Cucurbits of all types will be in trouble this year if downy mildew makes a third consecutive appearance. Growers are combating the disease with an educational campaign this year, and a producer-funded indemnity program is being considered.
Growers in a pickle over downy mildew
Without reasonable caution, relatively expensive fungicide treatment and, perhaps, without a producer-funded indemnity program, growers enter the 2007 season leaning into a strong wind. Downy mildew might blow back through, or it might not even arrive to destroy the crop. A lot depends on producers. Click here for full story.Waiting for a program payment? Keep waiting
Farmers waiting for their Loan Deficiency, Direct and Countercyclical (DCP) and Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) checks should prepare to wait even longer. Click here for full story.Sheep breeders could add value if they supply soldier's rear guard
U.S. soldiers have covered civilian rears all around the world for generations, so it seems only fair that U.S. citizens - civilian sheep breeders in this case - return the favor. Click here for full story.Protect your water rights by reporting
April 1 is the deadline for reporting agricultural water use for 2006. Legislation passed early in 2006 changed how the state controls large volume water use. Click here for full story.What does ethanol mean for corn?
I've been asked often about what all these new ethanol plants mean to Michigan agriculture. While I do not claim to know all the costs and benefits, a good start is to build a Michigan corn supply/use balance sheet. Click here for full story.Farm Produce Insurance Fund remains vital in good grain market
For the most part, business these days is good for Michigan grain farmers. Not only are prices up significantly for corn and soybeans, but Michigan producers have the added benefit of being able to proactively protect themselves against a grain dealer going bust - an event which can happen even in robust economic times. Click here for full story.