MSU Extension Oscoda County

A message from the District Director

This annual report is a summary of the work that MSU Extension has done in Oscoda County to help people improve their lives through an educational process that brings the vast knowledge and resources of Michigan State University to local communities in northeast Michigan. In the following pages, you will discover the stories of progress, resilience, and empowerment that have defined our engagement with individuals, families, and organizations across District 4. From cultivating sustainable agriculture practices to nurturing the potential of our youth through 4-H programs, each achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our communities. We could not do this work without local partners in community government, local volunteers and supporters, or people who turn to us for the information and education that we provide. Please continue to use us as a resource for information and ask us questions. Thank you for your support in 2023 and beyond.

Impact at a glance

• 60 programs attended by Oscoda County residents
• 12 soil samples from Oscoda County processed
• 27 health & wellness program participants
• 15 residents attended food safety programs
• 138 residents served by SNAP-Ed
• 11 natural resources program participants
• 26 animal agriculture program participants
• 14 youths enrolled in 4-H 
• 264 total Oscoda County residents participated in MSU Extension programming in 2023

Program Highlights

Agriculture & Agribusiness

The agriculture industry is developing and growing, contributing more than $104.7 billion
annually to Michigan’s economy. MSU Extension works to increase farm success through
workforce development opportunities, protecting the environment, ensuring food safety,
reaching new markets, and advancing agriculture through applied research. In 2023, 51
residents from Oscoda County participated in agriculture and agribusiness programs. MSU Extension provides support to local farmers through farm visits, one-on-one and group meetings, and a wide variety of programs on topics including succession planning, record-keeping and farm financial analysis, nutrition and management, and more. Calf production is an important agricultural business in Oscoda County. In 2023, 4 Oscoda County beef cow-calf producers joined 14 others from the region to discuss beef nutrition and feeding and weaning weight of calves.

Health & Nutrition

Through MSU Extension’s nutrition and physical activity programming, Michigan adults, families, and children gain crucial knowledge about nutrition and healthy foods, increase their daily activity, and improve their food security. In 2023, 42 Oscoda County residents participated in 13 health and nutrition programs. MSU Extension offers food preservation programs in-person and online. Classes cover a wide variety of topics, from water bath canning to blanching and freezing to making jam and jelly to preserving many Michigan-grown vegetables to pickling to preserving venison and much, much more. After participating in MSU Extension’s food safety programs including Cottage Food Law, ServSafe, and Home Food Preservation, 15 Oscoda County residents learned how to reduce their risk of illness when preparing food and how to preserve food safely; workers and volunteers learned how to protect their customers’ health and sell food products safely and legally. 

Community, Food & Environment

Our natural resources programs improve public understanding, help landowners and communities use those assets for sustainable long-term social and economic development and conserve natural resources for future generations. In 2023, 11 Oscoda County residents participated in natural resources programs including Wild Spartans, Michigan Birding 101, nature walks, and more. Successful and thriving communities combine knowledgeable and engaged legislators, businesses, community groups, and residents. 6 residents from Oscoda County participated in programs about leadership, planning and zoning, policy options, land use, and environmental issues.

Children & Youth

Michigan 4-H is growing current and future leaders. The largest youth development organization in Michigan, 4-H provides thousands of young people with experiential learning opportunities to explore new interests and discover their passion. While learning
about the world around them, youth gain valuable life skills such as responsibility, citizenship, teamwork, and problem solving. In 2023, 21 Oscoda County youth participated in youth development programs. 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 professionals 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 social and emotional wellness of children and youth. By increasing parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge of child and youth development, MSU Extension is able to help caring adults build a positive foundation for learning and lifelong success. 4 Oscoda County residents participated in child and family development programs in 2023.