Making a difference in Ogemaw County

The 8-year 0.1465 mill request that will appear on the August 4, 2026, ballot will provide continued funding for MSU Extension educational programs in Ogemaw County

Ogemaw Ballot Language

County Annual Report

Events

Staff

The 8-year 0.1465-mill request that will appear on the August 4, 2026, ballot will provide continued funding for MSU Extension educational programs in Ogemaw County, such as:

  • 4-H Youth Development
  • Agriculture and Agribusiness
  • Child and Family Development
  • Health and Nutrition
  • Master Gardener Volunteer Program
  • Natural Resources

The property tax will cost the average Ogemaw County homeowner less than $7 a year.

Highlights of the many ways that Ogemaw County residents have benefited from MSU Extension programs in the past year follow.

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Laier family takes a picture with Hinako, a 4-H International Exchange delegate from Japan, who stayed with them for the summer.

4-H Youth Development 

In 2025, 377 participants engaged in Michigan 4-H programming in the county. 

At the heart of the 4-H mission is to empower youth to reach their full potential, so when the Prescott library building was lost to a fire, it didn’t stop the town from hosting their National Night Out. Ogemaw County 4-H joined in the celebration, sharing information about their programs, recruiting new members, and educating visitors on the many ways to get involved as volunteers. From beekeeping demonstrations and animal exhibits to local schools, MichiganWorks!, and much more, the event offered something for everyone. The evening served as a reminder that even when challenges arise, the power of connection, collaboration, and community resilience shines brightest.

Community and Economic Development

MSU Extension provides comprehensive education, training, and resources to support local municipalities, civic leaders and residents. In the past eight years, 195 participants have attended programs that support strong businesses and communities, management of our natural resources, improvements in food access, and fiscally-ready communities.  

Agriculture and Agribusiness 

MSU Extension provides education to students and farmers alike across areas of agriculture and agribusiness.

Following a successful internship in bovine animal health in 2016, MSU alumnus Natalie McKeon asked Phil Durst to write a letter of recommendation as she applied to vet school. With his support, she was accepted at the University of Illinois Veterinary School. McKeon has completed her education and passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. She will be joining a veterinary practice in Michigan.

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Extension Educator Phil Durst takes a photo with participants of a Bovine Leukemia Virus information meeting.

Health and Nutrition

MSU Extension is here to support all the ways we can each live healthier. From our work in farm stress management, healthy recipes online, and physical activities for all ages, we're empowering Michiganders to build healthy futures and healthy communities.