Midwest

Michigan farmworkers file legal challenge to state’s mandatory COVID-19 testing

Citing racial discrimination, farmworkers filed a complaint Aug. 11 in United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, challenging an Aug. 3 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) emergency order mandating... more »

13-acre corn maze in Michigan has message for COVID-19

Johnson’s Giant Pumpkin Farm near Saginaw, Michigan, has a message for the Covinovel coronavirus, and it’s spelled out loud and clear in its 13-acre corn maze. From the ground, the fall attraction at the Saginaw... more »

Michigan COVID-19 testing mandate may face legal challenge

An Aug. 3 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Emergency Order mandating COVID-19 testing by farm employers with 20 or more farmworkers has not been well-received – by employees or their employers. According... more »

Environmentally safe water management sought on Michigan farms, fields

Water quality is integral to crop health, but proper water management is also integral to protecting our natural waterways and lakes in Michigan. About 40% of Michigan’s consumptive water – water that is not returned... more »

Brandt buys retail agronomy company Morton Fertilizer

Brandt, a retailer of professional agronomic services and manufacturer of specialty input products, recently acquired a retail agronomy company, Morton Fertilizer, with full-service locations in Wyanet, Illinois and Grand Mound, Iowa, according to a news... more »

Red Gold recognizes conservation award recipients in Indiana

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Red Gold announced the winners of the Red Gold Stewardship award. Myers Sod Farm of Seymour, Indiana and Rice Farms of LaPorte, Indiana, were awarded first and second place, respectively. This presentation,... more »

Testing of ag and food processing workers required in Michigan

On Aug. 3, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon has issued an Emergency Order requiring COVID-19 testing for agricultural and food processing employees. According to a news release, the order... more »

Virtual format set for Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO

For the first time ever, the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable Farm Market EXPO will be virtual on Dec. 8-10, 2020. “After running various scenarios, discussing options with the Amway Grand Hotel and DeVos Convention Center... more »