Augmented reality for cattle:

In Las Cruces, New Mexico, Venue [a portable-media project] met with Dean M. Anderson, a USDA scientist whose research into virtual fencing promises equally radical transformation — this time by removing the mile upon mile of barbed wire stretched across the landscape. As seems to be the case in fencing, a relatively straightforward technological innovation — GPS-equipped free-range cows that can be nudged back within virtual bounds by ear-mounted stimulus-delivery devices — has implications that could profoundly reshape our relationships with domesticated animals, each other, and the landscape.      The Atlantic

Could this work for crowd control? Perhaps your GPS-enabled cell phone will nudge you away from restricted areas. Somewhat disconcerting….

Although the referenced article deals with South Carolina and elsewhere outside of Michigan, it’s message is important for us. An excerpt:

When South Carolina peaches are sold directly to South Carolinians, there are uniquely local economic benefits. When the farmer, the packer, the wholesaler, and the retailer all prosper in the same region, it creates opportunity for home-grown jobs, draws more people into agriculture, and fosters relationships between the people who buy food and the people who grow it.        The Atlantic

MSU Extension wants to sign up 20 farmers in the northwestern part of the state this fall to raise beef solely on a grass diet.

Most cattle are fed corn. But prices for the feed have nearly doubled in the last few years.

Grass fed beef is supposed to be healthier and take less energy to produce.

Jerry Lindquist says it also commands a price that’s about 20% higher. He’s a grazing specialist with MSU Extension. And he says grass finished beef would be sold primarily in restaurants and small markets in the Traverse City area.

“We know it’s a strong market for products like this that are environmentally sound, have a lower carbon footprint and still are of high quality,” Lindquist says.      IPR

This Friday, the Conservancy is opening up that land to future partners – and possibly new uses.
It’s launching a Request for Proposals (RFP) for partnership opportunities for the future development and/or management of programs, projects and/or the property, says Sarah Naperala, a Conservancy staffer and member of the Maple Bay Farm leadership committee. It is possible that the end result could be multiple organizations and individuals involved in the support of the Conservancy’s farmland protection program.

Along with the sunflowers and the house, there is also a sugar shack, pole barn and root cellar on the property. All of these structures will remain, says Naperala, and the “viewshed” will be protected – in other words, no new structures will be built as part of any future partnerships.

The goal is for the farm to be a “key community asset,” complementing the adjacent county-owned Grand Traverse Maple Bay Park and Natural Area. Note: That adjacent 400 acres offering passive recreation and access to East Bay is not part of the RFP.          The Ticker

Anyone interested in rehabilitating the old barn? I’m interested in exploring uses, costs and funding.

And not much rain came down this morning.

Relentless heat and a lack of rain are pushing more and more of Michigan into drought, jeopardizing the state’s lucrative fruit and grain crops in a trend that one meteorologist calls “alarming.”

Nearly 80 percent of the state is in abnormally dry or drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Almost a quarter of Michigan is experiencing at least moderate drought conditions, up from 8 percent last week, according to a report this week from NOAA. Some areas in southwest Michigan, along the Indiana border, are in severe drought.

Across the state, rainfall totals this year are well below normal, and forecasters warn that chances are slim for significant rainfall anytime soon.     Detroit News

Meet the NW Michigan Agriculture Business Team

(L-R :Tom Coon-MSU Extension, Susan Cocciarelli – NW Ag and Food System Sector Alliance,
Elaine Wood – NWMCOG, Wendy Wieland – MSU Extension/Product Center,
Annie Shetler – SBTDC, Brenda Rau – MSU Product Center, Mary Rogers – MI-SBTDC)

 Farmers and other agriculture related businesses can access a variety of assistance programs through the new Northwest Michigan Regional Agriculture Business Services Partnership. The partnership brings together the services of an MSU Extension agriculture innovation counselor, a MI-SBTDC agriculture business counselor, and the Northwest Michigan Agriculture and Food System Sector Alliance to enhance services to Ag related businesses such as product development, marketing, business plans, financing, education and training, and farm production and distribution.

Complete Story

Fruit growers in Michigan will receive some help from the federal government this year in the form of low-interest loans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture made the announcement today.

The loans are for growers whose orchards and vineyards were destroyed by unusual spring weather. Almost the entire tart cherry crop was frozen out in Michigan this spring. Apples, peaches, and juice also were also reduced to a fraction of a normal crop.

Low-interest loans are the only assistance the federal government will have for growers.

The state is also creating a loan program for this year.

The Michigan Farm Bureau estimates the losses could be worth more than $200 million dollars.     IPR

Every Friday now through October 12 join Michigan vendors at the Farmer’s Market, brought to you by the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The market is open from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and is located at the Rotary Park adjacent to the chamber building. Some of the Michigan and local products on hand include: caramel popcorn, baked goods, gluten free products, natural cleaning products, jams & jellies, natural meats, premium seafood, honey, maple syrup, flowers (annuals and perennials, both plants and bouquets), herbal products, nuts, ethnic foods, and both organic and non-organic local fruits and vegetables. So come on out and explore what all the vendors have to offer, and shop local. (Source: Chamber press release)

A Canadian biotechnology company wants to cultivate medical marijuana in a former copper mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where it has been growing plants for more than a decade.

Prairie Plant Systems Inc., which has a contract to supply medical marijuana in Canada, would need approval from state and federal officials to convert the mine in White Pine, the Detroit Free Press reported Monday. Brent Zettl, the company’s president and CEO, said there’s demand despite major regulatory hurdles.

“There’s a need to bring this under the proper reins of appropriate manufacturing for patient safety and for public safety,” Zettl said.   News-Review

Quite the enterprising re-purposing in the New Economy.

Are our local tree farms participating?

A program that provides free Christmas trees to military families and includes west Michigan tree farms as among its participants is being honored at the White House on April 11 as a finalist in the Joining Forces Community Challenge.    MLive