ANR in the News
ANR in the News is provided by ANR Communications
For more information, contact: Dr. Ruth Borger
517-432-1555, ext. 153
It’s Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Welcome to the ANR News, a weekly update of news and events about Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. The following are recent stories naming MSU ANR [CANR, MAES, MSUE] people and programs in major national, regional, and local media outlets
September 25, 2009
Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Animal welfare legislation passes House
Recently approved legislation in the Michigan House of Representatives aims to increase certain animal welfare standards in the state's agriculture industry, and local industry experts say they know what is best for their animals. Kevin Gould, who is in the agriculture industry and is also an educator at the Michigan State University Extension, said animals that aren't treated well usually don't produce well, and the ultimate goal for the agriculture industry is to be as productive and profitable as possible. http://www.sentinel-standard.com/articles/2009/09/18/news/01news.txt
September 24, 2009
WLKM
Centreville Fair salutes farmers
Agriculture is an important part of life and work in St. Joseph County. That being the case, it’s also a key element of the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. This year’s fair is going a step further in recognizing the importance of agriculture by staging “A Salute to the American Farmer” on Friday (September 25th) with a variety of activities at the Community Tent from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tribute to farmers is a joint effort by the fair and St. Joseph County MSU Extension. Both have supported the farming community for many years, but there has never been an event specifically to recognize farmers and the contribution they make to the community. http://www.wlkm.com/?p=7484
Related Story: http://www.rivercountryjournal.com/?p=15390
September 24, 2009
MSU News
MSU scientist helps map potato genome; move will improve crop yield
It's been cultivated for at least 7,000 years and spread from South America to grow on every continent except Antarctica. Now the humble potato has had its genome sequenced. "The potato is the most important vegetable worldwide," said Robin Buell, an MSU associate professor of plant biology. She was part of the consortium that released the first draft sequence of the potato genome. "This first draft that is being released will help breeders improve yield, quality, disease resistance and nutritional value." Buell's potato genome sequencing research is funded by the National Science Foundation and was done in collaboration with Chris Town, of the J. Craig Venter Institute, and Jiming Jiang, of the University of Wisconsin. The research of Buell and Douches also is funded by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. http://news.msu.edu/story/6870/
September 24, 2009
Detroit News
Local food producers, growers shaking things up
Beyond the Shaker is among a growing number of small food-based businesses springing up in Michigan, as demand for locally grown and locally produced foods skyrockets. Like the McVetys, many of these entrepreneurs spend months toiling in their kitchens, perfecting their recipes for pickles, cookies and dips, before starting their companies. Business incubators such as Michigan State University's Product Center are seeing more residents asking for help with concepts and business plans as they launch their products. Two years ago, three or four people were seeking help each week, but now there are eight or nine, said Tom Kalchik, the Product Center's associate director. http://www.detnews.com/article/20090924/BIZ/909240352/1001
September 24, 2009
Los Angeles Times
Perennial wheat holds promise for farmers, environment but decades more research needed
As Steve Culman squatted in the southwestern Michigan farm field, he used his left hand to gently clasp several dead wheat stalks still in the ground, then pointed with his right toward something remarkable near the bottom of them. There were new sprouts of wheat, emerging shortly after the summer harvest. Culman is a researcher at Michigan State University, which recently won a four-year $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to further the development of a new type of wheat that would help reduce soil erosion while saving growers money, time and labor. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-farm-scene-perennial-wheat,0,6644760.story
Related Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/24/AR2009092400211.html
September 23, 2009
Midland Daily News
Barnyard Classroom
A push of a button sent corn up a grain elevator, causing a chorus of cheers from students gathered at the 22nd annual Laurenz Farm Tour. The farm tour is sponsored by MSU Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program and Midland County Farm Bureau, with assistance from the Breckenridge chapter of the Future Farmers of America. The event brought together more than 800 fourth grade students from across the county to learn about life on a farm. At various stations, they learned about animals, grains, soils, popcorn, machinery, water conservation, where milk comes from and more. Rusty Laurenz, son of farm owners Gerald and Carolyn Laurenz, taught students about grain storage before sending the corn up the elevator. The students all wanted to see it pour back into a truck from high above, and they cheered when he pulled a lever and it started to flow back down. http://ourmidland.com/articles/2009/09/23/local_news/2109111.txt
September 23, 2009
Entrepreneur
The Union of Town and Gown
In economically hard-hit Michigan, there’s at least one thing going right: Michigan State University is pulling no punches in an effort to create and incubate new local business ventures. The MSU Product Center for Agricultural and Natural Resources is commercializing new food manufacturers. The Lansing Area Economic Partnership is working with MSU-bred startups to find resources to keep them in the community. The Prima Civitas Foundation, partly funded by MSU, is working to bring biotech and alternative energy projects to central Michigan. MSU Technologies is a tech transfer office on steroids and--along with MSU Business Connect, which links businesses with local resources--is the anchor tenant in East Lansing’s new Technology Innovation Center. http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/October/203418-4.html
September 22, 2009
River Country Journal
Household Hazardous Waste collection and recycling day set for October 3rd
A Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection and recycling of electronics, tires and paper will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Annex II – the MSU Extension office parking lot – in Centreville. In essence, it will be FOUR PROGRAMS in ONE DAY. For disposal of HHW, read the label for warning words like flammable, corrosive, danger, and toxic. The following are a few examples of acceptable items: acid, adhesives, mercury, pesticides, and solvents. Latex paint and waste oil are not accepted. The hazardous waste collection is only for St. Joseph County households. However, the electronics recycling is open to businesses. http://www.rivercountryjournal.com/?p=15318
September 22, 2009
The State News
Great Lakes cleanup plan faces Congress approval
Growing up in Traverse City, advertising sophomore Marie Bodnar spent a lot of time enjoying the Great Lakes, but she said in recent years she has noticed changes in water levels and cleanliness. “The past five years, it’s been really low, and I have really noticed the difference,” she said. “If the water isn’t in good shape, it won’t help the economic situation either.” Significant amounts of toxic sediment and water quality problems classify an area as an area of concern, said Pat Norris, an MSU professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/09/great_lakes_cleanup_plan_faces_congress_approval
September 22, 2009
Traverse City Record Eagle
Area grape crop makes late-season recovery
The watch is on for the first major frost in the low-lying grape-growing areas of northwest Lower Michigan. It would be best if it doesn't freeze for another four weeks, Kroupa said. "I think this September is a saving grace for grapes this year," said Nikki Rothwell, director of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station in Leelanau County. http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_265072634.html
September 18, 2009
Lansing State Journal
Okemos students create a 'green' roof
Initially, all a group of Okemos High School students wanted was a storage shed to stash Styrofoam trays and other recycled items. Sedum is ideal for such an area because it can handle changes in the water level. The green roof, which is sloped to catch the rain and direct it downward, will be fertile ground for various science experiments involving rainfall and runoff, among other topics. "I commend you all for carrying this through," Michigan State University horticulture professor Dr. Brad Rowe told the students and others who gathered for the dedication. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090920/ELANSING01/909200497/1001/NEWS
September 18, 2009
MSU News
Hotchkiss named director of MSU School of Packaging
Joseph H. Hotchkiss, former chairperson of the Cornell University Department of Food Science, has been named director of the Michigan State University School of Packaging within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He also has been named the first director of the planned Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability. His appointment was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees at its Sept. 10 meeting and becomes effective Oct. 1. “I am excited to have Joe Hotchkiss join our faculty to provide vision and direction to our packaging programs,” said Jeffrey D. Armstrong, dean of the college. “Under his leadership, we will build upon the School of Packaging’s long-standing preeminence within the industry and develop the new Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability to provide a platform for collaboration between industry partners and university scientists addressing sustainable packaging practices.” http://news.msu.edu/story/6846/
September 18, 2009
MSU News
Market brings fresh produce to the heart of the city
Some local farmers and gardeners are doing what they can to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to people who live far from the farm. The Southeast Area Farmers' Market tries to provide fresh, healthy foods in the midst of the city. The Kent County Health Department, Michigan State University Extension Office, Divine Grace Church, and Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council are all co-sponsors of the Southeast Area Farmers Market. The MSU Extension Office and Health Department provide weekly cooking demonstrations to encourage trying different foods. http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=113752&catid=48
September 18, 2009
Daily Press
Ag tour packed with learning
Fifth graders from seven schools throughout the area participated in the 2009 annual Agriculture and Natural Resources Tour Thursday. Students visited various sites around the county where they learned about the importance of agriculture and natural resources in the community. MSU Extension Educator Warren Schauer, who also went along for the tour, said one of the highlights of the day for the kids was visiting the North Shore Boat Launch where the U.S. Forest Service officials were demonstrating fisheries management. http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/514860.html
September 16, 2009
Mlive.com
Mark Stephens wants more kids to "Go Fish'n"
Mark Stephens is the project coordinator for MSU Extension's Project F.I.S.H. F.I.S.H stands for Friends Involved in Sports Fishing Heritage and is an educational program for youth and families sponsored locally by schools, fishing conservation organizations, others interested in fishing and our fisheries. http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/09/mark_stephens_mark_stephens_is.html
September 15, 2009
The State News
PETA event shows class on all sides
So I made a pretty uncharacteristic move when I decided to attend People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ Animal Liberation event this past Thursday to hear Dan Mathews, PETA’s vice president, speak and answer questions. It was so uncharacteristic, in fact, that when I told several friends I was going to a PETA event, they thought I was just grabbing dinner at the Pita Pit. During the question-and-answer portion of the event, a guy from MSU’s College of Agriculture asked everyone in his cohort who shared his passion for animals and agriculture to stand, and I was blown away. The agriculture contingent and those who chose to be associated with them easily comprised more than half of the people in attendance. Dozens of students from the College of Agriculture came out in an effort to respectfully share their opposition to PETA and SPAR’s views. http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/09/peta_event_shows_class_on_all_sides
September 15, 2009
The State News
PETA event shows class on all sides
I firmly intended to go to the event, hosted by Students Protecting Animal Rights, or SPAR, with an open mind. I’m a lifelong carnivore, but I don’t consider vegetarianism to be an unreasonable lifestyle. I will admit, however, that I half expected the event to be a “preach to the choir” affair, where everyone agreed with everyone else just how cruelly animals were treated by the vile farmers. That’s why I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed to witness what I did. During the question-and-answer portion of the event, a guy from MSU’s College of Agriculture asked everyone in his cohort who shared his passion for animals and agriculture to stand, and I was blown away. http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/09/peta_event_shows_class_on_all_sides
September 15, 2009
BattleCreekEnquirer.com
Deadline fast approaching for 2010 SURE disaster assistance program
The 2008 USDA Farm Bill has a new feature called the SURE (SUplemental REvenue) program. It replaces the traditional crop disaster programs of the past. SURE provides up to 90% whole farm revenue protection. If actual revenue falls below certain thresholds (up to 90%) then SURE pays 60% of the shortfall in this revenue. This is very attractive from a risk management perspective. MSU Extension is offering a live Webinar on Wednesday morning, 10am to noon, Sept 16th Participants can ask questions directly to the presenter by typing in the question and sending in via the internet connection. http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20090915/NEIGHBORHOODS05/909150338/Deadline+fast+approaching+for+2010+SURE+disaster+assistance+program
September 15, 2009
Mlive.com
Genesee County finds money to keep MSU Extension programs running
Genesee County's Michigan State University Extension Office will apparently remain open despite an earlier recommendation that all funding be eliminated to help balance the county budget. The county Board of Commissioners voted this morning to use federal stimulus dollars awarded to its Community Action Resource Department to keep the MSU office open. http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/09/genesee_county_finds_money_to.html
September 13, 2009
Mlive.com
No longer milking it: Low prices, high supply force farmers out of dairy industry
CWT's first retirement of 2009 has bumped up the price. Until more cows are taken out of production, "chances are we're not going to see much of a price improvement," said G. William Robb, a local dairy educator for Michigan State University Extension. "One percent too much milk is a lot," Robb said. "We've got 5 or 6 percent too much milk. That's a lot of extra milk that we can't get rid of." http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/09/no_longer_milking_it_low_price.html
September 11, 2009
Traverse City Record Eagle
Ag Forum: Farmers are hopping happy
Regardless, because of growing interest in the "buy local" movement and organic production, there may be an opportunity for small-scale producers to satisfy the needs of many Great Lakes microbreweries. A 2008 Michigan State University Extension survey of brewers in Michigan found: 100 percent were interested in establishing a contract with a small, local grower; 75 percent were concerned about the market security of hops; and, importantly, 55 percent of brewers would pay a 1 to 10 percent premium for locally grown, organic hops. If growers are savvy and diversify their marketing to include the medicinal, herbal and home-brew markets, they may be able jump-start a regional hop industry. http://www.record-eagle.com/business/local_story_254221612.html
September 11, 2009
The Ann Arbor Chronicles
County Proposes Cutting At Least 21 Jobs
Several areas will see funding cuts, but won’t lose staff. Those include $167,000 from Head Start’s budget, a decrease of $137,000 to the Michigan State University Extension program, and a $160,000 cut in funding to the public health department. http://annarborchronicle.com/2009/09/11/county-proposes-cutting-at-least-21-jobs/
September 10, 2009
Mlive.com
Honeycrisps worth waiting one more week
Apple aficionados waiting to chomp into a Honeycrisp may have to wait a few more days this year. Honeycrisps, wunderkind apples revered for their sweet taste and crisp crunch, should ripen four to seven days later than normal, said Mark Longstroth, the Michigan State University Extension district fruit educator for southwestern Michigan. Some have started showing up at area markets, but picking on most orchards starts next week. http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/09/honeycrisps_worth_waiting_one.html
September 8, 2009
BattleCreekEnquirer.com
New DVD and Web site helping area residents avoid foreclosure
Marshall Community Credit Union and the Michigan Credit Union League have partnered with the United Way and the Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) to connect struggling homeowners with the resources they need to avoid foreclosure. The “Right at Home” DVD and Web site give individual's access to a wealth of information regarding the steps to take when financial pressures threaten homeownership. http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20090825/NEIGHBORHOODS05/908250332/New+DVD+and+Web+site+helping+area+residents+avoid+foreclosure
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