EatonCounty
EatonCounty Extension
Suite One, 551 Courthouse DriveCharlotte, MI48813-1047 /

Ph: 517-543-2310

Fax: 517-543-8119

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July 2007


Pesticide education helps farmers
Farmers and commercial dealerships who are handling restricted use pesticides have to be certified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. All of them have to study the prescribed pesticide manual and pass a core examination related to their pest management and pesticide application tasks. Passing this exam can be a challenge for some applicants. This year the annual pesticide exam was held on March 15. Prior to the exam MSU Extension conducted a three-hour intensive review session with practice tests based on important chapters of the manual. The purpose was to help candidates, particularly those who are taking the exam for the /

first time and those who have not been successful in their previous attempts to be successful. Based on participant evaluations more questions were added to the review requiring mathematical calculations, such as measurements of area, volume, pesticide dilutions and equipment calibration.

Thirty-nine participants attended this year’s session. After completing both a pre- and post-test questionnaire, all participants improved their preparation for the exam. The average pest management knowledge among participants before the review session was 6.6. After the review, the average increased to 8.2.

Cloverbud Camp goes international
On Thursday, June 28, 4-H members aged 5-8 years old (“Cloverbuds”) will gather at the Eaton County Fairgrounds for the annual Cloverbud Camp. This day camp is coordinated and hosted by teen 4-H members each year. It has become a popular event for children and teens alike. This year, teen volunteers are so anxious to assist with the festivities, they actually outnumber the Cloverbuds!
The theme for this year’s camp is “Around the World”. Cloverbud members will learn customs and traditions from countries all around the world through dance, music, and craft projects. Activities such as origami, Chinese ribbon dance, and line dancing are planned for the young Cloverbud members.
/ Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities. Offices in counties across the state link the research of the land-grant university, MSU, to challenges facingcommunities. Citizens serving on countyExtension councils regularly help select focus areas for programming. MSU Extension is funded jointly by county boards of commissioners,the state through MichiganStateUniversity and federally through the US Department of Agriculture. /
The day’s grand finale is certainly appropriate for 5-8 year olds, where they can “soak up” everything they have learned while playing in the sprinkler.

Cloverbud Camp is becoming a much anticipated highlight of the EatonCounty 4-H year and we are excited to add some cultural education activities to the very fun day.

Identifying local agriculture needs
The identification of important issues facing communities is the first step in developing and implementing an Extension educational program. Phil Taylor, Extension educator in dairy and farm financial management, invited local agriculture business owners and government staff members to a breakfast meeting to identify the educational needs of farmers in the EatonCounty area. Following one-on-one, small group, and whole group discussions of the issues, participants had the opportunity to vote for the concerns they felt most strongly about.
Two issues struck a nerve with the group. The first dealt with the public’s perceptions of agricultural production. A very close second was the issue of the economics of farming and related concerns, such as financial education for farmers, helping large and small farms be more profitable, and the difficulty farmers face in raising families on farm income alone. A distant third issue dealt with environmental management. Participants think it is increasingly important that farmers follow environmental regulations and inform the public that they are good stewards of the soil and water.
The participants also agreed that they would like to get together on a quarterly basis as this group has few opportunities to interact. Therefore, plans are in the works for a September 2007 meeting. / Developing community assets for youth
The Search Institute has surveyed more than two million youth across the United States and Canada since 1989. Researchers through survey studies show that the greater the number of developmentalassets experienced by young people, the more positive and successful their development. The fewer the number of assets present, the greater the possibility youth will engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use, unsafe sex and violence. Assets may include having a significant adult to talk with or encouragement in being successful in school.
MSU Extension was asked to develop a retreat for the Eaton Rapids Asset Building Committee, a community action group, to help them plan for future events and expansion of membership. The day-long retreat was held on May 15 with nearly 30 adults and youth in attendance.
Through a strategic planning process, as shown in the photo below, the community group was able to develop a vision statement and action plans with objectives and timelines centered on five goals:
- reenergize the Asset Building Committee
- continue to create community awareness for
the need of youth assets in Eaton Rapids
- create new youth assets through a systematic
plan
- review and celebrate successes
- build financial support and partnerships for
building youth assets.

This programming effort by MSU Extension was in response to the educational need identified by Eaton County citizens to prepare youth for the future.
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunityemployer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family 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, Extension Director, MichiganStateUniversity, E. Lansing, MI48824.