2014 Participation Numbers—Isabella County Residents

Does not include phone and counter assistance

Soil Tests ........................................................................................................... 95

Youth Served ..................................................................................................... 2,037

Health & Nutrition Program Recipients .............................................................. 1,129

Food Safety Program Recipients ....................................................................... 94

Agriculture Program Recipients ......................................................................... 420

Breakfast on the Farm ....................................................................................... 335

Governance and Community Food Systems ..................................................... 15

Isabella County

ANNUAL REPORT 2014—15

Isabella County MSU Extension experienced another productive year in 2014. Residents

were provided with classes and assistance in nutrition, home food preservation, living

well with diabetes, the new Farm Bill, Affordable Care Act, field crop production, soil

health, ag labor and safety, and soy bean production, to name a few.

4-H continues to grow and thrive in Isabella County and parents and other volunteers

help make it an excellent program through the coordination of Monica Borgman.

The agricultural needs of the community are handled well under the capable leadership

of Paul Gross. With his breadth of knowledge and his history with Extension, Paul is an

asset to farmers in Isabella and surrounding counties.

Sabrina McGee provides nutrition education to persons eligible for food assistance

through the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Sabrina

served a large number of youth in schools during 2014. The work she does is important

and makes a huge impact on the nutrition of youth, adults and seniors.

The MSUE professional staff expanded in Isabella County in 2014 when Kara Lynch, RD

joined our organization in September. Kara brings a rich history of nutrition knowledge

to her supervisory role and feels right at home in the Extension office following many

years as a 4-H leader. She has started to gain knowledge and experience in the special-

ty of food safety.

An office can’t run well without a top notch office manager, and Nonie Gross performs

that job in Isabella County. She serves our customers well, connecting them to the re-

sources and services they need.

Shari Spoelman, District Coordinator

Michigan State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Exten-sion programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ray Hammerschmidt, Interim Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Mission

Michigan State University helps people

improve their lives through an educational

process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and

opportunities.

Staff

Monica Borgman 4-H Coordinator

Nonie Gross

Secretary

Paul Gross Agriculture

Extension Educator

Kara Lynch Health & Nutrition

Extension Educator

Sabrina McGee

Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program

Instructor

Belinda Laughlin Master Gardener

Coordinator

Contact Us

200 N Main St

Mt Pleasant, MI 48858

(989) 317-4079 www.msue.msu.edu/

Horse Clubs - 4-H horse leaders and teen horse leaders plan and execute horse clinics, horse camp and horse shows. Isabella County has 30 horse leaders and 105 4-H members enrolled in horse projects. Some of their events include: Horse Camps - April & May (educational camps) Horse Shows - 8 shows at fairgrounds during spring and summer months Isabella County Youth & Farm Fair State 4-H Horse Show - August, 11 members qualified to participate and repre-

sent Isabella County in 2014 Shooting Sports - 4-H shooting sports certified instructors and 4-H leaders plan and execute shooting sports clinics (qualifying shoots), practices, and the county shoot. Isabella County has 12 certified instructors and 150 4-H members enrolled in the shooting sports project. Youth must participate in at least 1 qualifying shoot in order to participate in the county shoot. The county shoot determines who is eli-gibility for the 4-H State Shoot. In 2014, thirteen youth from Isabella County partici-pated in the State Shoot.

4-H Camps are coordinated between Isabella, Gratiot, Clare, and Gladwin coun-

ties to host a summer camp experience for 9-12 year olds and a Cloverbud Camp

for youth ages 5-8 years. Summer camp features activities like team building, craft

making, and assembling projects like race cars or bird houses, and much more. At

Cloverbud camp, innovative learning took place, creativity was explored and an

opportunity to enjoy old fashioned games. The camp also gives youth an oppor-

tunity for growth while experiencing going out of their comfort zone (leaving home),

while meeting new friends. The camp counselors (youth ages 15-19) are given a

chance to improve their educational skills and develop leadership skills.

4-H CHILDREN & YOUTH 2

Isabella County 4-H By the Numbers – 2014 Members enrolled in 4-H clubs 692

Registered adult leaders 208

Youth participated in camping programs 132

4-H Clubs 32

MSU’s Exploration Days 35

In 2014, MSU Extension, along with other organizations interested in career and workforce devel-

opment, took the lead in organizing and hosting Mock Interview Day to provide experiential learn-

ing for 11th and 12th graders in Clare, Gladwin, and Isabella Counties. During the event, youth had

the opportunity to interview with local business people as well as having their resume critiqued and

job application reviewed. Students were also able to tour the CMU library and talk to local college

and military recruiters. Educational sessions for youth to learn about financial literacy and dressing

for success were available. 29 youth from Isabella County participated.

Developing Life Skills in Youth

4-H CHILDREN & YOUTH 3

Livestock Producers - 4-H leaders and teen leaders plan and execute large ani-mal clinics and events. Isabella County 4-H has 48 large animal leaders and 374 members enrolled in large animal projects (beef, dairy feeders, dairy, swine, and sheep). Moo Madness Clinic - Covered showing, fitting,

caring and judging of dairy cattle; focused on

nutrition and how a cow’s digestive system

works

Sheep Weigh-In, Swine Tagging - May

Dairy Feeder Weigh-In - March

Steer Fitting Clinic—June

Isabella County Youth & Farm Fair—July

Isabella County Youth & Farm Fair - July 19 - 26, 2014. This large central Michigan fair had 658 youth participants and hun-dreds of adult volunteers that include 4-H leaders, 4-H parents, fair board members, fair superintendents and fair volunteers.

Small Animal Association - 4-H leaders and teen leaders plan and execute small animal clinics and events. Isabella County has 51 small animal leaders and 297 4-H members enrolled in small animal projects (rabbits, poultry, goats, cats, dogs and pocket pets). Small Animal Showmanship Clinics - 5 clinics were held at the

fairgrounds Dog Training/Obedience Classes - weekly classes in spring and

summer Isabella County 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Show - May 2014 4-H Exploration Days - is an annual youth conference held in June on the campus of MSU that is open to all youth ages 11-19. This event is a learn-ing experience that helps instill self-esteem, decision-making skills, independent thinking and leadership skills while giving youth a college campus experience. 35 youth and 4 adult chaperones from Isabella County participated in 2014. Migratory Bird Day - In May, Isabella County 4-H partnered with the Soil Conser-vation District and the Ziibiwing Center for an International Migratory Bird Day Cel-ebration at the Ziibiwing Center. The 4-H booth on environmental science opportu-nities had a hands-on activity of creating bagel bird feeders. There were 100 partic-ipants.

Environmental Education Day - This day of education and fun in May for Isabella County 3rd graders (575 students attended) included a 4-H booth on environmen-tal science opportunities including a seed germination activity.

Connect With Your Wild Side - This family fun day sponsored by Isabella County Parks & Recreation included an educational 4-H booth and hands-on activities for families. 305 community members attended.

4-H youth member presenting her public

speaking exhibit to judges at the fair.

AGRICULTURE 4

The value of agriculture in Isabella County continues to increase, according to the USDA farm census. Latest figures estimated that the market value of agriculture production is over $119 million annually. Farm production ex-penses are estimated at $90 million annually, much of which is spent in the county. The primary crops are corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, sugar beets, and edible beans. According to Michigan Agriculture Statistics, Isabella County has 28,000 head of cattle, of which 8000 are dairy cattle. Isabella County On-Farm Research - Each year MSU Extension conducts on farm research and demonstration plots with the purpose of evaluating products and practices that might benefit Isabella County farmers economically and environ-mentally. Research trials in 2014 included

Malting barley varieties Foliar applications of fungi-

cides, herbicides, and insecti-cides on soybeans

Cover crops Energy crops Growth regulators in wheat Soybean seed treatments

2015 We are excited to be as-sisting with a Breakfast on the Farm in Gratiot County this year. It will be held August 15 at the Wheeler Dairy Farm, in Brecken-ridge. Plan on attending this awesome event to learn more about modern farming.

Rainfall Simulation

Extension Educator Paul Gross was part of the team that

brought the concept of the first rainfall simulator back to

Michigan after seeing it demonstrated in North Dakota in

2013. Since receiving the simulator in the spring of 2014, it

has been demonstrated at 24 different events across Michigan

to an estimated 1,000 individuals. It shows the impact of rain-

fall on soil erosion, water runoff, and rainwater infiltration into

the soil. It shows the benefits of living plant material and plant

residue cover on the soil surface to prevent runoff and ero-

sion. These demonstrations tie nicely with the overall effort to

protect the soil with cover crops. The impact of soil erosion

control and enhanced water infiltration is beneficial for agricul-

ture but also for the Great Lakes watershed to protect water

quality and conservation while reducing flooding for all citizens

of the State of Michigan.

2014 335 Isabella County resi-dents attended Breakfast on the Farm in Blanchard in August 2014.

Extension Educator Jerry Lind-

quist demonstrating the rainfall

simulator.

Extension Educator Paul Gross

testing pH levels of soil.

Extension Educator Paul Gross providing

information on the value of cover crops for

soil and water.

AGRICULTURE 5

2014 Field Crops Report Gratiot/Isabella IPM Meeting was held in

Alma for Mid-Michigan farmers. 92

Gratiot/Isabella Dry Bean Day held in Shep-herd. 42

Affordable Care Act Workshop. 8

Wheat Field Day - This annual event was held at Hauck’s Seed Farm. 13

2014 Farm Bill Workshop. 35

Harvest Field Day in Shepherd. 28

Bioenergy Crop Research Plot where four species of bioenergy crops are planted and harvest to evaluate potential energy yield.

Soil Conservation District Tour presenter. 22

Armyworm and Western Bean Cutworm Trapping program.

» Pesticides Training - Pesticide applicator training provides farmers and com-

mercial applicators training on how to safely apply pesticides. The training top-ics include rules and regulations, integrated pest management, personal pro-tection equipment, calibration, pest identification, pesticides and the environ-ment, labels, and safe pesticide storage and handling. The trainings prepare attendees for the Michigan Department of Agriculture pesticide licensing exam, provide credits toward recertification, or the latest information on pesticide ap-plication and pest management for interested farmers. Paul Gross provided this training for 43 Isabella County farmers.

» Milk and Grain Marketing Meetings - are held quarterly in Isabella County to provide education and support for area producers. Successful marketing strate-gies have been one of the most important indicators of farm profitability over

the past decade. The impact of global economies and markets has created mar-ket volatility never before seen. This vola-tility impacts Isabella County farms. The Milk and Grain Marketing meetings pro-vide technical and fundamental market information and provide strategies that farmers can implement to manage market risk. It has been said that “everyone can grow the crop, the successful farmers in the future are the ones that can sell it for a profit”. The workshops are taught by MSU Extension Marketing Specialists, and local Extension Educators. There are six farms that participate.

Members of the MSU Exten-sion Bioenergy Team toured Morbark Industries in Winn. Morbark is a leader in the biomass market, building industrial equipment for the biomass handling market. Morbark personnel shared current and future plans in the bioenergy market. Of particular interest to the group is the gasification pro-ject Morkbark is involved with using turkey litter to produce steam and electrici-ty. Waste to energy is one of the areas of focus for the MSU Extension Bioenergy Team.

MSU Extension provides nutrition education to persons receiving (or eligible to re-ceive) food assistance. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Education is funded through a statewide grant from the Federal Government (Farm Bill). SNAP-Ed plays a vital role in helping to improve nutrition among low-income individuals.

Youth Nutrition » Show Me Nutrition - This curriculum was

taught in four kindergarten classrooms, four first grade classrooms, four second grade classrooms and four third grade classrooms in Mt. Pleasant.

» Cooking Matters For Teens - was taught at the Isabella County Day Treatment Cen-ter with Chef Emma Currie.

» Nutrition Presentations - MSU Extension

provided nutrition education at Summer PEAK day camp and Mother and Daughter Day.

Adult Nutrition » Presentations & Health Fairs - Nutrition

education presentations were provided at Commission On Aging Health Fair, Special Olympics Annual Fall Conference, Early Head Start, Morey Public School Academy’s Edible Playground, and Special Olympics Summer Games.

» Project FRESH and Market FRESH for Seniors - MSU Extension provides the

nutrition education portion for Market FRESH for Seniors and WIC Project FRESH. There were 120 coupon books distributed to the seniors of Isabella County and 105 coupon books were redeemed. 400 Project FRESH coupon books were distributed to participants of WIC and 208 of the coupon books were redeemed for fresh local produce.

» Eat Smart Live Strong - This series, which was taught at Food with Friends in Shepherd and at Commission on Aging, taught older adults to eat more fruits and vegetables and to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days. The class also addressed goal setting and tips on saving money while eating fruits and vegetables.

» Eat Healthy, Be Active—This program consists of six lessons, where partici-

pants taste test foods and share strategies for purchasing and preparing healthy foods on a budget. Eat Healthy, Be Active promotes healthy lifestyles and can help reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease. Eat Healthy, Be Active was taught at Commission on Aging, Community Mental Health’s Summit Club House, Food with Friends in Weidman, and the Isabella County Building.

» Healthy Harvest –Participants learn about how growing your own vegetables

has many benefits including healthier eating and reduced stress. The Healthy Harvest program is designed to help participants learn basic gardening skills and use what they grow to prepare healthy and tasty meals. The program is a part-nership of MSU Extension’s health and nutrition and Master Gardener pro-grams. Healthy Harvest was taught at Dover Court.

HEALTH & NUTRITION 6

Show Me Nutrition—Kindergarten—

eating a rainbow of fruit

Chef Emma Currie working with a teen

during Cooking Matters for Teens

Isabella County

Nutrition

Education

2014 Numbers

Adults in Series: 40

Adults in Presentations:

431

Youth in Series: 375

Youth in Presentations:

256

Contacts: 2,673

Presentations: 40

HEALTH & NUTRITION 7

Food Safety » Home Food Preservation—MSU Extension food

preservation workshops teach skills and techniques that provide participants with safe, high-quality canned products. Using up-to-date research meth-ods, participants learn how to successfully and safe-ly preserve food. A food preservation class with the garden club (15 people) was held in April, and two classes to the pub-lic were held in August (12 people total), one was a canning class and one focused on blanching and freezing.

» Cooking for Crowds—Cooking for Crowds is an educational program for nonprofit groups that prepare food for their members or for the public as fundraisers. The curriculum shows the food safety risks that can develop when preparing and cooking large volumes of food, and teaches participants how to reduce those risks. Participants learn how to prevent unsafe conditions that may cause food-borne illness when planning, purchasing, storing, preparing and serving food. Partici-pants in the workshops receive a manual and a food safety participation certificate of comple-tion. There were 6 members in attendance at the class that was held in August this year.

» Demonstrations and Pressure Canner Test-ing—A food demonstration was held at the Farmers Market in August, focusing on food safety and preservation and offered the 30 par-ticipants testing for their pressure gauge for their pressure canner.

Growing Healthy—A Research Program The Growing Healthy program finished a four year research project this past year with one site in Isabella County. The EightCAP Head Start Program, held in Rosebush, along with MSU Extension, the MSU Nursing program and the University of Michigan have collaborated on this project with the goals of increasing the fre-quency and variety of fruits and vegetables, de-creasing sugar sweetened beverages, and reduc-ing TV/screen time at home. Shannon Lindquist, Social Emotional Health Educator, facilitated the program for Head Start pre-schoolers and their parents. The children’s lessons facilitated by MSU Extension reinforced the programming presented by Head Start teachers. Parents had the opportunity to attend 8 lessons with the same goals of healthy eating messages their children received in the classroom. Parent lessons also included a tasting ac-tivity. The findings and benefits of the project will be made available across Michi-gan in the near future to all MSU Extension nutrition instructors and educators.

8

Disease Prevention & Management Programs Diabetes education through Michigan State University provides practical knowledge and skills to Michigan residents who are at risk of diabetes and for those who live with diabetes. In 2014, MSUE held a Dining with Diabetes Workshop in partnership with Nimkee Medical Clinic on the Saginaw Chippewa Reservation. Dining with Diabetes Is a five-session course designed for people at risk of diabe-tes or who have diabetes, as well as their family members. Through Dining with Diabetes participants learn how to pre-pare healthy meals using less fat, how to make meals using less sodium and sugar without reducing flavor and enjoy-ment, the causes of diabetes, tools for managing diabetes, and the importance of diet and exercise in managing diabe-tes. Participant Testimonials:

I have learned some important lessons on serving size. I learned how to measure everything with spoon, cup or correct container. My Plate is very important information too. Adelaide,

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe member.

I learned a lot more now than 20 years ago! Dining with Diabetes made me understand what I’m putting in my mouth. I’m going to be more faithful to myself. Sara Starkey, Saginaw

Chippewa Indian Tribe member

“Well what do you know….one doesn’t know everything there is to know about a subject, especially about diabetes. BUT the great news is that one can learn and make progress to-wards positive control. I want to thank those for putting this class together. Dining with Dia-betes is a success! I am excited to become healthier and to help others do the same.” - Farzad Tafreshi, Isabella County

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Consumer Horticulture

MSU Extension provided a Master Gardener Class at Mid-Michigan Community College Mt.

Pleasant campus March—June 2014. Twenty-six participants from nine (9) counties traveled

each week for 13 weeks to attend a four-hour class on consumer horticulture topics including:

Plant and soil science Water quality

Small fruit and tree fruit Vegetable and flower gardening

Lawn care Household pests and indoor plants

Woody ornamental plants Integrated pest management.

Nine (9) participants have completed their 40 hours of volunteer service and joined their local

master gardener group. The remaining participants have until June to complete their volunteer

hours. 2015 Spring Into Gardening Conference - Saturday, April 25, 2015

Comfort Inn & Suites in Mt. Pleasant.