News

The case for cattle on solar farms

Published on April 24, 2026
New grazing strategies challenge the idea that cattle don’t belong on solar sites and suggest they may thrive there.
Solar farms may still be farms

Published on April 24, 2026
Forage research points to scalable agrivoltaic solutions.
MSU Extension offering webinar on short-term rental policy options for local communities in May and October

Published on April 15, 2026
These webinars will help local governments consider the potential policy options available to them regarding short-term rentals (STRs).
Registration now open for the 2026 MSU Extension Agritourism Summit

Published on April 13, 2026
The 2026 Summit will bring farmers, business owners, community leaders and tourism professionals together to explore collaborative strategies that strengthen Michigan’s agritourism economy.
Local regulation of manufactured housing

Published on March 31, 2026
Learn more about how to balance local zoning authority and state preemption under Michigan’s Mobile Home Commission Act.
State preemption and local zoning authority in Michigan: The role of legislative intent

Published on March 31, 2026
Absent an overarching statute preempting certain activities from zoning regulations, Michigan courts follow a test to determine legislative intent. In short, if there is no sign of legislative intent, local zoning prevails.
MSU professor aims to improve seed sovereignty for Native communities

Published on March 24, 2026
PSM researcher Krista Isaacs receives Native American Agriculture Fund grant to develop seed-saving systems with Iowa State University professor Christina Gish Hill
Land Division Act amendment allowing the creation of more parcels means all local governments should review development ordinances

Published on March 24, 2026
With the authority for local governments to allow and approve more divisions of land comes the responsibility to follow the master plan and make environmentally and financially sound infrastructure decisions.
MSU Extension Tools for Effective Facilitation 2026 programs

Published on March 2, 2026
Two three-day facilitation workshops and one advanced four-day conflict-focused program available in 2026.
Communicating Through Conflict: Build skills for tough conversations

Published on March 2, 2026
Learn tools for navigating difficult conversations at work, in your community, and at home through these workshop opportunities in 2026.