A year into pandemic, MSU Extension’s health and nutrition virtual programming thrives
March 9, 2021
From food safety to farm stress, MSU Extension’s dedicated educators and instructors found innovative ways to learn, teach and connect even in the most challenging of times.
MSU Extension educators Beth Waitrovich (left) and Eric Karbowski (top right), and instructor Ali Rogers (bottom right).
Like so many others at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan State University Extension community nutrition instructor Ali Rogers’ professional world was flipped upside down. Almost her entire job before the pandemic consisted of delivering nutrition and physical activity education to people face to face.
MDARD
For immediate release: March 8, 2021
LANSING, MI - Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month to honor and celebrate Michigan s farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep our food and agriculture industry thriving. Michigan s wide array of crops, fresh water supply, unique geographic location, rich and varied soil types, various microclimates created by the state s proximity to the Great Lakes, and our dedicated producers and processors make Michigan the ideal location for food and agriculture businesses. Michigan s food and agriculture industry is a national powerhouse, said Gov. Whitmer. It is responsible for 805,000 jobs and contributes over $104 billion to our state s economy. With more than $1.8 billion in export sales annually, nations across the globe buy our products for their quality and safety. Many of our wines, beers, and spirits are rated the best in the Unite
SLEEP: SLeep Education for Everyone March 4, 2021 - April 15, 2021
Virtual
Each session is designed to last about 30 minutes each.
Each module includes a short 2-3 minute educational video designed to deliver key concepts.
The rest of the time is spent discussing the topics, brainstorming solutions to possible obstacles to improving sleep, and goal setting.
We are very excited to be able to offer this program.
Where: Online Via Zoom
Cost: There is no cost for the workshop. The program is supported financially by Michigan State University Extension. March 16, 2021 – February 15, 2022 virtual - Zoom
This course is designed for people who are at-risk for developin
Searching for antler sheds can be a fun end of winter pastime
March 4, 2021
Finding deer sheds is a great way to get outside and enjoy the last days of winter while assessing the deer in your area.
Photo by Sam Smith
Michigan has an abundant deer population, and many people enjoy searching or hunting for antler sheds as a late winter outdoor activity. The antler cycle is controlled by photoperiod, or day length. Male deer grow antlers rapidly in spring and summer. After the breeding season, as the days get shorter, the amount of the reproductive hormone testosterone drops. Testosterone controls the antler cycle; when testosterone levels drop, specialized cells called osteoclasts are activated. These osteoclasts eat away at the pedicle, or base of the deer’s antlers, which cause the antlers to become weak and eventually fall off. This cycle occurs annually in deer.
Getty Images
States have a pivotal interest in the fiscal health of their localities so that they can continue providing vital services to their citizens. Local government budgets have begun to feel the impacts of the recession, which probably will continue for some time. By implementing and improving early warning systems, states can proactively identify fiscal weaknesses and provide assistance to their local governments when necessary, potentially helping them avoid fiscal disaster.
The Great Recession of 2007-09 challenged the budgets of many local governments, eroding their ability to provide services such as water, sewer, and road upkeep to residents. This incentivized states to adopt or strengthen fiscal monitoring systems, which can identify financial instability before it becomes a crisis.