MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension Legislative Report

MSU AgBioResearch impact campaign

Over the past year, MSU AgBioResearch has highlighted the impact of our work across Michigan agriculture and natural resources. These stories feature our stakeholders, from growers and producers to industry representatives, commodity organization executives and legislators.

Plant agriculture

Animal agriculture

Dr. Bob Vlietstra talks about the importance of Dr. Richard Pursley's dairy research at MSU

Dr. Richard Pursley's research has helped producers develop fertility programs that raise conception rates, reduce herd turnover and strengthen the long-term viability of Michigan dairy farms.

Partnering with Michigan legislators

Project GREEEN, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture and the Agricultural Resiliency Program

Learn more about research and outreach through three of AgBioResearch and Extension's flagship programs, Project GREEEN, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture and the Agricultural Resiliency Program. The findings from these efforts are often used to apply for larger federal grants, addressing the most relevant challenges to agricultural industries.

Increasing community engagement

Successful and thriving communities combine knowledgeable and engaged legislators, businesses, community groups and residents. By connecting these groups with the most trusted tools, MSU Extension educators in the Community, Food and Environment Institute help enhance the quality of life in Michigan.

Growing future leaders

MSU Extension's Children and Youth Institute provides programming for children and youth from birth to age 19, including 4-H, the largest youth development organization in Michigan.

Michigan 4-H Spotlight: Logan Dole

On Wednesday, October 8, MSU Extension hosted the third annual Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol. This event showcases the positive impact of the Michigan 4-H program and brings visibility to its efforts throughout the state.

Building healthier communities

MSU Extension educators in the Health and Nutrition Institute promote healthy lifestyles and empower Michigan residents to take control of their health. Participants learn how to build nutritious diets on a budget, avoid foodborne diseases and become leaders in the food industry.

Weathering Together: A Short Film

This short film, produced by Michigan State University Extension, highlights the voices of farmers as they share their experiences navigating the challenges of farm life. By giving farmers a platform to speak openly, the film aims to normalize seeking help and foster a culture of support within rural communities. This project was made possible with funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). MSU Extension works to improve farm personal well-being and income, expand ag-related businesses and improve ag employment, leading to agriculture being one of the strongest industries within Michigan. If you want to support our efforts, donate here: https://give.msu.edu/?sid=18631.

Connecting with farmers

MSU Extension educators in the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute work with farms of all sizes helping to positively impact individual farming operations. When those individual operations do well, their success helps to fuel state and local economies.

What is AgrAbility?

The vision of the National AgrAbility Project is to enhance the quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. In partnership with Easterseals MORC and Michigan State University, Michigan AgrAbility provides help to farmers with chronic health conditions. Together, we're helping individuals continue working while also supporting their families.

A Second Bloom: Preserving Mackinac Island's Lilacs

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau was notified by one of their staff that the lilacs were suffering from lilac borers, an insect that leads to health decline in the plants they inhabit. Luckily, they knew to call MSU Extension for help. Several years and 28 volunteers later, the historic lilacs are flourishing on the island ensuring the success of the Bureau's summer season opener - the annual lilac festival.

AgBioResearch