It is with much sadness that I am telling you that this is my last Wednesday morning Farm Feature. I have decided to leave Berrien County MSU Extension to pursue developing a plot of family-owned land in Missouri into a fruit and vegetable direct-market farm. I am not leaving because of anything wrong here. I really like doing what I do here. This is an opportunity to "go back home" and move closer to family.

What will I miss? The strong fruit, vegetable, and ornamental industries that make up part of the backbone of Michigan Agriculture. The fact that Berrien County is one of the most agriculturally diverse counties in the nation. The great variety of agriculturally produced items is truly amazing. The lake-effect for moderating temperature extremes. Growers in this area sometimes take for granted the fact that Lake Michigan is why there is fruit production in Southwest Michigan. The inquisitive nature showed by the growers here. You are always trying to find ways of doing things better. The visits to grower’s fields. Watching the fruit grow from a tiny flower in the spring to full-grown fruit at harvest.

What will I not miss? Having to record this radio program every Tuesday afternoon. No, I’m just kidding. I will miss this farm feature too. What I will miss is occasionally realizing at 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday night, that I forgot to get the farm feature recorded.

It seems like only yesterday that I came to Berrien County. This was my sixth May here. I have learned a lot since taking this job. I trust that you as listeners have gained at least a little bit of information as well, too.

My understanding is that Berrien County and MSU Extension will fill this vacancy left by me. However, the exact timing of that and the exact job description is yet to be determined.

For those of you interested in personally saying goodbye to me, there will be an open house at the Extension Office on Friday June 2, 2006 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. That will be my last day.

So, for the last time, I will say, "That is all for today, this has been Al Gaus for Michigan State University Extension in Berrien County."