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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