KEVIN YOUNG, DIRECTOR
60822 Creek Road
Niles, MI 49120
269-684-3870
kevin60822@sbcglobal.net
JULY/AUGUST 2025 GRANGE NEWS
Last year at this time, I was talking about how we finally got the addition to our chicken coop done and needed to get more pullets to help fill it plus keep egg production going. Well we had done just that, and we fortunately were able to find pullets just getting ready to lay their first eggs. We also took on a rooster as well. He is a very handsome and tame (so far) Buff Orpington that keeps the hens in line but doesn’t come after me!
As I sit here on June 18th writing this, we are about to head into a very hot stretch of weather. Today it was in the mid-80s and very humid before a storm front came through at 4pm. We had a good amount of rain from the storm front, and we needed it for sure. By this weekend we will see highs in the 90s with heat index in the triple digits!! At least we are getting the moisture to help with the crops and gardens to grow.
Remember one class that anyone can enter is the class labeled: Any planting in a Unique container. It can be any type of container, but the planting must have grown in the unique container. Keep in mind that you must be able to transport this item to State Session and be able to bring it from your vehicle with little assistance.
Wow it’s July!? The first 6 months of 2025 have gone by way too fast! I hope everyone that planted a garden kept in mind the Agriculture Department classes for the 2025 State Session. I really hope to have a good turn out in my Department again this year as there were a wonderful number of entries at the 2024 Session.
We are a few short months now from our 2025 State Session that is being held in Owosso. It will be a great time celebrating yet again the 152nd year of the Michigan State Grange.
Fair season is here again. In just two short months the Berrien County Youth Fair while be coming to a close, as it ends on August 16th. Please go support our local youth by attending a Fair near you. There are plenty of things to see besides the amusement rides and fair food if that isn’t something you care to do. I remember when I was an exhibitor how it felt to have everyone walk by looking at my animals or still exhibits. It is the youth exhibitors’ time to shine for all of their hard work during the summer months (or winter too) leading up to entry day.
Last year at this time, I was talking about how we finally got the addition to our chicken coop done and needed to get more pullets to help fill it plus keep egg production going. Well we had done just that, and we fortunately were able to find pullets just getting ready to lay their first eggs. We also took on a rooster as well. He is a very handsome and tame (so far) Buff Orpington that keeps the hens in line but doesn’t come after me!
As I sit here on June 18th writing this, we are about to head into a very hot stretch of weather. Today it was in the mid-80s and very humid before a storm front came through at 4pm. We had a good amount of rain from the storm front, and we needed it for sure. By this weekend we will see highs in the 90s with heat index in the triple digits!! At least we are getting the moisture to help with the crops and gardens to grow.
Remember one class that anyone can enter is the class labeled: Any planting in a Unique container. It can be any type of container, but the planting must have grown in the unique container. Keep in mind that you must be able to transport this item to State Session and be able to bring it from your vehicle with little assistance.
Here is hoping your gardens are growing or will be and that your harvest is bountiful.
Until the next MGN….
Until the next MGN….
AGRICULTURE
MAY/JUNE 2025 GRANGE NEWS
We are getting things done slowly this year around the little farm due to the crazy weather and busy schedules. I have yet to get the chicken coop cleaned but that is because when I have the time it is either not nice weather or I am too tired and need to just rest! This year we will only have a feeder pig to put in the freezers. I also have a mess in the yard to clean up from the storm back on March 30th. I had a few trees come down and just finally have the extra time to start cutting them up.
It is that time of year for babies of all kind to be born. I have seen some of our outside momma cats getting a little thicker. We will definitely be having some litters within the next month I am sure.
Please be mindful that this is the time of year that the country roads and some State Highways will have slow moving farm vehicles on them. If it wasn’t for those farmers and their employees, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to farmers’ markets or the grocery stores to get the food needed to feed our families. Please give those big vehicles and tractors as much room as you can without causing problems for yourself or others.
Well, that is all for now. Please remember whenever possible to buy Local or Locally Grown / Made products! Local asparagus is being harvested in my area of the State. It is hard to believe it is time for that already. I noticed tonight while out picking up sticks in the back yard on the 22nd of April that our rhubarb is at least 1 foot in height already.
Remember, when possible, to buy local or direct from the farm as many farmers either have started their own on Farm store or they sell their goods to other local farmers that have a farm store.
Until later…
Wow is it Spring, or Summer!!?? April sure has been up and down with the temperatures. We have had tornado's, ice storms, flooding, frost… what next!?
How many of you have planted anything in your gardens yet? Things that could have been planted by now would be seed potatoes, onion sets, cold crops (cabbages, etc) and I even think carrots but not sure so please check before you plant them! When planning your garden spots, keep in mind the Ag Classes that you can enter at this year’s Annual State Grange Session. Each class is open to Junior members on up to Subordinate members. There are plenty of different classes for all ages and you do not have to live in the Country to do them. I can’t wait to see what Unique containers with plantings come to State Session. Please check the Program Booklet for more details.
We are getting things done slowly this year around the little farm due to the crazy weather and busy schedules. I have yet to get the chicken coop cleaned but that is because when I have the time it is either not nice weather or I am too tired and need to just rest! This year we will only have a feeder pig to put in the freezers. I also have a mess in the yard to clean up from the storm back on March 30th. I had a few trees come down and just finally have the extra time to start cutting them up.
It is that time of year for babies of all kind to be born. I have seen some of our outside momma cats getting a little thicker. We will definitely be having some litters within the next month I am sure.
Please be mindful that this is the time of year that the country roads and some State Highways will have slow moving farm vehicles on them. If it wasn’t for those farmers and their employees, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to farmers’ markets or the grocery stores to get the food needed to feed our families. Please give those big vehicles and tractors as much room as you can without causing problems for yourself or others.
Well, that is all for now. Please remember whenever possible to buy Local or Locally Grown / Made products! Local asparagus is being harvested in my area of the State. It is hard to believe it is time for that already. I noticed tonight while out picking up sticks in the back yard on the 22nd of April that our rhubarb is at least 1 foot in height already.
Remember, when possible, to buy local or direct from the farm as many farmers either have started their own on Farm store or they sell their goods to other local farmers that have a farm store.
Until later…
