MSU Extension Hillsdale County

Message from the District Director 

Thank you for another great programming year of partnership between Jackson County and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension! Because of your continued support, we’ve been able to make a difference in the lives of youth, families, businesses and communities. MSU Extension offers a broad range of research-based educational outreach to county residents. Our programs reach all audiences and age groups. From youth learning essential life skills and farmers exploring ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness, to older adults being able to access healthier foods and local communities discovering ways to increase economic impact.
Over this past year, we’ve empowered families and individuals to live healthier lives, supported new and local businesses, created opportunities for youth leadership development and career exploration, helped farmers with business management and mental health, and much more. Our staff live and work alongside county residents, are rooted in community relationships and are responsive to community needs.
The following pages highlight just some of the programming that staff delivered to Hillsdale County residents in 2024. We continue to provide our programs in a variety of spaces and delivery methods that are convenient for our participants to engage in and access. Our partnership with you makes this all possible. On behalf of the MSU Extension team serving the County, thank you for another great year! We look forward to your continued support and hope you will be able to join us during one of our upcoming programs. 

Impact data: 

Page 1

• 671 participants from the county attending programs
• 403,  4-H enrolled youth
• 5 County Extension Master Gardeners with 228 volunteer hours
• 172 volunteers

Page 2

• 242 programs (across the state) attended by participants from this county
• 256 participants in county agriculture programs
• 671 participants from the county attending programs
• 127 of client consultations
• 6,418 contacts through e-newsletters and handouts
• 18 Ask Extension questions answered

Page 3 

• 67,320 participants in community, food, and environment programs from across Michigan
• 470 virtual programs related to Financial Education, Food Systems, Water and Environmental Quality, Government and Businesses
• 29,264,562 contacts through social media, web activity, e-newsletters and handouts (statewide)
• $246.5 billion annual impact of food and agriculture on Michigan’s economy (statewide)

Page 4 

• $51,491.70,  4-H volunteer hour value
• 663 total youth participants
• 12,861 total volunteers (statewide)
• 9,808 people participating in Food Safety programs, including ServSafe® (statewide)
• 59 nutrition and physical activity participants hosted in-county
• 162 county residents who participated in health and nutrition programs