ANR in the News is provided by ANR Communications
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ANR in the News
It’s Friday, October 29, 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
Governor Jennifer Granholm’s radio address: MSU Extension October 30, 2009 http://bit.ly/3ypIER
Budget News:
October 29, 2009
Detroit News
Granholm, MSU reach deal to save extension service money
Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Michigan State University have reached agreement on continued funding for the agricultural extension and experiment station programs, but will change their focus. MSU Extension will be restructured with a priority on supporting the green economy, according to a statement released by MSU. "The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michigan State University Cooperative Extension have historically provided relevant, responsive services that were tailored to our rural communities," Granholm said in a statement. "As Michigan moves from rust to green, these programs will be focused on enhancing our local communities' efforts to collaborate and innovate in the new clean energy economy. http://www.detnews.com/article/20091029/POLITICS02/910290476/1022/rss10
October 29, 2009
Mlive.com
Michigan State University officials fear Extension programs will be eliminated
Earlier this summer, Michigan State University researchers at a field station near Fennville quickly identified and eradicated a rare plant disease that threatened the state’s $124 million blueberry crop. Now the state’s premier agricultural research and education programs — and the 3,000 jobs they generate — could be the next casualties in the state’s budget wars. Agriculture officials fear that Gov. Jennifer Granholm plans to eliminate funding for MSU’s Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension programs, which also would end 70 percent of the funding for Michigan’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/10/michigan_state_university_offi.html
October 28, 2009
Michigan Messenger
Ag industry, MSU anxious over potential cuts
As the Halloween budget deadline looms, concerns are growing over signs that the governor may veto funding for agricultural research and extension programs seen as critical to the state’s agricultural sector. State funding for Michigan State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension programs was not included in the monthly payment authorized by the temporary budget last month. University officials say they fear that the omission is a sign that the governor plans to use her line item veto to cut funding for the programs. http://michiganmessenger.com/29012/ag-industry-msu-anxious-over-potential-cuts
October 28, 2009
Ionia Sentinel Standard
County discusses possible state MSUE cuts
Ionia County Commissioners began discussing what will happen to their budget if Gov. Jennifer Granholm follows through on her threat to veto the Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) funding this week. According to Ionia County MSUE Director Eric Hufnagel, should the Governor cut that funding, MSUE and all of its programming would cease to be the day after the veto. That includes the state's 4-H program, which is chartered under MSUE. http://www.sentinel-standard.com/articles/2009/10/29/news/02news.txt
October 28, 2009
Freep.com
Granholm to spare MSU extension
Gov. Jennifer Granholm will not veto funding for the Michigan State University agricultural extension and experiment station programs, as many anticipated, her spokesperson said today. Granholm reached an agreement with MSU, which announced the extension programs will be restructured to better promote the state’s emerging green economy. http://www.freep.com/article/20091029/NEWS06/91029053/1320/Granholm-to-spare-MSU-extension- Related story: http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/10/granholm_spares_extension_michigan_agricultural_experiment_station_from_cuts
October 28, 2009
River Country Journal
SNOOK’S NOOK BLOG: Let’s keep Extension
It appears that MSU Extension is in jeopardy in the midst of Michigan’s financial woes and budget wrangling in Lansing. Below is a personal message I’ve sent to Governor Jennifer Granholm, state Senator Cameron Brown, and state Representative Matt Lori. I am writing to express my deep concern that a gubernatorial line-item veto may be forthcoming to eliminate state funding for Michigan State University Extension (MSUE). http://www.rivercountryjournal.com/?p=17665
October 27, 2009
Three Rivers Commercial News
Mich. State Extension to be cut?
News that Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has threatened to cut all funding for Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and research station programs has met with a sharp response from St. Joseph County Extension director Maury Kaercher. “If we’ve got to take a hit — we’ll do it, but you can’t take a certain portion (of funding) and put it in the public eye as a sacrificial lamb,” Kaercher said. “It’s a little disconcerting, to be honest with you.” Kaercher learned in an e-mail Friday from State Rep. Matt Lori that the cuts were possible. He subsequently had a conversation with MSUE State Director Tim Coon. http://www.threeriversnews.com/articles/2009/10/27/news/local_news/doc4ae700c8aa38a110540932.txt
October 27, 2009
9 & 10 News
MSU Extension Offices Face Possible Funding Cuts
The Michigan State University extension department could be on the chopping block. It's part of the state's higher education budget. While the funding is included in the budget, Governor Granholm does have the power to line veto it to save money for other programs. The MSU extension office in Wexford County has been told there's a strong possibility the Governor will do that. Thousands of people use the extension office for educational workshops, farming research and the 4-H program. If the funding is cut, the offices across the state will close immediately. http://www.9and10news.com/category/story/?id=179915
October 27, 2009
The State News
Officials fear extension funding soon will be cut
After the state failed to issue MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, or MAES, their monthly payment, officials fear funding for these programs could be eliminated altogether. The programs primarily are supported by state funding and were appropriated $64 million in the 2009-10 state higher education budget, which is awaiting Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s approval. If the funding is eliminated, it could mean drastic cuts and possible extinction for the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Extension Director Tom Coon said. http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/10/officials_fear_extension_funding_soon_will_be_cut
October 27, 2009
River Country Journal
Spade to Granholm: Don’t veto 4-H, MSU Extension funding
16th District State Senate candidate Doug Spade (D-Adrian) has urged Governor Granholm to retain the legislatively-approved funding for 4-H programs throughout Michigan. “Every year, 4-H instills self-confidence in thousands of young people and allows them to discover and hone their talents and skills,” Spade wrote in a letter to the Governor. “It is imperative that funding for this program be kept intact.” Concern that a veto could be looming for 4-H, other MSU Extension programs, and the Agriculture Experiment Station arose after expected payments to Extension offices failed to occur. http://www.rivercountryjournal.com/?p=17593
October 27, 2009
The Evening News
MSU Extension
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is threatening to veto funding for the Michigan State University Extension Agency and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station which, combined, have four offices in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, officials with the MSUE and MAES said. Cuts to the programs would force the MSU Extension offices in Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac counties to shut down. The local MAES station, the Dunbar Forest Experiment Station which covers 5,700 acres in Barbeau, would also close. The MSU Extension provides services such as 4-H, the Master Gardener Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Breastfeeding Initiative and runs the popular local farmers market. http://www.sooeveningnews.com/news/x1615057402/MSU-Extension
October 27, 2009
Science Blogs
Michiganonians, your help is needed!!!!
The state has withheld its October payment from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and MSU Extension. Armstrong, the dean of MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, sees it as a sign that Gov. Jennifer Granholm might veto the programs' $64 million in funding altogether. "We called (the state) to ask questions, and we're just not getting any clear answers," he said. He has a word for what it would mean: "Devastation, devastation." http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2009/10/michiganonians_your_help_is_ne.php
October 26, 2009
The Times Herald
Extension, 4-H brace for cuts in funding
Michigan would become the only state in the country without 4-H or several other programs if Gov. Jennifer Granholm issues a line-item veto in the higher education budget. St. Clair County Extension Director James Ribbron said the county definitely would feel the loss if Granholm issues the veto, which would eliminate all state funding for Michigan State University Extension. 4-H is one part of Extension, a nationwide educational network established by the federal government in the early 1900s. http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20091026/NEWS01/910260303/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Extension--4-H-brace-for-cuts-in-funding
October 26, 2009
WLKM
Governor threatens MSU Ext. veto
Gov. Granholm recently signaled she will use her line-item veto authority to entirely eliminate state funding for the MSU agriculture extension program by having the treasury department withhold the scheduled October payment. The move is raising tensions in the ongoing battle over the state budget. Friday (October 23rd), local state Reps. Sharon Tyler, of Niles, and Matt Lori, of Constantine, warned the governor against vetoing the program. http://www.wlkm.com/?p=8277
October 25, 2009
Daily Telegram
Veto could threaten Extension services
Everything from 4-H club meetings to farm services provided by Michigan State University Cooperative Extension could be shut down next week by a state budget veto, said the director of the Lenawee County office. “This, essentially, will put an end to Extension in the state of Michigan,” office director Matt Shane told county commissioners on Thursday. “Any support and information you can get to me will be greatly appreciated.” http://www.lenconnect.com/news/x884486659/Veto-could-threaten-Extension-services
October 23, 2009
Petoskey News-Review
MSU Extension, 4-H could be next budget victims
While Governor Jennifer Granholm scrambles to balance the Michigan budget, it seems no program is safe. After making drastic cuts in the state education budgets, the Michigan State University Extension service that sponsors programs such as 4-H and biodiesel research could be canceled completely from the higher education bill in the state budget. "We've not gotten our money," said Tom Coon, the director of MSU Extension. "From the state officials we have spoken with, we interpret this as a possible line-item veto (by the governor)." http://www.petoskeynews.com/articles/2009/10/23/news/doc4ae1bfde1842f978286001.txt
October 22, 2009
Upnorthlive.com
MSU Extension Faces Closure
Three weeks past the budget deadline, lawmakers and the governor are still finalizing many of the details of the state budget. And there are some important issues still unresolved and unfunded. Even some programs that were thought to be safe may not be, like MSU Extension. We have the latest and have a closer look at what's at stake in tonight's Fact Finder Report. Grand Traverse County Extension Director Jim Wiesing says "MSU Extension in the Grand Traverse County office means many things to many people. To some people it means agriculture, others 4H, to some it's land use planning or master gardener education or food and nutrition programs or parenting education." http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=366438 Related Story: http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=366438
October 22, 2009
Akindele Unleashed
Stop Gov. Granholm from killing the Michigan State University Extension Program
The State of Michigan is going through a third world crisis when it comes to the state's economy. We have both Democrats and Republicans fighting over tax increases vs tax cuts. The same old song and dance. One thing that no one is talking about in public is the status of the Michigan State University Extension Program. Urban Michigan cannot begin to discuss urban agriculture or horticulture unless you mention MSU Extension. For those of you who have never heard of the MSU Extension it is a statewide program that has focused on bringing knowledge-based educational programs to the people of the state to improve their lives and communities. Today, county-based staff members, in concert with on-campus faculty members, serve every county with programming focused on agriculture and natural resources; children, youth and families; and community and economic development. http://whoisakindele.info/2009/10/stop-gov-granholm-from-killing-michigan.html
October 20, 2009
Argus Press
County may cut Extension funding in new budget
In an attempt to reduce the county's 2010 budget by about $2.1 million, county officials are considering a number of options - including eliminating funding for the Michigan State University Extension office. County Administrator Margaret McAvoy recommended making the Extension cut, among other things, earlier this month.Monday, the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners requested McAvoy find a way to continue funding the program during its Finance and Administration committee meeting. http://www.argus-press.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/news3.txt
October 15, 2009
State News
MSU Provost receives plans to reduce budget
Results from university-wide budget discussions are slated to land on Provost Kim Wilcox’s desk today in the form of possible cost-saving recommendations. In a Sept. 8 memorandum, Wilcox challenged college deans to examine their college’s structures and functions, including curricula and academic programs, for possible savings. Almost six weeks later, responses are in. Although some college deans can breathe a sigh of relief, others continue to race against time as they put the finishing touches on their recommendations. Officials in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources began budget-cutting discussions last year, but held off turning in a final draft of proposals until today, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Spokeswoman Ruth Borger said. “Our focus is really on how do we need to be structured to best serve our community,” Borger said. http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/10/msu_provost_receives_plans_to_reduce_budget
Other News:
October 20, 2009
Grand Traverse Herald
What is 4-H all about?
The Northwestern Michigan Fair is over. The tents are folded up. The midway has moved on. The barns are empty and no more Gibby's fries until next year. For a great number of 4-H members the Fair is the highlight of a year spent raising an animal to show and possibly sell. Until recently I thought like many others that this was the sum and substance of 4-H. Last fall I started working with Grand Traverse County 4-H as an AmeriCorps/Vista and this experience has given me a new perspective on what 4- H is all about. http://www.gtherald.com/columns/local_story_294074727.html?keyword=secondarystory
October 19, 2009
Ludington Daily News
Brrr … Sunday’s cold a record 21°
Sunday morning’s low temperature was a record in Mason County. The cold snap generated a fairly heavy frost in open areas but probably isn’t a serious concern to most crops, according to Norm Myers of the Oceana County MSU Extension office. The mercury dipped to or below the record of 27 degrees for four hours at Mason County Airport. At its coldest, the air dropped to 21 degrees. Richard Hamilton, a National Weather Service Observer in Pere Marquette Township, recorded a low of 23 degrees, which was plenty cold enough to eclipse the record set in 1952 for Sunday’s date. http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=46246
October 19, 2009
Wind Action
Renewable energy ordinance needs tweaking
The Whitehall Planning Commission is going back to the drawing board in preparing an ordinance to regulate development of renewable energy sources within the city. The planners came to that conclusion following its regular monthly meeting, Oct. 6, which mostly was filled with discussion about a draft ordinance first presented to the board in August. Much of the discussion was a result of a presentation by Adam Kantrovich, director of the Michigan State University Extension office in Ottawa County. Kantrovich was instrumental in helping develop Ottawa County's renewable energy ordinance two years ago. http://www.windaction.org/news/23697
October 19, 2009
South Bend Tribune
Plum pox no longer a threat in Michigan
Plum pox, a disease that destroys peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums, has been eradicated in Michigan, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Michael Creller of the USDA said the successful eradication is because of three years of testing and analysis. The Southwest Michigan Research and MSU Extension Center in Benton Harbor was the site of the only detected Michigan case, found in July 2006. The disease was first discovered in a single tree at the extension, where new lines of fruit are researched to find the tastiest and hardiest plants. Bill Shane, of the center, said he was devastated when the virus was found in an entire orchard. The orchard was bulldozed to prevent possible spread. http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091019/News01/910190330/1130
October 19, 2009
The Morning Sun
Wet weather delayed farmers
There's some sunshine in the forecast for the next few days, and that means mid-Michigan farmers are going to be scrambling to finish the harvest of dry edible beans and soybeans. "There's still a fair amount of black beans out there," said Paul Gross, Isabella County Michigan State University Cooperative Extension agent. Wet weather turned the fields to mud in late September and early October, making it difficult or impossible to put combines and harvesters into action. http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2009/10/18/news/srv0000006640717.txt
October 17, 2009
Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Senior health fair brings information to one place
It's a one-stop extravaganza for seniors looking for information on health care Tuesday during the Healthy Harvest Health Fair at the Royal Heritage Conference Center in Ionia. “Sometimes we're so locked into one agency and this helps explore all the opportunities in Ionia County,” said Lynette Seiler, health fair chair.Booths range from groups like EightCAP to Ionia County Memorial Hospital and the Ionia County Health Department to Green Acres Retirement Community to MSU Extension to State Rep. Brian Calley, all relating to health care and services for seniors. http://www.sentinel-standard.com/articles/2009/10/17/news/02news.txt
October 15, 2009
Daily Press
Milk glut hurting farmers
The dairy business is struggling in the wake of a world-wide milk glut. Both the price of milk and the demand for it have plummeted, leaving dairy farmers with holes in their pockets. According to the National Milk Producers Federation, prices dairy farmers get for 100 pounds of milk fell from $20.58 last November to $13.29 in August. The price paid by processors to farmers is set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture based on commodity markets, which rise and fall with global demand. "There is no doubt farmers are being adversely affected by low milk prices, partially brought on by the over supply of milk," said MSU Extension Educator Warren Schauer, Escanaba. http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/515383.html
October 15, 2009
Daily Press
Milk glut hurting farmers
Midland County’s 2010 budget still has some issues, but county leaders are not looking at the drastic budget cuts they saw in 2009. “The (2010) budget is balanced without major reductions in county positions and programs, other than those that are losing outside funding sources,” former Administrator/Controller David Benda said. Benda and Gransden are concerned about state revenue sharing. “State revenue sharing is budgeted at the statutory level but bills pending might reduce that amount to 2003-04 levels,” Gransden said. If that happens, sheriff road patrol service could be affected as well as park services and the MSU Extension office, and wage and benefit concessions from bargaining units could be sought. http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2009/10/better_days_for_midland_county.html
October 6, 2009
Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Combining Ag with DNR and DEQ Bad News for Farmers
It appears to be a done deal that Michigan’s Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality will be combined into one agency. Now it appears that the Department of Agriculture may also be rolled into a new tripartite “super agency.” The very mention of this should frighten any Michigan resident involved in agriculture. Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry. According to a 2007 study prepared by Michigan State University’s Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, agriculture contributes $71.3 billion to Michigan’s economy and grew at a rate of 11.9 percent between 2006 and 2007, a growth rate more than five times that of the general economy in the state. Burying agriculture in the bowels of a large bureaucracy (the DNR’s budget is approximately three times larger than the Department of Agriculture’s and DEQ’s is over four times larger) does not bode well for agriculture, currently the best performing sector in the state’s economy. http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=11121
This week on ANR@MSU:
October 26, 2009
MSU research, service programs to close if funds vetoed
Scores of Michigan State University Extension offices and research stations across the state are jeopardized by a potential funding cutoff, if Gov. Jennifer Granholm blocks appropriations from reaching them. That’s the assessment of Jeffrey Armstrong, dean of MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, who faces shutting down 82 Extension offices, 15 agricultural and biological research stations and other bioeconomy-based research and Extension programs. http://anrmsu.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/msu-research-service-programs-to-close-if-funds-vetoed/
October 20, 2009
Michigan State University Extension 4-H Event Fuels Interest in Science
By: Michelle Larva
Would you like to make your own biofuel? During the “4-H Science Blast,” youth and families can try their hand at biofuel production and several other science-oriented activities from 9 a.m. to noon, October 31 at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Agriculture Hall Atrium. In addition to turning common substances into biofuel, visitors will also use wind and leg power to create electricity (and learn about energy conservation), command a robot and learn how they are built, learn how a group of Saginaw high-schoolers ran a school bus on used cooking oil, and launch a rocket. http://anrmsu.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/michigan-state-university-extension-4-h-event-fuels-interest-in-science/
To see news releases sent out by ANR Communications, go to our website www.anrcom.msu.edu/ and click “news”.