Bulletins Live Two!

Pesticide labels now require applicators to check Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) within six months of application.  Need help?  Stop by Branch County MSU Extension Office on March 13th from 8:30 - 4:30 pm at their 570 Marshall Road, Suite C, Coldwater, MI  49036.  Check out the Southwest Michigan Field Crops Update for March 2025 for more.

Branch County Farmer's Day 2023

Plans are in action for the 2023 Branch County Farmer's Day event set for Monday, February 20, 2023 from 8 - 4 pm.  It will once again be held at the Dearth Community Center. and is sponsored by the Branch County Agri-Business Council.    One half of the center is secured for the MDARD Testing and Review Program for the Restricted Pesticide Testing site.  The other half has classes available for the community.  Take a look at the flyer for the topics and details of the event. 

MI Ag Ideas to Grow With

 MSU Extension invites you to attend the 2022 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference, held virtually, February 28 - March 31, 2022.

This unique event was created in 2021 to provide an opportunity for education in lieu of three MSU Events, Ag Action Day, Branch Count Farmers' Day and Southwest Michigan Horticulture Days. Check out the website for the various session tracks offering educational opportunities for farmers, homeowners, gardeners and others interested in food production and those considering agricultural endeavors.

Ask an Expert!

MSU Extension invites you to "Ask an Expert" in our national Internet system. It is easy, quick and confidential. Search our database, upload pictures, and ask our experts on a wide variety of topics. Experts are Extension Faculty from Michigan State University and from universities across the country. 

Your answer will arrive within a few days via email along with links to additional information. Each answer is based on research so you can be confident that it is accurate and unbiased.  

How do I ask a question?

Go to one of these sites and type in your question:

·     Go to: http://ask.extension.org

·     For questions about Gardening in Michigan: http://www.migarden.msu.edu/

·     To contact your local Extension office call: 1-888-678-3464

( 1-888-MSUE-4MI) 

2018 Pesticide Exam Schedule

The Pesticide Applicators Exam in Branch County has ONLY one day set for the 2018 and that day is on Monday, February 19, 2018.  This will and traditionally is held at the Farmer's Day festivities that are held at the Branch Area Careers Center.  There will not be a January date in Branch County as it has been in the past.  Seating is limited and the Michigan Department of Agriculture has opened 30 testing spots for 9:30 a.m. and 20 spots for 11:30 a.m. Please take note to this new change in testing dates.  For signing up or checking other county sites for testing, check out www.michigan.gov/pestexam

Spartanwood Open House

On Friday, April 28th, the Norton Families have invited the community to come their Open House for Spartanwood in Bronson, Michigan.  It will start at 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at 442 Slisher Road, Bronson.  Pulled Pork lunch provided.

A special presentation will take place at 1:00 and at 4:00 p.m.  Representatives from Michigan State University Extension will take time to explain processes and regulations farmers follow when applying to construct facilities such as these.  We are happy to provide this opportunity for our friends and neighbors to learn about this.  For your flyer on the Open House, CLICK HERE.

Specie Dates

BRANCH CO. FAIR UPCOMING DATES FOR ANIMAL EXHIBITORS

ALL SPECIES WORKSHOP

“PROVIDING EXCELLENT CARE FOR ANIMALS"

4/11/17  TUES          7 PM   4-H      CABIN              by M.S.U. E. staff

4/22/17  SAT             1 PM   4-H      CABIN

5/17/17   WED          7 PM  4-H      CABIN

  

Rabbits

3/9/17             5:45     MSUE     Beginning Rabbits

4/13/17           6:00     MSUE     Market Rabbits

5/9/17             6:00     BCF        Skill-A-Thon and showmanship (bring animals)

5/20                4:30     BCF        Judging (learn all about judging rabbits with Bryan Shirk

Poultry

3/21/17            6:00     MSUE     Poultry Eggs

4/24/17            6:00     MSUE     Poultry Basics

5/22/17            6:00     BCF        Market Poultry

6/26/17            6:00     BCF        Poultry Showmanship

All Small Animals

7/13/17            6:00     BCF         Showmanship, Prep for fair, and Expectations

Large Animal Weigh In

3/4/17             8-12    BCF        Beef & Dairy Beef weigh in (600 # min)

3/11/17           8-12    BCF        Beef & Dairy Beef weigh in (600 # min)

Misc. Animal Weigh in

4/29/17           8-12    BCF        Sheep, Goat (20#) Starter Calf (100-250#)

5/6/17             8-12    BCF        Sheep, Goat (20#) Starter Calf (100-250#)     

4-29 to 5/6                 home      Hogs - Tag and optional weigh in

                                                 Leaders: Call Fair office by ASAP with number needed

Farmer's Day

It's that time of the year when MSU Extension, Branch County Agribusiness Council and the Branch Area Careers Center hosts the Annual Farmer's Day.  This year will be the 50th Annual event and we are celebrating with guest speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi speaking at the lunch time festivities.

Ten educational classes are set for the days' events with many local vendors available to answer any questions you may have.  RUP credit classes, Pesticide Testing by MDA, PQA and a program on the Veterinary Feed Directive for area youth showing livestock.  A hot catered lunch ticket can be purchased for $3 and cake and ice cream will be served.  Don't miss out on the 2017 50th Annual Farmer's Day.  Click on the LINK to view the class topics.  It starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m.  See you then.

A Very Busy 4-H Day

January 28th is stuffed full of 4-H opportunities.  First there is the local Glass Etching Workshop at the MSUE Conference Room from 9 - Noon.  Then the 4-H Horse Leaders have their Tack Sale at the Union City Middle School starting at 10:00 a.m.,the 4-H Rabbit Cavy Show at the Pavilion will be a busy full day, along with the Green and White Youth Swine Show too.  The Michigan 4-H Youth Leadership & Global Citizenship Spectacular is being held at the Kettunen Center.  Let's not forget the many 4-H supporters attending the Branch County Fair Draw Down at the Dearth Center.  I am sure we all will be very busy that day!  Enjoy these opportunities!

2016 SMaRT Trial Results - Earn Pest. Credits

Wednesday, January 18th starting at 8:45 a.m. at the Dearth Community Center, Mike Stanton, Extension Educator will be giving the results from the Soybean Management and REsearch Technologies on-farm research project.  Participants will learn how various management practices and products impacted soybean yields and income in the 2101 SMaRT on-Farm research trials.  Mark Seaman will provide an overview of herbicide resistance weeds andprovide options for managing soybean cyst nematodes in 2016.  This is a two pesticide applicator recertification credit event.  The Michigan Soybean Checkoff program is covering all costs.  Pre-registration is requested.  Call the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee at 877-769-6424 to register or online at:  http://events.anr.msu.edu/2017SMaRTMeeting/.  Register before noon on January 13th.

Irene Brown Scholarship

More scholarship opportunities available to you!  Bronson area youth or residents... are you planning a career in Agriculture?  Check out the requirements and fill out the Branch County 4-H Foundation - Irene Brown Scholarship form. Click here for your PDF COPY or your WORD COPY.

You can also find other scholarship forms on the 4-H Document tab at the top of this page.

Pork Industry Program Offered

Meeting Industry Expectations:  Pigs and Personnel is the title of this program.  You will have 3 different locations offered for this program.  On Tuesday, January 12th it will be held in Mt. Pleasant, Wednesday, January 13th in Coldwater or Thursday, January 14th in Cassopolis.

This program will start with Transport Quality Assurance from 1-3 p.m., Pork Quality Assurance Plus from 3-5 p.m. and to finish up the day from 6-8:30 p.m will be the Meeting Industry Expectations.  Refreshments and snacks will be provided.  For more details on cost and registration information, CLICK HERE for your copy of the flyer.

Farmer's Day in February

Monday, February 15th is a big day at the Branch Area Careers Center!  Farmer's Day is ready to go.  Speakers are set, flyer is made, vendor letters have been sent out and we are ready for YOU!  4-H Youth will have the morning session for Pork Quality Assurance (10:00 am.) and the afternoon will be a Youth Livestock Class at 1:30 p.m.  If you take livestock to fair, it is HIGHLY recommended for youth to attend this afternoon class.  Don't forget that we still have our 4-H "Make and Take" craft room all day long.  Bring your family to the BACC to check out the many classes, vendors and activities available.  Restricted Use Pesticide testing will also be offered.  CLICK here for the flyer.

Annual Extension Report -2014

The Branch County MSU Extension Annual Report is ready for your viewing.  Interim Director, Julie Pioch presented this report to the Board of Commissioners on July 9th.  Click HERE to check out our 2014 Annual Report.

Irene Brown Scholarship

Attention all Bronson students and residents who are seeking an education in Agriculture.  The Branch County 4-H Foundation Irene Brown Scholarship is due April 1st, with interviews scheduled for Monday, April 20th. Take a look at the attached APPLICATION and fill it out.  Scholarship forms are due April 1st with interviews scheduled for Monday, April 20th.

Pesticide Manuals

Getting ready to study for the Restricted Use Pesticide tests and are in need of publications to study?  Here is your connection to getting your needed study manuals.  CLICK HERE for your copy of the Pesticide Manuals Price List.  Check your Category number, see the last revised edition, check to see if it is available online and see what the cost of the publication is.  Free manuals can be easily downloaded too.

Farmer's Day Activities Planned

Monday, February 16th is the 48th Annual Farmer's Day to be held at the Branch Area Careers Center. Exhibits open at 9:00 a.m. with morning programs starting at 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. with afternoon sessions from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.  Exhibits will close at 4:00 p.m.  Lunch is available for $3, which funds earned will go towards the Agri-Business Scholarship Fund for area seniors.  The Farmer's Day Flyer is attached.  RUP testing is provided and classes with RUP credits and MAEAP Phase 1 are also offered. PQA is available for area youth showing swine and 30 minute 4-H Livestock classes are also included.

Irrigation Management for Responsible Water Use

Attention local farmers we have a free program on Irrigation Management for Responsible Water Use scheduled for  February 14, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. - Noon at the MSU Extension Conference Room.  A agenda is available, click HERE.  It shows the topics, speakers and a brief description of presentations.  Simply show up at 8:30 a.m for registration.

Farmer's Day Event February 17, 2014

The 47th Annual Farmer's Day is scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2014.  Vendor booths will be open at 9:30 a.m., morning classes start at 10:30 a.m. - Noon with afternoon classes from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Vendor booths will close at 4:00 p.m.  Lunch is only $2.00 and proceeds go towards the Agri-Business Scholarships.  4-H Make and Take room will be open for kids.  Click HERE for a flyer on the days events.  See you then!

Showing Swine? - Need PQA?

Are you going to show swine at the 2014 Fair?  If so, you are required to have a Pork Quality Assurance Certification.  Branch County 4-H youth can plan on attending Farmer's Day on Monday, February 17, 2014, for an hour and a half session to receive their PQA certification good for one year.  It will start at 10:30 a.m. in Room 17, the Auto Body Lab at the Branch Area Careers Center.  Optional testing after the session is available for youth to have multi-year certification.

St. Joseph County has shared with that their PQA session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Centreville Elementary Gym, 190 East Hogan Street in Centreville.