Farms https://www.wcmu.org/tags/farms Farms en-US Copyright Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:36:00 GMT More American farmers are filing for bankruptcy. Here’s why https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-13/farmers-bankruptcy-economy Higher costs and lower prices are squeezing farmers out of profitability. That’s led many to file for bankruptcy as a last resort to find aid. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:36:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-13/farmers-bankruptcy-economy Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval New Michigan program aims to help farms continue by connecting buyers with sellers https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-18/new-michigan-program-aims-to-help-farms-continue-by-connecting-buyers-with-sellers Michigan has lost thousands of farms in recent years as farmers retire or sell their land. A new program connects aspiring farmers with farmers looking to retire so those farms might continue. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:08:05 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-18/new-michigan-program-aims-to-help-farms-continue-by-connecting-buyers-with-sellers Miles MacClure, for the Northern Michigan Journalism Collaborative Ranchers are using ‘virtual fencing’ to move their cattle — and help save prairies https://www.wcmu.org/2025-10-13/virtual-fencing-cattle-ranchers-research-conservation-prairie Virtual fencing uses GPS collars, sounds and electrical cues to move cattle across a landscape. Along with saving ranchers time, researchers say this new technology can help protect, and create, wildlife habitat. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-10-13/virtual-fencing-cattle-ranchers-research-conservation-prairie Rachel Cramer Michigan farmers hope new tomato tariff will boost local production https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-18/tomatoes071825 While business interests express concern about a 17 percent tariff, the Michigan Vegetable Council says they hope it could spur on production. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:30:51 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-18/tomatoes071825 Alvin (AJ) Jones USDA’s end of diversity efforts in farm programs will mean ‘less food for the community’ https://www.wcmu.org/2025-07-14/usda-end-diversity-farm-programs-local-food-farmers A new rule removes race and gender considerations from federal farm programs. The move comes after the Trump administration terminated or paused millions of dollars worth of funding meant to support small farmers and ranchers, as well as diversity efforts. Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-07-14/usda-end-diversity-farm-programs-local-food-farmers Héctor Alejandro Arzate Michigan corn farmers push for more mature crop by July https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-11/michigan-corn-farmers-push-for-more-mature-crop-by-july The decades-old saying "knee high by the Fourth of July" is no longer the standard for many corn farmers as prices of goods increase and markets remain competitive. Michigan farmers say that more mature crops are required to get a profit during harvest in the fall. Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:44:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-11/michigan-corn-farmers-push-for-more-mature-crop-by-july Blace Carpenter Some farmers are using this new, experimental practice to help prevent flooding https://www.wcmu.org/2025-06-23/relay-intercropping-flooding-rye Across much of the Midwest, the atmosphere is becoming warmer and retaining more water, leading to heavier downpours. A two-crop system called relay intercropping could help farmers buffer weather whiplash and boost profits. Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-06-23/relay-intercropping-flooding-rye Rachel Cramer ‘It is a very big deal’: Michigan Supreme Court sides with regulators in CAFO case https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-08-02/it-is-a-very-big-deal-michigan-supreme-court-sides-with-regulators-in-cafo-case The Michigan Supreme Court sided with state regulators this week in a dispute with industrial livestock farms. Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:47:42 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-08-02/it-is-a-very-big-deal-michigan-supreme-court-sides-with-regulators-in-cafo-case Ellie Katz ‘Precision Ag’ promised a farming revolution. What's taking so long? https://www.wcmu.org/2024-06-10/precision-ag-promised-farming-revolution The prospect of precision agriculture has existed for decades, but many of the technologies and techniques that will enable it have been slow to catch on. Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:25:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2024-06-10/precision-ag-promised-farming-revolution Eric Schmid Bird flu is spreading in dairy herds. Midwest farmers say they're vigilant but not alarmed https://www.wcmu.org/2024-04-15/bird-flu-is-now-in-midwest-dairy-cattle The flu has been found in cows for the first time, but most cattle seem to be showing only mild symptoms and recovering from the illness. Officials say the pasteurization process means milk remains safe. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2024-04-15/bird-flu-is-now-in-midwest-dairy-cattle Kate Grumke