Rebecca Krans

By REBECCA KRANS

Extension Educator

Consumer Horticulture

Michigan State University Extension

IRON MOUNTAIN — Did you know that the Cooperative Extension System of which Michigan State University Extension is a part of was established back in 1914 during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson? And that its roots date back to the 1800s when agricultural clubs and societies were beginning to be formed.

That was more than 200 years ago and encompasses societal changes, technological advances, and food production.

This system was developed and has always been a cooperation between the federal government, the state, and counties. Although things have changed in our nation since then, certainty remains in that we will always rely on a safe food supply.

Agriculture is the core of food production, and MSU Extension still plays a key role in assisting farmers learn about more sustainable practices that not only benefit them but are more environmentally friendly. Along with a safe and abundant food supply we must remain conscious of critical issues, such as soil health, pollinator protection and clean water.

Some people choose to grow their own food, and MSU Extension assists them with science-based techniques to be more successful. It provides safe food preservation classes and provides food safety training to restaurants and other personnel serving food to the public. And who will produce our future food if we are not supporting and providing youth development programs such as 4-H that provide local youth with the agriculturally focused programs that they may never be exposed to. 4-H allows youth to discover various other topics while learning and practicing citizenship, leadership, and other positive qualities we strive to develop in our children.

In this column I would like to highlight the many resources and education we provide related to the consumer (you), whether you are an avid gardener or would like to learn to grow your own food or “smarter” practices for your lawn and garden.

A couple of free resources are the online Ask Extension service where you can upload photos and/or questions about gardening issues you may have. Often a picture does “say a thousand words,” and MSU Extension’s Consumer Horticulture staff and specially trained Extension Master Gardener Diagnostic Responders can properly identify the issue, so that you can save time and money in the long run.

If you prefer talking to a live person, the Michigan State Extension Lawn and Garden hotline is available from 8 to 11 a.m. Central time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1-888-678-3464 for your gardening questions.

Additional resources, events, and articles can be found at the Gardening in Michigan website. Search this site for gardening topics, sign up for weekly newsletters, or view recorded videos.

An upcoming program I’d like to highlight is the Foundations of Gardening course. This course is open to anyone interested in learning more about the basics of gardening. It is a 10-week online and live course that will run from February through April.

If you are interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener, this is the required educational component of certification. Partial scholarships are currently being offered and can apply online.

Stay tuned for next month, when I will highlight the Extension Master Gardener program.