MSU Extension Hillsdale County

A message from the District Director 

The butterfly effect is an idea introduced by Edward Lorenz in the 1960s that small, seemingly insignificant singular events may ultimately lead to much larger outcomes. If taken on their own and independent from others in the community, MSU Extension workshops, programs, and publications may seem to impact only those individuals who experience them first-hand. However, for over 150 years, Extension has worked diligently to facilitate community partnerships and coalitions that broaden our education efforts and “Bring Knowledge to Life.” In addition to our county partners, Extension staff throughout District 12 worked with 123 partners and coalitions in 2023 to expand the reach of our programs and education initiatives. Together, we are creating ripple effects, like the flaps of the butterfly wings, that stretch across the county and beyond. In the 2023 annual report, you’ll find success stories, participant feedback, event photos, program metrics, and much more about the impact that Extension is making in the lives of friends, family, and neighbors in Hillsdale County. 

MSU Extension Hillsdale County 2023 Programs

• 250 programs accessed by residents 
• 946 residents attended MSU programs
• 10 staff/faculty residents
• 20,562 people saw content from our social pages (reach)

Preparing Children and Youth for the future

Parents and caregivers are the first to have influence on a child’s
development and future academic success. To ensure the success of families across Michigan and to support children’s school readiness, MSU Extension has invested in research- and evidence-based programming for the parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators who have the first opportunity to enhance children’s skills and become their best resources and advocates.

This programming supports families while helping parents and caregivers increase early childhood science,
Math, and preliteracy skills, as well as enhancing the social and emotional wellness of children and youth. By increasing parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge of child and youth development, MSU Extension can help caring adults build a positive foundation for learning and lifelong success.

• 502, 4-H program participants
• $44,622, 4-H volunteer hour value
• 123 youth programs accessed by people living in the county
• 4,225 Mi Stronger Family total online participants

Keeping People Healthy and Ensuring Safe Food

Regarding nutrition and physical activity, MSU Extension’s experts in health and nutrition bring evidence-based education into communities across the state. Our staff delivers educational programming to communities and helps create lasting healthy changes, from kitchen tables to school cafeterias. Programming is supported through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed). Programs include: 

• Cooking for One
• Cooking Matters
• Eat Healthy, Be Active
• My Way to Wellness
• Peak Health and Performance
• Show Me Nutrition
• Teen Cuisine

Enhancing Agriculture and Agribusiness

Nutrient Management. The Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program helps prevent manure application problems and reduce insurance premiums through improved nutrient management plan implementation and responsible manure application. The Fertilizer Cost Comparison Decision tool has versions available for forage, field crop, fruit and vegetable growers. MSU Extension held training workshops and wrote numerous articles on maximizing nutrient needs while minimizing costs.

Dairy Employee Trainings. MSU Extension focuses on areas that influence workforce development opportunities and decisions regarding labor issues in the dairy industry. Bilingual training in English and Spanish assists farms
with employees who speak English as a second language. Farmers depend on this service to train their employees on milking, cow and newborn calf care, sick cows, low-stress animal handling and cow nutrition, affecting more than 22,000 dairy cows per year. These topics are part of a core training for new dairy farm employees, yet still applicable to seasoned staff. MSU Extension will continue to bring education and resources to dairy farms to support the care of animals, improve sustainability of the industry and develop the dairy  workforce. Dairy employees, managers, and owners value these training opportunities, 

• 16 soil tests
• 782 people living in the county accessed ag programs
• 90 ag programs with people living in the county
• 50 ag-related direct contacts

What can the MSU Product Center do for you? 

MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center assist entrepreneurs and businesses in developing products and services in the food and agriculture markets. Its team of experts consults with clients on a one-on-one basis, helping new entrepreneurs navigate from concept development to launch and beyond. The MSU Product Center also offers specialized services such as labeling, packaging, and nutritional analysis. If you are interested in business counseling from the MSU Product Center, please visit the website. 

• 300 jobs created or retained statewide
• Over $284 million in annual sales of product center clients statewide
• 82 new product launches in the district
• 343 participants in community programs