Where animals congregate in numbers large enough to constitute a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), permit applications are required by July 1 by Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The extent of the DEQ's authority to demand permits in light of the 2005 Waterkeeper court decision, however, has yet to be determined. - Photo credit: NRCS
Conflict brewing over CAFO permitting
Every Michigan livestock producer with more than 1,000 animal units on the farm must apply to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit by July 1. Click here for full story.A quick review of the Waterkeeper decision
In 2005, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Waterkeeper Alliance both challenged a rule about concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Click here for full story.Stars named at 79th Michigan FFA Convention
With more than 5,400 members in the Michigan FFA, only four step into the spotlight and earn the right to be called a star. Named at the 79th Michigan FFA State Convention on March 8th, 2007, this year's Star in Agriscience is Amanda Earl of the Branch Area Career Center. Click here for full story.Could MAEAP reign as the law of the land?
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) was developed as a voluntary approach to assess and assure sound environmental practices on Michigan farms, regardless of size. And it's not going to go away, even if large livestock farmers are required to get an NPDES permit. Too many people believe in it, and it's too effective to simply die. It's helped nearly 400 Michigan farms tenderly care for the environment and comply with environmental law. Click here for full story.MSU alternative fuels leader briefs President Bush
Bruce Dale spent two hours recently with President George W. Bush, and left the White House more optimistic than ever before that the United States will have cellulosic ethanol in production sooner than most people think. Click here for full story.How MAEAP prevents pollution
So far, 139 large concentrated animal feeding Operations (CAFOs) have been verified under the voluntary Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). To date, only two of those farms have discharged pollutants, but no environmental damage was done. Click here for full story.