*2.    Cover Crops Are They For You?
*

Cover crops are odd plants you grow for the soil, and typically not to
harvest. They are grown to improve the soil, leading to better crops that
follow. Many farmers understand the benefits of planting them but it’s
challenging to find a time when there is not a crop in the ground and the
climate is still favorable for growing.

Come listen to our feature speaker Vicki Morrone, Outreach Specialist for
Organic Vegetable and Field Crops from Michigan State University, share
ideas on how to grow cover crops with vegetable crops.  This informative
session will be held on Thursday, Oct 8th at 6:30 p.m., at the Highland
Pines School’s cafeteria, located at 1381 Cleaver Rd. in Caro.  This program
is free of charge and open to all that are interested in learning about the
benefits of cover crops.   The evening program will provide information on a
wide range of cover crops and their different qualities, and how you can
determine which ones best meet your soils’ needs.  She will talk about
planting two or more cover crops at one time to maximize benefits such as
weed competition, reduction of soil erosion and adding organic matter.

Brad Morgan, owner of Morgan’s Compost located in Sears, Michigan, will also
be sharing information on the benefits of compost and how it can improve the
soil in your fields, gardens and lawns.

So if you want to learn how to build healthier soil to provide nutrients to
the crop and build the soil for the long haul, then you should join us for
an informative evening and good discussion.  To register for the event or
additional information call the Tuscola County MSU Extension office at
989-672-3870. Visit *www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* for event flyer.

This workshop is being sponsored by Will’s Greenhouse of Vassar and hosted
by the Green Thumb Master Gardener Association.

*3. MI Department of Agriculture Unveils County Food, Agricultural Profiles
Highlighting Economic Impact
*

LANSING – Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don
Koivisto unveiled a set of food and agricultural county profiles for each of
Michigan’s 83 counties and nine agricultural regions.  The profiles
highlight the diversity of Michigan agriculture, the economic impacts of the
agri-food industry from a systemic view including food processing and
distribution.  The profiles also include information on current food and
agricultural trends like locally produced and organic foods.

“These county profiles can be used by policymakers and private sector
partners looking for opportunities to bolster the already successful food
and agriculture industries in Michigan,” said Koivisto.  “As the state’s
second-leading industry, there are numerous entrepreneurial prospects and
expansion possibilities for the state’s established agri-food businesses to
create new jobs and economic growth in Michigan.”

Michigan produces more than 200 commodities and is second in the nation in
terms of agricultural diversity.  For example, the thumb area is number one
in the state for dry beans and edible grain production, while western
Michigan is tops for fruit and vegetable production.  The majority of the
state’s livestock producers are located in central Michigan.

When combined, the state’s 10 million acres of farmland, 1,000 licensed food
processors, and more than 50,000 retail and food service establishments,
Michigan’s food and agricultural systems are a potent economic driver and
jobs provider.

“With the recent increase in consumer demand for local food and ag products,
these profiles are a tremendous marketing tool for municipalities,” said
Koivisto.  “Agriculture has long been the state’s economic workhorse and MDA
is proud to be able to help communities identify and capitalize on
additional opportunities to unlock its economic potential.”

The profiles combine data drawn from USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics
Service (NASS) 2007 Census of Agriculture and other public sources.  The
county and region profiles also contain food processing and distribution
data, and information about local sources of food such as farmers markets
and food banks.

For a complete listing of the county profiles, visit www.michigan.gov/mda.
For additional information, visit USDA-NASS at *
http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Michigan/Publications/Charts_and_Maps/Census/index.asp
.
*

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