The future of Michigan's deer herd depends on a number of factors, including control of bovine tuberculosis. But if people continue to feed them for viewing pleasure or bait them for hunting ease, deer may find themselves in hot water all across the state, say Farm Bureau officials.
New TB case exposes baiting, feeding problems
This animal doesn't even need to have tuberculosis to stir emotions, but when testing identifies the disease, those emotions tend to get bagged into one giant mess that's proven to be as difficult to lift as a black market economy. Click here for full story.Corn referendum passes
Michigan corn growers voted to continue investing in research, market development, education and new uses for Michigan corn for five more years. Click here for full story.Prisons contract for Michigan potatoes
Michigan's 53,000 prison inmates are in the middle of the local foods movement since a contract was forged between the Michigan Department of Corrections and Hanson Farms in Delta County. Prisoners not only will eat Michigan potatoes, they'll process and bag some too. Click here for full story.Seed corn acres up again, detasselers needed
Seed corn growers in southwestern Michigan are being asked to work a little harder this year to help fill quickly increasing demand for high-quality hybrid seed. Click here for full story.Preventing soil nutrient losses during spring snowmelt
Every spring, snowmelt and rain can make managing an agricultural cropping system a challenging proposition. In addition to delaying the start of spring field work, there are other processes underway that can cause contamination of ground water and surface water. Click here for full story.Farmland preservation aided by cooperation
Michigan citizens aren't accustomed to seeing governmental entities work well together, so it was particularly noteworthy, according to Armada Township fruit and vegetable grower Ken DeCock, that five Macomb County townships pooled their resources recently for a worthy cause - permanent preservation of 41.5 acres in Richmond Township. Click here for full story.Chefs wow judges with creative pork entrees
From the international "Pan Asian trio" to the comically named "Everything but the oink," the Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA) annual Taste of Elegance featured a wide-array of entrees sure to make any pork lover's mouth water. Click here for full story.Lawmakers schooled at Ag Day at the Capitol
Ag Day at the Capitol participants aim to raise legislators' awareness of the agriculture industry's significant contributions to the state's economy, and help lawmakers develop a deeper sense of appreciation for the industry. Click here for full story.