Foundation hosts 3rd Annual Migrant Child Task Force Donation Drive

PENTWATER – As summer begins, the Oceana Community Foundation is pleased to launch our 3rd annual donation drive for the Oceana’s Michigan Migrant Child Task Force. The Foundation is collecting donations of new hygiene items, children’s books and toys, and more to share with West Michigan’s migrant farmworkers and their families. Each item donated is directly going to a family via the Migrant Child Task Force’s Camp Outreach events!

Oceana’s farmworker outreach effort is organized by our local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and supports migrant families facing resource insecurity. The task force estimates that around 42,700 children (ages 0 to 19) visit Michigan with their families as seasonal farmworkers. While working to support Oceana’s agricultural economy by harvesting local produce, some young children and their families lack access to everyday necessities. The Foundation is assisting DHHS by collecting in-demand items like toothbrushes, kid’s toys, shampoo, infant diapers and wipes, and soap.

“Agriculture is an essential part of Oceana County’s economy. With the support of our migrant farmworkers who make West Michigan their temporary home, our farms can thrive,” Foundation CEO Tammy Carey shares. “The Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with our local Migrant Child Task Force for the third time. Our community continues to welcome and support our migrant farmworkers with each wish list, sharing their gratitude for all their hard work.”

Oceana’s Migrant Child Task Force Donation Drive is taking place both online and in-person. Via Facebook and the Foundation’s website, participants can donate items through the Task Force’s Amazon Wishlist (at tinyurl.com/23CampOutreach). By purchasing one of the items on the wish list, donations are shipped directly to the Foundation’s office. Items are delivered to families throughout the county by DHHS during their camp visits or out of their Hart office directly to clients. You can also place items in the donation box at the Founadation’s office in the Pentwater Shelby State Bank building at 388 S. Hancock Street. Any donation would be appreciated and accepted until July 15th, 2023.

For any questions regarding the Oceana’s Migrant Child Task Force, contact Mara Luevano, the Task Force’s Oceana liaison. She is available at LuevanoM@ michigan.gov.

Oceana Center Grange Agricultural Report for June 2023

The weather is usually a hot topic of conversation, and this month is no exception to the rule. Fire danger is at its highest level, with a new outbreak in northern Michigan and many in western Canada that affect, among other things, people who have respiratory challenges. Homeowners desiring a lush green lawn are finding them difficult to maintain. In agriculture, we are experiencing the same challenges, thus creating a great economic impact in many areas.

Animals do not perform well in hot weather. Cows produce less milk; meat animals consume less feed and thus do not gain weight as rapidly. Mortality rates may increase due to heat stress.

Asparagus production and quality started out very well, commencing around Mother’s Day. Processors’ needs were being rapidly met. Now, due to dry and hot conditions, many fields have been mowed, and many patches have been shut down. Growers using H2A migrant labor could be left paying for work that has been cancelled, depending on the verbiage of the contract.

Apples and other fruits experienced very good return bloom. There is an adage in the fruit business: heavy bloom; heavy crop but heavy crop; heavy drop. The heat during bloom has caused pollination to not occur, or if pollinated, fruit pistils dried up before fertilization could occur.

Irrigation systems started up early this year to try to save trees and plants.

You may have noticed that trees are responding to the dry weather as well, with lots of maple helicopter seeds being dropped. Nature has a way of protecting its own during challenging weather. Oaks will drop more acorns; corn leaves roll up to conserve water, among other defense mechanisms.

On the bright side, strawberries are coming on, but expect to pay more, as is the case with most consumable items.

The Oceana Echo Agricultural Consultant Phil Carter is a retired educator, grower, trucker and New Era resident who intends to move into his house in Shelby.