Business in Brief: 05/15/2010

Business

Related Photos

"Taste the Local Difference" Special to the Record-Eagle

May 15, 2010

Anonymous ---- The Record Eagle Sat May 15, 2010, 07:30 AM EDT

Benzie County vet receives award

TRAVERSE CITY — A Benzie County resident who's a retired veterinarian received a Distinguished Service to Agriculture and Natural Resources award from Michigan State University.

Don Howard, D.V.M, was honored by MSU officials at their 95th annual Agricultural and Natural Resources Week luncheon held recently at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. Howard has a bachelor's and doctorate of veterinary medicine degree from MSU and served as an assistant dean at the school from 1977-79. He also served on the faculties of Texas A&M University and North Carolina State University. He also holds a doctorate in neurophysiology from the University of Missouri College of Medicine.

Howard has 65 publications in peer-reviewed scientific books and journals. He also served on the board of regents for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and in 1994 received the Distinguished Alumni Award from MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. He also established a Donald R. Howard Award for Surgical Excellence at North Carolina State.

Locally, Howard served as chairman of the Benzie County Board of Commissioners and with economic development boards based in Benzie County and Traverse City, and in roles with the Michigan Association of Counties and Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.

MSU officials described Howard as "the epitome of an engaged alumnus" who's supported the university with hundreds of hours of volunteer support and advocacy.

USDA conducting survey on energy

TRAVERSE CITY — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting a survey of farms and ranches that produce their own energy.

A recent agriculture census identified more than 20,000 farms and ranches that produce their own energy, and the USDA wants more data on how the energy is generated. The survey will focus on wind turbines, solar panels, anaerobic digesters and other methods of generating power.

"This is a chance for farmers and ranchers to demonstrate the steps they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure sustainability of our land, water and air resources," said Dave Kleweno, director of the Michigan Field Office of the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Survey results are kept confidential, he said.

The NASS mailed survey forms this month, and they must be returned by May 24. Results will be published in February. More information is available at www.agcensus.usda.gov or by calling 1-(800)-453-7501.

Cattle movement rules updated

LANSING — State agriculture officials say they have updated rules to make cattle movement easier — bringing Michigan in line with federal rules for bovine tuberculosis.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture said in a release the relaxed rules provide free movement for unaffected cattle herds. Producers in a majority of the state may move cattle across established federal zone boundaries as long as they have a movement permit and electronic identification.

The exception is a zone that includes the northern Lower Michigan counties of Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet and Otsego. That zone has more stringent requirements because bovine TB has been detected in cattle and wildlife.

Local food, farming guide released

TRAVERSE CITY — The 2010 edition of the "Taste the Local Difference" local food and farming guide has been released by the Michigan Land Use Institute.

The guide, now in its seventh year, lists local farms, farmers markets, wineries, retail outlets and specialty food stores that feature fresh and locally grown food. This year's version lists more than 250 farms, three dozen wineries and beverage producers, 30 farmers markets and 70 retail businesses and specialty food shops that feature local farm products and other foods ranging from fruits and vegetables to jams, breads, salsas and chocolates. It covers an area from Manistee County north to the Mackinac Bridge.

The guide is available online at localdifference.org and printed versions are available at area visitors centers, chamber of commerce offices, restaurants, stores, libraries and farmers markets. Copies also are available at the MLUI office at 148 E. Front St. in Traverse City. Marketing coordinator Janice Benson can provide more information at 941-6584, ext. 21.