Erin Moore, Director of Michigan State University Extension District 7, gave the 2018 annual report to Barry County Commissioners last week, outlining the many programs the extension offers to county residents.
Moore said a new health initiative, a MSU Extension Tasting Garden, raises awareness about how to grow healthy fruits and vegetables and eat healthy. Piloted in 2018, the project features four raised gardens next to the MSU office where community members watch the growing process of vegetables and can “pick and taste.”
Overall, the project can be a model for continued awareness about where our food comes from and healthy eating, Moore said.
The statistics and the highlights of MSU Extension programs that Moore provided show its value to the county.
“Through successful partnership and collaboration with Barry County, MSU Extension is able to continue its local presence and to provide vital educational resources and programming in such area as community and economic development, agriculture, land use, health and nutrition and youth development,” Moore said. //
By the numbers:
*$12,253,236 total impact on Barry County
*1,1776 youth participated in 4-H and youth development programs
*544 adults and youth benefited from health and nutrition programs
*MSU Extension website received 6,754 visits form county residents, 75 percent first time visitors
*Barry County students received $2,831,161 in financial aid from MSU.
Snapshots of MSU Programs
Farm Management:
MSU’s Farm Business Educator focuses on farm management with an emphasis on farm business analysis, business transition, income tax education, economics of technologies and return on investment.
Consumer Horticulture:
Though statewide initiatives, Consumer Horticulture’s team of experts maximize impact and deliver science-based gardening practice and provide gardeners accessibility to all of the Extension resources.
Spartan Barley:
At a Kellogg Biological Center conference the topic covered the return of Spartan barley in Michigan, brought back to life in 2016, and its comeback in the Michigan Brewery Industry. 30 Barry County residents attended.
Mental Health Awareness:
MSU Extension has a team of educators and staff dedicated to raising awareness of mental health illnesses, reducing stigma surrounding them and providing resources through evidence-based research.
MSU Water Programs:
Barry/Eaton county representation on the Michigan Water School Statewide Advisory Council works to identify, statewide and/or emerging water issues, advise its future direction, program content and where the program is needed, evaluate feedback and advocate for the program.
Healthy Eating Habits:
MSU understands the importance of creating healthy eating habits early on; one way is making sure that children are exposed to a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Barry County Fair:
Nearly 900 4-H youth take part in the Barry County Fair through 45 different clubs supported by 250 adult and 70 youth volunteers. The livestock auction in 2018 generated nearly $800,000 in sales.
Ag Awareness Day:
More than 500 Thornapple Kellogg third graders spent Ag Awareness Day at the Expo Center learning about agriculture, aided by 25 4-H teen leaders bringing in their animals for presentations to the students.
Just Nature “Spin” Club:
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and Barry County 4-H created a SPIN Club called Just Nature, where youth learn by doing as they build, create, explore, make, discover, test, plan estimate, experiment, experience, measure, draw and more.
Culinary Arts:
MSU staff offered the Garden Row to Café table culinary arts program to 12 youth in eight learning sessions; harvesting and using vegetables grown in the culinary garden and learning about food safety, cross contamination and kitchen etiquette.
4-H Team Leadership:
Through structured 4-H projects, teen leaders gain a variety of skills to help them become successful in communication, teamwork and organization.
Science Night:
During Science Night at the Hastings Public Library, 134 youth and 91 adults learned about the life cycle of the bean seed. Participants also learned about science and how to get involved with 4-H.
Contact MSU Extension at 269-945-1388 or by e-mail at canr.msu.edu/outreach or msue.barrycounty@msu.edu; on Facebook: Michigan State University Extension or Twitter: @MSUExtension.
