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Posts Tagged ‘Michigan’
Sunday, January 15th, 2012
At a meeting of farm advocates in Battle Creek, Michigan, Senator Debbie Stabenow addressed the anticipated fight over this year’s Farm Bill.
Stabenow, as the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, is uniquely positioned to discuss the Farm Bill and other issues affecting American farmers.
The 2012 Farm Bill has long been a subject of heated debate and speculation. With many provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill set to expire at the end of this year, lawmakers have been maneuvering to pass a new bill.
Added to this tense situation is the recent struggle over deficit spending and the budget. In the wake of fights over the debt ceiling, lawmakers have been looking for nearly $2 trillion to eliminate from the federal budget. Given these recent austerity measures, finding money for farm programs has been increasingly difficult.
Stabenow discussed the recent failure of the Congressional supercommittee, which attempted to pass a renewed Farm Bill as part of its larger budget. Stabenow expressed disappointment about this failure and told crowds that the supercommittee’s failure will send the Farm Bill back to regular congressional channels, a move that could lead to severe budget reductions.
Stabenow remains optimistic about the eventual passage of the bill. “We are steadily moving forward even in a climate of deficit reduction,” Stabenow stated.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: Debbie Stabenow, farm bill, Michigan
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Monday, December 26th, 2011
According to studies by Michigan State University, the economic recession is bad for farm animals, particularly horses. While no concrete numbers are available, researchers believe that the rise in animal neglect over the past several years is connected to the nation’s economic health.
Over the past several years, horse rescue organizations have been overwhelmed nationwide. Since 2007, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of unwanted and abandoned horses across the country. A 2009 survey revealed that about 89 percent of horse rescue groups feel that the number of unwanted horses is a problem. In part, this is due to the bad economy. With animal feed costs rising, some farmers cannot afford to keep their horses.
Another cause of this horse abandonment is the closure of horse slaughterhouses in 2007. When those facilities closed, many farmers resorted to giving horses away for free or abandoning them altogether.
A new federal law reauthorizing the slaughtering of horses for human consumption may help reduce the number of abandoned animals. Critics, however, argue that horse slaughterhouses are inhumane and that the real cause of animal abandonment is over breeding by farmers.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm animals, horses, Michigan, recession
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Monday, December 19th, 2011
The Michigan government took the first steps towards amending the Right to Farm Act in order to encourage urban agriculture in economically depressed Detroit.
The Right to Farm Act was first passed in Michigan in the 1980s. The goal of Michigan’s law, as well as similar laws in other states, was to reduce nuisance complaints aimed at farms. The act limited a municipality’s ability to regulate local farming, leaving much of that power in the hands of the state government. In addition, it limited the ability of locals to make nuisance complaints, often involving farm odors or dust pollution, against local farmers.
Supported by farmers and a bipartisan group of legislators, the popular act ran into trouble in the wake of the urban farming craze. Over the past several years, major cities have gradually begun embracing urban farming, the transformation of unused or vacant city land into small agricultural plots.
Urban farming, advocates hope, can create much-needed jobs, revitalize downtown areas, and could meet the nutritional needs of city residents.
The problem in Detroit, however, was that the city, afraid of potential fallout from odor and traffic problems, was unwilling to cede total regulatory power, finding it easier to disallow urban farming altogether.
The amendment that was recently approved by the State Agriculture Commission would exempt cities larger than 100,000 people from much of the Right to Farm Act. Detroit officials are hopeful that these exemptions will help encourage an agricultural and economic renaissance within the city.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: detroit, Michigan, Right to Farm, urban farming
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Sunday, December 4th, 2011
According to insiders in the Michigan State Senate, the legislature is considering a series of amendments to the state’s Right to Farm Bill. The Bill, supported by the Michigan Farm Bureau, which lobbied extensively for its passage, was created to protect farmers from regulation by municipal governments. The bill prevented municipalities from exercising zoning control or regulatory authority over Michigan farms, instead, leaving that power up to the state government.
The problem that some cities face in the wake of this bill regards the future of urban farming. The relatively new phenomenon is sweeping urban centers across the country. By transforming empty urban land into small farms, advocates says, cities can create jobs, revitalize their downtowns, and boost struggling economies. A recent study by Michigan State University suggested that by farming 5,000 acres, Detroit could create nearly 30,000 jobs and provide for 70 percent of its food needs.
The difficulty arises in the fact that many cities in Michigan, particularly economically depressed Detroit, are reluctant to give up regulatory authority over city farms. Rather than risk potential problems like traffic or odor, many cities find it easier to prohibit urban agriculture altogether.
The legislation currently being discussed would exempt Detroit from key provisions in the Right to Farm Bill.
Tonia Ritter, governmental affairs manager for the Michigan Farm Bureau, stated that the organization supports urban farming movements, but is concerned that amending the Right to Farm Bill could weaken vital provisions that protect farming in the state.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: detroit, Michigan, Right to Farm, urban farming
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Sunday, October 9th, 2011
According to the Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan science curricula may be tilting too far to the left. The controversy arose when the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center, an outreach program for advanced K-12 students in the Battle Creek, Michigan area, included a self-published book on global warming as a part of their curriculum.
The book, “A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids,” was included as a part of the BCAMSC’s seventh grade science kit, which has been purchased by about 35 schools across the state. This marks the first year that the book has been included in BCAMSC science kits and, since the climate change section in Michigan schools does not appear until midway through the school year, students have not yet seen the book.
The problem, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau, is that the book has an inaccurate and ideologically guided understanding of farm practices. For example, the author claims that vegetarianism can reduce “energy consumption, methane gas, and the potential for disease outbreak.” The book also describes conditions on animal farms as unnatural and horrible.
These indictments of the farm industry are unfair, spokesmen for the Michigan Farm Bureau claim, and ignore many of the efforts made by farmers to mitigate animal suffering on farms and limit the emission of greenhouse gasses. In addition, some of the claims the book makes, such as the idea that farm chemicals will cause cancer, have no supporting evidence.
The book, the Farm Bureau claims, is concerned more with ideology than with science. The Farm Bureau also went to great lengths to praise the overall curriculum of the BCAMSC, saying that it supports teaching the science of climate change. This one book, however, frequently strays from the group’s overall sound curriculum.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: climate change, farm bureau, Michigan
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Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Earlier this week, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder stopped in Shanghai as a part of a trade tour in the People’s Republic of China. Snyder’s visit is part of a three day trade delegation meeting designed to explore trade opportunities for China, the United States, and the state of Michigan. Accompanying Snyder is a team of government, university, and business officials.
Of particular importance for many Michiganders is the future of agricultural trade between Michigan and China. Top state officials say that if the trade talks go well that Michigan cherries, blueberries, cranberries, and other high value agricultural products could be heading to China. Michigan fruits were among the most demanded produce in the trade talks held so far.
In addition to fruits, many Michigan farmers are interested in the future of soybeans, a major crop in the state. As China develops economically, its standard of living has been rising. With the growth of the Chinese middle class come new dietary practices, including the consumption of more and more meat. As such, soybean producers in the U.S. have seen increased foreign demand for soybeans and other feed crops.
Currently the state’s 71$ billion agricultural sector exported over $50 million worth of agricultural goods, much of them going to Asia. While the trip is not necessarily concerned with forging specific trade deals, many politicians hope that strengthening the relationship between China and Michigan will lead to more lucrative deals in the future.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: china, Michigan, Rick Snyder, soybeans
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Monday, October 3rd, 2011
For the second consecutive year, membership in the Michigan farm Bureau has increased. Regular farmer membership is up to 48,178, an increase from last year of over 1,000 and non-regular associate membership is up to 145, 636, an increase of about 600.
The benefits for individuals and businesses that join the Farm Bureau are many. In addition to access to networking and leadership opportunities, members of the Farm Bureau can participate in grassroots advocacy movements which help develop farm policy, and receive access to discounts from a wide variety of stores and shops.
Michigan, like the rest of the United States, is suffering from the effects of the economic recession. Most industries in the state are currently struggling and many are shrinking or collapsing outright. In the light of these hard economic times, many Michigan politicians have hoped that agricultural production could strengthen the state economy and help blunt the edge of the recession. Cities such as Detroit have embraced urban farming, for example, hoping to revitalize unused city property and create desperately needed urban jobs.
The hopes that many Michiganders have pinned on the agriculture sector appear to be paying off. The steady growth in Farm Bureau membership in the midst of such economic turmoil indicates the strength of the agricultural industry as a whole. Hopefully with increased membership, the Michigan Farm Bureau can add much needed clout to the struggle for a far and equitable Farm Bill for 2012.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: farm bureau, Michigan, usda
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Saturday, August 13th, 2011
Over the past twenty years, Sagniaw, Michigan has been experimenting with using human waste as fertilizer. Since 1989, Saginaw has been converting human waste into farm fertilizer. Following strict Department of Environmental Quality rules and regulations, Saginaw has contracted out to companies who remove harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses from human waste. The processed fertilizer is then distributed to willing farmers across the Great Lakes Region.
The use of biosolids, as they are called, has significant fiscal benefits. The city of Saginaw spends over $500,000 annually to hire trucking companies to haul biosolids across the state and across the Midwest, money that is helpful to companies feeling the pinch of the ongoing U.S. recession. In addition, the state spends several hundred thousand dollars to purchase the necessary chemical to treat biosolids and render them safe for agricultural use. In addition to stimulating local businesses, Saginaw distributes biosolids for free, allowing some farmers to save money on fertilizer costs.
Biosolids, however, come with some difficulties. The transformation of this free industry into a for-profit venture would be difficult, if not impossible, Saginaw officials say. The needed machinery to dewater the initial sludge is costly, which makes commercial applications of biosolids unlikely.
In addition, there is a stigma attached to using human waste as agricultural fertilizer. Many residents complain when their neighbors use biosoldis, citing unpleasant odors. The idea itself is enough to dissuade many farmers, even though the price is right. Overall, only one percent of crops in the U.S. are grown using biosolid fertilizer.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: biosolids, fertilizer, Michigan
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Earlier this week, Detroit, a long-time advocate of innovative urban farming measures, opened its first commercial farm. Hantz Farms purchased about 3.5 acres of vacant land from the city, land that they will use to plant about 1,000 trees in the fall.
This is hardly the first project proposed by Hantz Farm. Earlier in the year, the farm suggested a 2,000 acre project in Detroit that would grow fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural goods. This plan has not yet been approved by the city council. The city’s reluctance has not stopped Michael Score, president of Hantz Farms, who still hopes to expand his urban farming plots to include food production.
Commercial urban farming remains a controversial subject in Detroit. Many people see it as a way to revitalize the city’s urban center. Detroit has long suffered from high unemployment and a crumbling downtown. In addition to high joblessness, the city currently contains countless acres of vacant land. Supporters of urban agriculture hope that commercial farms will make use of empty lots while simultaneously giving jobs to people who desperately need them.
Opponents, however, worry that urban agriculture represents a large-scale corporate handout. Many fear that these commercial farms will occupy and misuse municipal land for few benefits to city residents. In addition, they are concerned that commercial farming within city limits could have negative effects on city traffic (depending on how many farm vehicles are needed on urban plots) and pollution in local neighborhoods.
While the details of a large-scale urban farming movement remain to be worked out, Score and other farm advocates hope that this farm will serve as a model for future farms.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: detroit, Michigan, urban farming
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011
The economic recession that struck the United States in 2008 has been felt particularly hard in Michigan. The state economy has long been sluggish since the decline of the auto industry and the recent economic downturn has helped drive young people out of the state. Rural communities in particular have suffered from the demographic decline. Recent census information shows that the rural Michigan population is far below the state average, particular in the 18-35 age group.
Locals hope that the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help revitalize the rural economy and help staunch the hemorrhaging of young people. As part of the USDA’s recent rural internet program, Owendale, Michigan and other small towns are set to receive over $125 million in federal funds to create a wireless internet network, which they hope will help stimulate the job market.
Owendale’s population problem, like much of Michigan, stems from a lack of jobs. The USDA hopes that internets funds, and the development of both an internet network as well as new electrification programs, will create small businesses. Expanding the connections between communities, they hope, will enable business to expand and will create more jobs.
While some locals are apprehensive about the changing rural landscape, others are optimistic that the USDA program will stabilize the economy. In addition, some residents are worried that USDA budget cuts could jeopardize the internet programs, dooming rural communities to economic stagnation.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: Michigan, usda, wireless internet
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