June 9, 2017

Historic Manton Mill is Looking for a Partner

MAHRG is looking for a partner.  The Manton Area Heritage Restoration Group (MAHRG) hopes to partner with a business in need of space.  

June 6, 2017

Swapping animals, plants, seeds and ideas

A truck with a bed of chicks and rabbits pulled into the back of the Holmquist Feedmill in the small town of Trenary, in the rural central Upper…

June 6, 2017

Farmer 2 Farmer : Land for the Next Generation

The average age of farm operators in the United States is 58. In the next 20 years, an estimated 70 percent of privately owned agricultural land is expected…

April 6, 2017

Community Celebrates Earth Day by Expanding Local Food Production

Partridge Creek Farms is celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 by building 50 raised beds across downtown Ishpeming. But they aren’t doing it alone. More than 70…

March 13, 2017

Part Three: Making A Choice for Our Community

This is Part Three of a three-part series from farmer Brian Bates of Bear Creek Organic Farm in Petoskey, Michigan. This essay was delivered as part of his…

March 7, 2017

Eat Local for People, Planet, Economy

Where does your money go when you buy products from California or a major corporation?

March 7, 2017

Part Two: Scale and Perspective

Editor’s Note: This is Part Two of a three-part series from farmer Brian Bates of Bear Creek Organic Farm in Petoskey, Michigan. This essay was delivered as part…

March 2, 2017

Part One: On Becoming A Farmer

Editor’s Note: Brian Bates, farmer and partner at Bear Creek Organic Farm in Petoskey, Michigan, gave the keynote address at the annual Northwest Food and Farming Network Farm…

February 7, 2017

Growing in Winter : Plastic Shelters let Farmers Extend the Season

Michigan’s growing season is frustratingly short. But at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, “We’re a booming market all year round,” says Robin Richardson, the market’s manager of event…

December 2, 2016

Extending the Growing Season : Hoophouses and the Local Food Economy

In a climate like ours, farmers are challenged to turn a profit during a limited growing season. Like any business, there are tools they can use to help…