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Michigan plans for new approach with farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin

The Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says a dramatically new approach should be taken by farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

“I think the regen ag pathway and using soil health is more of a central focus for this.”

Tim Boring tells Brownfield there needs to be more research, enhanced monitoring, and a layered effort to improve water quality metrics while incentivizing farmers.

“What can we do to get growers increased economic opportunities for their crops based on the way they grow them?” he says the department is exploring.  “It’s additional revenue stream potential for farms. I think it’s a meaningful change in our approach of how we’re addressing issues like water quality and nutrient losses.”

Boring says a pilot project is in the works for next year’s growing season to address environmental issues and the agency is adding more staff to support farmers, including a new office of a chief scientist and a regenerative agricultural specialist.

“So a move away from process-based practices and more those principles of minimizing disturbance and keeping living roots in place, enhancing biological cycling,” he shares.

The latest state budget allocates $15 million for the department to invest in soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Officials met earlier this week to discuss progress in Michigan as part of the first State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference.