Midwest

Migrant, seasonal workers’ contribution to Michigan’s ag industry saluted

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed July as Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Appreciation Month, providing the opportunity for Michiganders to support and appreciate this valuable workforce. In celebration, the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural... more »

Testing for ag, food processing employees reversed in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has rescinded its order requiring COVID-19 testing for agricultural employees. This change, announced June 2, is being made in light of increasing vaccination rates; declining COVID-19 cases;... more »

100 years of service celebrated by Michigan ag department

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) marked a milestone today: the 100th anniversary of the department’s creation. Then known as the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the department was created by Act 13,... more »

A one-stop shop for new farmers to find land and resources: MiFarmLink

Michigan agriculture is in transition. According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture from 2017 conducted by the USDA, nearly a third of the state’s farmers are aged 65 and over while new and beginning farmers currently make up... more »

Several specialty crop operations’ projects included in MDARD grant

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on June 30 awarded Value Added and Regional Food System grants to 18 Michigan producers, processors and community development organizations. The grants are designed to help retain,... more »

New agricultural worker testing order issued in Michigan

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued a new agricultural worker testing order, replacing the August 2020 order in its entirety. The June 2021 order includes a new definition for agricultural work, clarifies... more »

General crop management notes as Midwest finally gets rain

With a prolonged period of rain in the forecast, Michigan State University thought it would be good to cover a few things related to spraying and fertilizing around rain events. For mechanical cultivation, a little bit... more »

MSU Department of Entomology to be led by Hannah Burrack

Hannah Burrack, has been named chairperson for the Department of Entomology in the College of Natural Resources at Michigan State University. The appointment in the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan... more »