Kalkaska County Annual Report: 2024-2025
DOWNLOADOctober 28, 2025 - Kim Tanner
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Message from the District Director
I’m excited to share the results of another successful year of partnership between Kalkaska County and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. Thanks to your ongoing support, we’ve been able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth, families, businesses, and communities throughout the county.
MSU Extension continues to offer a wide array of research-based educational outreach to our residents. Over the past year, we’ve empowered individuals and families to lead healthier lives, supported local and new businesses, provided opportunities for youth leadership development and career exploration, assisted farmers with business management and mental health support, and so much more. Our team lives and works alongside county residents, building strong community relationships and staying responsive to local needs.
We remain committed to delivering our programs in personalized formats and locations that are convenient and accessible to our participants. This ongoing success is possible because of our strong partnership with you. On behalf of the MSU Extension team serving Kalkaska County, thank you for another outstanding year. We look forward to your continued support and hope you will join us in our upcoming programs.
Jennifer Berkey
District 3 Director
2024-2025 Metrics
- 132 Programs accessed by residents
- 1,279 Reached through programming
- 15,600 Reached by social media
NWMHRC BUS TOUR
The Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center (NWMHRC) was proud to be a stop on the inaugural Michigan State University Spartan Bus Tour on October 22, 2024. The tour was hosted by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, a neuroscientist and concussion research leader who joined MSU in March 2024. He came to us from the University of North Carolina, and in keeping with a tradition he started there, he hosted a bus trip through a slice of Michigan for 60 MSU faculty and staff.
NWMHRC was honored to be selected as a stop to share the latest in tree fruit research with the group. (To continue reading, download the full report.)INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT UPDATES
These updates feature timely discussions of pest challenges and management options dictated by weather and pest biology. Attendees are encouraged to bring examples of pests and damage found on the farm for identification and discussion.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)
FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Farm Business Management Educator Chris Bardenhagen works with area farmers on succession planning, financial management, and cost of production budgeting-both at the individual level and across the broader industry. In 2024, Chris assisted nine area farms with TelFarm program outreach, helping to determine end-of-year tax strategies and annual balance sheet analysis. Farmers who participate in the program gain a greater understanding of their farm’s financial strengths and weaknesses, and how they can improve upon their financial standing.
These farms represent about $5 million in sales in 2024. Despite a challenging year for many farms, year-end tax estimate meetings provided farmers with the opportunity to save...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)FARM STRESS & AGRABILITY
Michigan AgrAbility empowers individuals in the agricultural industry to continue working despite injury, illness, or disability. The program’s mission is to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so that they, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. In 2024, the program served 212 clients and reached 7,725 people through workshops and trainings, with 428 direct interactions across the state.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) supported clients by providing $368,590 in funding for assistive technology projects, benefiting 23 farm clients.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER
In Kalkaska County, Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteers contributed 19.25 hours of service in 2025, valued at $644*, to enhance environmental stewardship, strengthen community education, and promote sustainable gardening practices. Their efforts supported public spaces, engaged residents in hands-on learning, and contributed to healthier ecosystems across the county.
One highlight of the year was the Spring into Gardening program, where Master Gardeners assisted with educational outreach to share...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)4-H LIVESTOCK 2025
The 2025 Kalkaska County Fair highlighted exciting growth for our livestock program. A total of 73 youth participants exhibited their projects—an increase of more than 23% compared to 2024. Youth competed in a wide range of showmanship and market classes, demonstrating their knowledge, responsibility, and dedication to caring for their animals.
Community support was especially evident during the 4-H Livestock Auction, which capped off a full week of competition. Auction sales exceeded the previous year’s total by more than $38,000—a 40% increase! This remarkable growth shows the strong commitment of local businesses, families, and new buyers to investing in our 4-H youth.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)4-H SCHOLARSHIPS 2025
Kalkaska MSU Extension and the Kalkaska County 4-H Leader’s Association continued their long-standing tradition of awarding college scholarships to outstanding 4-H members. To be eligible, applicants must be active 4-H members with at least five years of participation and submit an application highlighting their experiences and achievements in 4-H. This year’s recipients were...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)2024-2025 4-H SOCCER
Our Kalkaska 4-H Youth Soccer program continues to provide a fun, active, and inclusive experience for local youth! In the 2024–2025 season, 69 youth ages five through ten participated under the guidance of nine dedicated volunteer coaches. Practices filled the soccer fields on weeknights, while Saturday games drew crowds of family, friends, and community members cheering from the sidelines.
The season wrapped up in May with a special end-of-year game and celebration, where every player received a medal and enjoyed pizza with their teammates and families. It was a great way to recognize the hard work and growth of all participants.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)2025 4-H ARCHERY
The 2025 Kalkaska 4-H Archery Club had another fantastic season, with 29 youth participants and even a waiting list eager to join. The club met weekly in January and February at Evergreen Baptist Church, where young archers practiced in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
This year, the program continued under the leadership of long-time 4-H volunteer and Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Farrier, who was joined by fellow deputy Nate Deveneau. Together, they provided hands-on instruction in proper equipment handling, range safety, and shooting technique.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)2025 KALKASKA COUNTY PLAT BOOKS
The Kalkaska 4-H Leader’s Association has once again partnered with a publishing company to produce an updated edition of the Kalkaska County Plat Book, replacing the 2021 version. The new books are expected to be available this October, just in time for fall hunting season.
The Leader’s Association raises funds through 4-H events, donations at the 4-H Livestock Auction, and community support. A portion of these funds is invested in producing county plat books, which are sold at the MSU Extension office, Kalkaska County Library, Register of Deeds, and McLean’s Hardware. Proceeds help sustain 4-H programs and activities, ensuring youth have the resources and opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)MSU EXTENSION OPEN HOUSE
When the Kettunen Center was closed and sold by the Michigan 4-H Board of Trustees, some of the taxidermy animals once used for teaching were entrusted to Joe Kreider, Natural Resources and Outdoor Educator in the Kalkaska MSU Extension office. While awaiting their next permanent home, the Kalkaska MSUE team transformed the office into a “holiday lodge,” showcasing a bear, owl, swan, weasels, and more. The display quickly became a hit, drawing in curious visitors from the Kaliseum.
The exhibit also sparked spontaneous learning. When a Crawford School teacher asked...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)SNAP-ED PROGRAMMING
KALKASKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Birch Street Elementary’s Pre-K and 2nd grade classrooms participated in monthly Show Me Nutrition lessons, where students explored age-appropriate topics on healthy eating and physical activity. Through these lessons, youth learned about the five food groups, how their bodies use the food they eat, the importance of getting at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and how to be both mindful and adventurous eaters.
To extend learning beyond the classroom, parent newsletters accompanied each lesson, offering recipes, activities, and conversation starters to help families reinforce healthy habits at home.
DISCOVER MICHIGAN FRESH
Food demonstrations were a highlight at the Kalkaska Farmers Market this summer, offered five Tuesdays at Railroad Square. Each free, 30-minute session featured nutrition education, food preservation tips, taste tests, and recipes designed to showcase fresh, seasonal produce.
With the help of the market master, MSU Extension connected weekly with farmers to identify which items were at peak harvest. Recipes were then created to feature as many of those products as possible, using nutrition resources from the Discover Michigan Fresh program. Farmers whose produce was included in the recipe received stacks of cards to hand out to customers—encouraging both education and sales. The approach worked...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)POLICY, SYSTEM, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
BIRCH STREET ELEMENTARY
MSU Extension partnered with Birch Street Elementary teachers to help students view food as fuel and to understand the importance of a balanced diet. Lessons connected classroom learning about food groups with real-life choices in the school cafeteria. Teachers reinforced these lessons by encouraging students to select all five food groups offered at lunch, pointing out the benefits of each, and celebrating healthy decisions.
The impact was noticeable. Second-grade teachers reported hearing students say things like, “I’m getting the broccoli today because I want to be extra strong.” Others began associating the colors of fruits and vegetables with key vitamins and minerals, then using that knowledge to make their meal choices.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)POLICY, SYSTEM, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
KALKASKA FARMERS MARKET
In partnership with the Kalkaska Conservation District, the Kalkaska Farmers Market has grown into a true local food hub, offering fresh produce, locally caught fish, and grass-fed meats. Longtime residents may remember when the market more closely resembled a craft fair. Today, it has transformed into a destination for affordable, high-quality local groceries.
Last year, MSU Extension facilitated an action-planning session with the Conservation District to strengthen the market’s impact. Two clear priorities emerged: developing a vendor policy to limit non-SNAP eligible items and improving signage to highlight the benefit programs...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)POLICY, SYSTEM, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
KALKASKA WALKABILITY ACTION INITIATIVE
Kalkaska County remains committed to advancing the Walkability Action Initiative, a project designed to make downtown roads safer and more pedestrian-friendly. The goal is to give residents greater freedom to access local amenities—whether on foot, by bike, or other modes of transportation. Currently, downtown Kalkaska lacks safe pedestrian crossings across M-72 and US-131. Once completed, the project will feature safe road crossings, bike lanes, movable sidewalks, and streetscape improvements that enhance both safety and visual appeal. MSU Extension has partnered with the Downtown Development Authority, District #10 Health Department, County Commissioners, Michigan Department of Transportation, Commission on Aging, Kalkaska Public Schools, the Village of Kalkaska, and many other community partners to support and guide this effort.
In 2025, the project team hosted a Community Open House, gathered resident input through multiple public sessions, finalized the Kalkaska Safety and Mobility Action Plan with support from Progressive AE, and celebrated the plan’s adoption by the Village of Kalkaska.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)GOVERNMENT
NEW COMMISSIONER SCHOOL
In 2024, New Commissioner School continued its tradition of preparing county commissioners across Michigan with the tools they need to govern effectively. This program equips both newly elected and experienced commissioners with a deeper understanding of county governance, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and provides practical insights into finance, budgeting, and strategic decision-making. Participants also explore best practices in group collaboration, communication, and policy development to better serve their communities.
Kalkaska County was well represented this year, with three commissioners participating in the training. The program was taught and facilitated by Bethany Prykucki, Leadership & Community Engagement Educator for MSU Extension, who is based in the Kalkaska MSU Extension office.
(To continue reading, download the full report.)MSU PRODUCT CENTER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Michigan State University Product Center supports entrepreneurs in Northwest Michigan who are launching or growing businesses in food and agriculture. From farm-based products to value-added goods, the center provides expert guidance through business planning, market research and feasibility analysis.
Through its Traverse City-based innovation counselor, the Product Center offers personalized guidance to help local entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable products and services. In 2024 alone, staff worked with 3 entrepreneurs in Kalkaska County...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)CONNECTING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE
Held May 30-31, 2024 in Cadillac, the annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference brought together 111 attendees from across the state, including 21 from MSU Extension District 3, to explore strategies for building resilient local economies.
Designed to support chambers of commerce, downtown development authorities, municipal leaders, and economic development professionals, the conference focused on practical approaches...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)AGRITOURISM SUMMIT
MSU Extension, in partnership with local leaders, proudly hosted the first-ever Agritourism Summit on May 7-8, 2024. This exciting event brought together farmers, elected officials, and community members from across Michigan to explore how supporting on-farm tourism and small businesses can strengthen rural communities. Through presentations, tours, and discussions, the summit showcased how agritourism can create jobs, attract visitors, and build stronger connections between agriculture and the public. It also emphasized the role of agritourism in preserving farmland, celebrating local culture, and boosting the long-term success of rural communities.
The two-day event kicked off with a guided bus tour through the Grand Traverse region, where 65 participants visited several agritourism spots...
(To continue reading, download the full report.)