Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/tag/agriculture/page/16/)
All stories related to farming, including urban agriculture.
As workers at many farms and orchards become more and more scarce, the need for mechanical harvesting is rising.
Blueberries, cherries and grapes are all increasingly being harvested by machines rather than farm workers.
Michigan farmers are increasingly turning to technology to track weather, map the precise spreading of fertilizers and seeds and follow prices for input and services.
Their only hurdle? Dealing with often shoddy broadband Internet service.
The Farmers’ Almanac has been around longer than all of us – and injected itself into countless pop culture references. But just how valid and trustworthy are its famed and oft-cited weather predictions?
While homeowners may not be thrilled with Asian lady beetles, researchers are examining how the beetles control aphids, a pest that eats away at soybeans and other plants.
MSU entomologist Rufus Isaacs talks about declining bee populations, and that Michigan bees that pollinate the state’s blueberry, cherry and apple crops.
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.
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.
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
Last year’s tart cherry loss has inspired a flurry of activity to explore federal crop insurance to protect Michigan growers.
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.