Echo
Minnesota farmer accused of multimillion dollar organic grain scam
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A federal grand jury has indicted a Minnesota farmer for allegedly cheating buyers of more than $46 million by falsely labeling non-GMO soybeans and corn as organic.
Echo
In Northern Michigan, bison are teaching a lesson in sustainability
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Bison are on the upswing again as ranchers and government officials aim to increase their populations across the United States. And that could have implications for other livestock operations.
Wildlife
Tiny wasp could give hope to Northern Michigan cherry growers
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For the past 10 years or so, entomologists have been looking for a way to control the population of spotted wing drosophila, a fruit fly that feeds on healthy cherries and blueberries. They say they may have found their answer in releasing the samba wasp, which kills fruit flies by laying its eggs inside them.
Echo
Conservation program partnership targets farms in three Michigan watersheds
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The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was reinstated earlier this year and reimburses farmers for following proper conservation practices. To be eligible for the program, land must have a cropping history, or planting history, of four out of six years between 2012-17 and have been owned at least one year prior to applying.
Climate
Climate change increases milk production: TikTok edition
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In our newest TikTok, Echo reporter Shelby Frink discusses the results of a recent study published in Agricultural and Resources Economic Review that explores how climate change impacts milk and feed production.
Climate
Climate change increases milk production
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Researchers found that increasing temperatures from climate change may slightly increase milk production, despite the heat stress on cows. The loss of milk production through heat stress is offset by the increase in feed production.
Agriculture
Commentary: Blueberries, climate and loss of community
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In the last few decades, fluctuating temperatures in the late winter or early spring have harmed blueberry production across the state. More of that kind of trouble – and more often – may be in store for the state’s fruit-growers.
Agriculture
Tribes work to restore wild rice in areas contaminated by mining
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Dangerous metals such as arsenic and mercury have been found in wild rice beds located on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation and surrounding areas, according to research from Michigan Technological University scientists and their associates.
Echo
Pandemic shows need for more local meat processors
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As supply chain problems continue rippling from the COVID-19 pandemic, industries are learning ways to adapt. The meat market is no exception.
Agriculture
Michigan wheat farmers can’t make up for crops lost in Ukraine
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Michigan farmers can’t plant more wheat this year to make up for Ukrainian and Russian production that’s been lost to the ongoing war. A fixed supply and consistent demand for wheat leaves one thing open to change: price.