New water uses in Michigan could be restricted, permitted, reported, and regulated under proposals currently under discussion in the state legislature. Farm Bureau policy calls for protecting water, but some people fear legislation goes too far.
Water use proposals meet hope, skepticism
It's one thing to protect Great Lakes water from being mechanically siphoned off to Nevada. It's quite another to overprotect it until it becomes useless to the people who use it to benefit people, plants and animals in Michigan, according to Farm Bureau officials. Click here for full story.Farmers told to prepare for climate policies
Farmers and ranchers must recognize that "at the policy level, the question is not whether climate change is occurring," according to the director of the USDA's Global Program Change Office. "The debate is over what to do about it." Click here for full story.Find, expand your sales with MarketMaker
As consumers become convinced that it's better for their pocketbooks, bodies and planet to buy local food products, an opportunity has arisen for farmers to connect with customers, and vice versa. Click here for full story.Farmers advised: Watch your back when wind companies call
The two most important rules about entering a lease agreement for a windmill are most obvious to folks who've already gained experience from oil and gas leases, according to Michigan Farm Bureau attorney David VanderHaagen. Click here for full story.Farmers best positioned for humane animal care
Consumers consider farmers responsible for the humane treatment of farm animals, Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, told attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) 89th annual meeting. Click here for full story.Crop insurance: Too much at risk to ignore
With so much at stake this year, including the chance to make decent profits even if input costs are through the roof, it makes sense to buy insurance, says Bob Boehm, manager of the commodities department at Michigan Farm Bureau. Click here for full story.