Emmet County MSU Extension

Check out the three former Spartans who will be competing in the Paris Olympics! Go Green!

Three Former Spartans to Compete in Paris Olympics - Michigan State University Athletics Track and Field 7/23/2024 11:46:00 AM Three Former Spartans to Compete in Paris Olympics Tori Franklin and Heath Baldwin represent the U.S. in Track & Field, while Shay Colley will play for Canada women's basketball. Story Links Click image above to follow all the Spartans in action! Michigan State....

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “The tree in front of my home is infested with mealy bugs. We have sprayed it with bifenthrin twice and I check it daily. I just found three new egg clusters. I’m not sure what else to do.”

A: Based on what I have seen, there appear to be other issues. Dealing with multiple issues on a crab apple tree can be challenging, especially when the tree is large. Here’s a comprehensive approach based on the information from educational sources:

Apple Scab:
Fungicides: Proper timing of fungicide sprays is crucial for controlling apple scab. Expect to apply two well-timed fungicides in the spring.

Resistant Varieties: Planting disease-resistant varieties is the best long-term solution to manage apple scab.

Sanitation: Clean up fallen leaves to reduce the source of infection for the next season.

More information is at these links:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/apple_scab

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/apple-scab

Bark Splitting:

Wound Care: Tracing around the wound with a sharp knife to remove loose bark may stimulate the growth of the cambium and speed healing.

Avoid Late Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this may promote new growth and predispose the tissue to winter injuries.

More information at this link:
http://www.plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/barksplitting.pdf

Mealy Bugs:

Insecticidal Soaps: Contact sprays using insecticidal soaps are effective against the mealybug crawler stage, provided coverage is thorough. You may need two to three treatments at 10–14-day intervals.

Beneficial Insects: Use insect growth regulators when beneficial insects are present to avoid harming them.

More information at this link:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mealybugs/

Since you mentioned the tree is too large to inspect or spray entirely, you might consider contacting a certified arborist or a tree care service. They have the equipment and expertise to treat large trees effectively and safely. Additionally, they can provide a proper assessment and ongoing care plan tailored to your tree’s specific needs. Managing these issues is often a multi-step and ongoing process, so regular monitoring and care are essential. You can consult a local certified arborist for a more detailed onsite assessment and personalized advice. To find a certified arborist in your Zip Code, go to this link:

https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch

If you want a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, you can send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is [email protected] - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images.

Their website is at this link:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

Their Contact Information is at this link:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/contact

This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/

Michigan State University welcomes you to join our native pollinator habitat field days! We are partnering with multiple native seed growers in Michigan to host field days for farmers to learn about native seed production and conservation projects to support rare specialist butterflies.

These events are free and open to Michigan farmers who actively have a farming-based income looking to learn more about producing native seeds for sale.

Our first field day is Monday, July 29th from 10AM-2PM in Portland, MI. More information and the registration link can be found here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-native-pollinator-habitat-field-day-portland-mi

We will also host two other field days, one in August and one in September, at other native seed producers' farms. These will soon be posted to our events page; we encourage you to join each one if you are available.

Please reach out to [email protected], pollinators.msu.edu, or call 517-884-9518 with any questions, and we hope to see you there!

Ellsworth Schools are investing in our future...kid's health and well being. Join their team...

🚜 Join Our Team! 🌱

Ellsworth Community School is hiring a Farm to School Coordinator! This is an exciting, part-time position where you can make a difference in our community by connecting our schools with local farms, enhancing nutrition education, and promoting healthy eating habits.

Position Highlights:

🍎 Part-time: 15-25 hours per week
🌽 Grant-funded: Guaranteed for at least two school years
🌿 Collaborative Role: Work with students, staff, and local farmers
🥕 Impactful Work: Promote healthy eating and nutrition education
🏫 Community Engagement: Facilitate farmers markets and garden programs
Interested in making a positive impact? Apply today and help shape the future of our Farm to School program!

📅 Hours: 15-25 per week
💼 Duration: At least two school years (grant-funded)

For more details, see the complete posting below.



Farm to School Coordinator

As part of the state-wide Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process focusing on the Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child, Ellsworth Community School is moving to offer farm-to-school support to local schools’ nutrition programs. This new role will be highly collaborative and integrative among our region of northwest lower Michigan. It will serve to work toward our goals of ensuring that holistic well-being is robust in our schools region-wide, that Ellsworth Community School is a leader and model of rural school nutrition, and that every child has access to a fulfilling relationship with food.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ellsworth Community School Farm to School Coordinator will support Whole Child wellness through three main pathways, with tasks that may include but are not limited to:

Healthy School Meals
* Collaborate with school food service professionals to enhance scratch cooking, local procurement, and culturally relevant meal planning, preparation, and service.
* Work together with relevant individuals to share and implement feasible scratch-cooked school meal practices.
* Engage and integrate student voices in school meal decisions.
* Assist schools with administrative and engagement-related tasks to support the use of 10 Cents a Meal funds.

Hands-On Nutrition, Cooking, and Garden Education
* Lead lessons and cooking demonstrations.
* Create and maintain lesson toolkits for teachers who want to incorporate lessons but don’t have time to prepare or clean up.
* Act as a liaison between the High School Agriscience class, the District's food service program, and local farmers.
* Provide some nutrition instruction and support related activities.

Community Engagement and Culture of Wellness
* Facilitate Pop-Up Farmers Markets at schools and communities.
* Coordinate school garden building and maintenance with schools and communities to provide support in training/tool/timing access.
* Collaborate with school Wellness Committees on Wellness Policies and related endeavors.
* Identify and motivate staff and community members who are passionate about farm to school.
* Communicate farm-to-school stories from around the region through newsletters, social media, and/or other writing.
* Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners, organizations, and stakeholders.

POSITION DETAILS

This is a new, part-time position offering a unique opportunity for the right candidate to develop and shape the Farm to School program. The successful candidate will have the flexibility to innovate and tailor the role to fit the needs of the school and community, with the following tasks and ideas as potential components of the program:

Hours: 15-25 hours per week, during the school year.
Pay Rate: Starts at $18.60 per hour.
Duration: This is a grant-funded position guaranteed for at least two school years.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

* Experience in kitchens (preferably school or other institutional kitchens), education (formal or informal), farming/gardening.
* Strong connections to local farms and a passion for food and nutrition in schools.
* Excellent communication and organizational skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including students, staff, and community members.
* Flexibility and creativity in developing and implementing farm-to-school programs.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

* Passion for improving school nutrition and promoting healthy eating habits.
* Excellent communication and organizational skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including students, staff, and community members.
* Flexibility and creativity in developing and implementing farm-to-school programs.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role to:

Ellsworth Community School
Aaron Gaffney, Superintendent
9467 Park Street
Ellsworth, Michigan 49729
[email protected]

Deadline to Apply: Friday, August 2, 2024

Join MSUE for our Free "Navigating Funding Opportunities Webinars: Climate and Environmental Projects." These free webinars will share the services and support available to communities through the Great Lakes TCTAC, funding opportunities for communities, and more.
With unprecedented investment at the state and federal levels for climate and environmental community projects, organizations, units of government and other eligible entities don’t have to face these complex opportunities alone.
A wide array of support, services, and technical assistance is available to help successfully secure these opportunities and unlock once-in-a-generation investments.

Register today for either webinar session at events.anr.msu.edu/TCTACKickoff

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “I found this bug in my backyard.”

A: This is a 2 spotted stink bug. They are one of the few predatory stink bugs, and you should leave them alone since it's free pest control!

If you don't know about 10 Cents a Meal, you should. Great program for kids, parents, schools, farmers.

Amplifying Impact with More Michigan Farms and Foods: 10 Cents a Meal 2021–2022 Evaluation Results The 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms program continues to reach more children in schools, districts, and childcare sites across Michigan, with the 2021-2022 school year serving the largest number of participating grantees yet.

Join MSU Extension for this free online webinar: What Children Need to Know to Start School. This workshop will help participants understand the five essential domains of school readiness, understand the critical importance of social and emotional development in school readiness, and become more familiar with what skills children need to be more successful in Kindergarten.

Register today at https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UBRPhFT3T-GVBN128lLLgw #/registration

Traverse City cherry, apple grower optimistic new climate program will address soil health Raul Gomez, operations manager of Wunsch Farms in Traverse City, said changing climate patterns have shown the importance of accurately applying water and nutrients to the soil.

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “My son caught this in Otsego Lake. We were curious if you could identify it.”

A: This is a freshwater scud (sometimes called ‘sideswimmers’) which is an aquatic amphipod.

Amphipods represent a large order (or group) of small crustaceans, which characteristically have exoskeletons (outer shells or external ‘skeletons’) and are closely related to shrimp and crayfish, crabs and lobsters. Part of a functioning lake ecosystem, scuds are detritivores feeding on dead organic material playing a role of shredding or breaking down organic matter (like leaves) in rivers and lakes. They are also a very important and favorite food for fish and other aquatic animals.

This online key – www.macroinvertebrates.org - is for identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates (aquatic invertebrates that you can typically see with your eyes). Here also is a link to a page on the LifeinFreshwater.net website with more information specifically about freshwater scuds: https://lifeinfreshwater.net/scuds-gammaridae/

Create a vision for your farm landscape by attending this Holistic Management course. 3 sessions, beginning with a July 16th evening webinar, a July 23rd in-person farm visit, concluding with a July 30th evening webinar. See below for more information and to register.

Holistic Management® Land Planning Short Course A process that will support you to create a vision and plan for creating the farm landscape that will satisfy your goals and values.

Ask The Expert: How to keep bacteria at bay on grilling day Now, researchers like Shannon Manning, an MSU Research Foundation Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology, are showing foodborne illnesses pose another threat: They’re spreading antibiotic resistance.

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “I'm trying to establish a small fruit tree orchard and I'm having difficulty with a wide variety of foliage-destroying insect pests. I've been using pollinator-safe control (neem oil, BT) but it's not enough because I simply can't reapply every time it rains.”

A: In general, it is best to avoid applying any insecticide during bloom, thereby reducing the exposure to bees. There are a few insects such as rosy aphids and green fruit worms on apples that are best controlled shortly before bloom, but insect management for the majority can begin after petal fall. Unless you have had problems before bloom you probably can wait until petal fall. The same is generally true for the other tree fruit crops.

You can also reduce bee exposure to pesticides in orchards by eliminating flowering broadleaf weeds in the orchard floor through the use of selective herbicides.

This is a nice recent summary:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367010973_Best_management_practices_for_pollinator_protection_in_US_apple_production

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “What's wrong with my peach tree? The leaves are curling and bumpy.”

A: This tree has peach leaf curl. Your earlier submission of a tree with severe damage is not going to recover. There is likely bacterial canker on the tree, and the tree will need to be removed. Peach leaf curl by itself doesn't typically kill a tree. There could be an additional fungus or an issue with nutrients in the soil. A home soil test in the area of the peaches could identify if there are nutrient imbalances in the soil that are predisposing the trees to be weaker.

The only time to treat peach leaf curl preventatively with a fungicide is in the Spring just before bloom. In addition, you should remove infected leaves and not mulch them into the ground.

Since your site has a history of peach leaf curl, I would suggest 2 fungicide applications on a 7 - 10 day interval. The safest, effective fungicides available for backyard peach trees are copper soap (copper octanoate) or copper ammonium and are known as fixed copper fungicides. Apply either of these copper products with 1% horticultural oil to increase their fungicidal effectiveness. The synthetic fungicides chlorothalonil, ziram, carbamates and ferbam are also very effective. When using fungicides, be sure to read the label before use and apply according to instructions.

Twenty Five Years...see you there?

Have you marked your calendar and started making plans yet? The Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference is coming to Benzie on August 12th, 2024 and tickets are available now!

Get tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/crosshatch/event/2024nmsfc/

Join Gary Zimmer, 2-time keynote at the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference for a Soil Health Field Day. Field walks of cover crops, hay, corn & pasture. Breakout sessions on livestock, biological cropping, hay, hoop houses, market garden fertility and tillage equipment. Lunch will be served by Ebel's. Vendors will range from equipment and input suppliers to ag support organizations. RSVP by July 16th:
Christian Tollini 231-548-3200 or 231-268-9404 [email protected]

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “Can you tell me what this plant is and how to eradicate it?”

A: It looks like you have a patch of phragmites, a common invasive wetland reed plant. There is not much you as a citizen are allowed to do eradication wise without a permit (especially for chemical treatments) so I would recommend reaching out to either your local Cooperation Invasive Species Management Association (CISMA) or your local conservation district for your county to see if they may be able to help guide you through possible methods like mechanical removal yourself. It is also recommended to do some reading through this guide for more tips: https://watershedcouncil.org/uploads/7/2/5/1/7251350/deq-ogl-guide-phragmites_204659_7.pdf

Join Michigan Sea Grant and partners for a webinar all about algae - the tiny living things at the foundation of aquatic food webs!

In March, our "HABs 101" webinar dove deep into harmful algal blooms. Now, we're zooming out to learn about algae’s vital role in aquatic ecosystems and get to know didymo, cladophora, and other types of algae that cause problems here in Michigan.

Join us on July 25, 2024, at 6-7:30 pm ET on Zoom. Register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/Algae101/

The webinar will be recorded and made available to registrants after the event.

Topics will include:
Algal Ecology: Julianne Heinlein, Great Lakes Environmental Center
Cladophora/Green algae: Marcella Domka, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Didymo: Jordyn Stoll, Trout Unlimited
Golden brown algae: R. Jan Stevenson, MSU (retired)
Audience Q&A

Coming up this Thursday, June 20th...

To receive some kinds of funding, food and farm business owners are required to access the U.S. government System for Award Management website, Sam.gov, to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Register now for this Zoom webinar on June 20, 2024, 12:30 PM EST, 11:30 AM CST, on how to obtain a (UEI).

Register by June 19, 5 PM EST, 4 PM CST: bit.ly/3RrjeiB

Two producers from the region - Dan Cornelius of Yowela Farms and the Great Lakes Indigenous Law Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Aje Elliott of Workin’ Roots Farm in Detroit - will share their tips and experiences with obtaining a UEI. Jamie Rahrig and Julie Jesmer, both of CRFS, will also share an overview of assistance and grant opportunities that will be forthcoming through the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center.

Do not miss this opportunity to better position your business for potential grant opportunities! The session will be recorded and shared for those who cannot attend.

Check out the July 2024 Money Management Webinar offerings and register today at https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/

25 YEARS of the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference is worthy of a celebration! Interested in speaking? Interested in attending?

Join us for the 25th annual Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference on August 12, 2024, at Grow Benzie! Connect with local farmers, attend hands-on workshops, and explore local farms with on-site tours.

Register now: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/crosshatch/event/2024nmsfc/

Interested in speaking at the conference? Submit your proposal by June 21, 2024: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCGPVWL?blm_aid=494741

Professional Development Opportunity

The ABC of Organic Agriculture, Chromatography and Sustainable Livestock Management by Jairo Restrepo” Sobremesa Farm Workshop, Series II 2024 The ABCs of Organic Farming by Jairo Restrepo 2024: “Workshop Series 2024: The ABC of Organic Agriculture, Chromatography and Sustainable Livestock Management by Jairo Restrepo” September 3-6 2024 Jairo Restrepo is best known as an agronomist, agricultural...

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “Our property has several very large (1 to 4 feet in diameter) ant nests in the lawn. People and animals are regularly getting bit or stung. How can I reduce this population in a way that is safe for cats and dogs?”

A: Carpenter ants are the largest ants that can be found outdoors. They typically nest in decomposing wood or trees and do not bite people unless their nests are disturbed.

To control carpenter ants, you'll need to find the nest entrance and treat with a dust or insecticide with an active ingredient such as cyfluthrin. If you use an aerosol insecticide, it will kill insects on contact but won't impact any ants within the nest.

You can also create a bait using a small amount of borax and mixing 4 oz. (1/4 cup) of grape jelly (or another sweet item) with 1 teaspoon of ground up dried pet food and use this as a bait to get them feeding and carrying food back to the nest. For the bait option, I would recommend leaving the pets away from that area while the bait is out.

Join our FREE Preserving MI Harvest online classes to learn the latest methods and research for preserving foods at home.
Let us help you safely fill your pantry and freezer.
Register by visiting: https://events.anr.msu.edu/PreservingMIHarvest2024/

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “What can I spray on the grass to kill it without killing other plants (rugosa roses, wild geraniums, violets, lavender, etc.)? The grass is way too thick to try and pull out by hand.”

A: Digging by Hand:
This method involves physically removing the grass using a flat shovel or garden spade. Here is how: Outline the area you want to clear by cutting out the sod in sections (about two to three shovel widths wide and long). Pry up the leading edge of the sod and slice it parallel to the grass, being careful not to take too much soil. Repeat this process until you have cleared the desired area.

Smothering with Cardboard or Newspaper:
This is a common method that uses biodegradable materials to smother grass and weeds. Mow down the grass or cut back the weeds to ground level. Cover the plot with layers of cardboard or eight to ten sheets of newspaper, overlapping the edges by at least six inches. Wet the cardboard or newspaper layers thoroughly then cover the layer with mulch. The cardboard or newspaper will break down over time.

Herbicides:
Although not the most eco-friendly option, herbicides can effectively kill grass. Select a product specifically formulated to kill grass. Apply the spray on a calm day and aim only for the grass patches. Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and garden conditions.

For young children, the scientific process begins with observing, predicting, experimenting and interpreting. These explorations lay the foundation for future understanding of more complex science concepts. This program helps adults understand how science experiences promote child development, build self-confidence, stimulate curiosity and develop language skills. Participants in this workshop will be provided with 16 hands-on activities that they can implement with young children.
Register in advance for any of the Extension Extras webinar workshops at the following link:
https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UBRPhFT3T-GVBN128lLLgw
For more information or accommodations contact: Courtney Aldrich at [email protected] or (517) 993-8649

Check it out! https://conta.cc/457SXLN

Homeownership Resources and More from MSU Extension Learn more about MSU Extension news and events Report to Our Partners Hello Chelsea, MSU Extension is a certified counseling agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and w

It’s Ask Extension Wednesday – where we highlight a real question submitted to Ask Extension and the answer! Submit your own questions at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert

Q: “I would like to start a homestead. I bought a vacant property in Emmet County. I would like to start building a home on the property and I’m not sure where to start. What permits are needed?”

A: Sounds like you are about to start construction on a dwelling. Your first call should be to Emmet County Zoning and Building Department. Emmet County handles zoning for an estimated ten townships in Emmet County, and the other townships have their own zoning. They can guide you on all minimum requirements and the series of required permits.

ONLINE EXTENSION EXTRAS PARENTING HOUR MINDFULNESS FOR CHILDREN
December 19, 2023 8:00PM – 9:30PM Online; 8-9:30pm ET

Extension Extras Parenting Hour is a free online series of parenting workshops that provides guidance for parents of young children as they navigate the challenges, joys, and concerns of parenting.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/online-parenting-mindfulness-children-12-19-23