When business owners are losing money, they look to cut corners. Hog producers around the country are looking to trim their expenses in order to cut their losses after months of operating in the red. Some think eliminating the federally mandated, pork check-off program is a step in the right direction. Click here for full story . In an attempt to boost the quality of sugar beets in the state, a group of Michigan farmers have banded together to form an alfalfa-processing cooperative.
Alfalfa preserves soil tilth, especially important for high-value sugar beet crops.
With a population of 1.2 billion people, China has the largest food demand in the world - a market U.S. agricultural producers have been trying to crack for many years. China has a great market for U.S. commodities and Farm Bureau supports their entry into the WTO, but only if they agree to the rules of the WTO and remove unfair trade barriers. China offers a great opportunity for soybeans and corn - which could really benefit Michigan producers. With U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics showing soybean stockpiles at their largest level in 13 years, the China market could offer some much-needed relief. It is estimated that, over the years, China's restrictions have cost America's competitive producers billions of dollars in sales.