Land

Snow delays spring corn planting, asparagus harvest

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By Nick Stanek

Farmers may be off to a late start this year after snowfall and low temperatures put them behind schedule. There is good news and bad news associated with the snow. The heavy snow insulated the ground, protecting micro-organisms that are good for corn. But the high water remaining in fields could strain the industry, said corn grower Scott Lonier, owner of Lonier Farms near Lansing. “We are at the mercy of Mother Nature right now,” he said.

Land

Connecting environmental justice and biodiversity

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When the U.S. Supreme Court held last year that farmers can be liable for damages if they use patented seeds for more than one planting, the decision highlighted a debate over growers’ rights, intellectual property and agricultural sustainability.

Land

Michigan proposes local control of backyard livestock

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An important debate over urban farming in Michigan continues today in Lansing. Officials from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and others will discuss proposed rule changes governing farm animals in developed, residential areas.