Traverse City Record-Eagle

Business

May 1, 2010

Business in Brief: 05/01/2010

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Horse North Inc. to hold fundraiser

TRAVERSE CITY — A fund-raiser for Horse North Inc., a local nonprofit that accepts abused, abandoned and rescued horses, will be held today at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

The "Run for the Roses" event is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will run a foot race between Left Foot Charley and Tastes of Black Star Farms wineries at The Village that are co-sponsoring the event. Proceeds from the event will benefit Horse North Rescue based in Fife Lake.

More information is available by contacting Black Star Farms at 944-1311.

Late applications accepted by USDA

TRAVERSE CITY — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will accept late-filed applications for emergency assistance for livestock, honeybee and farm-raised fish producers through May 5.

The program provides financial assistance for losses in 2008 and 2009 because of disease, adverse weather and wildfires through the USDA's Farm Services Agency. The application deadline was extended because of changes in the programs eligibility provisions, state agriculture officials said.

More information is available from county FSA offices or at www.fsa.usda.gov.

'Bees to Blossoms' to be held today

TRAVERSE CITY — A "Bees to Blossoms" event will be held at 1 p.m. today at the Peninsula Community Library co-sponsored by the Northwest Michigan Farm Bureau.

A local beekeeper will be on hand with a live beehive and offer hands-on demonstrations of how bees pollinate fruit trees. It also will feature honey tasting, arts and crafts displays, stories and other activities. The library can provide additional information at 223-7700.

CIG grants available through USDA

TRAVERSE CITY — Grants of up to $75,000 are available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its "Conservation Innovation Grants" program.

CIG grants are available to individuals, governmental and non-governmental organizations and federal Indian tribes to utilize new conservation practices in agricultural and forestry operations. Grant money will be available for projects in the areas of energy conservation, improving soil, air and water quality, better nutrient management, and enhancing wildlife and pollinator populations. Funds are available for pilot projects and field demonstrations.

Grant applications must be filed by June 4 with the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in East Lansing. More information is available on the NRCS-Michigan website at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

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