Economy

With high prices at the grocery store, legislators across the middle of the country have moved away from sales taxes on food purchases.

The spring planting season is getting started for many Midwest farmers. Federal data suggests that fewer acres will be planted in soybeans than last year, in part because of the U.S. trade war with China.

The U.S. trade war with China is coming at a tough time for American farmers, who are already dealing with lower crop prices and higher costs for farm necessities. Tariffs are likely to push crop prices further down, while increasing the costs for fertilizer and farm equipment.

"Making things. Building things. Working with our hands is America’s heritage and that heritage is alive and well in this facility," Vance told the crowd gathered at a Bay County plastics company.

More states in the Midwest and Great Plains are trying to support rural, independent grocery stores through tailored grant programs. Advocates say these businesses are vital for rural communities to thrive.

Earlier this month president trump called for a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on energy from Canada following a thirty day hold the president has renewed his commitment for the tariffs to go into effect Tuesday. WCMU's David Nicholas spoke with Ken Boschoff the Mayor of Thunder Bay Ontario about relations between the two countries during this tense political moment.

Farmers, politicians and agriculture experts are raising alarm about the impact of potential tariffs on Canadian potash, a key mineral needed for fertilizer.

A federal freeze on certain USDA programs has held up billions of dollars for conservation and caused layoffs at a nonprofit in Iowa that supports soil and water quality.

WCMU's AJ Jones chatted with News Director Rick Brewer about Canada's upcoming election for their next prime minister, and how a potential trade war between the U.S. and Canada could impact Michigan now that President Donald Trump is back in the White House.

Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.