Before we get too far into Fall 2024, The Oceana Echo would like to share these updates from some late summer happenings.
Agriculture
From Curtis Burdette, Executive Director of the Oceana County Economic Alliance - “Congratulations to Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative for their $75,000 Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) grant from Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to assist the company with expanding cold-storage capacity and upgrading their Quick Freeze Rack (QFR). The grower-owned cooperative includes owners and turkey producers from Oceana County.”
Lynda Herremans, MAEAPTechnician for Oceana Conservation District, reported the results of their annual “Farming for the Future Field Day” held Aug. 13. Nearly 70 growers, speakers and others interested in agriculture and healthy soils were in attendance. The event was organized by Oceana Conservation District and MSUE, in partnership with the Oceana County Farm Bureau and was held at the West Central Research Center on Oceana Drive. One of the highlights for attendees was a demonstration of a “Farm Droid,” an autonomous seeder and weeder for vegetables. In addition, information was shared on a variety of topics related to soil health, irrigation and cover management including a demonstration by Morgan Composting. The annual event is held every August and the entire community is welcome to attend.
Youth
The past few weeks, The Oceana Echo has shared many statistics and photos from this year’s Oceana County Fair (OCF) held August 19-24. We are proud of and thankful to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, who took time to participate this year! According to Jennifer Payne, the MSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator, with statistics provided by the OCF, there were 198 youth participants at the Oceana County Fair this year. Of those, 150 were registered 4-Her’s. There were 113 youth and animal participants in the Large Market Animal Association program and six Little Buddies who partnered with an older exhibitor. There were 26 youth and animal participants in the Small Market Animal Association program and two Little buddies. And 14 Cloverbud 4-H Junior Market club members, aged 5-7, sponsored by the Oceana Ag Society, who participated in judged classes and livestock sales.
Oceana County’s new 4-H Ambassadors are Emma Miller, Lillian Wasson and Grace Hallack. On their applications, each young lady shared their goals for the coming year of service: “I want to show people that they can do anything. I want to inspire them to go and try new things. Show them that 4-H is a place of fun and responsibility to make new friends. I want to help them all reach their best,” Miller shared. “I want to promote 4-H in our county and across the state. I attend many statewide 4-H and livestock events, giving me lots of experience and ideas to share. I’m dedicated to helping younger or new members learn about new projects and programs. I want to be active in Oceana 4-H’s councils and committees and help create a supportive and exciting community for everyone in 4-H,” Wasson said. “I’d like to be able to learn and grow new skills for leadership and communication. I want to have the ability to influence others and have a positive impact on how people see 4-H. I want to work as a team with other ambassadors to represent 4-H and Oceana County,” said Hallack.
Business
Merten’s Farmhouse 2nd Annual Farm-to-Table Dinner, held at their farm Saturday, September 14, was another huge success. Over 160 people purchased tickets to dine outside at the farm for a completely homemade dinner featuring dishes using ingredients produced on their farm including meats, vegetables, fruits, honey, maple syrup and baked goods. Diners enjoyed visiting with their neighbors and making new friends while picking flowers, taking horse-drawn wagon rides, listening to live music, and watching a horse-drawn ice cream freezer prepare their dessert. Next year’s farm-to-table dinner date will be announced in April.
Municipal
From Curtis Burdette, Executive Director of the Oceana County Economic Alliance - “Congratulations to White River Watershed Partnership in Hesperia for being awarded $15,000 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and to White Lake Association in Montague for their $39,999 award. Only 17 projects were awarded statewide of the 68 applications. Of those 17 awards for organizations across the state, White River and White Lake projects both brought grant funds to West Michigan.”
At the Hart City Council meeting Tuesday, September 10, the council approved an amendment to the city’s current Social District by including the Pink Elephant Diner on State Street and the Market Chalets on East Main Street and contiguous common areas as shown on an updated map of the district. The council also authorized city staff to approve City of Hart Social District permit application paperwork on behalf of the Pink Elephant, once the appropriate paperwork is submitted for approval.
Community
As reported by Lynda Herremans, MAEAP Coordinator for the Oceana Conservation District, “The 18th Annual Oceana Household Hazardous Waste/Clean Sweep Collection was held on Aug. 17 (the 3rd Saturday in August) at the Hart DPW. Contractors, Oceana Conservation District staff, and volunteers successfully collected over 21,000 pounds of hazardous materials for safe disposal or recycling. There were 249 households represented in the 220 cars that dropped off items and came from every township and municipality in the county. Items collected included electronics, pesticides from farms and households, oil and other automotive fluids, batteries of all kinds, oil based paints, pharmaceuticals, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury and more!”
