Agriculture

Hart High School to host tractor parade in memory of late principal

April 15, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Hart High School is hosting the Second Annual Troy Moran Tractor Day Parade Thursday, April 24, at 9 a.m.  “Last year, Troy Moran encouraged our leadership class at HHS to create an Ag Week to really celebrate and…

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Peterson Brands acquires Cool Tropics

April 9, 2025

Peterson Brands, LLC, a leading provider of high-quality fruit and vegetable beverages, has announced the acquisition of Cool Tropics. Tropical Paradise, doing business as Cool Tropics, is “a preeminent and popular brand known for its K-12 presence with its nutritious and refreshing fruit and vegetable-based beverages,” states a press release. “This acquisition marks a significant step in Peterson Brands’ commitment…

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West Central spring horticulture meeting set for March 25 

March 13, 2025

WEARE TOWNSHIP — The 2025 West Central Spring Horticulture Meeting is set for Tuesday, March 25, at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. This meeting is hosted by Michigan State University Extension, and MSU Extension educators and industry partners will provide a full day of informative talks and answer questions.  Registration will begin…

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Moolenaar reintroduces bill to freeze migrant workers’ wage

February 27, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman John Moolenaar (R—Michigan) reintroduced “bipartisan legislation to address high costs Michigan farmers are required to pay due to Department of Labor regulations,” states a press release from his office.  The bill, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A migrant farm workers at the 2023 rate through the end…

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Peterson Farms to expand, creating 96 new jobs

February 26, 2025

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Peterson Farms in Shelby Township is planning an expansion that will create 96 new jobs. The governor announced in a press release Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board support for the Oceana County project, along a residential project in Oakland County’s downtown Clawson. Combined, the projects will generate nearly $50 million in total capital investment, states…

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