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) 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ballot Proposal

Julie Pioch, District 13 Coordinator states "MSU Extension has been providing Michigan citizens with ballot proposal facts for years.  We pride ourselves on providing this information in an unbiased manner with all the pros and cons, allowing those who receive it to draw their own conclusions before heading to the ballot booth."  Attached is the 2015 Statewide Ballot Proposal.

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.

Take the Lead

Take the Lead is a youth project for Leadership Development.  They learn the four pillars of Leadership:  Character, Challenge, Community and Communication.  This opportunity is for youth grades 6-9th.  It will be held February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2014 from 10:a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the CHC Volunteer Center.  Cost is $40, scholarships available.  Mentors are also needed.  Click here for your Participant Application or for the Mentor Application.

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!

MSU vs Purdue

MSU Lady Spartans will meet up with Purdue on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.  Extension personnel, 4-H members, and their families are invited to attend FREE of CHARGE.  For your free tickets, give our office a call at 279-4311 before January 10th with your family name and the quantity of tickets needed.  It is 4-H Day at the Breslin and you are encouraged to wear your favorite 4-H or MSU apparel.  Make a day of it with the family!   Don't forget to call ahead to get your free tickets!

Mentors Needed for Take the Lead

Attention young leaders who are in high school or college.
Would you like to be a mentors for the Take The Lead leadership program?
We have the month of February 2014 scheduled for the Take The Lead program at the CHC Volunteer Conference Center in Coldwater, Michigan.  It starts at 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each Saturday.
Can you commit to a couple of these dates?
Here is the mentor application if you are interested, these are due January 10, 2014.

Are you ready to TAKE THE LEAD?

Take The Lead– a youth leadership program for middle school students is scheduled for every Saturday in February, 2014.  It will be held at the CHC Volunteer Conference Center in Coldwater, Michigan  (behind the Pizza Hut) from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

This popular program is ran every two years and helps people learn about their leadership styles and how to work with others with different styles!   Take the Lead encourages youth to do what is right, no matter what, and to strengthen themselves and to serve their community.  Graduates will receive a  certificate of completion.   This program will be limited to 30 youth.      The cost is $40 and scholarships are available.  Registration deadline is January 22nd.   Click here for your registration form.

What's now, What's next in Extension

November 19, 2013  4-6 p.m.                                     December 18, 2013
Rogers Reserve                                                              Hickory Corners
8072 S Jackson Road
Jackson, MI  49201

Michigan State University continues its mission to develop innovative, fresh new approaches toward growing Michigan's food, agriculture and natural resource industries.
Respecting the environment, training young people for success, keeping Michigan healthy and helping communities thrive are just some of the ways MSU plays a critical role in the fabric of your busy life.  We want to hear from YOU.  Join us to share your thoughts about how the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension and AgBioResearch can continue to move Michigan forward through research, education and outreach. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from and talk to:

• Fred Poston, dean of the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU
• Doug Buhler, director of MSU AgBioResearch
• Tom Coon, director of MSU Extension
• Kelly Millenbah, associate dean and director of academic and student affairs, CANR

Registration is requested but not required.
To register, visit http://events.anr.msu.edu/WhatsNowWhatsNext

Recognition Night

What a wonderful night!  Our Branch County 4-H Recognition Night was a huge success.  The Boosters made a wonderful dinner where 243 people were in attendance.  We started out the night with Leader Recognition of years of service, then we moved into the Award winners and State 4-H competitors. The Meritorious Awards went to Jim &Kathi Holt, and Ken Carpenter / Carpenter Farms.  The Leaders Council profited a little over $1,000 in their Silent Auction.  What an action packed evening!  Congratulations to all the winners!

Christmas Craft Workshop

You have got to come to this COOL Christmas Craft Workshop.  Cathy Marvin will be leading this on Saturday, November 23, 2013 starting at 8:30 a.m. until Noon.  We offer 5 different crafts for youth to make. Here are a few ideas of the items you can make: Craft 1, Craft 2, and Craft 3.  This workshop is sponsored by the Branch County 4-H Foundation.  Please RSVP by calling the office at 279-4131.

Michigan Volunteer Forum

Leaders by Choice
Saturday, November 9, 2013 at MSU
2013 Michigan 4-H Volunteer Forum
Registration Fee  - $35.00 -
Deadline is November 1, 2013
Forum Flyer
Registration is available online at: http://events.anr.msu.edu/2013volforum/

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