Farming

Great Lakes agriculture generates more than $15 billion a year and it accounts for 7 percent of total U.S. food production. But fertilizer runoff from farm fields is a major source of pollution in the lakes.

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What will 2017 bring for the Great Lakes?

By • Dec 28, 2016
Nick Castele/ideastream

In just a few weeks, we’ll have a new presidential administration – and that could mean big changes for the Great Lakes.

Environmental groups are waiting to see how Donald Trump's administration handles issues that are crucial to the region.

Future challenging for Great Lakes

By • Sep 23, 2016
Elizabeth MIller

This week, representatives from organizations all over the Great Lakes met in Sandusky, Ohio, to grapple with the region's future. Harmful algae blooms, water quality and working with diverse communities were among the topics featured in panel discussions and sessions.

Push for wind farms along Great Lakes sparks controversy

By • Sep 19, 2016
by ANGELICA A. MORRISON

On the Atwater Farm, a commercial dairy farm near Lake Ontario, the sound of diesel trucks thunders through the air as they bring in loads of harvested corn for cow feed. 


Grow tomatoes on dredge spoils? Could happen on Great Lakes

By • Aug 30, 2016
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

Each year, ports on the Great Lakes dredge tons of material to keep shipping lanes open. But disposing of the spoils is a big problem. The Port of Toledo has a creative approach: farming.

The Port of Toledo dredges more sediment than any port on the Great Lakes – up to a million cubic yards every year.  The idea of reusing sediment as soil for agriculture is new for the Great Lakes region and ideal for Lake Erie’s western basin.

Algae Bloom forecast for the Great Lakes

By Angelica Morrison • Jul 8, 2016

There is some good news in store for the Great Lakes. A federal agency said Thursday morning that forecasts show the western side of Lake Erie will experience a less severe algae bloom this year.

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