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MSU Extension reports 2024 reach to Berrien County commissioners, highlights 4‑H and nutrition programs
Summary
MSU Extension staff briefed the Berrien County Board of Commissioners on program participation and local partnerships in 2024, citing thousands of residents served, volunteer support and county funding that helps deliver research‑based programming.
Kai Brittner, interim district director for Michigan State University Extension in Southwest Michigan, told the Berrien County Board of Commissioners on May 11 that MSU Extension reached thousands of county residents with research‑based programming in 2024.
"Your funding really helps us to deliver the research based and high impact programs right here in Berrien County," Brittner said, presenting a printed annual report to the board and offering hard copies for commissioners to review.
MSU Extension told commissioners that 5,146 Berrien County residents participated in Extension programs in 2024; residents used 486 statewide programs and 57 county programs, the presentation said. The office reported 220 volunteers, including about 71 4‑H volunteers, and said 4‑H community clubs reached 482 county youth. Extension staff also reported that roughly 89 county producers attended the Great Lakes Expo and that more than 2,000 residents participated in nutrition education programs such as Show Me Nutrition.
Kathy Fisher, a 4‑H educator with MSU Extension who also spoke to the commissioners, described the organizationʼs youth development framework. "We follow what we call the 4‑H driving model," Fisher said, explaining the programʼs focus on sparks, belonging, relationships with caring adults and community involvement.
Brittner described other Extension work in agriculture, emergency preparedness and small‑business support. The report notes a local example in which the Extension product center helped a business owner move beyond the cottage food law and quadruple sales; commissioners were shown photos and a summary of partner activities. The presentation emphasized partnerships with schools, senior centers, farmers markets and food pantries and referenced MSU Extensionʼs statewide strategic direction plan.
Commissioners and staff thanked the Extension team and several commissioners noted MSU Extensionʼs long history of partnership with the county. Brittner invited commissioners to pick up hard copies of the annual report and to attend an upcoming evening meeting in August at the MSU center.
MSU Extension requested no formal action at the meeting; the presentation served as an informational briefing for commissioners and staff.
