ERAIL 2024: A program of continuing success. Part 3: ERAIL Program places five trailers across Michigan
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EmailIn 2024, the MSU Extension ERAIL program and MDRAD place five emergency response trailers around the state of Michigan.
Between August and November 2024, Michigan State University Extension hosted a series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies to unveil ERAIL trailers across the state, enhancing local emergency response for livestock incidents. The fleet of three ERAIL response trailers, each equipped with state-of-the-art livestock handling equipment and communication systems, has grown to nine trailers in the state, with the original three in Jackson, Branch and Otsego counties. These events, held in Monroe, Gratiot, Berrien, Midland and Lapeer counties, brought together MSU Extension, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), local officials and community leaders to showcase the growing collaboration to improve preparedness and infrastructure for agricultural emergencies statewide.
On August 1, 2024, the Monroe County Fairgrounds hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the delivery of the fourth ERAIL trailer throughout the state. These trailers, equipped with livestock handling equipment, are strategically placed around Michigan to enhance emergency response capabilities for livestock emergencies. The Monroe County event attracted 35 attendees, including key figures such as Mary Bohling, MSU Extension District 12 Director, Jeannine Schweihofer, MSU Extension Agriculture and Agribusiness Associate Director and Kathy Angerer, Deputy Director of MDARD and ERAIL team members Mike Metzger, Beth Ferry and Tom Guthrie. Local partners, including the Monroe County Sheriff's Department, played an essential role in the ceremony. The event underscored ongoing efforts to improve rural infrastructure. It highlighted the growing collaboration between MSU Extension and the MDARD as they expand this valuable resource to first responder departments across the state.
Later the same day, another ERAIL trailer ribbon-cutting took place at the Gratiot County Fairgrounds, coinciding with the fair’s kids' day festivities. This event drew attention to the trailer’s role in managing livestock emergencies on roadways and public spaces. Notable speakers included Ron Bates, MSU Extension Agriculture and Agribusiness Director, and Nate Engle, MDARD Director of Community Engagement, who highlighted the statewide significance of the trailer. Local leaders, including Tom Clark, Director of Gratiot County Animal Control, spoke about the specific need for such a resource in the area. Their support and the enthusiasm of the community members, as demonstrated by the insights provided by MSU Extension staff Katie Ockert, Casey Zangaro and Cora Okkema, are crucial to the ERAIL initiative's success. The event demonstrated solid local support and the community's enthusiasm for its potential to improve resilience in agricultural emergencies.
On September 12, 2024, Berrien County held the official unveiling of the ERAIL trailer at the Berrien County Courthouse lawn. This ceremony was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including MSU Extension’s Beth Ferry, Tom Guthrie, Casey Zangaro and Mike Metzger, as well as MSU Extension administration, including Matt Shane, Associate Director of Michigan State University Extension in charge of field operations, Dr. Ron Bates and Julie Pioch, MSU Extension District 13 Director. Local law enforcement and MDARD representatives were also present, and regional media, including WSBT Channel 22, covered the event. The ceremony highlighted the importance of the trailer in enhancing the region’s emergency preparedness, making everyone feel included and part of the growing interest and support for the ERAIL initiative across Michigan’s agricultural community.
On November 8, 2024, MSU Extension celebrated the completion of the ERAIL trailer in Midland County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Midland County Law Enforcement Center. The event, supported by the MDARD ERAIL grant, marked a significant milestone in enhancing the region's preparation for animal agriculture emergencies. Key collaborators included Cora Okkema, who coordinated logistics; Mike Metzger and Tom Guthrie, who represented the ERAIL team and Casey Zangaro, who captured event photos and delivered the trailer to Midland. Approximately 35 attendees gathered to demonstrate the community's commitment to strengthening the area's emergency response capabilities and preparedness for animal agriculture.
The final ERAIL trailer ribbon-cutting occurred on November 13, 2024, at the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds in Imlay City, Lapeer County. This ceremony attracted 32 attendees, including MSU Extension staff (Beth Ferry, Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa, Mike Metzger, Tom Guthrie, Casey Zangaro and Jared Jaborek), local stakeholders, and special guests like Matt Wood, representing U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain. MDARD representatives were also in attendance. The event marked a key milestone for the region, enhancing emergency livestock response infrastructure in Lapeer County. The ceremony underscored the importance of local engagement and collaboration in delivering such essential resources, as the addition of the ERAIL trailer is expected to significantly improve the area’s preparedness and response to livestock emergencies.
These events collectively highlight the ongoing expansion of the ERAIL initiative across Michigan, showcasing the growing collaboration between MSU Extension, MDARD and local communities. The ceremonies emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness for livestock-related incidents, strengthening local resilience and ensuring communities are better equipped to handle agricultural emergencies. This growing collaboration is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of all involved, making everyone feel included and part of the solution.
