Midwest

Valent Biosciences to expand Iowa facility

Valent BioSciences LLC plans to expand its biorational manufacturing facility in Osage, Iowa, meet increasing demand for its biorational products and the introduction of new products requiring more capacity. Construction will begin this summer and... more »

Wildlife funds to promote cover crops in Indiana, Michigan

To improve water quality and wildlife habitat, Ducks Unlimited (DU) and its partners are spearheading an effort to use almost $400,000 to help Indiana and Michigan farmers implement 75,000 acres of cover crops over four... more »

Michigan onion growers vote to continue promotion group

Michigan onion producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Onion Promotion and Development Program. The changes were presented by the Michigan Onion Committee, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell... more »

Rupp Seeds sells grain and forage division to focus on vegetables

Rupp Seeds, Wauseon, Ohio, has sold its grain and forage seed business to Rob-See-Co, of Elkhorn, Nebraska, to focus investments and research on its vegetables seed business. “We have great opportunity to expand our product... more »

Michigan onion producers to vote on program continuation, amendments

Michigan’s onion producers will have an opportunity to vote on the continuation of the Onion Promotion and Development Program for an additional five years and on proposed changes to the program. The referendum, conducted by... more »

Michigan’s VanSingel Farms closing, auction scheduled

After 38 successful years of business for the owners at VanSingel Farms Produce of Grant, Michigan, they have decided it is time to retire and with that will be closing their doors. VanSingel Farms Produce... more »

Work ongoing at MSU Entomology’s new Pollinator Performance Center

In March, builders began to convert an existing facility on Michigan State University Campus farms into the new MSU Pollinator Performance Center. A partnership among the Department of Entomology, Michigan State University (MSU) AgBioResearch and MSU Extension provided... more »

Pumpkin production can benefit from conservation practices

Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) are a common vegetable crop sold at local pumpkin patches and farmers markets, in addition to commercial production. In 2019, the value of harvested pumpkin was worth $180 million. In addition to... more »