Michigan is the country’s top producer of tart cherries but the industry is slammed by a sharp increase in lower-cost imports.
Capital News Service
Are Michigan roads ready for self-driving cars?
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How can a state that can’t patch potholes make roads smart enough for self-driving cars? Experts and the state’s transportation director discuss what it will take to prepare infrastructure for a human-driverless future.
Land
A warmer, wetter Michigan might be making potholes worse
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What connects climate change and lots of precipitation with Michigan’s proliferating potholes? Last year set a precipitation record.
Agriculture
Measure seeks to prevent potato diseases
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It may become mandatory for most potato seed growers to use only certified seed to prevent the spread of diseases that can threaten a valuable part of Michigan’s agricultural economy, under a bill awaiting the governor’s signature.
Agriculture
Farmers eye tariff as potential trouble
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Many farmers are worried about possible retaliatory trade tariffs for agricultural products that Michigan exports to China and elsewhere. We talk to soybean, milk and agri-business groups about the potential impacts.
Land
Potholes plague road agencies, drivers
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Rising temperatures and heavy rains have done a number on Michigan’s roads, and local road agencies are scrambling to patch potholes and make other repairs under difficult conditions.
Land
Michigan driver education may add bicycle safety lesson
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At a time when bicycle-vehicle crashes are on the rise, a bill working its way through the Michigan Legislature would require driver ed programs to provide training about bicycle safety.
Capital News Service
More money sought to clean up brownfields
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Michigan Governor Rick Snyder wants higher dumping fees to raise money to clean up abandoned contaminated industrial sites known as brownfields.
Land
Farmers confront too much milk, low prices
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Dairy farmers who produce Michigan’s top agricultural commodity — milk — are still being slammed by low prices and overproduction.
Land
After GMO resistance, gene-editing technology is the next new thing
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The director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development bemoans a lack of science in public decision making, including what she calls unwarranted opposition to genetically modified foods, a consumer push for cage-free eggs and skepticism about new ag technologies.
Agriculture
Wineries rise in Michigan but more grapes needed
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Michigan’s wine industry continues to grow with number of approved wineries rising from 55 to 138 in the past 10 years, including new ones in Charlevoix, Onsted, Hastings, Baroda and Metro Detroit. An inadequate supply of Michigan-grown grapes, rather than possible oversaturation of the market, might be the major concern for the industry.