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Montcalm County 4-H Program episode 45

Positive Impact of 4-H on Kids in Montcalm County comes out in episode 45 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast. 4-H, a youth development organization, has been making a positive impact on children's lives for over a century. Through its various programs and activities, 4-H nurtures young minds, fosters personal growth, and equips children with essential skills and values. Duane spent some time at the Montcalm County Fair talking with parents and kids about their experience in 4H. You will see the positive impact that 4-H has on kids, shaping them into confident, responsible, and community-minded individuals. Heck, even being interviewed for this podcast takes skill.

Taking a deeper dive into 4H in Montcalm County here is what we found.

Hands-on Learning:
One of the core pillars of 4-H is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Through a diverse range of projects, children engage in practical activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Whether it's animal husbandry, gardening, robotics, or leadership projects, 4-H provides opportunities for kids to explore their interests, develop new skills, and learn by doing. This hands-on approach not only enhances their knowledge but also instills a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

Life Skills Development:
4-H goes beyond academic education and focuses on developing essential life skills in children. By actively participating in club meetings, workshops, and events, kids learn valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and goal-setting. These skills become the building blocks for their personal and professional growth, equipping them with the tools necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Leadership and Citizenship:
4-H places a strong emphasis on leadership development and civic engagement. Through various programs like public speaking, community service projects, and youth-led initiatives, children have the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities and make a positive impact in their communities. By taking on responsibilities, working collaboratively, and serving others, 4-H empowers kids to become active, responsible citizens who are committed to creating a better world.

Mentorship and Positive Relationships:
4-H provides a supportive and nurturing environment for children to form meaningful relationships with adult mentors and fellow peers. Experienced volunteers and adult leaders guide and inspire young members, offering mentorship, advice, and encouragement. These positive relationships foster a sense of belonging, boost self-esteem, and provide a support network that can be invaluable during the formative years of a child's life.

Career Exploration and Readiness:
4-H programs expose children to various career pathways and help them explore their interests. Whether it's through workshops, camps, or competitions, kids have the chance to delve into fields such as agriculture, STEM, entrepreneurship, and more. This exposure not only helps them discover their passions but also provides valuable insights into potential career options. Furthermore, 4-H equips children with essential skills like communication, professionalism, and project management, preparing them for future success in their chosen fields.

In closing, 4-H plays a vital role in the positive development of children, offering a rich array of experiences and opportunities. By emphasizing hands-on learning, life skills development, leadership, and mentorship, 4-H equips kids with the necessary tools and values to thrive. The impact of 4-H extends far beyond Montcalm County instilling skills and values during the kids journey that will have a lasting impact, shaping them into responsible, engaged, and compassionate individuals ready to make a positive difference in the world.

Discover Montcalm Podcast
Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed. He started DW Video & Multimedia https://www.dwvideo.com in 1984. Today he runs the business and teaches Digital Arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center. Connect with Discover Montcalm to tell and share your story. Call 231-250-9624 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/

Feature Your Business on Discover Montcalm Learn about upcoming shows, how you can be a guest on the show and maybe even a sponsor. Contact Duane for more information. Call Duane 231-250-9624

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Farming in Montcalm County

We are going to touch on Farming in Montcalm County, the Agriculture impact on our county. 

Montcalm County, has a huge impact on the state's overall Ag industry.  Today I am going to touch on a few of the farms in Montcalm County.  

Sietsema  has a grain elevator in Howard City which is the tallest building in my small town.  I have been to the top of it and the view is really nice.

The Sietsema family's main operation is out of Allendale and has been around since 1940.
https://www.sietsemafarms.com/

Main Farms out of six lakes has a few locations and covers around 15 thousand or so acres.   They are a fourth-generation family farm that grows potatoes, corn, soybeans, wheat, peas and green beans.  yee haw :-)  Let's feed the area.
 
Today Agriculture plays a vital role in Montcalm County's economy. The county's soil, favorable climate, and access to water resources make it suitable for a variety of farming activities.  This has been a dry year and I am seeing irrigation systems going all around the county.   I remember growing up and staying at my grandparents outside Lakeview and playing in the water that was shooting over the road.    

 Today The county boasts several farmers markets that go directly from the field to the consumer and of course our plates :-)  I was just at the Pierson market on Friday and picked up some good eats.
 - Now that's what I call buy local.   Farmer Markets provides all of us access to fresh, locally grown produce, meat and helps us support the local farming community.  We need our farmers and the hard work they put in everyday.  Thank you

County Line Farms out of trufant specializes in bulk milk transportation and custom forage harvesting.
https://www.facebook.com/CountyLineFarmsService/

Farm Services out of Lakeview offers growers large and small the most efficient and reliable irrigation systems on the market

I see their product right next door to me in my neighbors field.  I call it the neighborhood water park.    https://www.farmservicesinc.com/  

Sandyland Farms between Howard City of Lakeview is not to far from where my grandma and grandpa used to live on Kendaville Road east of Gravel Ridge
 
I remember seeing the Sandyland Farms trucks, tractors and harvesters in the fields when hanging out over the summer with my grandparents.  Today they have some pretty cool technology for growing, harvesting, storing and shipping potatoes all over the US..
 
Carlson-Arbogast Farms is not too far from the DW Video studio in Howard City and I must say, they love beans  :-)   Beans are their specialty.

They have been growing beans for over 140 years and for 6 generations on their Michigan Centennial Family Farm!
 
They ship all  types of beans for retail in 24 oz and 2 lb packages and can be found in local stores, however if you have bigger bean needs, they provide 25 to 2000 pound packaging options.  Not that is a lot of beans.

Weaver Farms, a farm market from Sheridan offers farm fresh goods (beef, lamb, eggs, honey, maple syrup and seasonal vegetables.  Other farmers markets include Howard City, Pierson, Greenville and I am sure I have missed a few.  i was just at the Farmers Market in Pierson on Friday - picked me up some good eats.
 
Let's not forget about the tourism aspect that farming brings to the area. There are places around the county that give tours, have animals, events,  pick your own   and are ideal for all ages,

Montcalm County has an active 4-H and Future Farmers of America or (FFA) provide opportunities for young people to learn about agriculture, participate in livestock shows, and develop skills in various farming disciplines that they will carry with them throughout their lives. I know you can contact Amanda the AG instructor from the Montcalm Area Career Center if you want more information on the FFA in Montcalm County.

I know I have missed many farms around the area,  As I close today, agriculture in Montcalm County holds a strong economic impact on the county.   From Livestock to crops we should all take time and thank a farmer, without them LIFE would be rough.  

Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed. He started DW Video & Multimedia https://www.dwvideo.com in 1984. Today he runs the business and teaches Digital Arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center. Connect with Discover Montcalm to tell and share your story. Call 231-250-9624 to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/ 

Feature Your Business on Discover Montcalm Learn about upcoming shows, how you can be a guest on the show and maybe even a sponsor. Contact Duane for more information. Call Duane 231-250-9624 
Follow and subscribe.
FACEBOOK, https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast
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Hello and welcome to this edition of the Discover Montcalm Podcast.  My name is Duane and I am the host and producer of the show.  Feel free to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube at Discover Montcalm Podcast.  Like and share our content and help us tell the area's story.  

We are blessed in Montcalm County with scenic landscapes and natural beauty. It is home to numerous lakes, rivers, and parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, camping and hunting. 
Places like Clifford and Turk Lake are popular for water sports and relaxation as well as the many other lakes all around our county   Tubing and canoeing on the area's rivers is another way to enjoy time with family and friends.

The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and the White Pine Trail are perfect for biking, jogging, or taking a leisurely walk. 

Montcalm County has a rich history that can be explored through its various museums and heritage sites. The Montcalm County Historical Museum in Greenville showcases exhibits on the region's past, including Native American artifacts, early settler history, and local industries. Heritage Village right next to MCC provides events throughout the year.  The fighting falcon museum in Greenville is rich with history.  Check out episode two for more on the Fighting Falcon Museum. 

The county hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Danish Festival in Greenville celebrates the area's Danish heritage with parades, traditional dances, food, and live entertainment. Howard City hosts the Harvest Festival, featuring a grand parade, arts and crafts, live music, and a car show. Every community in the county has an event sharing their heritage.  
I would like to invite all the festivals and local event planners to contact me at 231 250 9624 to come in and share their story and help us tell Montcalm County's story. 
As we discover Montcalm we find our county full of Small-Town Charm.   I have always enjoyed the friendly and welcoming small town atmosphere we have within the county. 

For the most part Montcalm County offers a safe and family-friendly environment. With excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities catering to everyone. When you Discover Montcalm, in my opinion you will love the blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and small-town charm, making it an appealing destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of rural Michigan life.  
At Discover Montcalm we are Telling your story through our podcast.  I welcome everyone to reach out to me at 231-250-9624 or email me at duane@dwvideo.com I would love to share your personal experiences sharing your business, the history, the events and attractions within Montcalm County. By coming on and sharing your story we can educate and raise awareness about specific topics, issues, or causes that are important to you. 

Why do I want you to share your story?   The biggest reason is to create a better understanding of what is going on in Edmore, Sheridan, Crystal, Howard City, Amble, Lakeview, Trufant and all the communities in Montcalm County.  

Lets connect and engage so we can enhance your personal brand and make everyone aware of what is happening all around our county.

Discover Montcalm Podcast
Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed. He started DW Video & Multimedia https://www.dwvideo.com in 1984. Today he runs the business and teaches Digital Arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center. Connect with Discover Montcalm to tell and share your story. Call 231-250-9624 to learn more and schedule an appointment. Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/ Feature Your Business on Discover Montcalm Learn about upcoming shows, how you can be a guest on the show and maybe even a sponsor. Contact Duane for more information. Call Duane 231-250-9624 Follow and subscribe.
FACEBOOK, https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/discovermontcalmpodcast
or at https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/ ...

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Welcome to the Discover Montcalm Podcast.  Today I would like to discuss "Buying local" and why it is crucial for the overall well-being and development of our montcalm area to really focus on local. 
First off, the Economic Growth: When you buy from local businesses, a significant portion of the money stays within the community. Local businesses are more likely to reinvest their profits locally, which contributes to economic growth and job creation. This, in turn, leads to a stronger local economy and increased opportunities for residents.

Buying local enhances Community Development: Local businesses are often deeply rooted in the community and are more invested in its growth and development. They are more likely to contribute to local charities, sponsor local events, and support other initiatives that enhance the community's quality of life. By supporting local businesses, you contribute to the overall well-being and development of your community.

Unique and Diverse Offerings: Local businesses often offer a unique range of products and services that reflect the local culture, heritage, and preferences. They bring diversity to the market and provide alternatives to the standardized offerings of larger chain stores. By supporting local businesses, you help preserve the local flavor and character of your community.

Buying local provides Personal Connections and Relationships: Shopping at local businesses fosters personal connections and relationships within the community. Local business owners often know their customers by name, provide personalized services, and genuinely care about their patrons. This sense of community creates a more welcoming and friendly environment, which enhances the overall social fabric.

Economic Stability: Relying heavily on large chain stores or external corporations can make a community vulnerable to economic downturns or external shocks. By supporting local businesses, you help diversify the local economy and create a more stable business environment. This diversification provides resilience and better equips the community to overcome economic challenges.  For those around Montcalm County we remember when Elelctrolux moved out.  Now look at us today.  

To wrap things up, buying local has numerous benefits for a community, including economic growth, community development, unique offerings, environmental impact, personal connections, and economic stability. By consciously choosing to support local businesses, you contribute to the overall well-being and vibrancy of your community.

Discover Montcalm Podcast
Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed. He started DW Video & Multimedia https://www.dwvideo.com in 1984. Today he runs the business and teaches Digital Arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center. Connect with Discover Montcalm to tell and share your story. Call 231-250-9624 to learn more and schedule an appointment. Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/ Feature Your Business on Discover Montcalm Learn about upcoming shows, how you can be a guest on the show and maybe even a sponsor. Contact Duane for more information. Call Duane 231-250-9624 Follow and subscribe
FACEBOOK, https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/discovermontcalmpodcast or at https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/ ...