Midwest
John Verbrigghe, Michigan potato grower, dies
John Verbrigghe, 91, of Verbrigghe Potato Farms, died Dec. 15, in Escanaba, Michigan. Visitation is scheduled for Dec. 20 at Anderson Funeral Homes in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial is also scheduled for Dec. 20... more »
Midwest schools receive pollinator habitat grants
High school students in five Midwestern states will help imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies. Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator habitat grants to agriculture and science programs at 21 high schools in Illinois, Iowa,... more »
Farm market bus tour shows what works, what doesn’t
The weather was cooperative, the doughnuts and cookies were fresh and amazing, and the cider was hard and delicious. The Great Lakes EXPO Farm Market Bus Tour featured six stops in the Grand Rapids area... more »
In the muck and weeds: Michigan veg experts honored
The Michigan Vegetable Council honored a family farm that has raised vegetables for nearly 100 years on muck soil and a Michigan State University professor who specializes in weed management. The awards ceremony at the... more »
Michigan reminds shippers about spotted lanternflies
Michigan authorities are reminding shippers that transport plants or plant parts to California to be aware California may require a certificate of spotted lanternfly quarantine compliance. The destructive spotted lanternfly has... more »
Solar crop dehydrators startup receives funding
JUA Technologies International (JTI), an agriculture technology startup that manufactures solar-powered crop dehydrators, has received a two-year U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to further develop its multipurpose solar dehydration technology. The $600,000 Phase II Small... more »
Farm Bureau strategist joins ag consultancy
Veteran strategic communications professional Mace Thornton has joined Stratovation Group, an ag consultancy concern, as partner and chief operating officer who will lead client services. With a career spanning more than 30 years as a... more »
Reserve your spot on the EXPO Farm Market Bus Tour
The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO is near, which means it’s time to register for the annual Farm Market Bus Tour. Six educational stops await tour participants on Monday, Dec. 5, the... more »