Workshops on the Move

Below you will find information about the Workshops on the Move taking place on Wednesday, October 21. Seating is limited, so we ask that you register only for a workshop you fully intend to attend.

Workshop on the Move locations are subject to change as plans are finalized.

All workshop on the move participants should meet at the front entrance to the Kellogg Center. From there, groups will board buses. Please plan to board the bus no later than 1:35 p.m. Buses will depart at 1:45 p.m.

Please dress accordingly for weather and your specific workshop locations. Some of the workshops have special requirements related to clothing and footwear. No beverages or snacks will be provided on the Workshops on the Move, so please bring whatever you need for the afternoon.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

1:45 - 5:15 p.m.

Building Bridges: Extension's Role in Public Engagement and Policy

Explore how relationships, trust, and education influence change. This workshop-on-the-move includes a Capitol tour, legislative office visit, and facilitated discussion on communicating with elected officials, understanding decision-making processes, and building meaningful connections with stakeholders. Participants will leave with practical skills for engaging with public leaders and advancing positive change in their communities.

From Farm to Market: Exploring Michigan’s Local Food Journey

Follow the journey of local food from farm to finished product while exploring the people, processes, and partnerships that bring Michigan-grown products to consumers. Participants will learn how food moves through the supply chain. Featuring a hands-on food manufacturing activity and taste testing activity, participants will work through the key steps involved in transforming a raw agricultural product into a consumer-ready good. Attendees will gain practical insight into product development, packaging, labeling, and the value-added food industry. This interactive tour is designed for those interested in local food systems, food entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the path from farm to retail shelf.

Growing the Future: Experiencing MSU's New Dairy, Greenhouse, and Pollinator Centers

Discover how Michigan State University is shaping the future of agriculture, food systems, and environmental stewardship through innovative research and education. This tour provides an inside look at MSU's state-of-the-art Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, Greenhouse Research Complex, and Pollinator Performance Center. Participants will explore how these facilities support advancements in animal agriculture, controlled-environment crop production, and pollinator health while addressing real-world challenges in food security, sustainability, and ecosystem resilience.

One Health in Action: Connecting Human, Animal, and Environmental Health at MSU

Explore how Michigan State University researchers are addressing some of today's most complex health challenges through the One Health approach. Participants will visit the Plant and Pest Diagnostics Laboratory, Michigan Wildlife Disease Laboratory, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Center for Laboratory Innovations in Parasitology (CLIP) to see how experts track diseases, study microbes and parasites, protect wildlife, safeguard food systems, and improve public health. Discover how collaborations across disciplines help identify emerging threats and create solutions that benefit people, animals, and the environment.