News
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March 2014 Landowner Oil and Gas Newsletter available
Published on May 1, 2014
The current newsletter features mineral right offers, oil and gas development in Michigan and increasing interest in Michigan's mineral deposits. -
Questions for those considering "direct marketing" of farm products
Published on April 30, 2014
U-pick and farm stand sales can be great for some people, but make sure this marketing approach will fit your personality. -
This summer you might be paying more for your summer brats and hotdogs
Published on April 28, 2014
A virus infecting swine herds could result in a smaller supply of pork this summer. -
Certified Animal Welfare Audits for Farms: Part 1 – The Leap
Published on April 23, 2014
Preparing your farm for a Certified Animal Welfare Audit can be a daunting task. This series of articles will provide guidance about how to prepare and some of the things to expect on the journey. -
Certified Animal Welfare Audits for Farms: Part 3 – Certified Programs
Published on April 23, 2014
Part 3 in preparing for a Certified Animal Welfare audit for your farm looks at where you can go as a producer or a consumer to get more information about available audits. -
Certified Animal Welfare Audits for Farms: Part 2 – Self-Made Claims
Published on April 23, 2014
Part 2 in this series of articles looks at why industry needs to consider Certified Farm Animal Welfare Audits. -
Offers to sell mineral rights should be considered carefully: Part 2
Published on April 16, 2014
Landowners and mineral owners in Michigan are receiving offers to sell rather than lease their mineral rights. Part 1 defined “mineral property” and “partnering together” with the buyer. -
Offers to sell mineral rights should be considered carefully: Part 1
Published on April 16, 2014
Landowners and mineral owners in Michigan are receiving offers to sell rather than lease their mineral rights. There are many things to consider both short term and long term when evaluating the sale of mineral rights. -
Emergency response to manure spills – Are you prepared? Part 1
Published on April 10, 2014
With spring-like weather finally arriving in most parts of Michigan, livestock producers are looking to get in the field to spread manure before planting season arrives. -
Farmers should delay spring manure applications until field conditions improve
Published on April 10, 2014
Allowing fields to dry out before applying manure will reduce compaction and allow for normal crop growth and production. Manure storage nearing full capacity need to be monitored and emergency action plans developed until field conditions improve. -
What could an employee handbook do for your farm?
Published on April 10, 2014
Employers who look to employee handbooks as policy manuals meant to keep them out of trouble are missing other opportunities. -
An inside look at how meat and poultry plants clean everything
Published on April 10, 2014
An entire shift is dedicated each day to sanitation in meat and poultry plants. -
Transport Quality Assurance program recently updated
Published on April 3, 2014
Pork producers, employees and handlers can renew TQA Certification online. -
Capital costs impact a farm’s bottom line
Published on March 26, 2014
Profits over the past couple of years have allowed farms to upgrade equipment and buildings, changing your bottom line and cost of production. -
Integrity in business
Published on March 26, 2014
Integrity should be a cornerstone value for your business as well as your life. Check yourself to make sure you are a person of integrity and then communicate that value to your employees. -
Proper calibration of fertilizer spreaders reduce uneven application
Published on March 24, 2014
As producers prepare for spring planting, Michigan State University Extension recommends calibrating spreaders and making sure operators are well-trained and familiar with the equipment they will soon be using. -
365 sunrises and 7 billion mouths to feed – Ag Day 2014
Published on March 20, 2014
National Ag Day takes place March 25, 2014. -
Do nitrification inhibitors help retain manure N in the rootzone?
Published on March 20, 2014
Nitrification inhibitors added to manure during application may reduce N lost in situations with unfavorable weather conditions. -
Taking proper precautions prior to county fair and exhibition events can safeguard animal health
Published on March 14, 2014
Consider vaccination and biosecurity protocols for the 2014 show season. -
Deciphering the Agriculture Act of 2014 - Farm Bill
Published on March 14, 2014
Farmers scramble to learn more about the new Agriculture Act of 2014 or “Farm Bill” before planting season starts.