Agriculture

Coffee drinkers willing to pay for more than taste

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Cofee connoisseurs appear willing to pay a hefty premium — $1.31 more than the normal $2.51 price for a 12-ounce cup of pour-over joe — for java brewed with beans grown by farmer cooperatives. Increased consumer social consciousness is a factor, according to a new study conducted in a Lansing specialty coffee shop by Michigan State University agricultural economists. For news, business and lifestyle sections. By Eric Freedman.

Agriculture

MSU hosts horse show

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The annual Michigan Great Lakes International Draft Horse Show came to East Lansing October 17th through the 20th featuring hitching, pulling and riding. More than 600 horses showed at the MSU Pavilion with owners and horses alike coming from not only the U.S., but also Germany, England and Canada. The horses were judged in competition, showing off all kinds of skills. Those attending the event were also able to check out the horses behind the scenes. MGLI President, Aaron Rice, said that the draft horse has always been an important animal.

Agriculture

Michigan State partnered with the UN to research the importance of inland fisheries

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There’s a global challenge to feed rural and poor populations. A new study, however, finds that there is a key source to help provide the proper nutrients to those communities that need it. “Inland fisheries are particularly important for some countries,” Abigail Bennet said. She helped research and find the power in freshwater fisheries around the world. “95 percent of the world’s inland fisheries production comes from developing countries,” Bennett said.

Agriculture

Rare bee reemerges after 74 years

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It’s taken more than seven decades, but one of North America’s rarest bees has returned to Michigan — if it truly ever disappeared, that is. Researchers found the parasitic cuckoo bee in a Midland County nature preserve 74 years after it was last identified in the state, but it could have been hiding in plain view. The host bee for this parasite was recently found in Alcona, Lenawee, Alpena, Dickinson, Midland, Hillsdale, St. Clair and Tuscola counties. We hear from an MSU entomologist who co-authored a new study. By Eric Freedman.

Agriculture

Michigan fights EEE virus

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The state of Michigan declared a public health emergency in late September after reported cases of Eastern Equines Encephalitis. It prompted spraying by airplane over several counties in southwestern Michigan. The mosquito that carries the virus is native to Michigan. Five people have died of the disease and more were sickened by it. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges residents to wear long sleeves and pants when outside, especially at dawn and dusk.

Agriculture

Watch Focal Point: General Motors Strike, East Lansing rent increase and more

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On this edition of Focal Point News, General Motors workers are on strike for equal benefits. Also, students moving into the newest East Lansing sky rise, The Hub, experienced some unexpected complications. Plus, East Lansing and Ann Arbor were listed in the top ten for fastests growing rent. 

In sports, Michigan State football had a homecoming date with Indiana last week, with a high scoring affair between the two teams. 

In entertainment, Spider Man is set to return to the big screen. 

These stories and more on Focal Point. 

Agriculture

Growing green: marijuana presents water, air and energy challenges

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By QUINN ZIMMERMAN
Capital News Service

LANSING — Michigan regulators are preparing for the environmental impact of the state’s recent legalization of recreational marijuana. High demand and the new legal status will drive the growth of the state’s crop, Marijuana Business Daily reported last November. Environmental concerns related to water and air quality are associated with the expanding production, said Jill Greenberg, a public information officer with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. “The way the ballot (question) was written, there was no consideration for environmental impact. it all had to be picked up afterward,” said Robert Elmouchi, an environmental quality analyst with the agency’s Air Quality Division.

East Lansing

East Lansing Farmers Market is important to local farmers

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The East Lansing Farmers Market has an estimated 1000 visitors each Sunday during its operating months. Phil Throop, owner of Wildflower Eco Farm, has been a vendor for the East Lansing Farmers Market since its opening, 11 years ago, but he has been farming for market much longer, close to 16 years. One thing Throop has found after over a decade of farming for market: “You don’t get into this unless you’re obsessed… it’s more of an addition in any case.”

Another thing Throop has found: “It’s not a very profitable business.”

New technology regarding various types of greenhouses and sources of heating make it possible to grow year-round. However, his ability to produce 12 months a year has little impact on the ability to turn a profit during all those months. Instead, the root of the problem is something else entirely.

Agriculture

The Farmer’s Market moves indoors for the winter

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The Meridian Township Farmer’s market in the summer is located in the Central Park Pavilion at 5151 Marsh Road in Okemos and moves in the winter to the JC-Penney corridor of the Meridian Mall. “We have about 21 vendors on average, everything from produce to hot food is ready to eat come on by” said Corey Patrick, the Farmer’s Market manager. 

Also, market sales Michigan strawberries, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables on Summer. Pumpkins in the fall, and hot foods on Winter. Most of the products sold are mainly grown in the state. Many customers gathered at one market stall, the owner was a woman with her bakery products.