groups, the EPA will begin those studies, funded by farmers.

EPA offers farmers protection - for a price

Under the EPA's "consent agreement and final order" regarding air pollution, farmers signing the agreement must pay a civil penalty ranging from $200 to $100,000; most must pay up to $2,500 to fund a National Air Emissions Study, which will monitor air pollutants on farms; and all must open their facilities to the EPA for monitoring air pollutants, and basically do whatever the EPA tells them to do - regardless of cost - forever from the time the EPA concludes its research. Click here for full story.

15 easy questions

In an effort to get to know the people who make Michigan agriculture a proud, thriving industry, Michigan Farm News asks various people to answer 15 "easy" questions. In this edition of 15 easy questions, we quizzed Ben Kudwa, executive director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. Click here for full story.

Judge temporarily stops U.S.-Canada cattle trade

Plans to conditionally reopen the U.S.-Canadian border to cattle trade March 7 were delayed at least 10 days following an injunction filed March 2 in Montana. Quick on its heels, a Senate vote the following day also took aim at the U.S. Department of Agriculture rule that would re-establish trade with Canada for live cattle under 30 months of age. Click here for full story.

Voter approval clears way for state's second ethanol plant

Voters in Lenawee County's Riga Township recently approved three zoning referendum measures helping remove one of the last obstacles in the way of Great Lakes Ethanol's bid to build and operate Michigan's second ethanol production plant. Click here for full story.

Producers honor chefs for unique pork recipes

Nine chefs from across Michigan prepared unique pork dishes in hopes of wowing judges during the Michigan Pork Producers Association's Taste of Elegance restaurant competition. Dave Rensi, head chef for St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, was named the eventual winner for his "Kashmir Trio" creation. Click here for full story.

MAES scientists study accelerated heifer growth program

Studying the effects of an accelerated heifer growth program on age and body weight at puberty and future milk production is the focus of a long-term investigation conducted by Michigan State University's Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Click here for full story.

Sugar beet rot causes $33 million loss; grower payments end

Originally estimated at a four percent loss due to persistent warm weather, the rotting sugar beet estimate "snowballed" to 15 percent of the 5.5 million tons growers delivered, resulting in losses to Michigan Sugar Co. which could reach $33 million. Click here for full story.