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.
Lower Thumb Agriculture
Changes for MSUE in 2010
The combined MSUE Advisory Councils had the opportunity to hear a presentation by CED Phil Kaatz concerning changes that are projected for the new year. To view this presentation, follow this link: RedesignLapeer
2009 TARE Book
MSU Extension Educators from the Thumb conducting educational programs in December highlighting the growing seasons demonstration and research test plot results.
The information presented during the meetings is included in the TARE Book available for viewing:
The latest information from the MSU Extension Field Crops Specialists and Educators is available on-line with up-to-date information. The alerts are available free during the growing season on Thursday afternoons.
Many field studies have been conducted over the years to establish the nature of the relationship between corn grain yield and N addition. For many years MSU’s N recommendations for corn were provided in tabular form based on the yield potential of the soil. Click here for the full story and all the recommendations:http://www.css.msu.edu/PDF/NEW%20corn%20N%20recs1.pdf
New pesticide applicator core manuals available
The long-awaited, newly revised and rewritten pesticide applicator core certification manuals will be available for sale through the MSUE Bulletin office and through county Extension offices. Unlike the old core manual, which combined the private and commercial certification information into one, the new manuals will be sold separately. The new bulletin number for the private core manual is E3007. The new bulletin number for the commercial core manual is E3008. Both will be sold at a retail cost of $30. They both consist of a Michigan-specific addendum shrink-wrapped with the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual.
MICHIGAN SOYBEAN HOTLINE NOW AVAILABLE
1-888-201-9301
Toll Free Number
Recorded Information
Up-to-date Information
MSU Campus Specialists
Select the following topics:
Insects
Diseases
Weeds
Agronomic Information
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN)
Local Weather Information
Thanks to our sponsor Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee
Dates to remember:
Lapeer FCS Programs
ACIDIFCATION OF TOMATOES
Since tomatoes have pH values that fall close to 4.6, it is necessary to take precautions to can them safely.
FIRST, select only disease-free, preferably vine-ripened firm fruit for canning.
DO NOT USE TOMATOES FROM DEAD OR FROST-KILLED VINES.
To ensure the safety of whole, crushed, or juiced tomatoes; it is necessary to add acid, whether they will be processed in a boiling water bath canner or a pressure canner.
To acidify the tomatoes, add 1 TABLESPOON of bottled lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid per PINT of tomatoes. For QUARTS, use 2 TABLESPOONS of bottled lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon citric acid.
The acid may be added directly to the jar before filling it with tomato product. If the finished product tastes too acid, before serving, add a little sugar to offset the taste.
Land Use
For the best local information check with your local MSU Extension office, listed by county in the directory.
MSU Extension staff members use the university’s resources to meet needs in every Michigan county. The County Partner Report demonstrates how MSU Extension educators, program associates and specialists are working with nonprofit organizations, agencies, schools, businesses, farms and families to "bring knowledge to life" in your community. Click the link below to read more.
Doors open Friday at 5:30pm. Silent auction (all celebrities) from 6:00pm - 6:30pm.
Live auction (non-sports celebrities) from 6:30pm - 7:45pm. Live auction (sports only celebrities) from 7:45pm - 9pm.
Spring Auction - (New merchandise, food, business services, entertainment, collectibles)
Doors open Saturday at 8:00am. Silent auction bid closings at 9:30, 9:50, 10:20, &10:40.
Live auction starts at 11am.
Pancake & sausage breakfast from 8:00am - 11:00am.
To be added to our mailing list or to donate, call (810) 667-0343 or e-mail us at msue44@msu.edu. Proceeds benefit Lapeer County 4-H. Contributions are tax deductible. Both auctions are open to the public. To review the items list, go to www.auctionzip.com and search for Lapeer 4-H Auction (zip code 48446).
A presentation for phosphorus management has been added to this site to provide an educational tool for MSU Extension Educators to use at local Pest Management meetings or other soil fertility meetings in their area.
There are two versions of the presentation. One has Turning Point incorporated, the other is without Turning Point. Click on the link below for the correct PDF file.
AgrAbility helps farmers and ag workers continue working with a disability or change in their health.
It offers a farm or work site assessment to identify modifications to accommodate a worker's ability so he or she can continue their agriculture employment.
Information and program referrals are also available. Assistance is available to apply for a low interest loan for persons with disabilities managed by a nonprofit service agency.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.