State Outreach Council Member Organizations

The State Outreach Council is composed of representatives of each U.S. Department of Agriculture agency operating in Michigan, as well as representatives of State Agencies, Tribal Governments, State Universities, colleges, and land grant institutions, and private organizations.

The leadership of the State Outreach Council rotates annually among the leaders of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development.

Members of the State Outreach Council

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) - APHIS is charged with protecting America’s agricultural resources by keeping foreign pests and diseases out of the country, minimizing damage caused by wildlife, and protecting certain animals from inhumane treatment.  Michigan Contact - Felicia Nelson

Agriculture Research Service (ARS) - The Agricultural Research Service is the principal research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Michigan Contact - LuAnn Therrian

Farm Service Agency (FSA) - Farm Service Agency administers farm commodity and conservation programs for farmers and makes farm loans.  Michigan Contact - Maureen Mechan

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) - FNS increases food security and reduces hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education.  Michigan Contact - Jennifer Renegar

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) - The FSIS is responsible for ensuring that the commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products moving in interstate commerce or exported to other countries is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.

The Forest Service (FS) - The Forest Service is a Federal agency that manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, conducts forestry research and provides technical and financial assistance to state and private forestry agencies.  Michigan Contact - Carol Nilsson

The Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service (MASS) - The Michigan Agricultural Statistics Service serves the State, its agriculture, and its rural communities by providing meaningful, accurate, and objective statistical information and services. Michigan Contact - Vince Matthews

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) - Michigan State University Extension provides knowledge-based educational programs focusing on agriculture and natural resources; children, youth and families; and community and economic development.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) -The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. Michigan Contact - Sandy Penn

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) - The Risk Management Agency administers the crop insurance programs that help farmers survive a major crop loss, works to find improved risk management strategies, develops educational curricula and materials, and trains producers in effective use of risk management tools.  Michigan Contact - Michael Alston

Rural Development (RD) - Rural Development’s (RD) financial programs support essential public facilities and services including water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service; supports loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools; offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives; and provides technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs.  Michigan Contact - Alec Lloyd

Rural Utilities Service (RUS) - Rural Utilities Service (RUS) helps rural utilities expand and keep up-to-date technology and helps establish new and vital services such as distance learning and telemedicine.  Michigan Contact - Donald Couzens

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts - The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts is a non-governmental, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, established to represent and provide services to Michigan's 80 Conservation Districts by working with legislators, cooperating agencies, and special interest groups whose programs affect the care and management of Michigan's natural resources, especially on private lands.

Michigan Inter-Tribal Council - The Michigan Inter-Tribal Council is a consortium of Michigan's Federally Recognized Tribes and provides health, employment, education, and economic development services to it's members.