Wildlife
Researchers tackle bee decline
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MSU entomologist Rufus Isaacs talks about declining bee populations, and that Michigan bees that pollinate the state’s blueberry, cherry and apple crops.
Land
Economic potential for farmers markets expands
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Looking at farmers markets by Great Lakes Echo
As the summer weather gets nicer, farmers markets seem to be multiplying around the area. But it’s not as simple as just popping up tents and selling veggies. Current State’s Peter Whorf speaks with Dru Montri, Director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association, to talk about market trends, realities, and the work behind the markets that go unseen.
Land
Building sustainable food systems in Michigan
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Building sustainable food systems in Michigan by EmanueleB
This month, the Vermont-based local food advocacy group “Strolling of the Heifers” released its second annual Locavore Index. The index ranks states based on their commitment to local food. Michigan ranked 22 on the list. Michigan State University C.S. Mott Professor of Sustainable Agriculture Michael Hamm discusses the growth and future of the local food movement in Michigan.
Land
Rock keyboard legend Chuck Leavell talks sustainability and growth models
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The U.S population is expected to increase by 90 million in the next 30 years. According to the book “Growing a Better America: Smart, Strong,Sustainable,” now is the time for the Untied State’s to plan for that growth. The books author, Chuck Leveall, is a conservationist, co-founder of the Mother Nature Network, tree farm owner and rock-n- roll star. He’s toured with Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison and many others. Leavell discusses his thoughts on growth models, conservation and music.
Rock keyboard legend Chuck Leavell talks sustainability and growth models by Great Lakes Echo
Climate
Tart cherry insurance program may arrive next year
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Last year’s tart cherry loss has inspired a flurry of activity to explore federal crop insurance to protect Michigan growers.
Land
More farms up north mean opportunity, development
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Michigan has 10 million acres of farmland, but only 10 percent is in the north.
State farm officials say there is more opportunity and a trend of more acres being farmed in those regions.
Land
Can the Farm Bill prevent Great Lakes dead zones?
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Little additional land has been converted to cropland since the 1950’s, but a recent study reports that changes in its use could pave the way for more dead zones in the Great Lakes.
Echo
A ‘perfect storm’ for manure
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A long winter and a wet spring are a recipe for manure management headaches and potential water quality threats in the Great Lakes region.
Echo
Attacking nonpoint pollution at source
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Runoff from urban and agricultural activities has a bad rap–a recent white paper said nonpoint source pollution accounts for 76 percent of Great Lakes water pollution. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said nonpoint pollution can range from “lawn chemicals, fertilizers, road salts and petroleum products to sediment (dirt) and excessive nutrients from cities, malfunctioning home-sewage treatment systems and livestock operations.”
Ohio is taking the problem into its own hands to clean up Lake Erie. But how do you attack the source when you don’t know where it is? An easy answer: educate the humans. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources granted $75,000 toward three coastal nonpoint pollution education specialists in Lake, Lucas and Ottawa counties.
Echo
State pushes for more young farmers
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As the state’s agricultural sector continues to grow, so does the need for young farmers, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau.
While the average age of the state’s farmers was about 54 in 2007, the Department of Agriculture believes that number is currently higher.