MSU Extension Eaton County

Eaton County—A strong agricultural producer

Michigan agriculture continues to be a growing sector of the state’s economy. Although Michigan may be best known for its specialty fruit, vegetable, and floriculture industries, field crops comprise the largest cropping sector in Michigan in terms of acreage, farms, farmers, and income. Field crops grown in Michigan include soybeans, corn, alfalfa/ hay, wheat and small grains, as well as important specialty row crops like potatoes and dry beans. Michigan’s diverse livestock industry is also a significant component of the state’s agricultural industry. The economic impact of livestock and dairy products accounts for 37% of the total economic impact of Michigan’s agricultural products.

Addressing agriculture pests and disease

Educating growers on the presence of Potato Late Blight and its impact to their business and discussing the latest strategies to fight against and prevent it, getting the word out in regard to the new disease Dickeya black leg were some of the topics that came up at numerous Consultants breakfasts hosted by MSU Extension Educator, Fred Springborn. Fred also held four pest management and pesticide review sessions in 2017. Of the attendees surveyed, Fred found that over 80% reported learning something that would reduce their risk in the coming season and 62% indicated that they learned something that would increase profitability. As pests such as the Brown Marmorated stink bug get closer to the dry bean area, up-to-date information and research is critical. The MSU Extension Field Crops Team provides research-based knowledge to address the needs of field crop producers including strategies for managing production risks and advancement of efficient farming practices that enhance profitability while protecting soil and water resources. Participants learn how to optimize and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and how to conserve and protect water resources. This education leads to better use of time, money and human capital, and helps retain and create agricultural jobs.

Providing up-to-date evidence-based research

Drone Technology Workshop - A workshop was held to consider aerial imaging using drones versus small aircraft and satellite imagery for natural and agricultural resource monitoring and management. A presentation was given titled “Ultra high resolution multispectral imagery acquired from drones and small aircraft and its applications in agriculture.” The program was intended for farmers, crop consultants, service providers, educators and officials in public and private agencies. The program addressed issues such as:

• What does the technology offer to farmers at the moment?
• In a climate of low commodity prices, are farmers still better off in investing in this technology?
• What can farmers do incrementally if they want to start small?

Ongoing Field Research - Field research continues to be important for farmers to help them discover proper applications and maintain and increase yields which have a direct impact on the Michigan economy and the farmer’s bottom line. For example, MSU Extension Educator, George Silva stated, in regard to soybean farmers that “there is merit for ongoing on-farm research towards identifying site-specific factors and practices that would contribute to consistent soy bean yield responses.” George makes many on-site farm visits and visits with producers and the general public at the Eaton County MSU Extension office in Charlotte, Michigan. In regard nitrogen rate application and corn yields, some of the research being done with partners may lead to achieving 300 bushels per acre and Silva says, “would be a significant milestone for corn producers in terms of profitability.”

Farm business management

Michigan State University Extension Educator, Roger Betz helps farmers improve their bottom line by providing financial education that farmers can put to use. Roger helps farmers plan how to make and save money, how to do a business analysis and learn how to manage income taxes. He also provides information that helps farmers think through and plan for farm succession.

Telfarm Tax Management— Farm producers enroll in the MSU Extension Telfarm Record system and meet with professionals toward the end of the tax year to manage their taxable income. Knowing when to sell products, buy products and make capital improvements help the small and big farmer improve the bottom line. The small farmer on cash accounting benefits greatly and in general, farmers have more variability in net income from year to year than nearly any other businesses. On average in 2017, farmers who developed tax management strategies after attending the program experienced tax savings of $17,649 per family.

Family Farm & Business Succession— Farm families and farm business often experience difficulty developing effective mechanisms and strategies to transfer management skills and assets to the next generation. Financial security, family harmony and tax implications all make farm succession planning very difficult. Roger Betz meets with farm families on a regular basis to help them develop sound strategies to successfully transfer business skills and responsibilities to the next generation.