GRAND FARM

Jun 03 2026HEALTH

Heat Stress and the Hidden Toll on Florida Farmworkers

Farm laborers in Florida often work under intense sun, leading to a higher risk of heat‑related illnesses. New studies show that these hot conditions may also affect their mental health, creating a double burden for those on the ground. The workers’ jobs expose them to high temperatures for long

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Jun 01 2026ENVIRONMENT

How tiny soil microbes shape mercury risks in rice fields

Farmers growing rice in contaminated soil face a hidden dilemma. Tiny soil microbes control how mercury turns into a more dangerous form called methylmercury—a toxin that can build up in rice grains. Scientists wanted to see what happens when these microbes start disappearing, which climate change m

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May 10 2026ENVIRONMENT

This summer’s fruit harvest might be smaller and pricier than usual

Farmers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are bracing for a tough season ahead. After a sudden heatwave in mid-April followed by unexpected freezes just days later, many fruit crops are struggling to recover. Peaches, apples, and even some berries were hit hard, with some farms losing most of their pro

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May 04 2026SCIENCE

Finding New Ways to Keep Cow Infections Under Control

Farm animals often face health issues that cost farmers time and money. One common problem is udder infections in cows, caused by bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis. These germs don’t just harm the cows—they can also sneak into milk and dairy products, raising concerns about food safety. Antibiotic

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Apr 27 2026SCIENCE

Small algae, big changes: how broiler chickens respond to high-chlorella diets

Farmers looking for plant-based feed alternatives often turn to microalgae like Chlorella vulgaris because it’s packed with nutrients and grows quickly. But when chickens ate diets where soy meal was swapped for 20 % Chlorella, something unexpected happened—growth slowed down and certain fats in the

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Apr 18 2026FINANCE

Grand Rapids Sets Up $35M Bond to Fund New Firefighter Center

Grand Rapids is planning to raise up to $35 million through bonds for a new fire training facility. The city’s commission recently approved a notice that starts a 45‑day period where residents can petition for a public vote on the bond. If no one challenges it, the commission will need to pass a fin

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Apr 04 2026FINANCE

Farmers tighten belts as tractor prices hit new highs

Farm shows across North America this spring told a clear story: farmers are cutting back on big purchases. With prices for machinery, fuel, and fertilizer climbing higher than ever, most are choosing to keep their old equipment a little longer. A dealer in Saskatchewan explained it simply: "They won

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Mar 28 2026OPINION

Politics at Dinner: Did We Lose Good Manners Over Posts?

Grandparents kept politics off the dinner table. Not because they didn’t care, but because they valued harmony. Today, silence often feels like suspicion. Social media changed the game: what used to be private chats now blast to strangers instantly. Algorithms push loudest voices, not deepest though

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Mar 14 2026EDUCATION

Science Olympiad Draws 60 Teams to Grand Valley for Regional Showdown

Grand Valley State University will welcome more than 50 middle and high school teams on March 21 for the Region 12 Science Olympiad competition. The event, held at the university’s Valley Campus in Allendale, will pit students from Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties against one another in 47 STEM

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Mar 14 2026SCIENCE

Smart Nitrogen Use Saves Money and Protects Water

Farmers in the area are trying a new way to cut costs and keep groundwater clean. A local extension teacher started the “Nitrogen Challenge” after farmers asked if they were still adding too much fertilizer to their fields. The goal is simple: give each crop exactly the amount of nitrogen it n

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