ANR in the News
ANR in the News is provided by ANR Communications
For more information, contact: Dr. Ruth Borger
517-432-1555, ext. 153
It’s Friday, October 16, 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.
October 7, 2009
The Romeo Observer
Time to be picky: Michigan apples and their uses
The beginning of October marks the prime apple-picking season in Michigan, with all varieties officially ready to be harvested. But which ones are best, and for what uses? When it comes to apples, consumers have their choices in the U.S., with some researchers counting up to 8,000 different varieties in the nation.
In Michigan, there are about 18 apple varieties that are tracked and harvested. According to the Michigan State University Extension Center, seven apple varieties are commonly grown in the southeastern region of the state: Red and Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Empire, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Northern Spy.
http://www.romeoobserver.com/story.asp?storyid=15724
October 7, 2009
The Times Herald
People invited to adopt a stream
The St. Clair County 4-H Adopt-A-Stream Program is inviting families and nonprofit organizations to adopt area waterways and clean them up Oct. 24-31. The program is operated through the Michigan State University Extension as a way for people to become involved in improving water quality by testing, cleaning and monitoring a portion of a county stream, river or drain. All equipment and training is free. http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20091007/NEWS01/910070316/1002
October 7, 2009
SOA World Magazine
4-H Youth Take the Lead on Alternative Energy
"It has been shown that engaging youth in scientific exploration early sparks a lasting interest in the sciences," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council president and CEO. "Whether it's 4-H youth in Michigan creating biodiesel to power their school buses, 4-H'ers in Indiana building robots for their local police station or in California where 4-H youth are increasing the health of local streams, rivers and the ocean through water testing and conservation projects - when young people are given the opportunity to learn and take a leadership role in their community, it inspires confidence and a lifetime of achievement." http://in.sys-con.com/node/1136080
October 7, 2009
Horsetalk.co.nz
Free webcast offered on horse genetic disorders
A free webcast on equine genetic disorders is being offered in a collaborative effort between Michigan State University Extension's My Horse University and the University of Minnesota. It will cover such topics as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), lethal white syndrome (LWS), Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA) and Glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED). http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/10/048.shtml
October 6, 2009
Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative
4-H National Youth Science Day Features Biofuels Blast
On 4-H National Youth Science Day – October 7, 2009 –millions of young people all across the U.S. will become scientists for the day as they explore the world of biofuels. This effort is part of the second annual 4-H National Youth Science Day and will feature “Biofuel Blast,” the National Science Experiment. Youth will actively participate in an investigation of how organic materials from plants can be converted to biofuels to supply alternative forms of energy. As part of this effort, Dr. Bruce E. Dale, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University, will be taking “Ask the Expert” questions from youth and adults interested in learning more about biofuels. http://www.wbi.wisc.edu/outreach/education/4-h-national-youth-science-day-features-biofuels-blast/
October 5, 2009
Daily Press
MSU Extension
Do you know what your children are eating for lunch at school? A child's ability to learn is directly connected to what his/her are eating. Whether a child opts for the school's hot lunch program or brings a sack lunch, nutrition and food safety must be top priorities. Some local schools have joined Team Nutrition, which is a national program geared to assist schools in providing great tasting, low-fat and low-salt school meals. These schools can access support and free materials to use with students and families for nutrition education. These materials can be used as simply as adding a nutrition tidbit to the lunch menu before distributing or planning a Nutrition Fair at the school. There are also grant opportunities for implementing innovative nutrition related programs. Team Nutrition has the endorsement of Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/515179.html
October 5, 2009
The Times Herald
Time is right for pumpkin picking
It may not be the best year for pumpkins in Michigan, but finding a good one to carve shouldn't be a problem for Blue Water Area residents. While crops on the East Coast have suffered, Hannah Stevens, Michigan State University Extension agriculture and horticulture agent for Macomb County, said the crop on the east side of Michigan is average. "It's somewhat smaller than typical. We were holding our breath, but it came through OK," Stevens said. "We've had worse and we've had better." http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20091003/NEWS01/910030320/1002/Time-is-right-for-pumpkin-picking
October 3, 2009
Lansing State Journal
New facility at MSU caters to archers, shooters alike
After attending an open house Friday at Michigan State University's new shooting sports center, Cherie Vaughn said she's considering getting memberships for herself and her daughter. "She's archery and I'm shooting," said the 39-year-old Lansing woman who visited the Demmer Shooting Sports Education and Training Center. "I went to a camp and they had archery ... and I picked it up and really liked it," said Adrienne Vaughn, 15. She said she practices the sport "just for fun." http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20091003/NEWS06/910030320
October 3, 2009
Mlive.com
Learning Garden at Carrollton Elementary School teaches nutrition, fitness
Carrollton Elementary School students have transformed their lackluster brick courtyard into a vibrant and lively “Learning Garden.” Jennifer R. Newberry and Kayna M. Zimmerman teach a combined classroom of 47 first- and second-grade students who have worked for the past year creating the colorful oasis to encourage healthful eating and physical fitness. Janet Wendland, program associate for youth 4-H programs from the MSU Extension Office, assisted with the health and fitness program. She was busy helping the children make hula hoops to encourage physical activity. http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2009/10/learning_garden_at_carrollton.html
October 2, 2009
USAgNet.com
MSU Pilots 'Veterans to Ag' Program
Going back to school wasn't exactly what Clinton Boyd, 46, had in mind. But when he was laid off from his 13-year welding job, the Army veteran decided that adding another skill to his tool belt might be a good idea. That's when a veteran representative from Detroit told him about a pilot program through Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG). The University and state office have teamed up to get a dozen veterans back to work. A pilot program, Vets to Ag, is a four-week residential training program at Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) in Hickory Corners, Mich. The program is designed for United States Veterans who are currently unemployed, some of whom were residing in homeless shelters in Detroit. http://www.usagnet.com/state_headlines/state_story.php?tble=MI2009&ID=757
October 1, 2009
Michigan Farmer
MSU Students Recognized at International Dairy Science Meetings
Four Michigan State University undergraduate animal science students were lauded for their scholastic and leadership achievements during the 2009 American Dairy Science Association Student Affiliate Division annual meetings held in July in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The four MSU students honored during the annual ADSA-SAD awards banquet were animal science juniors Karmen Jackson of Caro and Rosemary Rice of Filion; animal science and agribusiness management junior Elizabeth Motz of St. Johns; and Kayla Stomack, a spring 2009 animal science graduate and first-year large animal clinical science student from Minden City. Jackson and Stomack were present to receive their awards. http://michiganfarmer.com/story.aspx?s=31982&c=9
October 1, 2009
The Michigan News
DELEG, MSU to Graduate First Participants of Veterans to Agriculture Program an Innovative No Worker Left Behind Job Training Initiative
The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) and the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources will confer certificates to individuals who have completed the Veterans to Agriculture Program, part of Gov. Granholm’s No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative, an ambitious plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations, and emerging industries or entrepreneurial endeavors. The event will be held Friday, October 2, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at the Kellogg Biological Station Auditorium, located at 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Corners. http://www.michnews.org/2009/10/deleg-msu-to-graduate-first-participants-of-veterans-to-agriculture-program-an-innovative-no-worker-left-behind-job-training-initiative/
September 30, 2009
Charlevoix Courier
Gardening for young and old alike
It began with a flyer: “Have fun while learning about plants, soil and gardening,” it read. Terri Green and her daughters were eager and excited to get involved.
Passionate about gardening herself, Charlevoix resident and mother of five, Terri was anxious to get her daughter’s hands in the dirt -- the Junior Master Gardener program was the perfect avenue. An after school extra-curricular activity, the Junior Master Gardener program is open to all students grades three through six and hosted at various elementary schools throughout Charlevoix County. Facilitated and operated by the Michigan State University Extension program, with funding from various garden clubs and organizations throughout the county, each Junior Master Gardener program is run by a certified Master Gardener. http://www.charlevoixcourier.com/articles/2009/10/02/news/doc4ac38a3c1892f107457263.txt
September 29, 2009
ABC
Fall colors come early to Mid-Michigan
We're just one week into the start of autumn, but some signs of fall have been with us since the end of August. ABC12's Kevin Goff believes our unseasonably cold and dry summer may have something to do with many maples turning color early. It won't be long before a kaleidoscope of color blankets Michigan. However, some trees are turning color much earlier than normal. "With fall color, it's the shortening of the day and the dropping of the temps that trigger things," MSU Extension horticulture educator Terry McLean said. That's normally the case. http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=7038579
September 29, 2009
Grand Traverse Herald
Entrepreneurship week inspires young people
For one week, millions of young people around the world will join a growing movement of entrepreneurial people, to generate new ideas and to seek better ways of doing things. Countries across six continents are coming together to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity. To think big. To turn their ideas into reality. To make their mark. MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development has signed on to be a partner with Global Entrepreneurship Week, www.unleashingideas.org. This one week event, November 16-21, will highlight and feature youth entrepreneurship programming throughout our state, nation, and world. http://www.gtherald.com/columns/local_story_273080259.html?keyword=secondarystory
September 28, 2009
Detroit News
Glut of milk hurting Michigan dairy farmers
Michigan dairy farmers are still producing milk despite a worldwide glut that has sent prices plummeting. Producers face higher costs but less demand for milk, partly because of a dried-up export market. Dairy expert Ira Krupp of the Michigan State University Extension program says the recent prices that producers are getting for their milk have been far below what they need to remain profitable. Krupp tells The Holland Sentinel that he expects prices to remain down for at least several more months. The National Milk Producers Federation says the prices that producers get for 100 pounds of milk fell from an average of $20.58 last November to $13.29 in August. Prices are projected to average $14.18 for this month. http://www.detnews.com/article/20090928/BIZ/909280385/1361/Glut-of-milk-hurting-Michigan-dairy-farmers
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