Michigan's mandatory electronic cattle identification tag program stands as a high point in a recent TB program review from the USDA. Two consecutive reports critical of how the program is run have shown that the state's chances to gain TB-Free status have been delayed by nearly a year due to various challenges that have not been met. MDA officials say the program is now back on track. Shown applying a tag at last year's Ag Expo is MSU's Dan Buskirk.
TB-Free status delayed after state fails USDA review
Michigan cannot hope for TB-Free status until at least October, 2008 because the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and its veterinary services department failed two consecutive USDA reviews. Click here for full story.Homeland Security action disrupts two of top three state industries
As Michigan farmers try to find enough labor to get their crops planted and harvested this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased its activities, which could cause significant disruption in Michigan's second and third largest industries, agriculture and tourism, according to Craig Anderson, manager of the Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program at Michigan Farm Bureau. That makes it extremely important to require workers to complete the proper forms. Click here for full story.MAEAP bills provide common sense to environmental issues
A first step toward victory for farmers who want to see common sense applied to their environmental regulations was taken recently when the so-called MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program) legislation passed the Senate and was referred to the state House of Representatives. Click here for full story.Get sprayers ready for soybean aphids, MSU expert says
The first soybean aphids have appeared in Michigan fields, so Michigan State University (MSU) Extension entomologists say it's not too early to make sure spray equipment is correctly calibrated and ready to use should the need arise. Click here for full story.Free well water testing offered at Ag Expo
Agricultural producers and other homeowners interested in learning whether their well water contains nitrate or the pesticide atrazine can bring water samples for free screening at Ag Expo 2007, July 17-19 at Michigan State University (MSU). Click here for full story.Deadline
Sign-up for fire blight financial relief due by June 29 Click here for full story.DEQ fines Vreba-Hoff again; new manure system in the works
In the end, neither the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) nor Vreba-Hoff Dairy got what they wanted, but a court-ordered agreement signed in early June created a compromise that left both able to save face and continue down their current paths. Click here for full story.