Research and outreach come Together at the Farm

Thank you to our Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and AgBioResearch faculty and staff and our partners for a successful event at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) in Chatham. Over 200 people from across the state and the Midwest attended the U.P. Food Conference: Together at the Farm program.

Together at the Farm showcased our research and outreach efforts through interaction with attendees at both of the farm sites. During the morning and the afternoon sessions, a diverse pool of presenters offered over 20 workshop opportunities such as ruminant grazing systems, composting for soil quality, sustaining a school garden program, year-round herb production in greenhouses, small farm tools and implements and understanding policy to support local food systems. Presenters included MSU faculty, but the event also capitalized on local expertise and guest speakers. The evening included a keynote speaker and dinner, followed by a barn dance.

For attending, participants could receive credit in Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Phase I, Master Citizen Planner and State Continuing Education Clock Hours.

We would like to thank all of our partners that made Together at the Farm possible: the U.P. Food Exchange, the Marquette Food Co-Op, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and MAEAP. Thank you to all of our event sponsors for making the program possible. Interested in finding out more about the event and our sponsors? Visit upfoodexchange.com. We hope that you’ll be able to join us next year.

UPREC Field Day exhibits research plots

I had a wonderful time when I visited the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) in Chatham, Michigan, for their annual Field Day July 26 that took place from noon to 5 p.m.

Visitors to the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) Field Day visit in front of the research plots July 26, 2014, in Chatham, Michigan. Photo credit: Natasha Berryman, MSU AgBioResearch

Attendees and I toured the research plots at the center, including the multi-species variety trial plots that are part of a collaborative project with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. These plots feature variety trials that will determine which varieties grow best in the UP. Variety trial crops include barley, spring wheat, alfalfa, field peas and oats. Other research and outreach focuses at the center include managing soil, integrating crop and livestock systems, and bolstering local food systems.

As always, Michigan State University faculty and staff were there to answer any questions. Visitors came not just from the UP but from all over the state.

I was proud to be present for the launch of the new Research and Extension Advisory Council for UPREC. A dynamic and diverse group of council members has agreed to serve on this council. I was pleased to give the charge to the council and encouraged the membership that this is their council. AgBioResearch director Doug Buhler and I, as representatives of MSU, really want to receive input from them as to the local priorities for education and research. I indicated that we needed to have their critical feedback on what was going well, and where we need to improve programs and delivery. Dr. Buhler and I agree that it is very important for our staff to co-lead with council members in the community to improve the quality of life for all citizens. A shared agenda will reflect areas of need that council members have brought to the table from each of their organizations. It will not be just an MSU agenda.

The center is the oldest of the 13 MSU AgBioResearch centers. It’s now operating under a new mission and vision, which is committed to taking a holistic approach to building an integrated food system in the UP. It’s the hub for Extension activities across the UP. Ashley McFarland joined UPREC in March 2013 as the center coordinator.

See a photo of the UPREC Field Day on my blog.

Read more about the center here: http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/news/a_new_day_dawning_research_center_adjusts_mission_vision_to_better_serve_up

Read more about Ashley here: http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/news/msu_upper_peninsula_research_and_extension_center_begins_focus_on_new_missi