Mark Elzinga explains some of the inner workings of the solar heating system in his greenhouse near Portage during a tour in celebration of his businessÃs MAEAP verification last year. The solar system, which heats water and sends it through tubes to warm the greenhouse floor, may end up being a greater tax drain than energy cost saver.
Taxing the wind, the sun and a grower's patience
For $630,000, Mark Elzinga was given an alternative energy system and an education. For an extra $7,700, he learned that doing the right thing for his greenhouse business - and the country - isn't really what state government wants after all. Click here for full story.White wheat problems spark talk of crop insurance changes
After sorting through confusion over last year's wheat quality, there's one thing that has become very clear to growers, elevators and millers. Wheat quality - especially white wheat - will never again be held to standards based on sprout sightings alone. Click here for full story.New wetlands bill restricts DEQ rulemaking
Regarded as one of the best marketing campaigns in modern times, two folksy, wader-wearing cranberry farmers stand amid their luscious floating berries and pitch their product to consumers. Click here for full story.Court ruling could stop use of GMO beet seed
A federal court decision could jeopardize the ability of Michigan farmers to plant sugar beets genetically engineered to withstand weed control products and boost yields, according to Michigan Farm Bureau officials. Click here for full story.