Michigan Tree Fruit Growers Approve Continuation Referendum

LANSING – Michigan’s apple, cherry, peach, and plum producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Tree Fruit Research and Development Program.

Established in April 2014, Michigan Tree Fruit Research and Development Program was developed to improve the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry by supporting the fruit research stations, research and extension programs. The goal for this program is to keep Michigan’s tree fruit industry on the cutting edge of new technology as well as implementation of new research that keep Michigan’s farmers economically viable in the world market into the future.

The program is a public body independent of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It is comprised of nine tree fruit producers appointed by the Governor. MDARD Director Tim Boring and a person appointed by the Michigan State University Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources are non-voting ex-officio members.

The program will continue for an additional five years, beginning April 1, 2024 and ending March 31, 2029. Michigan tree fruit may be assessed at a maximum rate of $2.50 per ton for cherries sold; 4 cents per CWT. for apples sold: $2.00 per ton for peaches sold; and $4.50 per ton for plums sold.

A total of 152 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. 96 producers voted yes (63 percent) representing 294,814,092 pounds of apples, cherries, peaches, and plums (55 percent); and 56 producers voted no (37 percent) representing 239,799,386 pounds of apples, cherries, peaches, and plums (45 percent).

For renewal of the program and its activities, more than 50 percent of the voting producers, representing more than 50 percent of the production of those voting, must have approved it.

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Spring Holiday Season

Following a few easy tips can help ensure you have a healthy, happy celebration with your pets

LANSING, MI—As Michiganders prepare to celebrate this spring holiday season, 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.

“Spring holiday celebrations are filled with food, family, and loved ones—including our pets. It is important to consider their needs as we plan our festivities,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from eating chocolate and candy to ensuring they have a quiet space to destress, there are many actions we can take to make sure they have a safe holiday.”

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

• Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding pets people foods.

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Foods not specifically formulated for pets should be avoided as they could cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Also, be sure to keep candy and other sweets containing chocolate, raisins, and/or xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) away from pets as these ingredients can be hazardous.

• Avoid Temptations: Keep Easter grass and other holiday decorations out of reach.

Brightly colored plastic Easter grass or other basket fillers may make for a beautiful presentation, but it can also catch the eye of our pets. If consumed, the filler could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure to remove filler from baskets completely or at least keep the baskets out of a pet’s reach, along with candles, lights, plastic eggs/toys, and some festive flowers/plants—especially Easter lilies as these are highly toxic to cats.

• Go Natural: Save the dye for eggs—not pets.

As a reminder, in Michigan, it is illegal to sell baby chicks, rabbits, ducklings, or other fowl or game that have been dyed or artificially colored (Public Act 163 of 1945). Violating this law is a misdemeanor, so keep animals their natural color.

• Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification.

With all the holiday activity, pets can easily sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and microchips updated with your current contact information to ensure they can be returned home.

• Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets.

Any holiday celebration can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. So, 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 want to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

• More Than Novelties: Bunnies and chicks are fur-ever pets.

While it may be tempting to surprise someone with a real bunny, chick, or duckling this holiday, it is important to remember these animals are long-term pets, often requiring specialized care and feed. Many people feel unprepared to properly care for one of these animals and hand them over to local animal control or an animal shelter. Opt for gifting someone a stuffed or chocolate animal instead.

These tips can help you and your pets have an egg-cellent and safe holiday. If there are ever any concerns about your pets’ health now or beyond the spring holiday season, please talk to your veterinarian.

VIDEO RELEASE: MDARD Celebrates March is Reading Month & Michigan Agriculture with Lansing School District

MDARD March is Reading Month (youtube.com)
The following video is available for all news outlets to utilize.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Chief of Staff Kathy Angerer and employees celebrated March is Reading and Michigan Food and Agriculture Month by partnering with the Lansing School District and reading to several different classrooms.

Employees read “Seed to Plant” by Gail Gibbons, “The Beeman” by Laurie Krebs and Valeria Cis, and “Too Many Carrots” by Katy Hudson to students at Gardner International School. MDARD employee Christopher Greene-Szmadzinski read and signed those books to a class of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

“This month, we have so much to celebrate in Michigan! Throughout March, we’ve been celebrating how strong and vibrant our food and agriculture industry is here in Michigan, along with it being reading month,” said Chief of Staff Kathy Angerer. “Today, several staff members from MDARD teamed up with the Lansing School District to bring together food and agriculture with reading. Agriculture’s future is in the hands of the next generation. Now is the time to showcase the opportunities working in food and agriculture, which can open many new and exciting job opportunities.”

Governor Whitmer has declared March as Reading Month in Michigan. The governor is urging all Michiganders to find time to read and recommit themselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.

Expanding literacy support and investing in education is a top priority for Governor Whitmer. Last month, the governor proposed her sixth budget making record investments in education.

The governor also proposed a bold investment in lifelong literacy, so Michiganders of all ages can get the support they need to succeed in their next grade or job. Since taking office, she has worked across the aisle to triple the number of literacy coaches and boost support for students in every community without raising taxes by a dime.

Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, to honor and celebrate Michigan’s farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep our food and agriculture industry thriving.

MDARD Recognizes Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

MDARD values the importance of spay/neuter for Michigan’s registered animal shelters and the communities they serve

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) proudly recognizes Spay/Neuter Awareness Month—a month dedicated to highlighting the importance and benefits of this procedure. For Michigan animal shelters, spaying and neutering animals is vital for controlling the population of unwanted pets and making more pets ready for adoption into their fur-ever homes.

“Spaying and neutering animals is required of Michigan’s registered animal shelters,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “Dogs, cats, and ferrets have to be spayed or neutered as part of the adoption process, which helps protect against overpopulation. Thanks to the generosity of Michigan taxpayers, MDARD helps to support spaying and neutering programs at local animal shelters through Animal Welfare Fund grants, leading to a lasting impact in the communities served by these shelters.”

Grants through Michigan’s Animal Welfare Fund help shelters get animals into their forever homes by financing the spay/neuter and vaccination of those animals. This funding also provides for other animal care projects and services in a shelter’s local area. All Michiganders can help to protect shelter animals and improve their care by checking the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns. More contributions will lead to more shelters having the resources and funding they need to keep pace with the demands of their communities.

“Spaying and neutering is important because we want to decrease the amount of strays,” said Shawn Donovan, Supervisor at the City of Taylor Animal Shelter. “It’s a big help to us and the community that when we do adopt that they are spayed and neutered. It’s a disservice when they are not because it contributes to a growing population of stray dogs and cats.”

“I think it is very important to donate to the Animal Welfare Fund because there are so many animals in need,” said Jodi Schrader, Director and Founder of Saved by Zade. “Throughout the entire state of Michigan, we try to help, but there are so many shelters that are in need of assisting the animals in their area. So, donations would be helpful throughout the state to help any places that are applying.”

To learn more about the importance of spaying and neutering animals, please watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIMeTIUhYAU.

For more information about the Animal Welfare Fund, please visit www.michigan.gov/animalwelfarefund.

Help Stop Invasive Species during National Invasive Species Awareness Week

LANSING – National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international annual event held February 26 through March 3, 2024, looking to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose, and what can do together to prevent their spread. In support of NISAW, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is encouraging all Michiganders to do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens not native to an area and can cause serious harm to the environment, economy, agriculture, or public health. These pests often are fast growing, reproduce rapidly, and have few predators or natural controls in their new environments.

“Our department works tirelessly to prevent the spread of these pests, but getting everyone involved in prevention and detection is key to the fight against invasive species,” said Steve Carlson, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director.

Here are some ways to help limit the spread of invasive species:

• Buy heat-treated firewood or buy wood where you burn it to avoid transporting insects or tree diseases that may be hitchhiking untreated wood.

• When returning from international travel, declare food, plants and other agricultural items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure these items are pest-free.
• Avoid buying seeds or plants online from unknown vendors.
• After enjoying the outdoors, inspect and clean shoes, clothing, gear and vehicles to assure they are pest and seed free.

“Each year, invasive pests destroy up to 40 percent of food crops around the world and cause billions of dollars in production and trade losses,” added Carlson. “Additionally, the changing climate and increasing loss of biodiversity are made worse when invasive species alter our natural ecosystems.”

Check out MDARD’s Buggin’ Out video series to learn more about invasive pests posing a threat to plants and agriculture in Michigan. Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases to MDARD through the Michigan Invasive Species website or at 800-292-3939.

When Serving up Super Bowl Snacks, Don’t Fumble on Food Safety!

Play it Safe and Keep it Local for Game Day

LANSING, MI – As Michiganders gear up to watch the big game this Sunday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds party hosts to play it safe when handling and serving Super Bowl snacks. And, when planning your menu for game day, make sure your game plan includes Michigan food and agriculture ingredients.

“There are two ways to host a winning Super Bowl watch party,” said MDARD Food Safety and Animal Health Bureau Director Tim Slawinski. “First, take a few easy steps to prevent foodborne illness and keep your family and guests healthy; and second, feature Michigan grown and processed foods for a winning menu.”

Game on!

Here are a few tips to play it safe on game day:

• Play a clean game.

Wash hands immediately before and after handling food. Research shows that 99 percent of people don’t wash their hands correctly. To properly wash your hands, wet your hands with water, lather with soap and scrub for 20 seconds. Rinse your hands and dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Clean and sanitize all cooking surfaces and utensils, especially after handling raw meat. You’ll also need to wash your hands often throughout the game.

• Don’t mix players from different teams.

Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods like fresh fruits and vegetables by using separate cutting boards and utensils. This will prevent cross-contamination of bacteria and keep your MVPs from getting food poisoning.

• Have a game plan.

Foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Know when you plan to serve the food and set a timer to remind yourself to start packing up leftovers. If you plan on serving food throughout the game, make two portions of each dish. Serve one portion as the game starts and keep another portion in the refrigerator or oven to rotate out after half time.

• Play zone defense.

No matter the season, bacteria love the temperature Danger Zone — 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C) — and will grow rapidly within 20 minutes if they are in this in that temperature environment for more than 2 hours. Read more about the Danger Zone.

• The right equipment counts.

Stock up on shallow food containers and make sure you’ve got extra space for them in your refrigerator or freezer. Use a food thermometer to ensure that food reaches a safe internal temperature when you’re cooking and that leftovers reach 165°F when you reheat them. Here are the recommended internal temperatures for some Super Bowl party favorites:

• Chicken wings = 165°F (74°C)
• Burgers and sliders = 160°F (71°C)
• Chili and other reheated foods = 165°F (74°C)
• Before halftime take a timeout and insert substitutes into the game, if needed.

Check your food with a food thermometer to make sure hot foods are still hot and cold foods are still cold. Ensure you’re keeping crockpots on the “warm” or “low” setting; and always use a cold source (such as a bowl of ice) below cold foods and check throughout the party to make sure dips and cheeses are still cold. Discard any food that has been out for more than two hours. Bring out fresh portions of food that you’ve been keeping hot or cold.

• Post-game coverage.

Pack any leftovers in small portions in shallow containers and place the containers into the refrigerator or freezer immediately. When you’re reheating leftovers, make sure they reach 165°F, as measured by a food thermometer.

By following these tips at your Super Bowl gathering, you may be celebrating more than just a team victory – you’ll be celebrating a successful party and healthy, happy friends and family.

Support the Home Team!

MDARD and the Michigan Ag Council teamed up with Michigan farmers represented by the Michigan Beef Industry Commission, Michigan Pork Producers, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, and Michigan Sugar Company to bring you some “Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT” recipes for your Super Bowl celebration.

When you think Michigan first, you’re sure to score big, from appetizers and main dishes to desserts and cocktails. Check out these delicious Michigan recipe ideas to kick off your celebration. If you try a recipe, post a picture on social media with the hashtag #MIMade4SuperBowl and show off your Michigan snacks.

“Buying Michigan-grown and processed food products supports our local economy and our hard-working farm families,” said Slawinski. “This Super Bowl Sunday, why not try some recipes using products grown and made here in Michigan? When we all support ‘Team Michigan’ our food and agriculture industries thrive.”

For more information about Michigan’s food and agriculture industry and other recipe ideas, visit MichiganGrown.org.

For more food safety tips, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854; email or chat at Ask USDA; or visit FoodSafety.gov.