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Teachers, community partners, and youth and families across Saginaw County....Check out our monthly newsletter for upcoming programs and clubs to you can participate in!
Did you know? You can bring 4-H programs to your classroom, afterschool program, or camp for free!
4-H offers a wide variety of programming for youth ages 5-19. For a complete list of available programs contact gathstac@msu.edu or call the Saginaw 4-H office.
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Join Saginaw 4-H! Enrollment is Open
Interested in joining Saginaw 4-H? Well, you've come to the right place! Joining as a 4-H member is FREE and there are several different membership options to choose from. 4-H members can enroll in as many Clubs and programs as they wish. You do not need to own an animal or live on a farm to join 4-H. We have many 4-H experiences, programs, and clubs that focus on crafts, science, shooting sports, archery, outdoor education, sewing, baking, gardening, hiking, fishing, camping, and more!
JOIN A 4-H CLUB
1.Look through the club directory.
2.Contact the club leader(s) to inquire about club-specific information.
3.Choose a primary Club(s) to join. Youth can enroll in more than one 4-H Club.
4.Enroll in 4-H Online once you have spoken to the club leader(s).
JOIN AS AN INDPENDENT 4-H MEMBER
Independent 4-H members participate in programs and events outside of a 4-H Club.
1.Enroll in 4-H Online.
2.Select the "Saginaw New Members Club" as your primary club.
Stay connected to select the 4-H experience you want to join. Sign up when available.
JOIN A 4-H SPIN CLUB – CAMP- EVENT
1.Enroll in 4-H Online.
2.Select the SPIN Club or Event you want to join. Events very through the year.
3.Stay tuned for program details and meeting information from event organizers.
Contact gathstac@msu.edu or call 989-907-6500 for more information on getting involved with 4-H!
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50 Years of Volunteer Service
Join us in thanking Saginaw county 4-H volunteer, Pennie Tomac for 50+ years of service in supporting youth across Saginaw County!
“You couldn’t ask for a better 4-H volunteer with a heart for helping kids then Pennie”, said one 4-H volunteer. With her 50 years of volunteer service Pennie’s dedication, passion, and expertise, have added tremendous value to youth across Saginaw county.
Pennie is among 24 volunteers being honored by MSU Extension statewide in 2022.
“Volunteers are an essential part of many MSU Extension programs,” said Quentin Tyler, director for MSU Extension. “We appreciate each and every one of those volunteers, but these 24 volunteers in particular have truly gone above and beyond. For a half century, they have given their time and talent to 4-H youth in their communities.”
Michigan 4-H is the flagship youth development program of MSU Extension. Annually, Michigan 4-H provides approximately 200,000 young people ages five to 19 with experiential learning opportunities that help develop critical life skills.
If you would like to share your congratulations, thanks, or appreciation through a note or card for Pennie you may do so by sending cards to the Saginaw County 4-H Office located at 723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607 or email gathstac@msu.edu.
To learn more about volunteering with Michigan 4-H, visit 4h.msue.msu.edu.
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Paddle Sports Training
June 1-3 and June 4-5 2022 Traverse City
We are pleased to offer a partial registration scholarship of $295 for up to 10 Active Gold 4-H Volunteers from across the state.
This pilot event will offer formal instruction in both canoe and kayak, providing participants necessary skills to teach paddlesports in either type of boat (unusually for ACA events), gain confidence and to teach essential paddling skills, and learn and practice safe rescue techniques. The second session covers trip planning and is created particularly for travel on river systems. Volunteers are eligible for a partial reimbursement of program registration fees, while funding lasts. Contact gathstac@msu.edu to learn about partial reimbursement. Those not seeking scholarships may proceed directly to the registration links provided below.
Location: Go-Rec Outdoor Center, Traverse City, MI 4754 Scout Camp Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696
Program Descriptions:
June 1-3, 2022: Cross Discipline Canoe and Kayak skills Register at https://www.mi-paddleadventure.com/.../cross-discipline.../
$295/person, dorm lodging (w/kitchen); or $250/camping on site
This program is designed for those who would like to gain a strong set of tools for paddling Midwestern waters, whether they be inland lakes or gentle rivers. Using both canoes and kayaks, we’ll work together to teach you basic strokes, maneuvering skills and effective rescues that work from either platform. You’ll spend a full day with each type of watercraft with professional Instructor Trainers covering a range of skills from the American Canoe Association Level 2 kayak and canoe skills outlines.
June 4&5, 2022: Paddling Trip Leadership Training Register at https://www.mi-paddleadventure.com/.../paddling-trip.../
(Note: Prerequisite: June 1-3 skills workshop)
$295/person, dorm lodging-w/kitchen; or $250/camping on site
This program is designed for those who have or aspire to a leadership role in kayaks or canoes on water. This program that follows content in the American Canoe Association Level 2 Trip Leader Whether you paddle a canoe or a kayak, you’ll be able to rescue and lead from either. Part of your days will be spent covering planning and preparation, what to take, decision making (go-no go) and risk management
Questions or need more info, contact gathstac@msu.edu.
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4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resource Camp Returns
Save the date: 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp is returning in person this summer! Hosted at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle, this fun summer event will take place July 31—August 6.
Teens ages 13—15 will have fun and amazing outdoor hands-on learning experiences that educate them about natural resources, environmental stewardship and more. Youth will also enjoy charter fishing, snorkeling, sailing, hiking through forests, wading through wetlands, exploring dunes and more!
Registration will open in early May and space is limited. Learn more at www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_great_lakes_natural_resources_camp/.
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Swine Show-Saginaw Spring Jackpot
May 7 at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds hosted by The Grain Shed Livestock Show Supply. This is an MSYC Sanctioned event.
There are classes for new showman and will be lots of help and support for kids who have never shown outside of the county fair, or want to learn how to really raise great pigs for their county fair.
Mr. RANDY SHIPLEY WILL BE JUDGING THE SAGINW SPRING KICKOFF SHOW in Chesaning, MI!!
Randy Shipley is from Newark, Ohio where he and his family own and operate Shipley Swine Genetics. Shipley Swine Genetics is a boar stud, breeding stock and show pig operation consisting of 150 sows and approximately 50 boars on stud. The firm specializes in Berkshires, Yorkshires, Hoosier Hampshires, Durocs and crossbreds and houses boars of nearly every breed. They sell nearly 1000 bred gilts every year to customers throughout the United States.
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/952714355426862
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Saginaw 4-H and Open Horse Shows
Join Saginaw 4-H for three upcoming OPEN and 4-H horse shows this season at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds! June shows $5/class and July show $5/class or $40/day for 1 participant/class (Each additional horse in any class has to pay $5 for that class.
June 8 at 6:00pm Pleasure (Trail starts at 5:00pm)
June 22 at 6:00pm Gymkhana
July 9 at 9:00am
Learn more about the Saginaw 4-H 2022 Horse Shows at https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/4-h/4-h-horse-shows
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Certified Pullorum Tester Workshop
May 23, 2022
MSU Pavilion
4301 Farm Lane, Lansing, MI 48910
The Certified Pullorum Tester Workshop covers Federal and State poultry laws, the National Poultry Improvement Plan’s (NPIP) U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean program, and training on how to properly conduct a plate test for Salmonella Pullorum.
Attendance for the workshop is $10 to participate or $35 to become a certified tester. The certification is good for three years. Certified testers must be at least 18 years old. Questions? Please contact Dr. Zac Williams, MSU Poultry Outreach Specialist, at will3343@msu.edu
Learn more at https://www.mipoultry.com/events/pullorum-blood-tester-training-afternoon
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Tractor Supply Co. Paper Clover Campaign
Tractor Supply Company customers across the nation will have the opportunity to support 4-H youth by purchasing a $1 paper clover at checkout this April 27 -May 8. This applies to purchases made in stores and while shopping online at www.TractorSupply.com.
Funds raised will support county, state and national
4-H programming. To learn more regarding the campaign, visit https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/4h.
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Showmanship Videos
Showmanship Videos
Learn about fundamentals of beef, sheep and swine showmanship for your 4-H project. This session covers what to wear, equipment to use in the ring, and how to properly handle your animal. https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../livestock-learning...
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MSU Extension August 2022 Ballot
OUR MISSION: Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities. MSU Extension has been serving the residents of Saginaw County since 1913.
As many of you know, the Saginaw County board of commissioners have decided that MSU Extension will be placed on the August 2, 2022 ballot for a millage . The proposal seeks a 10 year 0.1 mill request which is approximately $5 per year for every $100,000 of home value.
This millage will support 4-H programs and other MSU Extension programs including:
- Master Gardener Volunteer Program
- Food Access Support at Community Gardens and Farmers Markets
- Food Safety/Preservation Education
- Health programs including Chronic Disease and Stress Management
- Nutrition, Physical Activity Education
- Farm Profitability
- Field Crop and Specialty Crop Research and Consultation
- Saginaw Bay Water Quality
- Veterans Outreach Focused on Food Insecurity
For more information, please visit:https://www.canr.msu.edu/saginaw/
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4-H COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES | |
Upcoming Council Meetings
- May 10: Saginaw 4-H Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Hybrid Meeting)
- May 16: Saginaw 4-H Horse Council Meeting at 7:00pm (Zoom)
Saginaw 4-H Council:
All Saginaw County volunteers are welcome and 4-H youth are encouraged to attend!
Meeting will take place at the Saginaw 4-H office located at 723 Emerson St. Saginaw MI 48607 AND over zoom. Zoom meeting information will be sent out through 4-H online or contact gathstac@msu.edu/
Saginaw 4-H Horse Council:
Meeting information will be sent out to Club Admin leaders and through 4-H Online. All are welcome and youth are encouraged to attend. If you are interested in becoming an officer contact gathstac@msu.edu for more information or come to any meeting.
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UPCOMING COUNTY 4-H EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES | |
Outdoor Survival Skills 4-H SPIN Club
Choose your outdoor adventure challenge by joining the Outdoor Survival 4-H SPIN Club! Imagine you are in the wilderness and the unexpected happens. Your cell phone isn’t working, you are lost, a storm is approaching, would you know what to do?
Join Saginaw 4-H and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs at the Price Nature Center (May 7 and 14) and Saginaw Field and Stream Club (May 12) to learn basic survival skills to help keep you safe in the outdoors. Activities include shelter building, fire starting and safety, learning how to use a compass, knot tying, orienteering, making animal track casts and paracord survival bracelets! We will also learn how to make the perfect campfire smore! All while learning how to be stewards of our environment through Leave No Trace principles.
4-H membership is REQUIRED. Open to all youth ages 9-19 interested in learning about the outdoors. Youth may attend on their own or with an adult. Participants may choose to attend any combination or all of the sessions.
Learn more and register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/outdoorsurvivalskills4hspinclub/
Not a current 4-H member? You can still participate! You may become a Saginaw 4-H member for free be enrolling at (4honline.com). When enrolling select the "Saginaw NEW Members Club" and then register by following the link above.
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4-H Grow Your Financial Garden Goosechase
Have you joked about money growing on trees? Well, it might not grow on trees but you can grow your own financial garden filled with money knowledge for a fruitful financial future. Join 4-H in the 4-H Grow Your Financial Garden GooseChase game, May 8 through May 16 with missions and challenges throughout the week. Prizes available! The game is for youth of all ages but youth under the age of 13 should join the GooseChase app with an older sibling, parent or guardian.
This program is made possible, in part, through a grant by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. For more information and to register go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/4-hfinancial-garden-goosechase
o Join the 4-H Grow Your Financial Garden GooseChase in May!
o This FREE scavenger hunt based game takes place through the GooseChase app! Learn financial tips that will grow your money management knowledge. Win potential prizes and have fun!
o This game is open to youth of all ages. If under the age of 13, youth must be on a team with an older sibling or parent/guardian to download and use the GooseChase app.
o GooseChase missions will come through the app and take place throughout the week. Submissions will come in the form of photos, videos, and text.
o Prizes will be given for high points and creative submissions. Prizes will be mailed to respective winner’s homes.
o This program is made possible, in part, through a grant by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
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Youth Fishing Academy
Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you like to fish? Do you want to learn about fishing in Michigan? Join the Youth Fishing Academy for this exciting opportunity to increase your fishing knowledge! Free fishing gear, guest speakers, and more!
The Saginaw 4-H Youth Fishing Academy will provide FREE monthly workshops where youth from across the region will have opportunities to learn a variety of angling skills, and cultivate conservation knowledge and fishing ethics. Activities will include rod making, tackle crafting, fly tying, casting, rod rigging, fishing games, and more.
Each session will include a presentation from local fishing experts and will be followed by a hands-on fishing project! Pre-registration IS required. The program is open to all youth ages 8-19. 4-H membership is NOT required. Participants may choose to attend any or all of the sessions. Space is limited so register early for this opportunity!
Learn more and register for the Youth Fishing Academy at https://events.anr.msu.edu/youthfishingacademy/
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Wild Spartans
Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! This month’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will head out onto the Great Lakes to learn about fish of all sizes- from tiny venomous catfish to massive lake sturgeon. Join us on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 at 6:30pm EST for ”Great Lakes Fisheries Investigations.” You will meet Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Technician, Brad Utrup, learn about his field work, and the education and career path he followed to get there.
This scientist will take us above and below the water is a presentation full of photos and media detailing the work the Lake St. Clair Fisheries Research Station performs. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A.
This free series is open to 4-H and non-4-H youth ages 12-19 years. Monthly sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm EST. Pre-registration is required: https://events.anr.msu.edu/wildspartans2022/
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4-H Embryology
Spring is the time when nature “comes back to life” which is the perfect time to teach embryology or the study of the development and hatching of eggs! Bring an embryology program to your classroom, afterschool program, or 4-H Club!
Saginaw 4-H is here to help! We have incubators available to lend out to classrooms and clubs and can provide in-person or virtual instruction and all supplies for FREE!
Want to teach on your own? The online Michigan 4-H Embryology program has all the information you need to get started. No experience is necessary! You may choose to incubate your own eggs or simply use the videos provided to demonstrate all things embryology without using an incubator. Register at https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/michigan-4-h-embryology-course
Fill out the Embryology Program interest form at https://forms.gle/6cjii3p3ByBKiyff9 or contact gathstac@msu.edu or will1975@msu.edu for more information.
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Japanese Golden Week Children's Day
Konnichiwa! Join Michigan & Kentucky 4-H and Japanese partners from Western Michigan University, University of Central Oklahoma, Mayville State University, Western Carolina University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a virtual online learning opportunity to celebrate Japanese Golden Week Children’s' Day!
This cultural appreciation event will be held Thursday May 5, 2022, at 6-7:15 PM EST, 5-6:15 PM CST, 3-4:15 PM PST.
Everyone is Welcome!
Register at: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xsYW2ycE1D4RsW
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MI 4-H/FFA Meat Judging Contest
Are you ready for this year's meat judging contest? Join us for the 2022 Michigan 4-H and FFA Meat Judging Contest on May 11th at the MSU Meat Laboratory in East Lansing! Open to youth in FFA and/or 4-H!
Register by May 2nd at: https://forms.gle/4V2faK2ucrx4W3wm6
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4-H Exploration Days
Are you excited? We are! Registration is now open for MI 4-H Exploration Days -Explore Your Spark! This MSU precollege program welcomes youth ages 12-19 to Lansing on June 22-24 to explore their future, try new things and experience college life! During this three-day event, youth will gain confidence and independence through hands-on learning and make friends for a lifetime. Register and learn more at https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_exploration_days/index
There are so many sessions to choose from like music, magic, archery, animals, coding, skating, video production, art, coding, robotics, and so much more!
Not a 4-H member but want to attend? You can enroll in 4-H for FREE at Once you are enrolled, you can register to attend 4-H Exploration Days!
The Saginaw 4-H Council is offering scholarships to attend this event up to $110 and financial assistance is also available through the Saginaw 4-H Office. Contact gathstac@msu.edu for more information or questions.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! We are here to assist with any questions you may have about the event or registration! Please contact the Saginaw 4-H office at 989-907-6500 or email gathstac@msu.edu.
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4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resource Camp
Camp Counselor Application
Now accepting applications for the 2022 Counselor Team! If you like leadership, the great outdoors, and building great friendships, consider being a camp counselor!
Camp is July 31-August 6, with mandatory counselor training starting at 12:00pm on Friday, July 29. For questions, or to request an application, please reach out to Laura at potterla@msu.edu. It's going to be a great summer!
Learn more at 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp
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4-H Rabbit Workshop
Learn more about your rabbit project! Youth ages 5-19 and adult volunteers are invited to increase their knowledge of rabbit care, selection, showmanship and more. Participants may attend four sessions to attend during this free daylong event.
Register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/4H_Rabbit__Workshop_Spring_2022/
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4-H Animal and Vet Science Camp
The Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp is a five-day pre-college program held at Michigan State University (MSU) from June 27- July 1st. in partnership with MI 4-H Youth Development, MSU Department of Animal Science and MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Youth explore fields relating to animal and veterinary medicine as well as participate in numerous hands-on learning activities.
Participants have the opportunity to visit and explore MSU farms and facilities. Throughout the week, youth will work their way through a veterinary science case study as a team and create a presentation for critique by veterinarians. This fun and interactive camp allows youth to examine situations, ask questions and problem-solve. It will help youth explore various animal related career fields while also reflecting on their experiences and communities. Open to youth (13 to 17 years of age as of January 1, 2022) who are interested in exploring animal and veterinary science related activities.
Application and more information coming soon! https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_animal_veterinary_science_camp/
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4-H T-Shirt Design Winner | |
Congratulations to Sydni S. from the Pacesetters 4-H Club in Frankenmuth for winning the county 4-H t-shirt design contest. Stay tuned for more information on how you can order your Saginaw 4-H t-shirt! | |
Congratulations to Brannon R. from Saginaw 4-H as a Money Smart 4-H Youth Ambassador
Brannon, a 4-H Money Smart Youth Ambassador, takes over our social media for the 2nd Tuesday Takeover to share some of what MI 4-H Money Smart Ambassadors do in their role.
Today's MI 4-H Money Smart Ambassadors 2nd Tuesday social media takeover recognizes our great 2021-2022 team of 4-H Money Smart Ambassadors. Whether designing financial games, creating social media, or promoting programs, this group is hard-working, passionate, and fun! Want to join them? Find out more and apply at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../money-smart-youth-ambassadors
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2022 Michigan 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show | |
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Congratulations to members of the Frankenmuth Pacesetters Club for their accomplishments at the 2022 Michigan 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show. This volunteer ran show offers a silent auction of quality rabbits, breed identification contest, educational poster contest as well as a photography contest.
Samantha H Best of Breed Dutch
Samantha H Best Opposite of Breed Dutch
Samantha H Best Opposite of Variety Black Dutch
Samantha H Best of Variety Black Dutch
Samantha H Best Opposite of Variety Blue Dutch
Samantha H Best of Variety Steel Dutch
Noah H Best of Variety Chocolate Dutch
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4-H CLUB & PROGRAM BEST PRACTICES | |
This section will feature a different topic each newsletter highlighting best practices for 4-H clubs and programs. | |
Tips for purchasing and bringing home livestock
Adapted from: www.canr.msu.edu/resources/tips-for-purchasing-and-bringing-home-livestock
Acquiring new stock is exciting whether you are building your herd or flock, or purchasing your annual
4-H project. These tips will help you manage their health and safety by making sure you know the questions to ask before purchasing and the preparations required to bring livestock home.
Assessing Animal Health and Treatment Documentation
When purchasing animals, you should know their history. Ask the following questions:
° When was the animal born?
° What specific vaccinations has the animal been given and when were they given?
° If necessary, was the animal properly castrated and what method was used?
° Have any other treatments been administered to the animal? If so, what is the slaughter withdrawal for the drugs given?
° Have any of the animals on the farm been ill or shown symptoms of illness?
° If acquiring a market animal, what is the approximate weight?
Considerations as You Bring Animals Home
Transporting. Secure a trailer. If you do not own a trailer, make arrangements with someone who can transport animals for you. Be prepared to pay someone to provide transportation, as a courtesy.
Unloading. Make sure that your facility is ready to house your new animals before they arrive. Have a pen identified for new animals to go into with fresh water and appropriate feed. (Feed should be similar to their previous diet; changing to a new diet should be done over a period of time.) Have a clear and direct path to the animals’ new pen from the trailer. Make sure that all gates are open or closed, as appropriate, and secured.
Settling in. Quarantine, or separate, new animals for a minimum of 21 days. At minimum, try to avoid nose-to-nose contact, and comingling feeding and watering. Minimize stress on new animals during the quarantine period. If after 21 days, the newly acquired animals have not shown any symptoms of illness, it should be safe to comingle them into your existing herd or flock.
Comingling. Since each species has a social hierarchy, observe animals during comingling and separate if there is risk of injury. Over the course of a day, the herd or flock should settle into a routine that includes the new animals.
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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
“Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.”
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Stacie Gath (She/Her/Hers) | 4-H Program Coordinator | Saginaw County MSU Extension |
989-907-6500 | gathstac@msu.edu
Amanda Williams | 4-H Program Coordinator | Saginaw County MSU Extension |
989-907-6500 | will1975@msu.edu
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