Agriculture https://www.wcmu.org/tags/agriculture Agriculture en-US Copyright Fri, 08 May 2026 22:14:36 GMT 'No small potatoes': Experts say MSU research is changing the chip industry https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-05-08/no-small-potatoes-experts-say-msu-research-is-changing-the-chip-industry New research could upgrade Michigan's multi-billion-dollar potato industry. Fri, 08 May 2026 22:14:36 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-05-08/no-small-potatoes-experts-say-msu-research-is-changing-the-chip-industry Emma George-Griffin Northern Michigan’s wine growing region adapts to a changing climate https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-05-05/northern-michigans-wine-growing-region-adapts-to-a-changing-climate Grape growers are planting hybrid grapes that can withstand colder temperatures, irrigating their vines rather than relying on natural rainfall and turning to new strategies to ensure healthy soil. Tue, 05 May 2026 21:16:54 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-05-05/northern-michigans-wine-growing-region-adapts-to-a-changing-climate Miles MacClure, for the Northern Michigan Journalism Collaborative This program helped underserved farmers access land. Then USDA cut the funding https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/this-program-helped-underserved-farmers-access-land-then-usda-cut-the-funding Farm organizations were in different stages of a grant process when the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut dozens of projects to help underserved farmers access land and capital. Agriculture leaders say the termination deals a blow to future farmers. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:26:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/this-program-helped-underserved-farmers-access-land-then-usda-cut-the-funding Anna Pope CSA boxes get people buying fresh from farms, but will customer convenience hurt the mission? https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/csa-boxes-community-supported-agriculture Community-supported agriculture has been a popular way for people to buy produce from local farms for decades. There's new pressure on farmers to offer more customization and convenience – but some CSA supporters worry that may dilute the original purpose. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:24:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/csa-boxes-community-supported-agriculture Hope Kirwan Fed up with sky-high beef prices? Some people are stocking their freezers with a whole cow https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-27/beef-prices-bulk-whole-cow Once considered a premium option, buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise. But it requires paying more upfront — and enough freezer space. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:18:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-27/beef-prices-bulk-whole-cow Michael Marks Extreme weather has ravaged many U.S. farms this year. Here’s how farmers are adapting https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-20/extreme-weather-agriculture Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-20/extreme-weather-agriculture Emma George-Griffin Most American prairies are gone. These people are working to bring them back https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-07/american-prairie-restoration From a field on an Illinois university campus, to rare, untouched land in Texas, here are some efforts to replant once-abundant prairie in the Midwest and Great Plains. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:29:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-07/american-prairie-restoration Jess Savage Soon after massive honeybee deaths, Trump moves to close the nation's premier bee lab https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-06/usda-bee-lab-closing When beekeepers saw widespread honeybee die-offs last year, researchers at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center stepped in to help. The Trump administration now plans to close the facility, sparking concern among beekeepers and scientists. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:24:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-06/usda-bee-lab-closing Macy Byars Immigrants lose access to food aid in more states, as federal restrictions take effect https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-30/immigrants-food-aid-in-federal-restrictions-snap Refugees and other immigrants are no longer eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as states implement a federal rule change. The restriction is one of many moves that has made it harder for immigrants to access federal benefits. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:37:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-30/immigrants-food-aid-in-federal-restrictions-snap Anna Pope Gas prices are surging. Farm groups say American ethanol could help ease the pain https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-17/gas-prices-farm-american-ethanol-sales Agriculture leaders and producers are urging Congress to allow year-round sales of fuel made with up to 15% ethanol, which they say could boost domestic demand for corn — and offer a cheaper gas option for U.S. drivers this summer. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:56:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-17/gas-prices-farm-american-ethanol-sales Sheila Brummer