The MSU Extension office in Berrien County is thanking the Berrien County Board of Commissioners for its continued support following the release of its annual report.

Berrien County MSU Extension Interim Director Kai Gritter presented some of the numbers to commissioners this week. She said in 2024, more than 5,000 Berrien County residents took part in Extension programs. That included the Great Lakes Expo, which welcomed dozens of Berrien County farmers.

“That event equips them with the latest research, innovations, and farm in order to allow for farm profitability,” Gritter said. “About 89 attended that, which is one of the biggest numbers from the counties.”

Gritter said MSU Extension also runs several academies for young people. Extension 4H educator Kathy Fischer said 4H starts out by making young people feel welcomed and supported, and then it works to turn them into the leaders of tomorrow.

“We bring them through this flower model all the way to the top, to where they’re members of our community, they’re interacting, they’re being involved, they’re involved with community service,” Fischer said. “All of those things that give them a robust life and give them the skills that they need to be productive adults in our communities and maybe even sit in one of your spots someday.”

MSU Extension had 220 volunteers helping out with its programs in 2024. 171 of them were 4H students.

MSU Extension also offers the Health and Nutrition Institute, teaching young people all about healthy eating and maintaining mental health. More than 2,000 Berrien County residents took part in Extension health programs last year.