OgemawCounty Extension
205 S. Eighth
West Branch, MI 48661-1207 / P: 989-345-0692
F: 989-345-1284 / E-mail:
Web: msue.msu.edu/Ogemaw
May 2008
Collaboration bringscorn performance trial to Ogemaw CountyThe MSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences conducts hybrid corn trials each year in cooperation with MSU Extension educators, seed corn companies and local farmersto determine corn variety performance so they can make sound seed purchase decisions.
In the trials, corn hybrids are planted in farmers’ fields using scientific replications and randomized plots to eliminate variation and ensure accurate results.
In Ogemaw County, Miller Feed of Prescott, a grain producer and retail grain and feed dealer, is cooperating in the 2008 trials.
Travis Miller, owner/operator of Miller Feeds, sees benefits to his own farming operation, as he will have first-hand, locally produced research results that will help him in variety selection, and also allow him to provide unbiased yield potential information for his customers.
The faculty members and specialists who conduct the Michigan Corn Performance Trials invite seed companies to enter hybrids in the trials and a fee is charged to cover expenses.
The performance trial in Ogemaw County will primarily focus on corn varieties grown for silage.
During the growing season signs will be placed at the field plots so producers can see the progress of the crop. / Miller Feed and Ogemaw County MSU Extension are planning to hold a field trial meeting to allow area farmers the opportunity to view the plots prior to harvest.
Contact: Fred Hinkley, County Extension Director
Ogemaw County MSU Extension educates responsible babysitters
Safe childcare is important to all parents; leaving a child in the care of a babysitter who has been trained is safe babysitting techniques is essential.
To help youngsters from sixth grade or older improve their ability to care for children safely, Ogemaw County MSU Extension has conducted its third annual babysitter beginning training program.
Dorothy Munn, MSU Extension 4-H youth development educator, with the assistance of Julie Madsen, 4-H volunteer and licensed daycare provider, has conducted the babysitter training program as part of an Ogemaw County Child Protection Council grant.
The program, called “4-H Babysitters Club,” comprised eight sessions that were held from March through May.
Each sessionincluded presentations by guest speakers who discussed topics like nutrition and food safety, child development and what to do during emergencies.
Continued
/ 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. /
Babysitting Club—continued
Twenty six youngsters enrolled in the program, which was developed to assist the beginner babysitter.
Other topics that were covered during the program included the responsibilities of the babysitter, business aspects of babysitting, child safely (including a focus on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Shaken Baby Syndrome and choking hazards) and the development of babysitting resource tools.
The participants received a babysitter time planner, information sheet and a family rules form to use with client families. Youths who completed the program received a scholarship to take a Red Cross first aid and CPR certification course.
2008 4-H Babysitters Club
In an evaluation following the program, all of the participants said that as a result of taking part in it that they have, “Developed a better understanding of children’s basic needs,” and they “Learned what to do in case an emergency arises,” while they are babysitting.
One participant’s mother commented that she was amazed with how much useful information her children had gained in the program and that she was also able to use the information at home with her toddler. / The program’s long-term goal is to provide skills that the youth participants will use while babysitting children within the county and that will also help them later in life while raising their own children.
The Babysitters Club is offered through a partnership between MSU Extension and theOgemaw County Red Cross, the Ogemaw County Child Protection Council, Ogemaw County 911, the West Branch Library, District Health Department #2, the West Branch-Rose City School District and St. Joseph School.
Dorothy Munn, Extension Educator 4-H
County Extension Director
Fred Hinkley
Northeast Michigan Better Kid Care Educator
Brandi DesMarteaux
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Dorothy Munn
Master Gardener Coordinator
Roy Elie
Food Nutrition Program Associate
Helen DeFlorio
District Farm Management Agent
Dennis Stein
District Dairy Agent
Phil Durst
Support Staff
Carol Weston
Bonnie Marsiglia
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, Extension Director, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824