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.

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.

Food Preservation Workshops Scheduled

This summer Branch County Michigan State University Extension will offer three different food preservation workshops.  Jeannie Nichols, Senior MSU Extension Food Safety Educator from Hillsdale County will be offering these classes.  Each class will cost $15 each, run from 3-5 p.m. and will be held at the St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

Jams & Jellies will be the first workshop which will be held on June 21, 2016.   July 12th will be the Boiling Water Bath workshop and on August 16th the Pressure Canning Workshop.  For a flyer on how to register, click on the links above for the specific workshop you wish to attend.

Cottage Food Business Class Offered

We are all looking forward to Spring with a class on How to Start a Successful Cottage Food Business in Michigan.  Jeannie Nichols, Senior Food Safety Extension Educator and Joanne Davidhizar, MSU Product Center Innovation Counselor will be presenting this class on Monday, April 18, 2016  from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the MSU Extension Conference Room at 570 Marshall Road in Coldwater, Michigan.

Training focuses on the Cottage Food Law Guidelines, Foods permitted to sell, Food Safety procedures for safe product, Production, Labeling, Packaging, Storing & Transportating your products and making your business profitable.

Cost is $20 which includes a certificate of participation.  Get a flyer or register online at:

http://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=cflbranchapril2016

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.

Holidays are Coming!

Dining with Diabetes Holiday program is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 1-3:00 p.m. at the MSU Extension Conference Room.  This one time program is for anyone with diabetes, their family members or caretakers. Prepare for the holiday by getting tips on how to handle everything from holiday parties to holiday goodies. Sample a variety of healthy foods, get recipes and much more.  Get your flyer filled out today. Cost of the program is $10.00 per person and scholarships are available.  Here is your FLYER.  Pre-registration is required by Thursday, November 12th and space is limited.  

Series for Diabetics

Branch County MSU Extension is offering a five-part SERIES on Dining with Diabetes. Learn how to prepare healthy meals while using less sodium and sugar, learn about the causes for Diabetes and tools on how to manage it.  Learn about the importance of diet and exercise and sample a variety of foods as well as take recipes that you can prepare.

Classes will be on Thursdays from 1 - 3:00 p.m. at the St. Mark's Episcopal Church.  Dates are November 12, 19, December 3, 10 and 17.  Pre-registration is required by Friday, November 6th and space is limited. Cost is $30 per person and scholarships are available.  Click on the FLYER link and sign up today!

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.

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.

4-H Project Day - March 28th

 On Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Branch Area Careers Center, Branch County youth and parents, both 4-H and non-4-H are welcome to attend this gallery of project ideas.  Branch County  4-H Leaders Council, along with leader volunteers will offer a variety of craft opportunities.    Registration for classes are required, spots are limited.  Cost is $5.00 for the day, which includes lunch.    The registration form and description of the classes will be available soon!  So mark your calendar for March 28th!

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!

Breakfast on the Farm

Enjoy a free breakfast and learn about the food you eat!
meet farmers  -  see tractors  -  visit animals

Saturday September 21, 2013  
 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast served from 9 a.m. to Noon

Hillsdale County Host:
Ferry Farms, LLC
Scott and Ali Ferry Family
9211 W Litchfield Road
Litchfield, MI  49252

Stop by the MSU Extension Branch County Office
for your FREE breakfast tickets

Rain or Shine  - Come Join The Fun!
Free ticket required to enjoy breakfast


A program of: MSU Extension

Diabetes Prevention Class - FREE

Classes begin July 25th at 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.at the MSU Extension Conference Room.  They will run every Thursday thru August 22, 2013.  Follow up workshop dates are at 3-6-9 months, tentatively Nov. 21, Feb 20,2 14 and May 22, 2014.

This workshop is for pre-diabetics -people at risk of developing diabetes.  Topics include: life stlye changes; goal setting and activity plans; healthy eating and diabetes prevention; making physical activities fun; recognizing cues that impact food and activity decisions.  The workshop is free and participants who complete the series will receive incentive gifts.

Childcare providers who complete the workshop series will earn 7.5 credits for the initial series and 1.5 credits for each of the follow-up dates attended.

EHD- Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, deer and our dinner tables – is there cause for concern?

With reports of EHD killing deer in Michigan, many are wondering if they will be safe for consumption this deer season.

For more information click here.

How do you keep apple slices from turning brown?

How do you keep your apple or other sliced fruit from turning brown? 
Any suggestions, other than tart lemon juice? 
In case you didn't know orange juice and 7-Up or Sprite work too.
It's the acid in the lemon juice or orange juice that slow the browning process. As far as the soda is concerned, it contains citric acid.
Please share your tips or suggestions about keeping fruit from turning brown.

Share Your Michigan State University Extension Story

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses.  For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future.

MSU Extension, Branch County provides education and activities to children, teens, adults and seniors to build life skills.

• Goal Setting
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Nurturing Relationships
• Responsible Citizenship
• Self-Motivation
• Character
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices

These skills are learned through programs offered by MSU Extension such as Take the Lead, Dale Carnegie, Citizenship Washington Focus, Capital Experience, Exploration Days, Exchange Programs, State and National 4-H Contests, Cooking Matters, Eat Smart, Live Strong, Nurturing Your Child’s Mind and Body, Show Me Nutrition, FRIEND’s Day Camp, SMILE, Relax, Pesticide Exams, and Farmer’s Day.

With a presence in every Michigan county, Extension faculty and staff members provide tools to live and work better. From a personal meeting to information online, MSU Extension educators work every day to provide the most current information when people need it to ensure success – in the workplace, at home and in the community.

Please share your Extension story.  Share it with your children, grandchildren, neighbors, and community leaders.

You can also share your stories by visiting our Facebook page at Branch County Extension or our Branch County MSU Extension website at msuebranch.blogspot.com.  You can also visit MSU Extension at http://msue.anr.msu.edu/.

For a printable copy please click here.

Nurturing Your Child's Mind and Body

Learn tips and tools to help with parenting matters and providing healthy nutrition for your child by attending one of these series. We have one in September, January and April of 2013.  Check out the flyer for details and cost. Click here, Nurturing Your Child's Mind and Body Flyer.

For Daycare Providers you can receive 12 hours of credit!

All sessions will be held at MSU Extension.  Call us to register at  517-279-4311 or E-mail: pishs@anr.msu.edu

Welcome to our new site!

Welcome to our new MSU Branch County website! Your one stop shop for MSU Extension related information such as Branch County 4-H, Nutrition, Social-Emotional Well-being and Agricutlure.