Oct 10, 2022

MSU Extension award honors development of research station

West Central Michigan Horticultural Research Inc. (WCMHR), the non-profit responsible for the development and oversight of the West Michigan Research Station, has received the MSU Extension Key Partner Award.

“The MSU Extension team has been so valuable to our community in aiding in the research of agriculture for West Central Michigan,” said Andy Riley, president of WCMHR. “It’s been a mutually beneficial partnership with MSU Extension, and we look forward to many more years of advancing education on agriculture in our community.”

The MSU Extension Key Partner award recognizes individuals, organizations, media, special MSU programs, and government officials who have made significant contributions to creating, improving or promoting MSU Extension programs. The MSU Extension director grants the award. The award is determined based on nominations from staff, faculty, retirees and volunteers.

Establishing the center, which is near Hart, Michigan, was a major project requiring a commitment from WCMHR, AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, according to a statement from MSU Extension.

“The speed in which this new center was established is an indication of the strong commitment of WCMHR to Michigan agriculture and the strong partnership that it has developed with MSU,” according to the statement.

The center’s grand opening was in August. The Key Partner Award was announced at the MSU Extension Celebration in late September.

The facility, named The Earl & Linda Peterson West Michigan Research Station, has 68 acres to conduct research related to the specific growing environment of the region, with an emphasis on tree fruit (apples, peaches, pears, tart cherries and sweet cherries) and asparagus.

The facility is available to rent for meetings, banquets, weddings, graduations and other community events. The facility also has an equipment rental program to assist young growers with their farming needs.