Family & Farm Magazine 2019

2019

Family

& Farm

Magazine Special supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper and Pioneer East Shopper

2

FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

2019 Family & Farm

MANAGING FARM STRESS

BY MIKE MUMAH

there to help your businesses run more smoothly.

If running a profitable Michigan State University’s farm only meant tending website (https://www.canr. crops and raising animals, you’d have a lot more happy msu.edu/agriculture/index) has links on their website to farmers. As idyllic and help farmers deal with farm romanticized the idea of stress. Dealing with Farm raising a family on a farm Stress is so serious, it has a seems, the reality is that prominent location on the first and foremost, it’s a business. A farmer has to not MSU Agriculture Extensions header bar. only manage the health of “Farmers are often dealing their various commodities, with stress,” said Roth. “They but they also have to pay staffing, purchase resources, are commonly dealing with as well as know markets and high anxiety, depression, analyze future growth. That burnout, and even suicidal thoughts.” can be a lot for anybody, especially those who like According to MSU’s site, nothing better than to be stress can be brought on outside and work with their from any combination. Be hands. it the long hours, finances,

like inspectors, financial advisors, people at the farms bureaus,” said Roth.

“We’ll bring awareness to what potentially stressful conditions are on farms, the triggers, and reviewing techniques responding to farmers that might be under a great deal of stress. We can help them figure how to cope more effectively.”

Igrow.org is a website that also takes a particular interest in the subject. They believe that recognition of the symptoms is the first step in dealing with Farm Stress.

Symptoms can affect you emotionally, like moodiness, difficulties relaxing, anxiety.

They can be physical, ranging from headaches to “Farmers have a lot of things changing government regulations, drought, market upset stomachaches to chest that play into their stress,” pains. Farm stress can also prices, drought or floods, said Patty Roth, Social result in forgetfulness and Emotional Health Educator most anything that is poor judgment, and can even beyond the farmer’s ability with Michigan State lead to alcoholism, drugs, University Extension. “They to control. MSU has begun and even suicide. to bring awareness and have financial, marketing training to people that work If running a profitable uncertainties, farm the most with farmers. transfer issues, production farm only meant tending challenges, etc.” crops and raising animals, “We run training courses Rest assured, there are resources for farmers out

and workshops for people that support farmers,

you’d have a lot more happy farmers. As idyllic and

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romanticized the idea of raising a family on a farm seems, the reality is that first and foremost, it’s a business. A farmer has to not only manage the health of their various commodities, but they also have to pay staffing, purchase resources, as well as know markets and analyze future growth. That can be a lot for anybody, especially those who like nothing better than to be outside and work with their hands.

“Farmers are often dealing with stress,” said Roth. “They are commonly dealing with high anxiety, depression, burnout, and even suicidal thoughts.”

According to MSU’s site, stress can be brought on from any combination. Be it the long hours, finances, “Farmers have a lot of things changing government that play into their stress,” regulations, drought, market said Patty Roth, Social prices, drought or floods, Emotional Health Educator most anything that is with Michigan State beyond the farmer’s ability University Extension. “They to control. MSU has begun have financial, marketing to bring awareness and uncertainties, farm training to people that work transfer issues, production the most with farmers. challenges, etc.”

“We run training courses Rest assured, there are and workshops for people resources for farmers out that support farmers, there to help your businesses like inspectors, financial run more smoothly. advisors, people at the Michigan State University’s farms bureaus,” said Roth. website (https://www.canr.

“We’ll bring awareness to msu.edu/agriculture/index) what potentially stressful has links on their website to conditions are on farms, the triggers, and reviewing techniques responding to farmers that might be under a great deal of stress. We can help them figure how to cope more effectively.”

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Igrow.org is a website that also takes a particular interest in the subject. They believe that recognition of the symptoms is the first step in dealing with Farm Stress. Symptoms can affect you emotionally, like moodiness, difficulties relaxing, anxiety. They can be physical, ranging from headaches to upset stomachaches to chest pains. Farm stress can also result in forgetfulness and poor judgment, and can even lead to alcoholism, drugs, and even suicide.

FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 3

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Managing Farm Stress......................................... Page 2 Soil Health................................................................ Page 4 New Farm Bill Passes In The Senate................ Page 6 Maintenance Key To A Functioning Farm..... Page 8 7 Reasons To Shop Farmer’s Market.........Page 9-10 New Farm Bill Looks For A Cleaner Future...................................................Page 11 Michigan State Helps Farmers Reduce Their Energy Costs...........................................Page 12 It’s Good To Be A Cow On De Grins Oer Dairy Farm................................Page 14

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SOIL HEALTH FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

BY MIKE MUMAH

The 2018 Farm Bill signed in December made great strides in recognizing the need for cleaner technologies and conservation for the future growth of Michigan farms.

The bill adds new incentives for farmers to improve their soil health.

“Soil is much more than the dirt you find in your vacuum cleaner bag,” says Jim Marshall, a cell scientist and biologist with the USDA National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). “It’s an ecosystem, and works better when it’s whole.”

biological, chemical, and ecological functions for us, if we allow it to do them,” says Marshall. “We as a people thought by dragging plows through the earth we’d enhance its ability to do just that. We’ve found through science and time that this isn’t the case.”

Marshall suggests that farmers actually do less to soil to get it to produce healthier crops.

“When we get soil healthy by restoring the organic matter, the fungal associations, and the microbiology, the soil begins to function really well without us doing a whole lot As defined by the Department to it,” says Marshall. of Agriculture, soil health, Marshall affirms that it all or soil quality, is defined by begins with organic matter. the continued capacity as a Farmers have known this for vital living ecosystem that years, using natural fertilizers sustains plants, animals, and like manure and mulch to humans. Farm soil is much enhance their crops. Fertilizmore than just dirt, and its ers like these will break down never just dirt alone that grow and provide nutrients like and nurture crops. Topnitrogen into the soil, which is soil determines were water the fuel for the soil ecosystem flows to when it falls, which to run itself. Leaves will spend of course feeds the plants. all summer soaking up the Inside the soil is thousands of suns rays, producing chloromicrobes and bacterium that phyll and simple sugars for also help provide nutrients the plants, will then fall to the to the plants. In essence, our ground and die. Plants will ability to exist begins with the also die and decay. This feeds quality of the earth beneath the bacterium, the fungi, and us. Soil can clean potential the bugs and earthworms in pollutants from snowmelt the soil. They in turn leave and rainwater. nutrients and clean the soil “The soil performs a lot of

for living plants to thrive on.

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“What tillage does is we drive dead plant life into the soil, which is okay,” says Marshall.

“But what happens is you introduce a lot of oxygen into the soil. The microbes in the soil eat up that organic matter really quickly. And when the food for the microbes goes away, so goes the organisms.”

shall. “It makes it much more resistant to rainfall.”

Essentially, tilling makes it more difficult for water to seep into the ground where plants need it the most. By tilling less, it reduces erosion and rain runoff, allowing the plants to get the nutrients it needs to survive and thrive.

Frequent tilling can also make Marshall also recommends soil resistant to rainwater. that farmers plant more cover “When organic matter in the crops. Meaning that after a soil breaks down, it releases field is harvested for its priall sorts of gums and filamary yield, plant things like ments that really glues soil millet, clovers, legumes or particles together,“ says Mar- buckwheat.

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“Cover crops can produce a sweet cocktail [for the soil],” says Marshall. “They make a beautiful contribution to the soil and making it more diverse. A lot of soils that have been over-worked and over-tilled aren’t that different from the surface of Mars.

In two or three seasons, by tilling less and planting cover crops, we can start moving in the right direction.”

For more information, you can go to https://www.nrcs. usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ main/soils/health/

FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 5

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

NEW FARM BILL PASSES IN THE SENATE

BY MIKE MUMAH

rate. ARC will be improved.

fuel innovation and safe-

Ig On December 11th, 2018,

A yield plug of 80% will be

guard Michigan’s agricultur-

the Senate moved quickly to

used to calculate a trend ad-

al economy. The bill will also

approve a new farm bill that

justed yield. PLC will be the

invest in urban agriculture.

will greatly improve agricul-

default program beginning

Urban farmers can start,

enact the bill, was proposed

new bill by clarifying the

law. The New Farm Bill also

just hours before and was

language pertaining to this

allows farmers to finally

written by Senators Pat

important practice. Market

grow hemp, which has the

Roberts (Kan.) and Debbie

Loan rates go up for the

potential to grow into $20

Stabenow (Mich.) Stabenow

first time in almost twenty

billion industry within the

is a ranking member of the

years.13% to 24% for grains

next three years.

U.S. Senate on Agriculture,

and soybeans. Oats are now

Investments will be made for

Nutrition, and Forestry. She

$2 a bushel, soybeans $6.20,

bio-based manufacturing of

praised the bipartisan bill for corn $2.20, sorghum $2.20,

biofuels, seat-cushions, and

tural standards in Michigan. in 2021.Cover crops will find expand, and protect their businesses under the new greater coverage under the The Senate voted 87-13 to

strongly supporting Michi-

barley $2.50, and $wheat

gan farmers and agricultural $3.38.Nieces, Nephews and

steering wheels made from corn and soybeans. Up-

economy. “The 208 Farm

first cousins are now eligible

grades in clean energy and

Bill is a bipartisan victory

for farm supports under the

efficiency such as solar and

that has Michigan on every

new Farm Bill. The Con-

wind will greatly reduced

page,” Stabenow said. “This

gressional Budget Office

energy costs and create jobs

is a strong bill that will grow

estimates this new provision

in Michigan. It’s important

Michigan’s diverse agricul-

will provide a $4 million a

to not that the new bill was

tural economy and support

year increase in payments.

very mindful of costs. The

our farmers, families, and

The bill will also create

Farm Bill has a net-zero cost

rural communities.”The

permanent export opportu-

from the previous bill over

bill includes greater flexi-

nities for farmers looking to

the next ten years. These are

bility for Farmers to choose

expand into global markets.

just some of the highlights to

between Agriculture Risk

It also offer stronger support

the bill. For more informa-

Coverage (ARC) and Price

for organic farming. The bill

tion, go to https://www.mich-

Loss Coverage (PLC) insur-

will also look to the future

fb.com/MI/farm. For the full

ances. PLC prices could also

in agriculture by investing in text of the bill, you can see

rise, but only if commodity

research done at Michigan

prices also rise at a sustained State University. This will

it at https://www.agriculture. senate.gov/2018-farm-bill.

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 7

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

MAINTENANCE KEY TO A FUNCTIONING FARM

The family automobile is not the only piece of equipment that requires routine upkeep to ensure it is operating properly.

debris. Titan iron suppliers recommend quickly washing equipment after usage so that substances do not have the chance to harden.

at the proper levels. Check and replace filters as needed. Tires need to be properly inflated, and inspect the battery for corrosion or other signs that it may need Life on a farm can come to Learn the equipment to b e replaced. Check belts a screeching halt if farm Over time, it is possible to for cracks. Tour the exterior equipment is not properly employ your senses of sight, of the equipment looking at maintained. Farmers invest sound and even smell to signals and lights to ensure hundreds of thousands determine if equipment is they are in proper working of dollars on agricultural working properly.

Familorder. Hardware should be equipment, such as tractors, tillers, hoppers, and dozers. iarize yourself with the tightened and any missing Expect some welding owner’s manual so you can Adhering to maintenance pieces replaced. troubleshoot minor probHave a knowledgeable weldschedules can prevent Heavy farm equipment lems.

Any unusual sounds, er on call to make repairs breakdowns and decrease needs motor oil, hydraulic odors or responses from the as needed, or develop your the need for potentially oil and filters changed more gear should be noted. costly emergency repairs. skills to a point where you frequently than automoRoutine maintenance feel comfortable making Keep it clean biles. Such equipment also checks your own spot repairs. The may need more frequent Cleaning the surface of experts at Miller, producers Routinely inspect hoses, lubrication of chains and equipment can go a long of welding equipment, say fittings, and seals to ensure cables. Always check and way toward keeping it they are in good working inspect equipment prior to cleaning the surface area operating smoothly. Use a and removing any paint, oil jobs requiring heavy and pressure washer to remove condition. Be sure fluids, caked-on mud and other such as coolant and oil, are extended usage. or corrosion from the metal

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 9

7 REASONS TO SHOP FARMERS’ MARKETS A farmers’ market is likely coming to a field or open parking lot near you - if there isn’t already one operating nearby. The United States Department of Agriculture says that, between the years of 2008 and 2013, the number of farmers’ markets doubled across the country.

Farmers’ markets will continue to thrive and expand as people increasingly realize the benefits of supporting local food providers. Buyers who are not yet familiar with farmer’s markets can examine the following seven reasons to break the ice.

1. Enjoy fresh, seasonal foods.

Foods at farmers’ markets tend to be limited to in-season offerings. Some nutritionists suggest eating seasonally available foods is better for your body, because humans ate seasonal

produce for thousands of years before shipping and refrigeration changed how people received the majority of their foods. In addition, many people feel that fresh, seasonal foods taste better than the alternatives.

2. Discover new foods.

There’s always something new at a farmers’ market, and this can entice shoppers to expand their flavor palates. Explore interesting, locally grown items. Even children may fall in love with colorful fruits or vegetables and their refreshing tastes.

4. Indulge in nutritious foods.

to ensure their foods are as nutritious as possible.

The vivid colors and smells emanating from farmers’ markets indicate just how fresh and nutritious the offerings tend to be. Farmers who peddle their wares at farmers’ markets adhere to careful farming methods

5. Learn secrets and recipes.

In addition to fresh produce, farmers’ markets may offer baked and other prepared goods. Shopkeepers often mingle with their customers, offering trade

secrets and recipe ideas.

Additionally, local farm families supported by farmers’ markets generally offer supreme customer service to keep shoppers coming back week after week.

Continued on page 10 →

3. Embrace organic and non-GMO offerings.

Many farmers’ markets offer foods that are organically grown and are produced without GMOs. Farmers’ market retailers also tend to give firsthand accounts of where their foods come from and how they are grown or raised.

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

...Continued from page 9 6. Turn the trip into a social excursion.

A farmers’ market can be an exciting and flavorful social gathering place for families and groups of friends, as well as a great place to meet other members of the community. Sometimes farmers also mingle with local artisans, so the market can be a one-stop-shopping locale for locally produced food and art.

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Farmers’ markets may sell organic produce at a cost comparable or even lower than other retailers. That’s because local farmers don’t have to transport their items as far as retailers whose foods were shipped from far away places.

Any time of the year is perfect for grabbing a tote bag and browsing the wares at a nearby farmers’ market, where shoppers are bound to find something fresh, unique and delicious.

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 11

NEW FARM BILL LOOKS FOR A CLEANER FUTURE

BY MIKE MUMAH

gerty, President of Michi-

duction is at the whims of

penses are fuel-related,”

Solar developers have also

As we move further into

gan Solar Solutions. “Most

the weather, he does cheer-

says Gould. “That is not an

been leasing land from farm-

insignificant amount.”

ers for decades and setting

the 21st century, we look for barns need east to west ven- ily boast the real benefits of tilation which gives them solar power. cheaper and cleaner forms southern exposure.”

“When the panels can of energy to sustain us and

“You have different types [of solar energy production], ei-

up solar arrays and selling the energy back to utilities like DTE and Consumers

to create a healthier world

Southern exposure means

produce, they produce,”

ther the utility scale or if you

for future generations to

barns the ideal positioning

says Haggerty. “When the

want to produce enough for

inherit. Our Senate recog-

to get the most out of the

panels produce more

your own personal use,” says

nized this and made it a

sun. Coupled with barns

energy than we can con-

Charles Gould, an extension

part of the Farm bill passed

height and are usually un-

sume, that power goes back

educator with Michigan

in December by including

obstructed view of the sky,

into the grid.”

a good number of incentives in renewable energy,

famers have a great place for This means that consumers solar panels. can ideally earn a credit

State University Extension.

particularly in wind and

“Dairy farms have bird-free

solar energy. This can be

trusses,” says Haggerty.

a huge boon for Michigan

“This keeps birds from

agriculture.

messing up the milk. A very the sun as their fuel.

sources. “When we talk with

the lease agreements,” says

“Most barns, just by their

good dairy barn is a very

farmers, we encourage them

Gould. “We talk about the

very nature, makes for a

good solar structure.”

“The USDA did a nation-wide survey a few

to purchase a system that

tax implications, the zoning

good foundation for solar

While Haggerty admits that years back that indicated

will generate enough power

issues, how agriculture and

[power],” says Mark Hag-

a solar panel’s energy pro-

to meet their needs.”

solar can exist together.”

Gould works with farmers across the state to help them

Energy. While this can seem like steady income for farms, it can also mean that much less land on which they can grow produce. MSU Extension sponsors meetings around the state to help farmers to weigh the pros

toward energy costs, further reduce their energy costs and and cons. increasing their savings be- expenses through energy “We help farmers underyond what they saved using conservation and renewable stand what all in involved in

that 30% of a farm’s ex-

The dates of MSU Extension next few meetings on Solar Energy Development. Each meeting will have a $20 entry fee and will last from 10 am to 2:30 pm. You can go to https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=2BBB074D29C590F662C3E3F6BC95F15B101440097F6168087BFF7F15195A751C for more information.

March 19 - Ottawa County Ottawa County Fillmore Government Cowmplex Main Conference Room 12220 Fillmore Street West Olive, MI 49460 March 28 - St. Johns AgroLiquid Conference Center 3055 W. M-21 St. Johns, MI 48879 April 10 - Chatham Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center E3774 University Dr. Chatham, MI 49816

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12

FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

MICHIGAN STATE HELPS FARMERS REDUCE THEIR ENERGY COSTS

BY MIKE MUMAH

farming operations.”

The auditor will then take tion to help them not only the information they gather save a lot of money, but While the thought of an “The toll farmers use is and create a report on how also lead us all into a much called an energy audit,” says auditor might cause nightthat farmer can reduce their cleaner future. These reports Charles Gould, an extension mares with the general show farmers just how much public, they mean something energy expenses.” educator with Michigan they can save over the next else entirely to farmers. The “These reductions are called State University Extension. seven years. purpose of these audits is energy conservation meaGould works with farmto help Michigan farmers sures. These measures inThe report also gives farmers ers across the state to help keep their costs low and help clude replacing old halogen resources on where to get them reduce their energy light bulbs with LED lights. rebates from the utilities to costs and expenses through them get more mileage out Replacing an cover some of the costs of energy conservation and re- of their money. old pump with a more the suggested conservation newable sources. “MSU has “A farmer will schedule a efficient, variable frequency practices. It also directs the Michigan Farm Energy meeting with an auditor,” drive pump.” farmers to federal programs.

Program. It trains individu- says Gould. “They’ll do a couple hour walk-through These reports can point “Farms in Michigan have als to conduct of the farm with the farmer. farmers in the right direcbeen exempt from a lot of audits for specific types of

codes that require updates to equipment that’s more energy efficient,” says Gould.

“So farmers have not taken advantage of those things because of that exemption.”

The audits can help identify the motors, pumps and lighting that end up costing farmers far more money than they think.

“It could be as simple as replacing curtains on a hog facility, or changing the green poly glass on a greenhouse,” says Gould.

FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 13

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

14

IT’S GOOD TO BE A COW ON DE GRINS OER DAIRY FARM

BY MIKE MUMAH

“I care for all the animals on the farm,” says Cora Okkema, herdsman for De Grins Oer Dairy. “Ranging from newborn calves to our mature cattle that are going through our milking parlor.

I’m really responsible for their health, their well-being, making sure all their needs are being met and are living stress-free. We make sure they’re happy and healthy.”

De Grins Oer Dairy is a family owned, medium-size dairy farm hosting around 650 head of cattle in Blanchard, Michigan. De Grins Oer Dary is owned and operated by Tjerk (pronounced “CHAIR-RICK”) and Rebecca Okkema. It is owned and operated by the Okkema family. And they really now how to take care of their cows.

Okkema, chief owner and operator of De Grins Oer Dairy, can separate the cow and assess what’s going on with the animal.

Dairy cattle can’t be milked until they’ve had their first calf. Dairy industry standard is that this can happen after the first two years of her life. At De Grins Oer Dairy, they won’t breed them again for at least seventy to ninety days after they’ve had their calf.

“That way way they can recover from having the calf and getting used to being milked,” says Okkema. “Th ey can get used to the barn and the parlor. Just like if you moved to a new area or city. It just takes time to get a little acclimated to the place. It’s the same thing for cows. They are very habitual creatures. They love routines. They love creating habits. They love having the same things happen every day. That’s why it’s very important to keep them calm and relaxed and stress-free.”

applies a fair amount of science. Cora has a fouryear degree in Animal Science from Dordt College.

De Grins Oer Dairy breeds their cattle through artificial insemination, which also is the industry standard.

“It’s a tried and true method,” says Okkema. “The biggest reason we do this is safety for the workers and “We look through all anyone on the farm. If you the cows every day,” says had a bull running around Okkema. “I go through with the cows, that’s a huge the milking parlor every safety hazard. This way day. The feeder, when he’s feeding the cows, he checks To keep the cows happy, the [artificial insemination] we can better select genetics to Okkemas keep the same the cows. Everybody looks help select traits to better daily routines for their over the cows every day. aid herd performance in cows. They feed them at That’s one of the biggest the parlor. This way, we can tools we have. We can catch the same times. They milk have a heard that’s more any cows that show that them at the same three diverse.” they are not doing as great times, daily, beginning as they should be.” around six a.m. and finish- Okkema walks through ing around midnight. the barn every day. She can With so many eyes on the look up information on cows throughout the day, To get the best out of their Cora or her father, Tjerk herd, the Okkema family each individual cow. They Right On

the Farm

NelsoN’s Farm market

on the animals so that they can live the best life they can possibly have.”

“This is very useful to us,” says Okkema. “We can see how well the cow is doing.

Maybe she had a little blip.

Did she have something happen? Maybe she came into heat and is ready to get bred. Or it can be an early indicator that this cow is sick. We can get her checked out and we can go from there. It’s an amazing tool to have. It gives you insight into a cow’s health just based on how she’s milking.”

Their care has also branched out beyond just the cow’s well-being. De Grins Oer Dairy is also focused on their consumers as well.

“What I do with my job every day, I wouldn’t be able to do it without my passion,” says Okkema.

“Farming is not easy. It’s not for everyone. It takes a special skill set in order to be able to connect with the animals. We are so focused

“We’re learning how to open the conversation to people in the community and consumers,” says Okkema. “We are willing to talk about our farms, our operations, and have a bit more dialogue with the consumer. People can even reach out to me specifically. We live in a time when it’s so easy that if you have questions, you can go directly to the source.” De Grins Oer Dairy Farm is available for tours or school field trips. You can call (989) 561-5545 or visit their Facebook page.

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 15

THE VARIOUS BENEFITS OF FARM-TO-TABLE Few things are more satisfy-

Newcomers to the farm-to-

ing than biting into a fresh

table dining experience may

tomato right from the gar-

not understand all the fuss

den or seasoning a meal with surrounding this popular trend. The following are herbs picked from a windowsill greenhouse. Restau-

some of the key benefits of

rants recognize the value of

farm-to-table.

such experiences, and more

Peak freshness and ripe-

and more are relying on locally sourced products in their kitchens.

ness: Local produce ripens on the plant and can be harvested at the last possi-

The farm-to-table movement ble minute before it turns is not new, but it has gained up on a plate. This helps

fuels and prevents harmful

because they are grown and

Learn about the community:

momentum as consumers

ensure that it contains the

emissions from entering

harvested during their opti-

become increasingly en-

highest amount of nutrients

A person might live in an

the atmosphere. Supports

mal growing season.

and flavor, according to the

neighboring farms: Support-

area and never know that

Harvard T.H. Chan School

Reduces factory farming:

ing farm-to-table restaurants According to O.info, the and other eateries keeps informational resource

a local vineyard is in the

amored with the flavor and environmental impact of locally sourced foods. The National Restaurant Association found that farm-to-

of Public Health. Food that has to travel further is often picked well before it is ready,

business local in two differ-

ent ways. It not only benefits

powered by Overstock.com, farm-to-table and local

vicinity or that a producer of straight-from-the-hive honey is nearby. Exploring farm-to-table resources can

10 trends for 2015. Further-

ripening on the way to stores local restaurants, but it also or other vendors. directly supports neighbor-

more, the group says that

Better for the environment:

one in five consumers are

Food that needn’t travel

on large, profit-driven coring farms, fisheries and other porations that may focus on suppliers. maximum production over

willing to pay more for local

far before reaching diners’

Accessibility to seasonal

animal health and welfare.

food, and 41 percent admit

plates saves roughly 500

that locally sourced ingredi-

gallons of diesel fuel to haul

ents influence their decisions produce a distance of 1,500

in-season foods. This can

well and institute sustainable are embracing for various

when choosing where to dine miles. This conserves fossil

translate into tastier foods

practices.

table food was one of its top

farming can reduce reliance

open people’s eyes to local businesses doing great work in and around their communities.

choices: Farm-to-table eating Local farms may be more in- Farm-to-table is a popuprovides a wide variety of clined to treat their animals lar movement that people reasons.

16

FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

AGRICULTURE AND THE ECONOMY

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much more, while a weak

this increasingly influential

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ucts have long exemplified

nutrition that can serve as

what it means to work hard

the foundation of a healthy

and take initiatives to be

nation. Earning a living

self-sufficient.

in agriculture strengthens

The symbiotic nature of ag-

purchasing power, which

riculture and the economy

fuels other markets. Even-

is noticeable when exam-

tually, farming can pave

ining the ups and downs of

the way for development,

each. This is because food

including roads, markets,

production and the poten-

shipping services, export-

tial of agriculture extends

ing, and many other sec-

beyond the fields and local

tors.

food stands. These resourc-

Agriculture is an important

es impact supply chains and economic building block. other markets. A strong

An especially important

agriculture base influences

sector, the agricultural

other employment sectors

industry, when supported,

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 17

Understand Hardiness Zones Before Planting Gardening benefits the environment in myriad ways. Maintaining natural landscapes and preserving green spaces can reduce the collective carbon footprint of the human race. Trees, flowers and other greenery filter the air and create welcoming habitats for all species of animals and insects.

Many home gardeners set out each spring to create landscapes that cater to all of the senses. But choosing plants that are unlikely to thrive in certain climates can lead to dissatisfaction and premature plant demise and may require gardeners to use more fertilizers, pesticides and other not-soEarth-friendly techniques to help plants thrive.

One of the more important steps gardeners can take before spring arrives is to educate themselves about plant hardiness zones. Hardiness zones are defined by the average climatic conditions of the region and are broken down into various zones. The USDA Hardiness Zone map divides North America into 13 separate zones. Each zone is marked by 10 F incremental differences from the last zone. In some versions of the map, each zone is further divided into “a” and “b” regions.

The National Gardening Association says the USDA Hardiness Zone Map was revised in 2012. The latest version was jointly developed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service

and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group.

To help develop the new map, the USDA and Oregon State University requested that horticultural and climatic experts review the zones in their geographic areas. As a result, the zone boundaries in the 2012 edition of the map have shifted in many areas. Canada’s Hardiness Zone map, updated in 2010, uses nine different zones.

peratures and the amount of precipitation. Snow cover and humidity also can impact a plant’s propensity to thrive.

Zone maps are tools that show where permanent landscape plants can adapt.

Home gardeners who are looking for shrubs or perennials to last year after year should recognize that such plants must tolerate yearround conditions, including the lowest and highest tem-

While zone maps are not perfect, they can be useful in planning and ensuring the survival of future gardens. Plant and seed manufacturer Burpee says that other factors to consider that also affect the viability of plants include wind, moisture and soil condi-

tions. The company offers an interactive zone finder on their website that will indicate the hardiness zone as well as average first and last frost dates. Visit www. burpee.com/findgrowzone to enter a zip code.

Learn more about plant hardiness at planthardiness. ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb. In Canada, visit the site www. planthardiness.gc.ca/?m=1.

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019 19

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FAMILY & FARM • Supplement to the Pioneer, Herald Review, River Valley Shopper & Pioneer East Shopper • MARCH 2019

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