EAST LANSING, Mich. — The 97th annual Agriculture and Natural Resources Week (ANR Week) is right around the corner as Michigan State University (MSU) and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) gear up to welcome visitors to campus from March 3 to 10. 

The nation’s pioneer land-grant college was founded more than 150 years ago, guided by a philosophy to serve all the people of the state – an idea that still prevails in 2012. 

To this day, ANR Week continues to be one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. 

The Farmers’ Institute laid the foundations for the week more than a century ago. In 1898, Michigan Agricultural College hosted the first statewide Farmers’ Institute “Round-Up.” Agriculture Hall was completed in 1909, and a fourth floor auditorium provided the meeting place. Five years later, the round-up combined with the farm association meetings to become the first “Farmers’ Week.”

More than 90 years have elapsed since its inception, and the topics of interest have changed with the times. With themes ranging from the space age in the 1960s to world hunger in the ‘80s, Farmers’ Week is now Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. Capitalizing on the commonality of interest as a driving force, the event remains passionate to its agricultural roots by hosting more than 75 programs and annual association meetings. For more details, visit www.anrweek.canr.msu.edu Contact Megghan Honke at 517-353-3175, ext. 229, or honkemeg@msu.edu for more information. 

ANKENY, Iowa — The Iowa State Cyclones’ men’s basketball team achieved a signature win January 28 against a top-five ranked opponent, and Cyclone Nation delivered much-needed resources to assist the people of Haiti.

A sold-out Hilton Coliseum provided the perfect backdrop for “Special Delivery. Homes. Help. Hope. For Haiti,” a campaign coordinated by the Iowa Food & Family Project, Iowa Soybean Assoc. and Laurens, Iowa-based Global Compassion Network (GCN). It’s co-chaired by Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Ag Secretary Bill Northey.

Throughout the game, fans were encouraged to donate to “Special Delivery” to provide SafeTHomes for the GCN’s Village of Hope. The Village, established last year, is located near Les Cayes, Haiti, and provides much-needed shelter to people displaced by the 2010 earthquake.

Each SafeTHome is valued at $5,700. The unique structures were developed by Sukup Manufacturing Co. of Sheffield. All told, the in-game promotion generated nearly $24,000 for the campaign. This included cash donations totaling $12,500 and the contribution of three SafeTHomes – one each by Margaret Thomson, Rueters and Sukup Manufacturing Co.

In addition, the Iowa Soybean Assoc. was recognized at center court during halftime festivities for its contribution of up to $48,000 in Meals From The Heartland. The soy-based food packets will accompany the donation of SafeTHomes. Since the launch of “Special Delivery” in December, more than 20 SafeTHomes have been pledged. The goal is to secure 48 units by June 1.

The Iowa Food & Family Project (www.iowafoodandfamily.com) is a purpose-driven initiative that unites farmers and consumers in conversations about today’s farms. It emphasizes the commitment of farm families to continuous improvement and providing wholesome food for everyone. 

It also serves a higher purpose by helping people in need. In addition to “Special Delivery,” The Iowa FFP has generated nearly $20,000 in food and cash donations for Iowa’s food banks.

To make a donation to “Special Delivery,” log on to www.iowafoodandfamily.com/specialdelivery or send contributions to: GCN, Attn: Special Delivery, 1066 440th St., Linn Grove, IA 51033.