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FARM

Barn fire in western Michigan kills several farm animals

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – A large barn fire killed multiple animals Thursday morning in Berrien County. According to authorities, the Chikaming Township Fire Department were called to the fire at about 5:30 a.m.Fire crews were able to save two horses, two goats and some of the chickens, but some chickens, a peacock and four llamas -- including three babies -- were killed by the fire. “By the time we were able to do anything, it was so totally involved there was absolutely no way that anybody could go inside to try to get the other animals out,” said fire chief Mike Davidson. “It had too much of a head start on us.”The cause of the fire is under investigation, but authorities believe no foul play is involved.

U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum accepting applications for 2021 internships

(Meredith Bruckner)ANN ARBOR – Are you a college student with a strong interest in farming, gardening and environmental education? Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are now accepting applications for the 2021 internship season, which include various paid positions. Required qualifications include a university or college student with enthusiasm for teamwork, willingness to learn and a good work ethic. In-person internship work will take place in accordance with strict COVID safety protocols. As part of the University of Michigan we adhere to university policy and guidelines for all public and employment programs.

Teen hunter killed when run over by corn harvester near Caseville

CASEVILLE, Mich. – A 14-year-old deer hunter who possibly fell asleep in a farm field was killed when he was run over by a corn harvester in Michigan’s Thumb region, police said. Emergency workers were called about 9 a.m. Saturday to the cornfield in a rural area near the Huron County city of Caseville after a farm worker spotted the boy soon after accidentally driving over him, according to the county sheriff’s office. The boy from the nearby city of Elkton had been dropped off earlier for deer hunting at the field and might have fallen asleep, the sheriff’s office said. The farm worker wasn’t aware that anyone was in the field. The boy’s identity wasn’t immediately released by authorities and an autopsy was expected to be performed in the coming days.

Take a walk on the wild side at Carousel Acres

If youre an animal lover, this place in South Lyon should definitely be added to your destination list. Kila Peeples visited this hidden gem called Carousel Acres, a farm that is filled with various farm and exotic animals. Carousel Acres has traditional farm animals including horses, pigs, and cows. Not only is Carousel Acres a petting farm, but its also a day camp for kids. Watch the video above to see everything a visit to Carousel Acres has to offer!

Detroit organizations raise $40,000 for Black Farmer Land Fund

DETROIT A number of organizations in Detroit are raising money to help Black farmers purchase land in Detroit. Members of Keep Growing Detroit launched a fundraising effort on GoFundMe with a goal of raising $20,000 to help Black farmers purchase the land they are currently growing on or plan to grow on. Keep Growing Detroit -- in collaboration with the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm and the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network -- has surpassed their initial goal, raising more than $40,000 as of Saturday. Organization members say Black farmers face more barriers when it comes to land ownership than White farmers do in Detroit. Black farmers can begin applying in July and awardees will be announced in September.