Welcome to
Ionia County MSU Extension!

 A partnership between the

County of Ionia and Michigan State University

 Helping people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical needs, issues, and opportunities. 

Office hours:

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / Monday - Friday

We invite you to use the links on the left to explore local information and events in each of our programming areas.  The links across the top of this page will take you to statewide MSUE information resources. 

District Coordinator Search 

NEW! Take our FREE financial health survey and help us create the tools you need to increase your financial health 

MSU Extension Honors 4-H Youth, Volunteers and Health and Nutrition at Spartan Women’s Basketball Game

Pilot Project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Aims to Keep More Ash Trees Alive

Michigan State University set to host 95th ANR Week

Free Online Curriculum for Horse Project Leaders Now Available

Place your order at the new MSU Extension specialty "e" store at shop.msu!

Learn more about MSU Extension's redesign process

MSU Extension began an organization-wide effort to look at its programming and administrative structure in early 2009. The goal was to ensure that MSUE continues to remain responsive to the needs of Michigan's residents and makes the best use of resources. 

The redesign effort was made public in the fall of 2009, and with input from stakeholders and decision makers from across the state, it is being launched in 2010. To learn more about the MSU Extension redesign effort, including  the organization’s statewide program priorities and new district structure, please click here.

A Three-Way Partnership: Historical Highlights charts the legislative and policy changes that have shaped MSU Extension through the years. It is available at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/docs/MSUEhistorychart.pdf.

County partner report template and other information

For the best local information check with your local MSU Extension office, listed by county in the directory

Experience the Power of 4-H — Volunteer! 

• How to Start a Club
• Child Well-Being: Volunteer Selection Process
• Starting the Year Off Right: Tips and Tools for 4-H Volunteers
• Partner with Youth to Make a Difference in Communities
• Michigan 4-H Today
• About 4-H Ceremonies

For the best local information check with your local MSU Extension office, listed by county in the directory.

LeadNet (Leadership)

Eric Hufnagel

County Extension Director

hufnag29@msu.edu

Brenda Long

Extension Educator – Family Nutrition

Program

longbr@msu.edu

Diane Smith

Extension Educator - Economic Development

Executive Director, Ionia County Economic

Alliance

dismith@msu.edu

Faith Cullens

Extension Educator-Dairy

(Clinton County MSU Extension Office)

cullensf@msu.edu

Janice Ransom

Secretary/Horticulture Program Assistant

jransom@ioniacounty.org

Jim Buxton

Home Owner Retention Program Assistant

jim.buxton55@gmail.com

Johanna Bendt

Secretary

jbendt@ioniacounty.org

Kali Fields

Program Assistant - 4-H Youth Development

fieldska@msu.edu

Katie VanderKolk

Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development

vanderkk@msu.edu

Kevin Gould

Extension Educator – Livestock

(Central Region County Offices)

gouldk@msu.edu

Marilyn Cummings

FNP Program Assistant

mcummings@ioniacounty.org

Sandi Clark

Master Gardener

Volunteer Program Coordinator

Yolanda Blissett

Bookkeeper

yblissett@ioniacounty.org

What does 4-H offer?

• For kids, 4-H offers fun learning opportunities through 4-H clubs, afterschool programs, and local, state and international events.
• For older teens, 4-H offers opportunities to set goals, develop strategies to reach those goals, and take leadership for sharing their skills, knowledge and talents to make their communities stronger.
• For adults, 4-H offers research-based support and training in age-appropriate learning methods and materials to help plan activities and projects for young people in safe, nurturing environments.

 Partner with Youth to Make a Difference in Communities