MSU Extension reflects on a year of programming
Focus on research, 4-H, and Great Lakes stewardship
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ALPENA -- The Alpena County Michigan State Extension office hosted researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) to conduct research throughout Northeast Michigan this year, helping farmers and agribusinesses.
MSU Extension also provided education and outreach opportunities to community members and youth.
In October, MSU Extension representatives gave a presentation at a Alpena County Board of Commissioners full board meeting, recapping the work MSU Extension completed throughout the year.
Alpena County's 4-H program is hosted by MSU Extension and provides education opportunities for youth through projects, environmental stewardship, classes, and more. At the Alpena County Fair and Youth Day, 4-H members showcased their skills and hard work presenting projects and livestock.
"The fair remains one of the most visible examples of 4-H's positive impact, providing youth with opportunities to learn, compete, and celebrate their achievements," the report stated.
According to the report, there were 227 4-H youth enrollments and 81 total volunteers active this year. Last year, there were 227 4-H youth enrollments as well, along with 66 volunteers.
Michelle Eagling, Alpena County 4-H program director, told The News in August, ahead of the Alpena County Fair, that over 150 Alpena County 4-H youth were expected to participate, with about 135 participating in the market sale.
She said those numbers continue to grow.
"The connection between MSU Extension is simple," Eagling said at an Alpena County Board of Commissioners full board meeting in October. "It brings the university resources to the community and 4-H puts these resources into action by empowering our youth to learn, lead, and make a difference. When we invest in our youth, through 4-H, we invest in our community."
Beyond youth programming MSU Extension facilitated research at 10 farms between Alpena and Montmorency counties.
Adam Koivisto, District 14 MSU Extension director, also presented to the Alpena County Board of Commissioners, explaining that the on-farm trials tackled different fields of interest.
"It might be everything from how to increase the yield on your soybean crop, how to keep deer out of your fields, different kinds of yield effectiveness, and then also different treatments and micronutrients and fungicides," he said.
In Metz Township, rye plots were tested for nitrogen rates and the effect on crop yields, according to the report. There were also four on-farm trials between Alpena and Montmorency counties, examining different results of micronutrients, fungicides, deer repellents, and herbicides.
MSU Extension also contributed to the Michigan Sea Grant, which is a cooperative program alongside the University of Michigan and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The Sea Grant helped fund the following programs:
- The Lake Huron Regional Fisheries Workshops connected 132 angels, charter captains, and community members with fisheries researchers and resource managers.
- The Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail was provided a $36,000 America250MI grant to expand its outreach and public engagement. This was in partnership with the Besser Museum.
- The grant supported an intern placement at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS), supporting continued education and stewardship opportunities in Alpena County.
Another highlight for MSU Extension this year was recognizing Catherine Stedman of Alpena County for receiving her 1,000-hour Gold Badge as MSU Extension Master Gardener. Volunteers receive this honor for completing 1,000 hours of service hours, which Stedman completed through projects such as The Veggie Cart at the Alpena Senior Citizens Center.
Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.