U.S. Federal Attorney

Certified Naturally Grown offers farmers a cheaper and less time-consuming option to communicate how they produce their food. But terms like “natural” on food labels can be confusing for consumers.

The cancellation of two programs will affect more than $1 billion in expected funding this year. Food advocates worry the cuts are coming when other federal food programs are at risk.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said earlier this month that economic aid payments Congress approved late last year are on the way. But with days left before the deadline, some farmers are anxiously waiting.

Employees at U.S. Department of Agriculture research facilities across the Midwest have lost their jobs as part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to trim the federal workforce. Former and current employees at one of those labs say the job cuts will impact agricultural research and support for farmers.

The potential cut to a federal meal program for high-need school districts would result in about 900,000 students in the Midwest and Great Plains losing free school breakfasts and lunches.

The nearly $850,000 grant will allow students to dual enroll in community college classes across Isabella, Clare, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties as well as participate in virtual field trips and more.

Incoming president Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from countries such as China, Mexico and Canada. Many economists and commodity groups say these import taxes could boomerang and harm U.S. agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declares August “Tree Check Month.”

The millions of dollars in grant money come from 2021 bi-partisan infrastructure law and will be distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

26 cattle herds have been found infected in Michigan, and farmers dealing with the virus are also seeing lower milk production. The USDA will be providing additional cushion for these farmers.