Budget cuts left agriculture out in the cold again this year. The budget for agriculture took another $1.8 million cut despite an increase in TB spending, which was far short of what the USDA recommended. The future of the use tax - which Farm Bureau opposed and joined the Ax the Tax Coalition - also is in question as lawmakers tried to find $613 million to replace it.
Looking for budget fixes in all the wrong places
With an effort reminiscent of college students pulling all-nighters, Michigan's lawmakers produced a balanced budget - past the deadline - that many politicians publicly called a good deal. Click here for full story.Soybeans stayed green this year? It's green stem disorder
Michigan soybean growers had no shortage of challenges this summer, from dry midseason conditions to soybean aphid infestations. One additional phenomenon that growers reported near the end of the season was stems that remained green long after the pods and seeds had matured. Click here for full story.'Big stick' clout remains strong for AgriPAC
A century after Theodore Roosevelt made famous the phrase "Speak softly and carry a big stick and you will go far," loud voices are everywhere. But little that deserves whacking in American politics seems to feel the stick's wrath. Click here for full story.Trees for Troops in its third year
For the third straight year, Michigan Christmas tree growers will donate trees that will allow U.S. troops to enjoy a bit of the Christmas spirit. Click here for full story.Farm Produce Insurance fund is nearly paid off
A full year earlier than expected, the Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Fund has nearly filled its coffers, and by the first of the year, farmers will no longer have to pay an assessment to insure protection against elevator bankruptcy. Click here for full story.Major fall surveys coming to Michigan
As farmers finish harvesting this year's corn and soybean crops, the USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) Michigan Field Office will conduct three major surveys. Click here for full story.