ANR in the News 06-08-2009
posted on June 8, 2009 3:15pm
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ANR in the News
It’s Monday, June 8, 2009
Welcome to the ANR News, a weekly update of news and events
about Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. The following are
recent stories naming MSU ANR [CANR, MAES, MSUE] people and programs in
major national, regional, and local media outlets
June 4, 2009
Petoskey News-Review
Simulating poverty
Community members got a taste of what living in poverty would be like
Wednesday during a poverty simulation put on by Charlevoix and Emmet
counties MSU Extension and United Way. The simulation,
which was put on at the Emmet County Community Center, lasted for one
hour, and had participants taking on the roles of children, parents and
grandparents in a poverty situation. http://www.petoskeynews.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/doc4a27ca4c84753770558227.txt
June 3, 2009
Better Health Research
Research explains link between obesity and cancer
Although the association between excessive body weight and an
increased risk of cancer has been know for a long time, new research has
shed more light on a mechanism behind the link. The study was
conducted by specialists from Michigan State University who
investigated the hormone called leptin which is found in fat tissue and
regulates body energy. "Abdominal fat in particular seems to be
associated with the greatest risk for cancer," says Jenifer Fenton, an MSU food science and human nutrition researcher with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. http://www.betterhealthresearch.com/news/research-explains-link-between-obesity-and-cancer-19201716/
June 3, 2009
The Daily Reporter
SMILE program reinstated by Judge O’Grady
SMILE — Start Making It Livable for Everyone—a program developed by Michigan State University Extension Office,
was discontinued locally over a decade ago. MSU staff will talk about
affects of parental separation or divorce on children. Judge O’Grady
will be there to explain the operation of the court system as it
handles domestic issues, and Friend of the Court Toni McAlhany will
discuss function and operation of her support system, regulations and
procedures to be followed. http://www.thedailyreporter.com/news/x2085743751/SMILE-program-reinstated-by-Judge-O-Grady
June 3, 2009
Grand Haven Tribune
City Council weighs in on MSU Extension building’s fate
The fate of the Ottawa County building which used to house the Michigan State University Extension
office is still unknown—but a decision will have to come soon. The
80-year-old building at 333 Clinton Ave. in downtown Grand Haven will
otherwise come down in July and replaced by a county maintenance
building. Grand Haven City Council voted 3-2 Monday to support local
architect Denny Dryer’s attempts to save the building. With the
majority of council behind him, this week Dryer is attempting to
negotiate with the county to purchase the property. He said he has a
deadline of June 8. http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/300203920869908.bsp
June 3, 2009
Horsetalk.co.nz
Doing their bit for donkeys of Mali
To Amy McLean, nothing is more fulfilling than
improving the livelihood of mistreated animals. Growing up in a family
that raised mules and donkeys, McLean, a Michigan State University doctoral student in the Department of Animal Science,
developed a passion for understanding and interpreting animal
behaviour. "It just makes me feel good knowing that I’m making a
positive difference in an animal’s life," she says.
Her lifetime love and appreciation for animals, especially mules and
donkeys, has led McLean to Mali, a country in western Africa, where she
is working with a team of Michigan State University colleagues to teach people there how to care for donkeys properly. http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/06/017.shtml
June 3, 2009
Lansing State Journal
Jake Ferris: Biofuels are still a green choice
The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded biofuels
significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum in
combating global warming, writes Jake Ferris, professor emeritus in MSU’s Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090603/OPINION02/906030308/1087/OPINION02
June 1, 2009
Gaylord Herald Times
New home MSUE north office
The Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) north
regional office is relocating to the Bay View Professional Center in
Traverse City. The move was expected to be completed by June 1. The
regional office was located in the University Center at Northwestern
Michigan College (NMC).The MSUE North office provides management
support to 21 county MSU Extension offices, including Otsego,
Montmorency and Crawford counties, and auxiliary support to two Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) field research stations in Northern Lower Michigan. http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2009/06/01/news/business/doc4a245c6429c2f393025878.txt
May 31, 2009
Detroit Free Press
Neogen sprouted from lab at MSU
In 1982, in the depths of one of the state’s worst recessions, officials at Michigan State University
approached the late Herbert (Ted) Doan, a former Dow Chemical Co. CEO,
with a plea for help. Could Doan start a business that would keep
scientists and professors from leaving? ... Today, 27 years later, that
gamble has paid off handsomely for Neogen and Michigan. Neogen started
with $150,000 in seed money from the Michigan State University Foundation
and an investment from Doan’s venture capital fund. Thanks to strong
sales and 15 acquisitions in the last eight years, Neogen’s sales
exceeded $100 million last year. It’s now aiming to double its sales in
five years, in part by developing and acquiring new products. Meeting
this goal would mean an increase in Neogen’s workers, of which about
300 are in Lansing, says James Herbert, Neogen chairman and CEO. http://www.freep.com/article/20090531/BUSINESS06/905310494/1019
May 31, 2009
Mlive.com
Tough economic times spur a return to the garden
Kathy Gebhardt, MSU Extension Master Gardener
and Customer Service associate at V&V Nursery in Cedar Springs,
says her grandchildren are really getting into the action with the
garden. "It’s fun to plant and grow seeds with kids because of the
immediate rewards," she said. If you haven’t already started vegetable
transplants on your windowsill, you still can place a few seeds into a
pot and later place the seedlings into your garden to continue on
through the season. "Just the activity of watching something come up in
that pot," she said, "is very rewarding and keeps them interested." http://www.mlive.com/homeandgarden/index.ssf/2009/05/tough_economic_times_spur_a_re.html
May 29, 2009
Gaylord Herald Times
Buxton named Master Gardener of year
Carol Buxton has been chosen as the 2008 Master Gardener
of the Year. She was recognized for her efforts recently at the Otsego
County MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program
annual awards banquet (see related story). Buxton is a graduate of the
1996 Otsego County Master Gardener program and received her “advanced
master gardener” designation after completing the additional required
education and community volunteer hours. http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2009/05/29/news/local_news/doc4a200e70105a7085626445.txt
May 29, 2009
Traverse City Record Eagle
Agriculture Forum: Future farmers
Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry, and four
times more important economically in northwest Michigan than in other
areas of the state. But it’s increasingly difficult for younger farmers
to enter into the profession. Specific constraints include lack of
farm transfers, a decline in traditional processing markets,
residential development, increasing land costs and other financial
challenges. A new program being developed by Michigan State University Extension and the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station hopes to address these constraints. http://www.record-eagle.com/business/local_story_149230241.html
May 28, 2009
Uppermichiganssource.com
Fire training for health workers
They’re in just about every building and they’re key to the first line
of defense against a fire. On Wednesday, the Baraga County Michigan State University Extension
trained Baraga County Memorial Hospital employees on how to use a fire
extinguisher. With practice, officials hope they’ll be able to use the
extinguisher if there’s a small fire in the hospital. http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=305516
May 28, 2009
Michigan Farmer
Soyfoods Provide Solutions for Some Food Allergies
"If someone has an allergy to milk or peanuts but not soy, soy
provides some very good alternatives to dairy or peanut products," saysGretchen Hofing, Michigan State University Extension
soyfoods health educator and a registered dietitian based in Lenawee
County. Calcium-fortified soy dairy alternatives are good sources of
calcium and protein and are cholesterol-free. Products such as soymilk,
soy cheese, soy yogurt and soy ice cream are all readily available and
can be used in the same applications as their dairy counterparts. http://michiganfarmer.com/story.aspx?s=23816&c=9
May 27, 2009
WSJM
Ripe For the Picking
It won’t be long before one of Southwest Michigan’s largest crops starts making an appearance at area farmer’s markets. MSU Extension District Fruit Educator Mark Longstroth
says the region is one of the largest producers of strawberries in the
state, and they’re typically ripe for picking in mid June. http://www.wsjm.com/pages/4481628.php?contentType=4&contentId=4073022
May 26, 2009
State News
MSU scientists promote advocacy to prevent climate change
Michael Nelson, an MSU associate professor of fisheries and wildlife,
knows that being a scientist means having responsibilities outside of
the lab. He and more than 180 Michigan scientists, lived up to those
responsibilities last week by signing a letter pressuring Michigan
lawmakers to take swift action against climate change in the Great
Lakes State. http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/05/mich_scientists_promote_advocacy_to_prevent_climate_change
May 26, 2009
Science Blog
MSU discoveries upend traditional thinking about how plants make certain compounds
Michigan State University plant scientists have identified two new
genes and two new enzymes in tomato plants; those findings led them to
discover that the plants were making monoterpenes, compounds that help
give tomato leaves their distinctive smell, in a way that flies in the
face of accepted thought. This research is funded by the National
Science Foundation. Last’s research also is supported by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/msu-discoveries-upend-traditional-thinking-about-how-plants-make-certain-compounds-21396.html
Related Stories: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-05/msu-mdu052509.php
May 26, 2009
Gaylord Herald Times
Ag Expo on tap
Ag Expo, Michigan’s largest outdoor farm show,
returns to the Michigan State University (MSU) campus July 21-23 for
its 30th anniversary run, bringing a variety of educational and
commercial activities and exhibits to the state’s agricultural
community as well as homeowners, families and anyone who wants to know
more about the state’s second-largest industry. The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR)
will once again present a tent full of “Family Futures” with education
and activities for residents of all ages. The United Dairy Industry of
Michigan will present a daily recipe demonstration in the tent at
11:45 a.m., and the MSU Dairy Store will offer free ice cream while
accepting donations to support CANR scholarships. http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2009/05/26/news/business/doc4a1c0945e877b681879595.txt
May 26, 2009
State News
MSU bee researchers discover 7 promising new pollinators for Mich.
Natalie Ebig Scott, a spokeswoman for state-funded Project GREEEN,
which partially sponsored the research, said the work is crucial for
Michigan’s agricultural industry and affects more than farmers.
“Pollination is a vital part of Michigan’s agricultural industry,” she
said. “There’s widespread concern about the long-term sustainability of
using honeybees, so native bee populations are something that we need
to look into in the future. (MSU associate professor of entomology
Rufus) Isaacs and his team have really stepped up to meet that need.” http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/05/msu_bee_researchers_discover_7_promising_new_pollinators_for_mich
May 24, 2009
Lansing State Journal
Thelen to head MSU Extension
Marilyn Thelen was promoted within Michigan State University (MSU) Extension
to Clinton County Extension director. Thelen joined MSU Extension in
2001 and has work in the areas of field crops value added as well as
the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090524/CLINTON09/905240371/1001/NEWS
May 22, 2009
Mlive.com
Busy farmers take to the road to put in crops
Making up for lost time after a wet, cold spring, many area farmers
will be working around the clock this holiday weekend to plant their
field crops. Travelers on rural roads may need to take special care to
avoid conflicts with heavy equipment crawling along roads during the
day and night. "They’re making significant progress, but they’re behind and there’s still plenty to go," said Paul Wylie, Michigan State University Extension director for Allegan County. http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/05/busy_farmers_take_to_the_road.html
May 21, 2009
Michigan Farm to School
The Michigan State University Extension Consumer Horticulture Team,
led by Mary Wilson and Bridget Behe, have created a new Gardening in
Michigan website loaded with practical information. Check it out: http://www.migarden.msu.edu/
http://blog.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu/2009/05/michigan-farm-to-school-news.aspxl
May 17, 2009
Lansing State Journal
40 ways to cut the Michigan budget deficit
19. Combine extension service Combine Michigan State University Extension with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station,
or eliminate the extension service. Douglas Drake, senior policy
consultant, Public Policy Associates, estimates: SAVINGS: $25 million. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090517/NEWS01/905170635/1001/NEWS
May 17, 2009
Lansing State Journal
Soybean hotline offers growers crop, pest info
Michigan soybean growers can access timely crop and pest management
information throughout the growing season via the Michigan Soybean
Hotline, a toll-free phone service sponsored by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and
the Michigan Soybean Checkoff Program. The hotline went into operation
April 24 and can be accessed by dialing 888-201-9301. Growers will
hear a recorded greeting directing them to select from six subject
areas: insects, diseases, weeds, agronomic information, soybean cyst
nematodes and the Michigan Automated Weather Network. The updates and
recommendations for each topic area will be recorded by MSU Extension
specialists. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090517/DEWITTBATH03/905170508/1020/SPORTS01/Soybean+hotline+offers+growers+crop++pest+info
May 16, 2009
Morning Sun
Weather hinders farmers
Last year at this time area farmers "had the world by the tail." But
things certainly have changed. Cold, wet weather has brought planting
to standstill and those who did get corn in early may have to replant
the crop. "It’s very troubling and discouraging for producers," Gratiot
County Michigan State University Extension Director
Dan Rossman said. "It’s a trying time. The rain has come too often and
too heavy for planting and what we do have planted there is a concern
with quality. http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2009/05/16/news/srv0000005343203.txt
May 15, 2009
Herald Palladium
Van Buren County increases 911 surcharge
Van Buren County telephone owners will see their bills rise almost $1
per month after action by the county Board of Commissioners. The board
voted this week to raise the monthly 911 levy from 41 cents to $1.37.
The action follows a May 5 election in which county voters agreed to
allow the levy to rise up to $1.50 per month for five years. Officials
have said direct and indirect costs to operate the central dispatch
center total about $1.3 million. Because the county’s general fund had
picked up what was not paid by the surcharge, and revenue is
flattening, county officials sought the additional money to avoid
making cuts in discretionary programs. Discretionary programs include
road patrol, 911 and Michigan State University Extension. http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2009/05/15/local_news/504635.txt
May 15, 2009
RightMichigan.com
RightMichigan Exclusive: An Interview with Representative Kenneth Kurtz (R-Coldwater)
You are right in the fact that agriculture is so vital to my
district. When you look at the numbers it is one of the only sectors of
our economy that has had growth during our downturn. That is why I have
been so amazed at the attacks to the MSU extension, MAEAP,
and the Right to Farm program. Our state would never treat the car
industry in the same way as the governor has treated agriculture. http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2009/5/15/64525/5368
May 14, 2009
River County Journal
Fabius Township Board supports Land Policy Educator
The Fabius Township Board has gone on record in support of keeping Brad Neumann, Land Policy Educator (LPE) with Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) in
Centreville, on the job as a St. Joseph County employee in 2010. The
action came during the board’s regular monthly meeting Wednesday evening
(May 13th) in response to a request from Stan Brueck, chairman of the
Fabius Township Planning Commission, who asked that the township board
write a letter in support of Neumann. Brueck indicated that the
planning commission will be offering its support for retaining Neumann.http://www.rivercountryjournal.com/?p=8421
May 7, 2009
MSUE Spotlight
4-H’ers dominate MSU pre-college scholarship program
Five years ago Michigan State University began making scholarship money available to 8th graders who attend pre-college events on campus. The ever-popular 4-H Exploration Days and 4-H Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp
are the two 4-H events through which youth can qualify for these
scholarships. Of the 61 scholarships awarded in 2008, 57 went to 4-H
youth! If these young people are accepted for admission and choose to
enroll at MSU after they graduate from high school, $2,000 will be
applied to their first year’s tuition. http://msuespotlight.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/4-h%E2%80%99ers-dominate-msu-pre-college-scholarship-program/
May 7, 2009
MSUE Spotlight
Urban planners partner for practicum
Every spring we get treated to an outstanding example of how MSU Extension and our partnerships affect urban communities throughout Michigan. Zenia Kotval and Rex LaMore, through the Urban and Regional Planning curriculum, offer a class composed of undergraduate and graduate students that work with MSUE
county staff members to identify urban planning issues. Then, groups
of students tackle the issues and report back. On May 1, I had the
opportunity to hear several of the student presentations. http://msuespotlight.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/urban-planners-partner-for-practicum/
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ANR@MSU is the ANR Communications blog covering news, events, issues and opinions about Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. If you have topic ideas, contact Ruth Borger or Natalie Ebig Scott.
This week on ANR@MSU:
June 4, 2009
“MSU Extension Resources to Keep Your Open House Safe">Use MSU Extension Resources to Keep Your Open House Safe”
By Michelle Larva
For the past six weeks, every spare moment of my life has been
devoted to GETTING READY FOR THE OPEN HOUSE. The high school
graduation open house, that is. It starts when you look around and
realize you’ve been living in squalor. The kitchen and dining room
must be painted. And the bathroom. Heck, let’s just paint the whole
house. Floors must be waxed, cabinets Liquid Golded, holes patched,
curtains and throw rugs replaced, new guest towels purchased and
basement windows cleansed of all their spider webs (and inhabitants). http://anrmsu.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/use-msu-extension-resources-to-keep-your-open-house-safe/
May 27, 2009
The case of the fruitless fruit tree
By Laura Probyn
You planted it carefully, cared for it diligently and waited. And
waited. And you continue to wait. It looks healthy but it has no
apples. Or cherries. Or pears. Whatever. It’s a fruitless fruit tree.
And you want to know why.“The most common reason for failure to flower
and produce fruit is that the tree is simply too young,” explains .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), interim MSU Extension Master
Gardener Volunteer Program coordinator. “Standard apple trees, for
instance, may start producing fruit in as few as three years or take
twice that long — or longer. http://anrmsu.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/the-case-of-the-fruitless-fruit-tree/
May 22, 2009
Joyful Michigan 4-H Legacy Lives on
By Michelle Larva
This post comes to us courtesy of Jody Maloney, 4-H program associate
in Ontonagon County, Michigan. When I read it, I thought nothing could
be more fitting for Memorial Day than to post this moving tribute to
her grandmother and the 100-year legacy of 4-H. Memorial Day is on
Monday, and for so many of us, that means honoring the ones we have
lost. Today, I wrote an obituary for my grandmother, who was a lifelong
4-H leader. A couple of years ago, she gave me her diamond pin, some
clover charms, and other 4-H trinkets she earned through her years as a
4-H leader. I remember being in her 4-H fashion shows, modeling antique
dresses, and watching her decorate cakes with my older sister and her
friends. http://anrmsu.wordpress.com/2009/05/22/joyful-michigan-4-h-legacy-lives-on/