MSU Extension Iosco County

A message from the District Director

This annual report is a summary of the work that MSU Extension has done in Iosco County to help people improve their lives through an educational process that brings the vast knowledge and resources of Michigan State University to local communities in northeast Michigan. In the following pages, you will discover the stories of progress, resilience, and empowerment that have defined our engagement with individuals, families, and organizations across District 4. From cultivating sustainable agriculture practices to nurturing the potential of our youth through 4-H programs, each achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our communities. We could not do this work without local partners in community government, local volunteers and supporters, or people who turn to us for the information and education that we provide. Please continue to use us as a resource for information and ask us questions. Thank you for your support in 2023 and beyond.

Impact at a glance

• 235 programs attended by Iosco County residents
• 16 soil samples from Iosco County processed
• 61 health & wellness program participants
• 55 residents attended food safety programs
• 209 residents served by SNAP-Ed
• 446 natural resources program participants
• 135 agriculture program participants
• 556 youths enrolled in 4-H
• 2,228 total Iosco County residents participated in MSU Extension programming in 2023

Program Highlights

Agriculture & Agribusiness

The agriculture industry is developing and growing, contributing more than $104.7 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. MSU Extension works to increase farm success through workforce development opportunities, protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new markets, and advancing agriculture through applied research. In 2023, 135 residents from Iosco County participated in agriculture and agribusiness programs.

In partnership with MDARD, DNR, USDA-Wildlife Services and MDHHS, 12 Iosco County residents participated in programming in support of the state’s goal of eradicating Bovine TB. Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial disease that poses a threat to livestock health and agriculture, and can also have public health implications due to the potential transmission to humans through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or close contact with infected animals including deer. Control measures include testing and culling infected deer. Infected deer numbers are not high, but testing in 2022 positively identified infected deer in Crawford, Iosco, and Ogemaw Counties.

Stewardship of natural resources

As leadership partners of the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, MSU Extension and Michigan Sea Grant supported local schools in fielding place-based stewardship education projects. In the 2022-2023 school year, 122 students and 5 educators from Iosco County were engaged in Great Lakes and natural resources stewardship programs. In the 2023-2024 school year, 255 students and 9 educators from Iosco County were engaged in Great Lakes and natural resources stewardship programs.

Children & Youth

Michigan 4-H is growing current and future leaders. The largest youth development organization in Michigan, 4-H provides thousands of young people with experiential learning opportunities to explore new interests and discover their passion. While learning about the world around them, youth gain valuable life skills such as responsibility, citizenship, teamwork, and problem solving. In 2023, 1,162 Iosco County youth participated in 90 programs.

Health & Nutrition

Through MSU Extension’s nutrition and physical activity programming, Michigan adults, families, and children gain crucial knowledge about nutrition and healthy foods, increase their daily activity, and improve their food security. In 2023, 110 Iosco County residents participated in 54 health and nutrition programs.