Keith Schneider | Circle of Blue

Loading liquid manure from storage lagoon at Slater Farms into tanker for disposal on nearby farm fields

Michigan’s new rules to protect water from manure attacked by lawmakers

A bipartisan group of representatives proposed two statutes last June that would essentially exempt manure digester wastes from EGLE's new oversight.

Michigan State University’s 1,100-acre livestock research farm is working to prove the value of advanced cattle production practices in stemming environmental damage while simultaneously enhancing farm financial statements.

Environment & Climate Change

Cattle production that enhances water and environmental quality

Keith Schneider | Circle of Blue

Michigan State’s Jason Rowntree is out to prove that ranching is an ecological asset.

Environment & Climate Change

In significant decision for Michigan’s waters, state Supreme Court rules EGLE has authority to do its job

Keith Schneider | Circle of Blue

The Michigan Supreme Court gave the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy some disputed discretion in implementing rules on agricultural water pollution.

The conversion from animal wastes to methane occurs in industrial-scale manure biodigesters. The Red Arrow Dairy in Van Buren County, where two biodigesters rise like giant white mushrooms from fallow fields, displays an apt example of the new energy-generating equipment.

Environment & Climate Change

Will energy from manure help or harm water quality in Michigan?

Keith Schneider | Circle of Blue

Chevron and two utilities are building big methane biodigesters on the state’s largest dairies.

Wild rice in 2,000 acre Lower Rice Lake, the tribe's principal source of a harvest that commences in the fall.

Environment & Climate Change

Minnesota tribe sets rules to safeguard wild rice and water supply

Keith Schneider | Circle of Blue

Ineffective voluntary water pollution prevention practices are set aside for mandatory regulations.