MSU Extension Midland County

A message from the District Director

MSU Extension offers a broad range of research-based education outreach to county residents. Over this past year, we’ve continued to innovate and have empowered families and individuals to live healthier lives, supported new and local businesses, created opportunities for youth leadership development and career exploration helped farmers with business management and mental health, and much more. Our staff live and work alongside county residents, are rooted in community relationships, and are responsive to community needs. Our partnership with you makes all this possible. On behalf of the MSU Extension team serving Midland County, thank you for another great year. We look forward to your continued support and hope you will be able to join us during one of our upcoming programs.

Mark J. Rankin, District 9 Director

Impact at a glance

• $26,994,995 total economic impact
• $4,050,424 spending with local businesses
• $4,254,544 financial aid distributed
• 330 enrolled Michigan students
• 2,097 MSU Alumni in Midland County
• 2,139 youth participating in 4-H 

Program Highlights

Health Team 

The MSU Extension Health Team programming promotes health and well-being, including understanding important connections between physical, mental, social, and emotional health. Extension Educators continue to provide evidence-based health programs such as Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Walk with Ease, Personal Action Towards Health (PATH), Sleep Education for Everyone Program (SLEEP), and Stress Less with Mindfulness throughout the community. 

Food Safety

MSU Extension Food Safety Team programming works to provide educational programs for food workers, cottage food entrepreneurs, childcare providers, food pantry volunteers, and consumers, providing information about the five risk factors that contribute most to foodborne illness - personal hygiene and health, cooking temperatures, holding temperatures, and cleaning of food contact surfaces. in 2023 the Food Safety team continued to reach multi-counties in Michigan and out of state with virtual programming and the return to live programming as well. 

Consumer Horticulture/Master Gardener Program

The Consumer Horticulture team serves Michigan through its educational lawn and garden programming. We provide research-based information and training to our communities. In addition, we answer questions from the public through Ask Extension and our MSUE Lawn and Garden Hotline. Ask Extension is an online tool that allows MSUE experts to answer questions submitted by the public. In 2023, 6,471 Ask Extension questions were responded to statewide, along with 1,652 hotline questions. 

In 2023, Midland County residents participated in MSUE Consumer Horticulture programs such as home vegetable gardening, indoor plant propagation, native plant selection for pollinators, and tree pruning.

Michigan Sea Grant Extension

Michigan Sea Grant (MISG) Extension promotes research, education, and outreach to enhance the responsible and sustainable use of our diverse Great Lakes resources. Through MSU Extension, MISG works with Michigan residents, industries, and coastal communities to encourage their use, benefits, and enjoyment of Great Lakes resources that positively influences our state’s economy, environment, and quality of life. Saginaw Bay Sturgeon Restoration - MISG Extension works with local, state, and federal partners to facilitate Lake Sturgeon release events throughout the Saginaw River system. At these events, community members learn about and help restore this iconic native fish species. This year’s release events marked an important milestone – over 5,000 Lake Sturgeon released into the Saginaw River system. Learn more at https://www.saginawbaysturgeon.org/ 

Money Management

MSU Extension has an important role to play in addressing issues of the financial health of individuals and families through live online educational programs. The overarching goal of these efforts is for Michigan consumers to become aware of their financial profile, and to adopt sound financial practices, including
managing spending and savings plans and beneficially using financial products and services. MSU Extension's goal is that every Michigan resident has the opportunity to participate in personal finance and homeownership education. We educate a diverse audience regardless of their financial status. MSU Extension has certified housing and money management counselors who deliver trusted, unbiased education that is easy to understand and can demystify common money and home ownership best practices. Our university programs and resources help Michigan residents navigate the financial lives of themselves and their families. 

Field Crops Agronomy Educator

Originally from Southern Illinois, Teresa Crook attended the University of Illinois: Champaign-Urbana for her bachelor's degree in agricultural economics with additional classes in agronomy. Her formal education was completed by her master's degree from MSU in weed science under the direction of Karen Renner. As a result of her research, her love of plants became firmly cemented. 

As of December 2023, Teresa Crook is one of the newest members of the MSUE team. She will serve as a field crops agronomy educator serving the Saginaw Valley and Thumb region. Crook's office is located at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan.