December Marks Michigan Christmas Tree Month

by orionontv | Dec 2, 2025 | Agriculture

For immediate release: Dec. 2, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

December Marks Michigan Christmas Tree Month

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed December as Michigan Christmas Tree Month, honoring the economic, environmental and social benefits of the state’s Christmas tree industry. To celebrate the start of the month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) toured Peacock Road Family Farm in Laingsburg. Photos are available at this link for use in publication.

“Real Michigan Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many families, whether you visit a Christmas tree farm or a retail tree lot,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “You not only get a fresh, fragrant, beautiful tree as the centerpiece of your celebrations, but at many locations you also get to experience activities like hayrides or sleigh rides, petting farms, visits with Santa and more. We continue to see that Michiganders are interested in connecting directly with agriculture, and establishments like Peacock Road Family Farm are really the fabric of our state culture this time of year.”

Michigan’s integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers work together to ensure a quality product celebrated by millions throughout our state and country.

The state ranks third in the nation for the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying about two million fresh trees – with an annual net value of more than $45 million – to the national market each year. There are more than 500 Christmas tree farms on a combined 33,000 acres in Michigan, ranging from large wholesale farms, to choose and cut farms, to small farms with a few acres selling pre-cut trees.

“Michigan’s Christmas tree industry delivers more than just holiday cheer,” said Amy Start, Executive Director of MCTA. “It generates jobs, supports environmental sustainability, and provides joy to millions of families during the holiday season. It means a lot to know Gov. Whitmer supports our industry and celebrates our role as a memory maker for Michiganders.”

Michigan grows and sells more than a dozen Christmas tree varieties on a wholesale level, which is more species than any other state. The most popular types of Christmas trees available in Michigan are Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir and Canaan fir. In addition to Christmas trees, the industry makes an additional $5 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland and other fresh greenery products.

“The holidays are always a magical time at Peacock Road Family Farm, and we’re excited to welcome families back to the farm this Christmas season,” said Farm General Manager Christian Voorheis. “You can take a wagon ride out to the field to cut your own tree or choose from our pre-cut lot and visit Santa in his cabin, roast marshmallows at a firepit, sip cocoa, buy lunch or a snack, visit our Christmas store, and leave with a beautiful Christmas tree, a warm heart and lasting holiday memories.”

Real Christmas trees are also a great environmental choice. They grow on rocky soil typically unsuitable for other crops and provide extra woodland for animals, create oxygen, and take carbon dioxide out of the air, helping combat global warming. Christmas trees are renewable resources and 100 percent recyclable. The best way to recycle your tree after Christmas is to chip it into mulch, which can be used for landscaping projects.

Christmas trees take six to eight years to reach marketable height. For every Christmas tree harvested, Michigan growers plant three new trees for future harvests.

Visit MCTA’s website or the Michigan Agritourism website to find a Christmas tree farm or retail/wholesale lot, and places offering family friendly holiday activities near you.

For information on where to recycle Christmas trees after the holiday season, check with your local municipality or area recycler or visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Michigan Recycling Directory and use the keywords “Christmas trees” in the search bar.

Read the Michigan Christmas Tree Month proclamation.

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Thanksgiving

by orionontv | Nov 25, 2025 | Agriculture

For immediate release: November 25, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Thanksgiving

Enjoy the delights of the holiday without causing discomfort and stress for pets

LANSING, Mich.—As Michiganders put the final touches on their holiday menus and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with food, family and loved ones—including our pets. When we consider their needs as we plan our festivities, we can minimize their discomfort or stress,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from fatty foods to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Thanksgiving.”

Keep pets safe this holiday by following these six easy tips:

Good Eats: Avoid feeding pets certain holiday foods

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat and gravy) can cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets. Bones can cause injury and illness as well. However, foods like cheese and some unseasoned vegetables like green beans, pumpkin and sweet potatoes can be given in limited amounts as special treats.

Stash the Trash: Keep pets away from the garbage can

Discarded bones, strings, bags and other food-related packaging can be problematic if pets try to eat them. Once disposed of, make sure these items are kept away from pets in tightly secured trash bags placed in trashcans kept behind a closed door, in the garage or outside.

Avoid Temptations: Keep decorations out of reach

Centerpieces, candles and lights not only make for a beautiful display but also catch the eye of our pets. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with potpourris and some festive flowers/plants.

Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification

With all the activity both in and out of the kitchen, it can be easy for pets to sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with current contact information to better ensure they are returned home.

Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets

The new people, large crowds and lively activities can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. Pets could also become overwhelmed if guests bring over their pets to visit as well. It is important to have a quiet space set aside for your pet to be alone. Also, have the room stocked with your pet’s food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pets are fit for travel

If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go! Destination states, countries, commercial carriers and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website or on MDARD’s animal movement website.

Following these tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy through the holiday. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the year, please contact your veterinarian.

More than $1.3 Million Toward Forestry Assistance

by orionontv | Nov 20, 2025 | Agriculture

For immediate release: November 20, 2025

Media contacts: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Awards More than $1.3 Million Toward Forestry Assistance

Funding helps conservation districts maintain foresters

Lansing, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced over $1.3 million in funding for 18 conservation districts as part of the Forestry Assistance Program.

“Michigan’s world-class forests are an economic driver for rural communities, serving as the setting for unforgettable adventures and the source of high-quality timber,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These Forestry Assistance Program grants will support active and sustainable management of our forests so that they can be enjoyed by future generations of Michiganders.”

Today’s Forestry Assistance Program grants support sustainable forestry projects in the following 18 conservation districts across Michigan:

Mid-Michigan

Barry Conservation District – $81,000

Clare Conservation District – $72,000

Mecosta Conservation District – $75,000

Northern Michigan

Alcona Conservation District – $81,000

Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District – $81,000

Kalkaska Conservation District – $72,000

Leelanau Conservation District – $72,000

Manistee Conservation District – $81,000

Oscoda Conservation District – $72,000

Presque Isle Conservation District – $78,000

Upper Peninsula

Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Conservation District – $72,000

Delta Conservation District – $72,000

Dickinson Conservation District – $75,000

Gogebic Conservation District – $72,000

Houghton-Keweenaw Conservation District – $72,000

Iron-Baraga Conservation District – $72,000

Marquette Conservation District – $81,000

West Michigan

Oceana Conservation District – $81,000

The Forestry Assistance Program provides outreach and technical assistance by working with conservation district foresters to help private landowners make decisions about how to care for their land. Conservation district foresters help educate private forest owners about active forest management and connect landowners with private sector professionals for management plan development, timber valuation and sustainable harvests.

In addition to helping private landowners reach their goals, conservation districts help Michigan landowners enroll in MDARD’s Qualified Forest Program (QFP). QFP helps protect the health of Michigan’s forests by offering a property tax exemption from certain school operating mills for landowners who follow a professionally prepared forest management plan and who conduct sustainable timber harvests.

The Forestry Assistance Program grant is funded through State General Funds and the Private Forestland Enhancement Fund – revenue that is derived from landowner participation in QFP.

For more information, visit the MDARD Forestry Assistance Program webpage or email our Private Lands Forestry Program at MDARD-QFP@michigan.gov.

Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks Program Expands

by orionontv | Oct 29, 2025 | Agriculture

For immediate release: October 29, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks Program Expands in Response to Federal SNAP Disruption

Gov. Whitmer, MDARD Applaud Quick Action by Fair Food Network

LANSING, Mich. – The Fair Food Network is taking quick action this week through its Double Up Food Bucks Program to assist Michigan families facing a disruption in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“In Michigan, we work to support one another as best we can and this moment is no different,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We know SNAP is a lifeline for Michigan families. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. These changes to the Double Up Program will go a long way in ensuring access to healthy food can continue while we push our federal partners to reach a deal that avoids more harm to Michigan families.”

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered states to pause SNAP distribution beginning Nov. 1 as the federal government shutdown continues. Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks Program – which is supported by a grant administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) – is expanding through the end of December in response to the lapse in funding.

“At a time when Michigan families are seeing uncertainty and threatened benefits at the federal level, it’s important that we’re doing all that we can to ensure healthy food continues to reach our most vulnerable communities,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “We at MDARD appreciate our partners at the Fair Food Network for mobilizing quickly with this bonus program and making Double Up as robust as possible in response to SNAP funding running out.”

Fair Food Network (FFN) is taking the following immediate actions in Michigan, effective through Dec. 31, 2025:

1. Expanded access and flexibility so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards:

Double Up earnings no longer expire. FFN lifted the 90-day limit so shoppers can use their earned benefits whenever they need them.

No daily earning cap. FFN removed the usual $20 per day limit, enabling families to earn as much as they can while shopping for fresh produce.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible. Shoppers can now use Double Up on frozen options with no added salt, sugar, or oil—available at all 237 locations across the state.

2. NEW: Double Up Bonus Bucks, a limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables beginning Nov. 1 and will be distributed:

Directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable.

As printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations.

FFN’s goal is to reach as many families as possible across the state—keeping healthy food on tables and revenue flowing through neighborhood grocery stores. Double Up Bonus Bucks will expire Dec. 31, 2025, to encourage timely use.

“Double Up works because SNAP works,” said Kate Krauss, CEO of Fair Food Network. “When SNAP is disrupted, families feel it immediately—and so do the local grocers and farmers who serve them. That’s why we’re acting quickly to ease the burden, expand access to healthy food, and support the community food retailers that keep fresh produce on shelves and dollars circulating locally. This is what we’re built to do—step up with practical, community-rooted solutions when it matters most.”

What Michigan SNAP beneficiaries should know:

You can still use any SNAP dollars already on your EBT card—those funds are not affected.

All previously earned Double Up Food Bucks remain available.

Double Up is available year-round at grocery stores, even as farmers market season winds down.

To learn more, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org and FairFoodNetwork.org.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Call the Double Up hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 am – 5 pm ET, Monday – Friday.

Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/locations

Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.

Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.

Explore MI Bridges to learn more about SNAP, which offers temporary food assistance to eligible families.

SNAP in Michigan

In Fiscal Year 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.

492,225 children benefit from SNAP.

38,513 veterans participating in SNAP.

36% SNAP households have older adults.

43% SNAP households have children.

51% households have a person with a disability.

78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income.

In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 million in SNAP.

To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense.

MDARD Encourages Owners to Keep Animals Safe this Halloween

by orionontv | Oct 27, 2025 | Agriculture

For immediate release: October 27, 2025

Media contacts: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Animals Safe this Halloween

Have a fab-boo-lous holiday without causing scares or stress for animals

LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe this Halloween.

“Considering the needs of our animals is important when making plans for Halloween to ensure they won’t have any unpleasant scares or additional stress,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from the candy bowl to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Halloween.”

Keep animals safe this holiday by following these five easy tips:

Unsafe Eats: Give Halloween candy to trick-or-treaters—not your animals.

Unfortunately, animals cannot enjoy all of the same treats and food we do. Be sure to keep candy or other sweets containing chocolate, raisins, and/or xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) away from animals as these ingredients can be hazardous.

A Quiet Place: Have a quiet space for your animals.

Having a constant stream of visitors can be overly stimulating for animals. It is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

Prevent Disappearing Acts: Make sure animals have proper identification.

When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, it can be easy for animals to sneak out and get lost. Make sure animals have identification tags and/or up-to-date microchips with current contact information to improve the chances they are returned home.

Avoid Temptations: Keep Halloween decorations and wires out of reach.

Spooky decorations and lights not only make for a frightful display but also catch the eye of our animals. As these items can cause injury, be sure they are kept out of an animal’s reach, along with candles with an open flame, glow sticks, and potpourri.

Cautious Costumes: Be thoughtful when selecting a costume.

Our animals might not share the same enthusiasm for costumes we do. It is possible your animals cannot recognize you or others they may know because of your costumes, causing unexpected reactions and additional stress. Consider wearing pieces of your costume around your animal before Halloween to better acclimate them to the sight.

If your animals are the ones wearing the costumes, make sure they are comfortable in their outfit. The costume should not restrict their movement or breathing, block their sight, cause them to get overheated, or have small pieces that can be chewed off and become a choking hazard. Also, don’t leave a costumed pet unsupervised.

Following these tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy through the spooky season. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian.

Grant Opportunity for Infrastructure and Sustainability Projects

by orionontv | Oct 15, 2025 | Agriculture

For immediate release: October 15, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Infrastructure and Sustainability Projects in Rural Areas

Proposals due by 5 p.m. on December 3, 2025

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today it will accept applications for Rural Development Fund Grants now through 5 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, December 3.

Rural Development Fund Grants promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure benefiting rural communities in Michigan. Land-based industries include food and agriculture; forestry; mining; oil and gas production; and tourism.

“Rural communities and land-based industries are vital to Michigan’s economy,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Rural Development Fund Grants help expand and sustain crucial industries that deliver economic opportunities, build prosperity and improve quality of life in rural communities throughout our state.”

Rural Development Fund Grants are available for projects focused on:

The expansion and sustainability of land-based industries.
Worker training related to land-based industries.
Energy, transportation, housing, communications, water, and wastewater infrastructure to benefit rural communities and micropolitan statistical areas.

Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. Communities may self-identify as rural if they can provide an example of a state or federal program that classifies them as rural. Applicants must specifically reference the state or federal program within their application. For a complete list of eligible counties, visit the Rural Development Fund Grant website.

A Joint Evaluation Committee composed of experts will evaluate all applications through a competitive review process. The maximum limit on project grant fund requests is $100,000. There is no minimum limit on project grant fund requests. All proposals require a cash match of at least 30 percent. Applicants must describe how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for rural communities around land-based industries. All applicants are required to submit three letters of support with their application.

MDARD will host an informational webinar on this grant opportunity on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. (EDT). More information about the webinar is located on the MDARD website.

Proposals must be received online through the MiAgGrants system no later than 5 p.m. (EST) on December 3, 2025. Proposals received after 5 p.m. (EST) will not be considered.

The Rural Development Fund Grants are funded by the Nonferrous Metallic Minerals Extraction Severance Tax. Revenue from the severance tax is in accordance with PA 410 of 2012. The Rural Development Fund was created under PA 411 of 2012.

Those interested in applying for the grant program may visit the MDARD Grant website to view the program details. Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposal should be sent to mda-grants@michigan.gov.

« Older Entries