With nary a weed in sight in a field of organic snap beans, Jon Findlay has become convinced, after nearly 10 years, that organic methods are best for the soil and his bottom line. Weed control is one of the greatest challenges organic farmers face, but extra labor and fuel is offset by higher crop prices.
Judging an organic book by its cover crop
The potential for profit - like it or not - has driven the pursuit of organic agriculture in the Thumb, and growers such as Jon Findlay can give as well as they take from critics who still believe organic farming begins with an alternative lifestyle and weed-choked crops. Click here for full story.Older Canadian cattle imports to resume
On Sept. 14, USDA announced it had finalized the rule that will allow imports of Canadian cattle born after March 1, 1999, and beef from cattle of any age. The final rule was published in the Federal Register. Click here for full story.High-speed Internet crucial in rural areas, group says
American farmers cannot continue with the current digital divide between metropolitan and rural areas, according to the new executive director of the Broadband Alliance for Agriculture, a leading non-profit organization with the mission of promoting high-speed Internet access to rural America. Click here for full story.Checklist for improving soybean yields
The following checklist summarizes management practices that are proven to contribute to high-yielding soybeans. The practices are organized chronologically, beginning with the fall before the soybeans will be planted. This list can be used to identify opportunities for increasing soybean yields. Click here for full story.Public comment on wolves open until Nov. 14
People with concerns or thoughts about Michigan's new wolf management plan have until Nov. 14 to make comments to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Click here for full story.More tools available to stop deer damage to crops
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer more tools for deer management this fall, and farmers - even those who haven't suffered deer damage to their crops - are encouraged to use them to their advantage. Click here for full story.Emergency loans requested for tornado damage
The USDA's Michigan Farm Service Agency (FSA) has requested that emergency physical loss loans be made available to eight Michigan counties for damage incurred by tornadoes, hail and high winds to buildings from July 3 to Aug. 29. Click here for full story.