Agriculture

Farmers markets cope with COVID-19 order

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The governor’s executive orders allow farmers markets to operate during the pandemic, but many aren’t opening on schedule or at all. That has an adverse impact on farmers and other vendors who rely on them. We talk to a Zeeland farmer and a Traverse City-based organization that promotes local farmers and producers.

Agriculture

Michigan’s migrant farmworkers vulnerable to coronavirus pandemic

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Michigan agriculture depends heavily on migrant and seasonal labor, much of it from Mexico, but these workers — especially those living in camps — are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. In addition, the government’s suspension of the H-2A visa program leaves many farmers worried about a sufficient labor force for this year’s crops. We talk to a Gregory farmer, Migrant Legal Services in Grand Rapids, the Department of Health & Human Services and Great Lakes Bay Health Centers with clinics in eastern Michigan, including Belding and Owosso. By Kurt Williams.

News

Campbell’s Market Basket grabs East Lansing’s attention

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Ken Campbell has lived in East Lansing his entire life. A graduate of East Lansing High School and Michigan State University, Campbell used his connections with local farmers to open up Campbell’s Market Basket, East Lansing’s only locally owned and sourced market.

Agriculture
Feral swine carry off a fawn in this undated photo from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Feral swine decreasing but still pose threat

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The number of feral swine in the state is declining, but there’s still concern about their transmitting diseases to domestic pigs — threatening a $500-million-a-year industry — and to people, as well as damage to vegetation. Allegan, Cass, Branch, St. Joseph and Ottawa counties are the top producers. We talk to the Michigan Pork Producers Association and MUCC. By Katrianna Ray.

Agriculture

Giving Tree Farm provides opportunity through its produce

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Following the example set by the Shel Siverstein story “The Giving Tree,” the Giving Tree Farm gives to as many people as its can. The organic farm, which grows produce on seven acres and in eight hoop houses, is among local vendors that sells produce at Allen Farmers Market located in Lansing’s eastside neighborhood.

Agriculture

Watch Focal Point: Trump/Pence campaign comes to Michigan, MSU’s Impact Radio turns 30, Men’s Hockey highlights and more

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On this edition of Focal Point News, we give updates on the Impeachment hearings and we show how a man is bringing the Christmas spirit to Mason, Michigan. East Lansing has “Green Friday” deals and MSU’s College of Engineering present their work at Design Day

In Sports, Draymond Green retires his jersey and we highlight MSU Men’s Hockey vs. OSU. 

In Entertainment, the hit musical Aladdin comes to the Wharton Center. These stories and more on Focal Point.