Echo
Dogs may threaten beach health, water supply
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says dogs produce 10 million tons of feces annually.
When it isn’t picked up, it can pollute waterways and threaten public health.
Recreation
Commission considers canoe, kayak registration
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The chair of Michigan’s Waterways Commission has a plan to generate new revenue for inland and Great Lakes harbors — require state registrations for non-motorized watercraft.
Land
New website posts food safety inspection reports
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The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has a lunched an online system that enables consumers to easily access inspection results from more than 19,000 groceries and other retail food establishments. MiSafe gives consumers access to inspection results for grocery and convenience stores, including violations since September 2011.
Echo
Archaeologists shed new light on ancient farming
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To many archaeologists and other experts, Michigan holds a wealth of evidence about the past and remains an important player in providing insights to the past.
For example, new developments in the archaeological world include research on ancient farming practices in Michigan and elsewhere in the region.
Water
Deadline approaches for grants to remove or maintain aging dams
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will spend $2.35 million on a dam management program in 2013, the first time the department has been granted money by the Legislature to address problems of aging dams.
Echo
Young farmers struggle to buy Michigan farmland
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Tom Nugent, director of field operations for Michigan Farm Bureau, said its Young Farmers program, started in 1935, is designed to give beginners a solid foundation for a future in farming. Nugent said the program offers benefits and resources young farmers need to create a business plan and take steps to owning their own farm.
Climate
Drought means Michigan dairy farmers face increasing costs
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Despite recent rains, the 2012 drought – the most destructive in 50 years – has driven many Michigan dairy farmers into “survival mode”.
The dry weather reduced crop yields, tightening the feed supply.
Echo
Ag industry hopes to grow high-tech workers
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Michigan agriculture is struggling to find qualified workers to fill positions at all levels, and one challenge is informing potential employees that modern agriculture is a high-tech industry in need of people with the right skills, according to the Michigan Agri-Business Association.
At an egg factory, a robot counts how many eggs each chicken has laid. A computer detects the purity of each egg, and checks for cracks.At a dairy farm, a computer calculates how much milk cows can produce each day by recognizing unique IDs on their tags.
And association President Jim Byrum said, “Agriculture is being revolutionized by cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements.”
Echo
Proposal would limit pet primates
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It would become illegal for most people in Michigan to own primates as pets under a revived legislative proposal.
The bill stems from a monkey attack in Trenton.
Echo
A dozen Michigan organizations receive specialty crop grants
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This October in Michigan the federal government awarded grants to a dozen food and agriculture organizations for projects that include improving fruit production, promoting cleaner soil and studying crop pollination. The $1.3 million is divided among 12 recipients, including the Michigan Vegetable Council in Erie, Michigan Farm Bureau in Lansing, Lakeshore Environmental Inc. in Grand Haven and Michigan State University in East Lansing.
These organizations and their projects were selected by the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to receive the federal grants.