Events
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Jan 22
FREE Organic Inspector Training
January 22, 2026 – March 19, 2026
Apply now for Michigan’s Organic Inspector Training! This 8-week online course includes two mock audits and mentorship. Great for farmers, recent grads, or retirees who can travel.
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Jan 22
MSU Extension 2026 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program
January 22, 2026 – February 20, 2026 Mt Pleasant Comfort Inn and Suites, Hotel and Conference Center, 2424 S Mission St., Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
The MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program teaches zoning administration techniques to reduce legal risks to the zoning administrator and their community.
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Jan 26
ServSafe® Manager Training and Certification Exam - Southwest Michigan
January 26, 2026 – April 28, 2026
Michigan State University Extension offers ServSafe, a national certification program for food service workers, providing food safety training, exams, and resources.
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Jan 26
Building Strong Adolescents Webinar Series January-February 2026
January 26, 2026 – February 23, 2026 7:00pm-9:00pm ET online
Building Strong Adolescents is a FREE online course for parents of adolescents ages 9-16 to learn strategies for helping teens develop the skills and supports they need to be successful.
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Jan 27
Mindfulness for Better Sleep online Jan 2026
January 27, 2026 – March 3, 2026
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness is effective in reducing stress-related symptoms such as worry, depression, physical tension, and may be helpful in managing chronic conditions.
Contact Us
Email: msue.allegan@county.msu.edu
Phone: 269-673-0370
Fax: 269-673-7005
Hours of Operation:
Monday: by appointment only.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Directions
Educational Bulletins & Publications
Financial transactions by cash, check, or credit cards via a QR code; however, please note that we are not able to accept credit card payments for some workshops and events.
Extension Educational bulletins / publications are sold in the office, however, it is best to call ahead for availability. You can also search for and order bulletins at our MSU Extension Bookstore Publications
Soil Testing (Don't Guess...soil test!)
Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer
Residential Lawns, Vegetable Gardens, Flower Gardens, Trees and Shrubs
Available to purchase for $26 in our office; or order online at the MSU Extension Bookstore at http://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.html. Note: You must provide an email address as results will be sent directly to you via email.
If you would like help interpreting test results, call our statewide Lawn and Garden Helpline at 1-888-678-3464, option 1. Hotline is staffed by MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educators and Master Gardener volunteers, the Hotline is available weekdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. When calling the 1-888-678-3464 number, please make sure to choose Option #1 for the Lawn and Garden Hotline.
Toll Free Lawn and Garden Hotline: 1-888-678-3464 (1-888-MSUE-4MI)
Commercial Field Crop Soil Test
Agriculture Crops, Commercial Growers, Pastures and Wildlife Forage
Soil boxes for sample collection cannot be ordered on-line but can be purchased at the office at a cost of $18 each. You will receive a Soil Sample Information form to complete and send with your samples to the Laboratory. Test results will be interpreted by an agricultural Extension educator. To understand your soil test results, fertilizer calculator etc. please visit https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/
Plant and Insect Diagnostics
Questions involving plant health analysis, plant/weed identification and insect infestation may be answered by also calling toll-free 1-88-678-3464 (Option 1). If a complete diagnostic analysis is necessary, a live sample may sent to the Michigan State University Center for Integrated Plant Systems (CIPS) for a fee. There is more information on services offered by CIPS.
Ask Extension
Ask Extension offers one-to-one answers from MSU Extension experts and Extension Master Gardener volunteers on topics such as lawns, gardening, agriculture, nutrition and physical activity, food safety, food preservation, natural resources, community development, youth programming and more!
- If you are asking questions relating to pests or plant disease, please include close-up photos of the entire plant or pest (and as much detail as possible) to help our experts identify the issue.
- We do not answer questions relating to mushroom identification, household mold, or medical advice.
During holidays it may take a few additional days for you to receive a response to your question while our staff and volunteers enjoy some time away from their work. Thank you!
Pesticide Applicator Program; Certification, Training, Exams & Manuals
Certification and Training
- MSU Extension Pesticide Training & Certification
- Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)
To schedule an exam or for questions, contact Michigan Department of Ag (MDA) at 1-800-292-3939.
Manuals for Certification Training
- Manuals can be purchased at the office, however, it is suggested that you call ahead to make sure they are in stock.
- Manuals can also be purchased online with a credit card at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center.
Food Preservation: Pressure Cooker Gauge Testing
Testing of canner gauges or lids is available by appointment. Call 269-673-0370 Ext. 2556 or email simondsr@msu.edu to set up an appointment.