2018 Annual Report

2018 Greene County Annual Report

Greene County MU Extension Council

Greene County Extension Center Located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

"Equal opportunity is and shall be provided to all participants in Extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or military organizations associated with the armed forces of the United States of America."

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE HEADING

PAGE NUMBER

Letter from the County Council ……………………………………………

5

Letter from Vice Chancellor of Extension and Engagement ……………...

6

Fiscal Year Contacts ……………………………………….………………

7

Greene County Engagement Report ……………………………………….

8

MU Extension Impact in County Report …………………………………..

9

Ways to Engage with County Extension …………………………………..

11

Financial Records Section ………………………………………………..

12

Financial Statement for 2018 ……………………………………………...

13

County Extension Office Budget for 2019 ………………………………..

14

Audit Report for 2018 ……………………………………………………..

15

Donors to 2017 Friends of Extension Campaign …………………………..

16

Council and Staff Section ………………………………………………….

17

New Extension Council Members for 2019 ………………………………

18

Greene County Extension Council ………….……………………………..

19

Greene County Extension Staff ……………………………………………

20

Regional Extension Staff Serving County …………………………………

21

Program Highlights Section ……………………………………………….

22

Agriculture and Environment Program Highlights ………………………..

23

Business and Community Development Program Highlights …………….

36

Youth and Families Program Highlights ………………………………….

50

Health and Safety Program Highlights ……………………………………

58

Continuing Education Impacts …………………………………………….

62

Office Manager Report …………………………………………………….

63

How to Connect ……………………………………………………………

64

Annual report designed and edited by David Burton, civic communication specialist for MU Extension in southwest Missouri and county program director in Greene County.

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2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Telephone: (417) 881-8909 Email: greeneco@missouri.edu Internet: http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

GREENE COUNTY EXTENSION CENTER January 16, 2018 Dear Greene County Commissioners and Residents:

This has been a good programming year for Greene County MU Extension. One of the reasons is that staff now has a focused 10-year goal to be working toward. “Greene County MU Extension will help Greene County businesses create or save 3,500 jobs, individually educate 500,000 Greene County residents on topics improving their families, farms, and nutrition and train 1500 new community leaders and volunteers in Greene County by 2030.”

During 2018, our staff provided educational programs and assistance to 36,348 Greene County residents, helped to save or create 597 jobs, and trained 143 new community leaders/volunteers.

County Commissioners and donors have helped improve the quality of life in this county by partnering with Greene County MU Extension. 

Donors made it possible to expand our support of 4-H in the county. County Commissioners have made it possible to add a 4-H youth program associate to our team in 2019.



Donations and grants have made it possible to expand our award-winning EXCEL leadership program for all residents of the county.



The County Commission has supported our nutrition training for families and children as well as efforts to expand local food production.



The County Commission has helped keep local agriculture viable and funding our drought survival meetings and various farm tours.



Individual donations have helped to support programming efforts to aid communities in developing a vision for the 21st Century.



Donations made it possible to expand our “Salute to Century & Family Farms” event and honor five families operating a farm that has stayed in the family for over 100 years.



Grants and partnerships have given money that has helped to fund the sharing of information that helps local businesses expand and others to get their own business started.

We want to thank the County Commissioners for their strong support of Greene County Extension. We look forward to our continued partnership and programming.

Submitted by

Moran Ash

Council Secretary

Jason Whitesell Council Chairman

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GREENE COUNTY ENGAGEMENT Over 36,348 Residents Reached During 2018 January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 by Greene County Specialists Direct Program Contacts in Greene County Number of Events Contacts in County Contacts From Other County

710

Direct Contacts in Other Counties Number of Events Contact in County

69 464

Contacts From Other County Total Events

Indirect Program Contacts by County Specialists Number of events 127 Contact in County 11520 Contacts From Other County 3059 Direct Individual Contacts by County Specialists Named of Events 26 Contact in County 2889 Contacts From Other County 1785

TOTALS 207 11234

4687

Report based on the "County Contact Summary" produced from our MyExtension.

429

Total Contacts in County Total Contacts

26107 36348

Full demographic and affirmative action reports are available at the county office.

10-Year Goals and Vision Progress Report Greene County MU Extension will help county businesses create or save 5000 jobs, individually educate 500,000 county residents on topics improving their families, farms, and nutrition, and train 1,500 new community leaders and volunteers by 2030.

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Category

YTD Goal 5000

29%

Individuals educated 84844 500000 Leaders/Volunteers 236 1500

17% 16%

Jobs Created/Retained

1444

Progress

ENGAGEMENT Engagement Report for Greene County MU Extension Updated December 21, 2018

MEASURED SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Method for Current This Year to Engagement Followers Month Date 2018 Goal Reaching Out Report online at Issuu

Southwest Regional News Service (email)

Greene County Extension Facebook Youtube MU Extension417 views

1,149

8,752

1946

797

Extension Council engagement

EXCEL and Leader engagement TOTAL

435

5176

12874

3224

24

3201

65952

202218

32890

Notes and 2019 Goals

2500

This publication is released online, emailed to supporters and available in print at the office.

One goal would be to find a sponsor to help with a wider distribution of this newsletter throughout the county. Setting a goal of 5,000 for total readership in 2019.

50,000

Went to a new distribution system during 2018. The goal now is to clean up the distribution list. That means we retain active readers and drop others. The overall number of subscribers will drop but hopefully the overall readership would not decline. This moves to bi-weekly during 2019.

45,000

In 2019 w e are adding more Live video and regular news posts along with event announcements to this platform. The goal is to exceed 2400 followers of our page by the end of 2019.

20,000

Our videos continue to have steady viewership. More local specialists are doing videos at our Greene County studio and with increased content should come increased viewership. Our 2019 goal will be 40,000.

400

We will continue to encourage council members to engage the community. Office staff is working to increase engagement too.

The goal for 2019 is 500 council engagements.

Every EXCEL student is an opportunity for engagement and their programs extend our efforts further. This category is a true measure of our community engagement.

625

72

34

242

150

12,716

21,757

305,128

108,050

* Success in this area of engagement must involve all staff and council members. Getting residents engaged with MU Extension and connected with our resources is valuable for the program and for Missourians. In 2019, the CES will also be further involved with each of the rural Chambers of Commerce in Greene County as well as elected stakeholders. However, these types of contacts can also be made by other specialists and volunteers.

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ENGAGEMENT

9

ENGAGEMENT

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ENGAGEMENT Gardening Hotline

Regular Newspaper Columns

Call the Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline for answers (874-2963).

“Ask the Master Gardener” answers your lawn and garden questions in the NewsLeader every Sunday. David Burton’s 15-year column, “Ag in the Ozarks” can be found in the business section of News-Leader. You will also find “Live and Learn” in the weekly Greene County Commonwealth newspaper.

Extension TV (KOLR–TV 10)

Watch specialists two Mondays per month during the 11 a.m. news on KOLR-TV10. Our local horticulture specialist appears on KOLR -TV10 every Thursday at 11 a.m.

County’s Extension Website

Facebook: Become a Fan

The website had over 30,000 visitors in 2018. (extension.missouri.edu/greene)

Find the Greene County Extension Council on Facebook and get up-to-date information.

“Reaching Out Report”

YouTube Channel

Monthly newsletter for Greene County Extension http://issuu.com/greenecoext.

Visit www.youtube.com/MUExtension417 to see the regular video updates and reports.

EXCEL Leadership Program

Library Publications

Enroll in our EXCEL Leadership program for free and be informed of our various leadership and volunteer trainings.

Informational brochures are available at the Library Center and the Library Station.

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2018 Financial Records

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GREENE COUNTY EXTENSION FINANCIALS 2018 Income & Expense Financial Report

Understanding Our Financial Report

(Unrestricted & Restricted Income and Expenses) Income

Jan - Dec 18

0100 · Student Fees

$18,861.07

0210 · County Appropriations

$50,000.00

0300 · Misc Income

By law, the Greene County MU Extension Council must annually publish its Income and Expense Financial Report for all of the restricted and unrestricted accounts (at right).

The most important thing to remember is that this report includes monies from everything we do the accounting on at the Greene County MU Extension office which includes grants and accounts for our programs and monies for our Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists chapters. Each of those accounts have income and expenses that are not part of the operational budget for our office but are reflected in this financial report.

These chapter and grant accounts are kept in restricted funds and can only be spent for their intended purposes. None of them generate profit toward the operation of our office. However it sometimes makes our annual financial report look like we have finished the year with a big profit. We value these accounts and grants because they make additional programing possible.

We do have a goal of operating our office in the black. During the year we publish a “financial scoreboard.” This scorecard only takes in to account our budgeted monies for the operation of our office and local programs.

$0.00

0400 · Gift/Grants/Contracts

$30,728.57

0900 · Resales/Educ Services Fees

$24,701.72

1500 · University Program Funds Total Income

0.00 $124,291.36

Expense

2700 · Persnnl Serv - Salaries & Wag

$27,357.15

2800 · Payroll Expenses

$14,446.23

3100 · Travel

$-425.49

3600 · Postage

$4231.85

3700 · Telephone Serv - Local

$407.44

3900 · Advertising

$4,397.76

4700 · Publishing/Printing

$4,530.80

5100 · Supplies/Services

$36,404.24

5110 Annual Meeting

$165.00

5200 · Professional Development

$2,029.22

5600· Professional Services

$1,353.27

6400 · Other Contract Services

$3,332.15

6800 · Insurance

$475.00

6999 · Uncategorized Expenses

0.00

7010 · Extension Council Exp

$47.33

7100 · Soil Test Expenses

$5,012.50

7200 · Publications for Resale

$1,638.15

7300 · Repairs/Maintenance

$5,757.25

7700 · Furniture/Equipment

$201.97

7999 · Fee Generation Distribution Total Expense

$7,224.98 $118.586.80 $5,704.56

Net Income

Other monies held by council  Greene County Extension Council (GCEC) also has an endowment with the University of Missouri with a balance of $7,823.28.  GCEC holds a gift fund with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks with a present balance of 1,037.11.  GCEC also holds a gift fund for the Master Gardeners of Greene County with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks with a present balance of $13,371.03.

Balance Sheet Dec. 31, 2018

ASSETS Checking TOTAL ASSETS 12/31/16

$113,650.22 $113,650.22

EQUITY Retained Earnings Net Income ________TOTAL EQUITY 12/31/16__

$107,472.98 $ 5,704.56 $113,177.54

Total Current Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY:

$ 472.68 $113,650.22

University of Missouri Extension programs in Greene County are funded by county, state and federal appropriations.

The Greene County Commission provides local extension funding for office expenses, clerical salaries and travel expenses of specialists who conduct programs in Greene County. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board provides our office and classroom space in the Botanical Center. The University of Missouri provides salaries and benefits for professional and para-professional staff members headquartered in Greene County. This includes training expenses, postage, staff communications and computer equipment costs and maintenance.

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GREENE COUNTY EXTENSION FINANCIALS 2019 Extension Council Budget Income 0100 · Student Fees

2019 Budget

2018 Actuals YTD

2018 Budget

NOTES / Next Month

$18,105.00

$18,861.07

$24,000.00 This reflects what we see as some local changes in staff.

51,500.00

$50,000.00

$50,000.00 Increase to cover cost of loss of campus insurance money.

0400 · Gift/Grants

$33,000.00

$30,728.57

$17,500.00 Annual fundraising will continue. Includes 4-H position.

0900 · Resales/Fees/ * Soil Tests

$10,800.00

$24,701.72

$9,500.00 for sold publications, including the sale of plat books.

$1,570.00

0.00

0210 · County Appro.

2600 - MCHP Subsidy

Total Income

Revenue collected from soil testing. Included here are fees $3,075.00 These monies have been transitioned to $0 over 3 years.

114,975.00 $124,291.36 $104,075.00 Funds that go to the restricted funds are not included here.

Expense

Council employs one secretary and county pay scale is used

2700 · Personnel Wages

$34,000.00

4-H Youth Associate

$16,000.00

2800 · Payroll Exp.

$11,500.00

$27,357.15

$32,000.00 to determine rate. Includes temp help for office coverage.

Commission, funding creation of a 4-H program there.

Council fully funds health benefits for administrative assis$14,446.23

$11,500.00 tant Costs going up $26 per month in 2019.

3100 · Travel

$3,000.00

$-425.49

$8,000.00 For local programming only. Regional fund paid back 2018

3600 · Postage

$3,500.00

$4231.85

$3,200.00 Includes postage for campaigns, soil tests and office

3700 · Telephone

$500.00

$407.44

3900 · Advertising

$4,000.00

$4,397.76

$5,750.00 Marketing and promotion of programs.

4700 · Printing

$3,500.00

$4,530.80

$3,250.00

$300.00

0.00

16,000.00

$36,404.24

$750.00

$165.00

$0.00

$2,029.22

5600 - Pro. Services

$850.00

$1,353.27

$3,500.00 In 2019 we will end all of these except the shuttle cost.

6400 - Contract Serv.

$750.00

$3,332.15

$2,750.00 but keeping timecard app, grammarly and flickr.

6800 - Insurance

$450.00

$475.00

7010 - Ext. Council

$175.00

$47.33

7100 · Soil Test Exp.

$4,800.00

$5,012.50

$5,000.00 Our costs went up in 2018 by $2 per test.

7200 · Pubs for Resale

$3,950.00

$1,638.15

$2,500.00 Includes printing of county plat books in 2019.

7300 · Repairs/ Maintenance

$3,500.00

$5,757.25

$3,000.00 As copier gets older this increases; includes overage charge.

$750.00

$201.97

4800 · Copies

5100 · Supplies/ Services 5110 · Annual Meeting 5200 · Professional Development

$900.00

$300.00 Publication of Council's Annual Report as required by law.

The more programs we do the more costs we have in sup$9,500.00 plies, including new costs for the 4-H position. $350.00 This is being transitioned to the Founder’s Day event

Continuing our "stake in the outcome" proposal. Special$0.00 ists and staff earn these dollars by hitting goals.

PROPOSED: Eliminating accounting service (60 days notice)

7700 - Equipment

7999 - Fee Generation MU Total Expense NET INCOME

$6,700.00

$450.00 Renters insurance $200.00 Cost of running legal notice for counci election

$750.00 Covers necessary equipment needs during the year.

This fee will be generated through our online registration system known as Nexus. This is designed to cover a small percentage of the specialists time. Specialists are paid by the University. The more programs we do the greater this $7,224.98 $11,175.00 fee, but also our student revenue.

$114,975.00 $118,586.80 $104,075.00 $0.00

-$5,704.56

$0.00

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GREENE COUNTY EXTENSION FINANCIALS

Official 2018 Audit Report Date: March 9, 2018 To:

County Commissioners

From: Greene County Extension Audit Committee Re:

Greene County Extension Audit of 2017 books

In accordance with State Law governing extension councils, an audit of the county has been conducted by a council committee using MU Extension provided resources and forms.

Those present for the audit of the Greene County Extension Council were: Jason Whitesell, Council Chair; Kent John, Council Vice-Chair, Lisa Bakerink, Council Treasurer; Tyler Gunlock, Council member; James Garton, Council member, David Burton, County Program Director; Maggie Black, office manager.

The required files picked for the audit sample were the council’s financial files for March and October of 2017. General Interviews using University of Missouri Procedure and Record guidelines were used as an outline for this process.

The audit was conducted and all records were found to be in great condition.

The audit resulted in the following comments and suggestions:  David and Maggie do a great job of retaining necessary records for all transactions (deposits and checks) that go through the account on a monthly basis. When handling cash, the office does a great job in following dual control.  Continue with their routine in making deposits and taking necessary online training courses in regards to fiscal policies and accounting systems.

The audit committee recommends that: 



We ask that Justin at Arkanum Financial Partners to start saving our monthly reports to an electronic file for Maggie to access them throughout the year.

We recommend that Extension raise soil test fees to $30.00 for the first test and $25.00 for additional tests in order to lessen the need to have so much loose change on hand in Petty Cash.

The Audit Committee would accept a motion at the March Extension Council meeting to approve the report as submitted.

Submitted by: Jason A. Whitesell

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2018 DONORS TO GREENE COUNTY EXTENSION                            

Sally McCune Ronald & Sue Terry Marilyn J. Anderson Rick & Becky Anderson Integrity Home Care & Hospice FCS Financial Larson Farm and Home Main Street Feed Legacy Bank Greene County Farm Bureau Race Brothers Farm and Home PFI Conoco MFA James Garton Caroline Griesemer SW Electric Cooperative Ozark Electric Coop Don & Cassandra Garoutte Susan Moran First Baptist Church Wilson Griffin Funeral Home Dr Dan & Susan Cardwel Maryann Holt Beck's Auto Supply Gordon's Feed and Pet Greg and Tara Bohne Minuen Odom

                         

SOMO Central Bank of the Ozarks Herbert Coggins Old Missouri Bank Stephen & Sally Taylor William & Kathryn Hosman Ann Hall Bob & Barbara Kipfer Ramona Burton David & Stacey Burton Heritage Tractor Inc. George & Linda Deatz Deatz Family Fund Barbara Dickenshee Cyril & Gerre Brown Michael & Janet Wooten Fred and LaQuita Hall Larry H. Jones Gaylen & Dedra Jones Gale and Becky Edwards Maggie Black Samuel Snider RDW Family & Community Fund David Hazelrigg John & Gail Hurley Winsor Morrison

In total, our donors and sponsors contributed $18,346 toward our operations budget in 2018.

Donating to Greene County Extension is as Easy As: 1. Donate online at extension.missouri.edu/greene by mail or in person.

2. Stay connected with

Greene County Extension on social media, by email and/ or in service as a volunteer.

3. Enjoy making a difference in the lives of 45,000 county residents annually.

University of Missouri Extension in Greene County

Located inside the Botanical Center at 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 | Email: greeneco@missouri.edu | Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene 16

2018 Council and Staff

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COUNCIL 2019 Candidates for the Greene County Extension Council Tony Ahart, Springfield, MO. Tony is a Missouri native. His family owned & operated a large dairy farm through young adult years in Dallas County.

The family utilized MU Extension information & programs for many years. He is a retired Master Electrician & is now an active Master Gardener in Greene County.

Lisa Bakerink, Springfield, MO. Lisa is a beneficiary of extension, being raised on a Century farm in Iowa & was active in 4-H club during elementary & junior high years. She is the Executive Director of Friends of the Garden. She is a strong advocate for the Springfield Botanical Gardens & appreciates the significant educational contributions made to the gardens & by the MU Greene Co Extension staff.

Ben Clutter, Springfield, MO. Ben holds a degree in Organizational Communication and Leadership as a graduate of Drury University. He has worked with multiple state representatives in Jefferson City.

He works for the Community Partnership, and focuses on homeless services in Greene, Webster and Christian Counties.

Chad Courtney, Springfield, MO. Chad is an attorney in Springfield and a Mizzou alum. He has spent the last 19 years in Greene County. He believes in Extension and the valuable services we provide to the citizens of Missouri.

Alex Greiwe, Springfield, MO. Alex is a University of Missouri alum and leads the Chamber of Commerce efforts for Workforce Development in the Springfield area. She works with businesses and partners to create and maintain a seamless pipeline of talent for regional industries.

Tyler Gunlock, Ash Grove, MO. Tyler is a graduate of Ash Grove High School and a University of Missouri alumni. He is a former commercial insurance broker, State Representative candidate and is a full time farmer, member of Ash Grove Care 2 Learn and Greene County Extension Council. He is a graduate of the Extension Excel leadership program and volunteers for many organizations.

Marissa Hayward, Springfield, MO. Marissa was born and raised just north of Springfield, attended Pleasant View Elementary and Hillcrest High School. Growing up she lived on 180 acres of family land with a small “hobby” herd of cattle. She has been in banking for 20 years and currently works at the East Kearney location of BancorpSouth. One of her many responsibilities is to work with nonprofits to provide financial education to low to moderate income individuals and families.

Scott A. Smith, Springfield, MO. Scott is an attorney and a member of Rooney McBride and Smith, LLC. He received his law degree from the University of MO-Columbia School of Law in 2004. Scott serves on several boards and professional organizations. As a proud Mizzou alum, Scott serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association.

Jason Whitesell, Ash Grove, MO. Jason has been the Vice-President for Old Missouri Bank since June 2014. Prior to this he was Vice-President at First Independent Bank in Aurora for 13 years. He is involved with agricultural lending on a daily basis. His family’s farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 2015. He served as the extension council president during 2018.

Election conducted Jan. 21-25, 2019 which was too late for vote totals to be included in annual report.  Ben Clutter will be serving as appointed representative for the City of Republic.  Other candidates were elected to council.

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2018-2019 COUNTY EXTENSION COUNCIL First Larry G. Tony Morgan Lisa

Last Adams Ahart Ash Bankerink

City Rogersville Springfield Springfield Springfield

St MO MO MO MO

Harold

Bengsch

Springfield

MO

Greg Karen

Boehne Dowdy

James

Garton

Tyler Ann Brandon

Gunlock Hall Hebbert

Springfield Willard Strafford Ash Grove Springfield Springfield

MO MO MO MO MO Mo

Joseph

Hoffman

Springfield

MO

Kent David E. A. Jordon Alex Chris Samuel Rick Jason

John Johnson Miller Greiwe Schulze Snider Stenberg Whitesell

Springfield Springfield Ash Grove Springfield Springfield Willard Willard Springfield

MO MO MO Mo MO MO MO MO

Vacant Vacant Lauren Mike

MO Waterman Lofarno

Bois D'Arc Springfield

Mo MO

Zip

Office

65742 Elec 65809 Elec 65803 Secretary 65802 Treasurer 65802 County Comm.

65804 Elec 65781 Elec 65757 Elec 65604 Elec 65804 Elec 65804 Elec 65803 Springfield 65807 Vice Chair 65810 Elec 65604 MFA 65807 Ele/Appt 65804 Elec 65781 Willard 65781 Elec 65810 Chairman Farm Bureau Republic 4H Youth Tiger Ambassador

Year Ends

2020 2018

2020 2018 App

2020 2020 2018 2018

2020 2020 App 2018 2018 App 2018

2020 App

2020 2018 App App App App

A complete list of the current council along with contact information can be found on the Greene County Extension website.

Role of the Council:    

Work with extension specialists to provide the county educational program Manage finances of local extension operations Provide personnel to carry out extension activities Elect and organize the local extension council

Council typically meets the last Monday of the month at 12 noon. See the website to confirm dates.

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MU EXTENSION STAFF IN GREENE COUNTY

Jeff Barber

David Burton

Housing and Design County Engagement Joined —2006 Joined — 2001

Renette Wardlow Maggie Black Human Development Joined —1990

Theresa Fossett FNEP Director Joined —2000

Kelly McGowan

Justin Kastning

Administrative Asst. 4-H Youth Associate Joined — 2019 Joined —2015

Sherri Hull

Nutrition Associate Joined —2008

Dr. Amy Patillo Kelsa Ferguson

Horticulture Specialist Workforce Dev. Joined — 2011 Joined — 2013

Myra Dickensheet Nutrition Associate Joined —2018

Greene County Extension

Nutrition Specialist Joined — 2019

Randi Williams

Myrna Stark

Marty Wood

Della Miller

Office Support Asst. 3 FNEP Manager Joined —1990 Joined —2011

Nutrition Associate Joined —2000

Nutrition Associate Joined —2018

Family Nutrition Education Program

Office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center

2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. Tel: 417-886-2059

2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 Office hours: Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Call the office to inquire about nutrition education.

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MU EXTENSION STAFF SERVING GREENE COUNTY Karla Deaver

Andy McCorkill

4-H Youth specialist Headquartered in Lawrence County Tel: (417) 466-3102 Email: deaverk@missouri.edu

Livestock specialist Headquartered in Dallas County Tel: (417) 345-7551 Email: mccorkilla@missouri.edu

Tim Schnakenberg

Patrick Byers

Agronomy specialist Headquartered in Stone County Tel: (417) 357-6812 Email: schnakenbergc@missouri.edu

Horticulture Specialist Headquartered in Webster County Tel: (417) 859-2044 Email: byerspl@missouri.edu

Sarah Havens

Jim Spencer Jr.

Natural Resources Engineering Spec.

Headquartered in Phelps County Tel: 573-458-6260 Email: Havenss@missouri.edu

Agriculture Business Specialist Headquartered in Christian County Tel: (417) 3581-3558 Email: spencerjr@missouri.edu

Mary Sebade

Reagan Bluel

Dr. Pam Duitsman

Eldon Cole

Nutrition Specialist Headquartered in Dallas County Tel: (417) 345-7551 Email: sebadem@missouri.edu

Dairy Specialist Headquartered in Barry County Tel: (417) 847-3161 Email: BluelRJ@missouri.edu

Community Development Specialist Headquartered in Christian County Tel: (417) 581-3558 E-mail: duitsmanp@missouri.edu

Livestock specialist Headquartered in Lawrence County Tel: (417) 466-3102 Email: colee@missouri.edu

Lindsey Stevenson

Jill Scheidt

Nutrition Specialist Headquartered in Barton County Tel: (417) 682-3579 E-mail: gordonlk@missouri.edu

Agronomy Specialist Headquartered in Barton County Tel: (417) 682-3579 E-mail: scheidtjk@missouri.edu

Southwest Region Directors Office 1845 S. National, Ste. 100, Springfield, Mo. 65804 Jay Chism, Regional Dir ector E-mail: chismj@missouri.edu Sarah Grubaugh, Administr ative Assistant Email: GrubaughS@missouri.edu 21

| Tel: (417) 865-0707

2018 Program Highlights for Greene County MU Extension

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AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT 155 Local Cattle Producers Attend Drought Survival Workshop in Greene County Even a summer rain could not keep cattle producers away from drought survival workshops conducted by University of Missouri Extension on Aug. 17 at the Southwest Research Center in Mt. Vernon and at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center near Republic. The meeting at the livestock marketing center had over 150 in attendance.

The workshop in Mt. Vernon attracted 102 cattle producers.

Dr. Eric Bailey, state beef nutrition specialist at the University of Missouri, said planning for drought is not going to be something that just needs attention in 2018.

During drought, convenience is a factor that works against producers.

Summer drought has caused headaches for producers who are preparing to feed cattle this winter with little forage or hay on hand. This workshop focused on supplementing lowquality hay, alternative feeds, herd culling, precautions with nitrates, fall forage alternatives and assessing the price of forages.

“This was the best organized comprehensive impromptu meeting I’ve seen,” said Mary Turton of Springfield.

“Great information from speakers with years and years of experience. The stress of the challenge is wearing on the toughest of us.”

Marsha Moreland of Aurora attended the program at the Southwest Center.

“Great info and comments from the crowd.

I hope all attendees test their hay. Your doctor doesn’t prescribe any medications until a blood test is drawn. A hay test or soil test is like the blood test,” said Moreland.

Schnakenberg and Bailey and Cole all spoke at the event along with Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist and Jim Spencer, agriculture business specialist.

Specialists also tested grass for nitrates at this meeting (shown below).

155 people attended the workshop at the Springfield Livestock Center near Republic.

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AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

Popular “Regional Hay School” Draws Audience of 68 to Springfield

ricultural Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. There was a small fee to attend the program which included three meals. The meal was underwritten by MFA, Heritage Tractor of Rogersville and Vermeer.

Southwest Missouri hay producers had an opportunity to attend a regional school in Springfield on three nights in December to learn how to improve their hay making skills.

The program is offered by Greene County University of Missouri Extension in cooperation with the Missouri State University.

This three-night non-credit course is for livestock producers who already own hay equipment or have hay custom harvested on their land.

All aspects of hay and round bale silage production were covered according to Tim Schnakenberg, an agronomy field specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“There is a lot at stake when making hay and many things to consider to make it worth the effort and to be profitable,” said Schnakenberg. “Attending a hay school is an important management tool to insure that you will get the most out of your land, time and hay equipment during the 2019 season.”

The program focused on topics like economics of hay production, forage options, hay quality issues and testing, fertility management, round bale silage management, hay storage, feeding to keep losses low and nutritional needs of cattle.

This regional hay school was held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., December 4, 11 and 13, at the Darr Ag-

Terry Halleran, field specialist in agronomy, speaks about forage quality at the hay school.

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AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT 5th Annual “Salute to Century and Family Farms” Celebrates Agriculture Heritage of Greene County Greene County MU Extension and 124 attendees honored the newest Century Farms in the county, celebrated local family farms and heard three outstanding youth speakers at the fifth annual “Salute to Century and Family Farms” event held Sept. 18 at the historic Round Barn Event Center near Ash Grove.

A new recognition this year known as the “Jackie Warfel Most Valuable Farm Award” was presented to the Danny and Janet Hawk Farm near Walnut Grove. The Hawk farm has been in the family 185 years. The original farm was homesteaded in 1833 the same year that Greene County was established.

“Jackie was able to be present the award to the Hawk family for us and shared some of the history of the Hawk and Looney families and their importance to the early establishment of the county,” said David Burton, county engagement specialist in community economic development, University of Missouri Extension. “What a family legacy on that farm! I’m happy that there are a lot of young family members planning to stay and keep the farm going for many years to come.”

CENTURY FARMS These four Greene County farms were also recognized with Century Farm status.

Dishman Family Farm: Jeanette Forney and Golden Jane Love — 100 acres near Strafford first farmed by grandfather James King Dishman, 1912.

McCall Family Farm: Harriett McCall — 168 acres near Willard first farmed by greatgreat grandparent Elizabeth McCall in 1871 Lindal and Carol Highfill Farm: Lindal and Carol Highfill — 77 acres near Fair

Council chair Jason Whitesell (left) presents the farm sign to the McCall family of Ash Grove.

Council chair Jason Whitesell (left) presents the farm sign to the Shelton family of Willard.

Grove, first farmed by aunt Effie HighfillBrackett in 1912 Doug and Robin Shelton Farm: Doug and Robin Shelton —180 acres near Willard, first farmed by great-grandfather Jacob Zimmerman in 1911.

STUDENT SPEAKERS Three student speakers were also be featured speakers and videos of their speeches can be found on the Facebook page of the 25

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT Bois D’Arc Braves 4-H, gave a speech entitled, “Our Family Legacy.” He lives on Clearwater Farm with his parents Jim and Joann Pipkin.

MaKenna Johnson, President of the Ash Grove FFA chapter and the daughter of Angie and Eric Johnson of Ash Grove, gave a speech entitled, "Rural America: The Heartland.”

SPONSORS AND MORE Sponsors for the evening – including sponsors for the recognized farms and speakers – were Old Missouri Bank, Integrity Homecare and Hospice, Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Gordon Feed and Pet, Central Bank of Strafford, Greene County Commission, Greene County Farm Bureau, Greene County Commonwealth, American Business Systems, SOMO Farm Supply, Becks Auto Supply, Greg and Tara Boehne, Dan and Susan Cardwell, and Southwest Electric Cooperative.

To qualify for Century Farm status, a single family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Applications are available and can be submitted between Feb. 1 and May 15.

Council chair Jason Whitesell (left) presents a farm sign to the Highfill family of Strafford.

Jackie Warfel (left) presents the “Jackie Warfel Most Valuable Farm Award” to the Danny and Janet Hawk Farm near Walnut Grove.

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AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT Greene County Commission, County Leaders Educated on Third Annual Ag Tour The Greene County Commission, along with the Greene County MU Extension, members of County departments and delegates from the community learned about local agriculture on the third annual Greene County Ag Tour on Sept. 25.

The tour is made possible through a partnership with the University of Missouri Extension.

“Farming and agriculture-related activities remain a vital part of the Greene County economy. It is important that those of us in local government understand the unique challenges and opportunities area farmers face,” said Presiding Commissioner Bob Cirtin. “That what makes this tour such a valuable experience each year.”

The 2018 tour covered a wide range of agriculture-related topics, everything from egg production to a farm-to-counter business. Tour stops were Republic High School, the Dan Chiles Farm, Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Vital Farms Egg Processing Facility, and the new Farm to Counter store in Springfield.

program but it is also being done to build up the soil health to the point that it can support a quality warm-season grass for baling.

In the process, students are learning about row crops, soil health and the economics of forage.

Students have built an outstanding handling facility for cattle, restored a barn, and a facility for raising pigs. The school greenhouse is also moving toward profitability with special sales.

Students are also working on a land revitalization project, where they plan to graze ten cows on 25 acres of land on the high school campus using a rotational grazing system. They plan to start putting up fence very soon and have the livestock on campus by the end of the year. Students will be responsible for caring for those animals.

Schools administrators and the school

REPUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL The first tour stop was at Republic High School were participants toured the FFA fields and facilities and met the students involved in this award-winning program.

Republic FFA advisors – David Mareth and Cody Stewart -- are building a program focused on long-term success and sustainability.

FFA students have been working to clean up the school property. They have recently planted 40 acres of vacant fields in soybeans.

The fields supported winter wheat earlier in the year.

FFA Chapter President Kendall Hamilton said the planting is a cash crop for the 27

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT board have supported the proposal. In the process, students learn science and business and leadership skills.

"So the kids are actually running a small farm here," said David Mareth, Republic High School Agriculture Education Instructor.

Tim Schnakenberg, an agronomy specialist with MU Extension, has been giving advisement along the way.

I say it is the best line-up of tour stops we have ever had and honestly, I would say that again this year because of the diversity of these stops. It all points to the value and impact of agriculture in this county.”

SPRINGFIELD LIVESTOCK CENTER Owner Tom Kissee hosted tour participants at the Springfield Livestock Center where the group observed a cattle auction and enjoyed a meal featuring beef.

The Springfield Livestock Marketing Center processes about 200,000 head of livestock per year. Missouri is the second largest producer of cows-calves in the United States and Greene County ranks 16th in the state with 35,000 head of cattle.

OTHER STOPS Dan Chiles farm featured his families work to restore the land with sustainable practices that help preserve the headwaters of Sac River that are on the property.

The Vital Egg Processing Plant is a high tech facility that has been in Springfield for only one year. Nearly 1 million eggs a day are processed out of the facility and shipped all over the United States. These eggs from pasture-raised hens are available locally at Mama Jeans, Luckys, Rudys and Target.

Farm to Counter, a store located at Broadway and Atlantic in Springfield, features a wide selection of local and organic snacks, beverages and produce. Owner Paul Allen emphasizes local products and seasonal farmgrown produce and foods which blends “global styles with local traditions.”

“Several specialists with Greene County and MU Extension are involved in putting together this annual event and we thank the commission for entrusting us with that responsibility,” said David Burton, county engagement specialist in community economic development with MU Extension. “Every year

Springfield Livestock Marketing Center

Vital Egg Processing Plant 28

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

McGowan Horticulture Highlights for 2018

Work continued on the project titled “Flower Production and Effect of Flower Harvest on Berry Yields within Six American Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) genotypes.” A project overview was presented at the 2018 Comprehensive Elderberry Producers Workshop in Jefferson City and was the state winner for applied research at the 2019 National Association of County Agriculture Agents conference in Chattanooga, Tenn.

2018 RESEARCH Kelly McGowan worked on two major research projects in 2018. The first, titled ‘Population Locations of the Ozark Woodland Swallowtail (Papilio joanae) Butterfly’, involved monitoring and scouting for wild populations of this species. Papilio joanae is currently listed on the Missouri Department of Conservations ‘Species of Con- Swallowtail research in 2018 servation Concern’ list, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s ‘Species of Greatest Conservation Need’. The project will continue in 2019.

The second project, titled ‘Investigating the Optimum Planting Date for Garlic in Southwest Missouri’, involved evaluating and comparing spring and fall garlic planting dates. Data resulting from this project will give commercial garlic producers decision tools to increase crop yields and encourage more production in Missouri. This is a partnership with Missouri State University and involves collaborations with Cornell University in New York. This project will con- McGowan’s elderflower poster presentation at tinue in 2019.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIHGTS These were the ‘Healthy Yards for Clear Streams’ workshop and the ‘Urban Homesteading Workshop’. Annual programs such as the Garlic Festival and Tomato Expo continued in 2018. A weekly live segment on KOLR 10’s midday news highlights a current horticultural topic and is a great outreach opportunity for MU Extension.

McGowan coordinates the Master Gardners of Greene County and is involved with the day-to-day operations of the chapter including training new members annually.

McGowan also became a certified FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) food safety trainer in 2018 and will deliver produce safety curriculum to growers in Southwest Missouri. She also serves as secretary for the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District Board. She was promoted to Field Specialist in Horticulture in 2018.

Elisa Raffa and Kelly McGowan talking about Fall Color on the KOLR 10.

NACAA in Chattanooga

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AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

Master Gardeners of Greene County 2018 Membership: 187 members reporting hours 17,496 volunteer hours reported The national average value for volunteer service is $24.69 per hour (independentsector.org) This level of volunteer hours was a value of 431,976.24 given to the community by the Master Gardeners of Greene County in 2018.

Kelly McGowan, horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension is coordinator of the program.

Master Gardeners of Greene County activities and projects for 2018 included :  Advanced training and continuing education for members  Potting Shed University and Learn to Grow in the Garden classes for the public.  Membership newsletter  Emeritus care team  Social committee Demonstration Garden Team  Nathanael Greene Demonstration Garden  Friends of the Garden Sponsorship Program  Water Wise Garden  Master Gardener Hotline  Speakers Bureau  Young Sprouts in the Garden and the annual Friends of the Garden Butterfly Festival  Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser  Ask a Master Gardener column in News-Leader.  Fairs and Shows committee  Facebook page (MasterGardenersGreeneCounty)  Website (www.mggreene.org)  Monthly Public Newsletter  Community Garden involvement; Grow Well Missouri Hotline room volunteer Jim Garton 30

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

Core Training Class of 2018 Core Training for new members was held Feb. 15 through April 5, 2018 at the Springfield Botanical Center with 50 attendees. Class topics included:  Soil Health  Herbaceous and Tropical Ornamentals  Pruning  Botany and Plant Structures  Lawn and Turf Grass  Home Fruit Production  Home Vegetable Production  Insects in the Garden Environment  Trees  Landscape Design Plant Propagation  Establishment/Care of Woody Ornamentals Hands-on activities were included with some classes including a plant propagation lab, outdoor pruning demonstrations and a visit to turf plot demonstrations, which are maintained by the Master Gardeners of Greene County.

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Real Impact “Volunteering as lead gardener for a community garden led me to become a master gardener. As a master gardener I have worked closely with refugee gardeners from other cultures, teaching them to become productive growers in an environment far from their homeland. The impact of growing culturally familiar foods is enormous in raising their comfort level. Volunteering countless hours helping refugee gardeners grow their native plants, has broadened my worldview by meeting on common ground, in a garden.”

- Ken Bass, Springfield, Mo.

Schweitzer United Methodist Community Garden

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

Springfield Plateau Missouri Master Naturalist Chapter Annual Report 2018 By the Numbers  Active members: 76  Total hours of volunteer service conducted during 2018: 7005  Total hours of advanced training volunteers had during Ecology hike with WOLF Students and Master Naturalists.

2018: 980 session programs, and support of our  Total Education Hours: 2341 sponsors’ (MDC and MU Extension) and This past year (2018) was another year of accomplishments in a wide variety of interest areas for members of the Master Naturalists chapter. These included a deer count, the Christmas Bird Count, assisting at the National Archery in the School State Tournament (3500 attendees), providing activities at Bass Pro’s Outdoor Days (3 days) and providing educational outreach at events such as the Home School Fair, Lawn and Garden Show and many others.

The menu of educational programming from Master Naturalists continues to expand, with stand-alone events, trunk sessions, multi-

partners’ educational efforts.

SPECIAL PROJECTS Master Naturalists are heavily involved in elementary education including teaching weekly sessions at the WOLF School, which is a partnership between Bass Pro and Springfield Public Schools with 46 students and two teachers presenting the full year of the standard 5th grade curriculum “taught through the lens of nature.”

The Springfield Plateau Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist continued to sponsor the Missouri Department of Continued on next page

Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist Mission:

Our Mission is to engage people in the stewardship of our state’s natural resources through sciencebased education and volunteer community service. www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com

Program Objectives: 

 

Improve public understanding of natural resources ecology and management by developing a pool of local knowledge about natural resources ecology that can be used to enhance education efforts within local communities.

Enhance existing natural resources education and outreach activities by providing natural resources training at the local level, thereby developing a team of dedicated and informed volunteers.

Develop a self-sufficient Missouri Master Naturalist volunteer network.

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AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT List of Local Chapter partners:        

Native plantings at the Springfield Boathouse.



Conservation SW Region Teen Junior Leader Program in 2018. Seven teenagers volunteered 769-hours valued at $18,117.

Master Naturalists help to plant and maintain the areas around the Lake Springfield Boathouse, located at the Lake Springfield Park, owned and operated by the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department. Major components of this work has included: 1. Removing the Bush Honeysuckle and introduce native shrubs; 2. Introducing native grasses and flowers along the steep slopes; 3.

Prairie restoration.

Members are also actively involved in activities supporting the creation and preservation of habitat for Monarchs and other pollinators with our own projects and activities.

                     

Junior Leader, Deah Powell, holding a two- headed snake at Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center.

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Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Bat Conservation International Organization Bennet Springs Park Boy Scouts of America Co-sponsors of Teen Conservation Venturing Crew Branson for Monarchs City of Springfield Springfield-Greene County Park Board Department of Environmental Services Department of Public Works Friends of the Garden Greater Ozarks Audubon Society Interpreters Coalition of Springfield and SW Missouri James River Basin Partnership LAD Fair Leave No Trace National Organization Missouri Department of Conservation Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri State University Biology Department: Bat Studies Geology Department: Karst Studies Bull Shoals Field Station National Speleological Society Organization Safe Kids Coalition Springfield and SW Missouri Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods Springfield Plateau Grotto Springfield R-12 School District University of Missouri Extension Service/Greene County Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and Watershed Center White Nose Syndrome Working Group/Missouri

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT Farmer and Chef Speed Dating

(1.22.18) A coalition of farmers and chefs, assisted by MU Extension commercial horticulture field specialist Patrick Byers, organized an activity to connect these two groups interested in the local food system. A database of farmers was paired with a similar database of area chefs interested in sourcing locally. The event was a success as evidenced by comments at the event and successful relationships in the weeks following.

FSMA PSA training

(1.29.18) A team of MU and LU Extension produce food safety specialists offered the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Alliance training course, which is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22Š. The training course targets fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. Instructors included lead trainer Patrick Byers and trainers Robert Balek, Pamela Duitsman, and Nahshon Bishop.

Eighteen participants attended the training.

Sustainable Lawncare Project

James River Basin Project (JRBP), in cooperation with MU Extension, developed a sustainable lawncare project to serve homeowners in Greene County. The project assisted homeowners in developing a mult-year lawncare plan based on organic and sustainable practices, such as the use of organic fertilizers, compost, and soil testing. Grant funding provided the service at no charge to the homeowner, and over 8 lawncare plans were developed. Project leaders were commercial horticulture field specialist Patrick Byers and Brent Stock of JRBP.

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AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT Apple Grafting workshop

(4/11/18) MU Extension and Missouri State University offered an apple grafting workshop at MSU’s Bond Learning Center. 34 Attendees participated in a classroom presentation on grafting, and were then encouraged to try chip bud grafting. The workshop provided apple rootstocks, scionwood, and grafting supplies.

Instructors included Patrick Byers and Kelly McGowan from MU Extension, and MSU’s Jennifer Morganthaler, Susan Howard, and Martin Kaps. Of attendees who responded to the survey, 100% stated that the overall program fully met or exceeded their expectations.

Springfield Community Gardens Zone 1 FMPP project

Patrick Byers, MU Extension commercial horticulture field specialist, serves on consultant to Springfield Community Gardens on the Zone 1 Food Project. This project is intended to increase food production and security in Springfield’s Zone 1. MU Extension sponsored projects include production workshops on topics such as natural farming, produce food safety in community gardens, and home fruit production.

Several hands-on workshops on high tunnel construction, grape growing, and vegetable production were offered.

Vocational Ag Instructors tour

(7.25.18) The NRCS Strike Force project funds projects in StrikeForce counties, including Greene County, that promote specialty crop production as an economic driver. The project has an emphasis area on youth, and providing information that promotes specialty crop farming as an opportunity for youth. The Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association met in Springfield in July, and the StrikeForce team of MU Extension field specialists Amy Patillo and Patrick Byers organized and hosted a field trip to Millsap Farm, an innovative small farm that is focused on local food production. The tour included 26 instructors.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Ash Grove Betterment Night Rallies the Community Greene County MU Extension joined forces with the Ash Grove Sunshine Center to offer a unique event on July 12 aimed at addressing challenges and improving the sense of community in Ash Grove.

Around 30 individuals attended the event, and all proceeds from the meal stayed with the Sunshine Center to support their building and programs for senior residents of the area.

David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, presented a program entitled, “Working Together to Create a Better Community.”

Burton highlighted community organizations that are working to improve Ash Grove: the Nursing Home Auxiliary, Historic Town Committee, Circle of Paws, Care to Learn, the Ash Grove Fire District, and Freeway Ministries at Ash Grove First Baptist Church.

“I can tell you there is no magic wand to be waived that will improve the quality of life or increase community involvement. When a community declines, it is often a slow fade.

And the same is true when the community improves,” said Burton.

But he also noted that there are ways residents can impact a community and one of the greatest ways is negativity versus a positive focus on what’s going on the community “Negativity is contagious. But so is a positive community attitude,” said Burton.

“Taking ownership of the community through local leadership, volunteerism and involvement is a key step forward to improvement, but it does require work.”

Dr. Amy Patillo, a workforce development specialist with MU Extension, presented “Health Insurance Literacy.” Dr. Pam Duitsman, a nutrition and health education specialist with MU Extension, presented “Nutrition for Life-Long Health.”

This flexible program is available for any community in Greene County if a community partnership exists.

Dr. Amy Patillo (Extension) and Shamim Jaleel (Cox)

Dr. Pam Duitsman talks about nutrition.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MU Extension Specialists Help City of Republic Employees Build Goals and Action Plans for Their Departments A sleeping giant has been awakened in western Greene County. New city leadership combined with an enthusiastic staff, positive elected officials, a thriving economy, quality of life assets and a strong school district have helped to position Republic as a positive place to do business and raise a family.

To keep up with the changes and needs, city departments are now creating goals, action plans and work groups to accomplish priority projects and keep moving the city forward.

“We have a comprehensive mix of new and tenured staff members, and it was necessary to bring everyone together, look beyond their challenges or departments and think big picture,” said David Cameron, city administrator for the City of Republic.

University of Missouri Extension Community Development Specialists Dr. Amy Patillo, David Burton and Dr. Pam Duitsman, facilitated a goal-setting training for city department heads on Jan. 18-19 in the training room at the Heart of America Beverage Company, Republic.

“MU Extension’s community development program works with Missouri communities and non-profits of all types to improve staff interaction, increase citizen involvement and to offer a variety of other relevant trainings,” 37

said Burton.

Patillo led department supervisors through a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis of the city.

Attendees were engaged individually and in groups to brainstorm needs, identify city goals and create action plans.

“Groups, organizations, and communities can develop a vision, identify priorities, develop an action agenda, and successfully develop and implement programs and projects by using MU Extension’s proven processes,” stated Dr. Patillo.

The group discussed positive city accomplishments as well as areas of concern. On the topic of communication, the need for a public information officer for internal and external engagement was discussed as a way to communicate positive messages.

However, a surprising need for internal staff communication and cooperation also bubbled up as a priority.

“It was great to see staff identify a challenge,

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT discuss different approaches to meeting that challenge, and then settle on creating work groups and making weekly meetings on goals and finances a priority goal,” said Burton.

Staff also set goals to recommend to the City Council. The top six goals focus on the comprehensive plan, finances and funding, technical needs, training, communication (internal and external) and 30/60/90 action plans for workgroups.

Disciplined follow-up is essential to keep the momentum going to accomplish identified goals. By developing action items and assigning responsibility, city staff and leadership is preparing to do 30, 60 and 90-day follow-ups on the goals as well as establishing work groups.

“While we have recognized several positive improvements over the last 18 months, we also know that we cannot live in yesterday’s achievements and must continue to improve with our processes, relationships, and trust,” said Cameron. “It’s an important aspect of government when you have positive momentum that you make time to assess your current position, future needs and what could hinder the organization.”

For more information about meeting facilitation or customized training options contact any of these MU Extension Community Development Specialists working in southwest Missouri: Amy Patillo in Christian County, (417) 581-3558; David Burton in Greene County, (417) 881-8909; or Kathy Macomber in Barton County at (417) 682-3579.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Graduating EXCEL Students Highlighted at Greene County Mayor’s Association Meeting Participants in University of Missouri Extension’s EXCEL Leadership Class 1 were officially recognized March 29 during a wrapup event held during the Greene County Mayor’s Association Meeting in Willard, Mo. Members of this first class – all residents of western Greene County -- reported out on their project plans and fielded questions from mayors.

David Burton, county program director for Greene County MU Extension, gave a brief overview of the EXCEL program for the mayors, explained what made this effort unique, and discussed the sponsorship need for Class 2.

“This first class was funded by Greene County MU Extension Council reserve funds.

But the whole program cost nearly $3,000, so our council can’t continue that every year,” said Burton.

The local extension office is seeking businesses, organizations or grants to sponsor program attendees for $300. This covers costs associated with the program.

“It might be that a sponsoring business would like to enroll an employee in the program. We can do that. Or maybe your business wants to provide a community scholarship to fund a program participant. We can do that too,” said Burton.

One of the features that made this EXCEL project unique was the partnership with the Greene County Commonwealth. EXCEL members published regular community editorials in the Commonwealth as a way to encourage and foster local dialogue about community needs.

“The Commonwealth has provided a terrific example of what it means to be a community newspaper,” said Burton. “Every paper should be engaged with their community in this way.”

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INDIVIDUAL PROJECT PLANS Creation of individual project plans was a requirement for EXCEL class members.

Project examples from EXCEL Class 1 include the following. 





Melanie Wasson and Britny Goodman added a Volunteer Recruitment effort for non-profits at the existing Business Expo in Republic organized by the Republic Chamber.

Katie Keith has developed a training and coordination program for volunteers in Ash Grove to maintain flowers at the welcome signs, park and city triangle.

Involved getting sponsors as well. A planting day is being scheduled for May 19 in Ash Grove.

Erin Gray and AJ McCall worked jointly to create a list of safe places in western Greene County. Marked with a yellow triangle, these are where those in danger from abuse can seek refuge until police are contacted. This effort includes an awareness campaign about safe places as well as local backpack programs for hungry students.

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 







Gary Combs has worked on a project to name a new city walking trail in honor of a fallen soldier (graduate of Republic) and the creation of a hero wall inside the high school.

Tim Wheeler is working to develop a communication mode between Ash Grove and Republic senior centers to connect drivers and cooks when a need exists. There are times when Republic has too many drivers for meal delivery, and Ash Grove is short, yet deliveries occur in the rural area between the two.

Tyler Gunlock has begun work on the creation of an Ash Grove endowment as part of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. This foundation will seek to capture monies and keep them in Ash Grove for benevolent purposes and community development.

Karen Dowdy is working on the creation of a welcome sign for the city of Willard. She

2018 EXCEL Graduates 40



is working as part of a current community committee to find the best location and partners.

Dana Guerra has pursued answers to the housing shortage in Ash Grove. She set up a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the need for more family housing. This meeting led to a proposal to the Homebuilders Association about building in Ash Grove; creation of a property inventory for the city; and a packet for builders regarding costs and contracts.

WHAT IS EXCEL Learn more about this county program or enroll anytime in the EXCEL program at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 2018 Program Highlights



What went well with my educational programming during 2018?



Here are the examples that come to mind.  I designed and implemented an EXCEL program that currently has 24 Greene County residents enrolled. This is the second year of the program and it was redesigned to better reach emerging leaders in all of Greene County.  I planned and organized the fifth Salute to Century Farms event that raised $4,000, had an attendance of 110. We honored four farm families and three student speakers.  Served as instructor for the first Leadership Online For Today online class which lasted for 10 weeks and involved 12 enrollees in this new community development program.





Solicited and received $1,500 from Greene County Farm Bureau to fund travel in the county related to farm visits and farm programming.

Worked with the Commission to fund a full-time 4-H YPA to conduct programs with the County Juvenile Office.

Created a presenting sponsor program.

This has the potential of getting us new sponsors and more consistent sponsors.

Created Mizzou Founders Day event in county for MU Alumni and Extension.

What went well with scholarly activities?

I do a tremendous amount of writing which is a scholarly activity. Here are some highlights.  Wrote or edited and distributed 580 media releases that achieved over $2 million dollars in media coverage and exposed the MU Extension name to 75 million individual during 2018.  Wrote and submitted 172 newspaper columns to the News-Leader (two different columns) and Republic Monitor. I have never missed a week in 15 years.

Working an Extension booth at the Republic Expo.

Reflection - What went well with stakeholder connections and engagement?  

 

Raised over $20,000 privately from various donors and sponsors during the past year.

Led council committees to set an annual budget, conduct an audit, evaluate specialists and conduct a personnel evaluation.

Council members sent monthly surveys and reported over 550 volunteer hours.

Worked with partners to organize our 3rd Annual County Commissioner agriculture tour which had four stops and 25 attendees.

On KWTO Morning Line with David Eslick Dec. 21 to discuss all things Greene County Extension related.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

David Burton Recognized for Outstanding Program at MU Extension Summit Extension specialists from across the state attended the annual University of Missouri Extension Summit the week of Oct. 22 in Columbia. As part of the meeting MU Extension recognized top programs and performers and several honors came back to Greene County.

TEACHING AWARD The Carl N. Scheneman Excellence in Teaching Award for Missouri was presented to David Burton, county engagement specialist in Greene County.

The Carl N. Scheneman Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes a University of Missouri Extension faculty member for planning, conducting and evaluating an outstanding extension educational activity conducted this past year.

David Burton (center) receiving the UMEA Award from James Quinn and Zac Erwin.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR The UMEA “Outstanding Program Award� is presented to a single program effort done during the previous 12 months that and outstanding impacts and has the potential for ongoing and future impacts.

David Burton receives first place for the Greene County EXCEL program.

Karla Deaver received second place for her Dig Into Agventures program conducted with 4 -H at the Ozark Empire Fair.

David Burton receiving the Scheneman Award from Dr. Marshall Stewart (right).

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM The Cross Program Award recognizes a community development (MACEDEP) member or group of members for excellence in Extension work that combines or integrates community resources and economic development activities with work in other program areas.

Dr. Pam Duitsman, David Burton and Dr. Amy Patillo won this award in recognition of their group work with the City of Republic.

Karla Deaver (center) receiving the UMEA Award from James Quinn and Zac Erwin.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MU Chancellor Announces New Vision for MU Extension and Engagement During Event in Springfield

will deepen the university’s relationship with—and value to—the people of Missouri from Neosho to Hannibal. The struggles facing Missouri communities are challenges that we are ready to tackle.”

In late 2016 and early 2017, MU Extension gathered input from more than 1,000 Missourians on key challenges facing their communities. Out of these conversations, three ‘grand challenges’ emerged as focal points for MU’s extension and engagement efforts: economic opportunity, health, and educational access and excellence.

Cartwright, along with Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Marshall Stewart, led a discussion about the university’s history as a land-grant university and how the university can address the grand challenges. They were joined by Dan Cassidy, chief administrative officer of the Missouri Farm Bureau; Kathleen Quinn, associate dean for rural health in the MU School of Medicine; Karen Buschmann, vice

Today, May 5, 2018, University of Missouri Chancellor Alexander Cartwright announced a new vision for MU Extension and Engagement to fulfill what he referred to as an “all things Missouri” mission.

His announcement came during a live presentation given at the Greene County MU Extension offices located inside the Springfield Botanical Center at 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. Nearly 65 people attended the event in Springfield and hundreds more watched statewide online.

While leading the discussion in Springfield, Cartwright announced the formation of the MU Engagement Council, a core group of university leaders who are focused on MU’s current and emerging off-campus engagement initiatives and three tech-based initiatives that will help Extension expand its reach and impact—a statewide data mapping and reporting system; the IMPACT website, a publicly searchable inventory of programs and educational opportunities that bring resources directly to the people of Missouri; and Nexus@Mizzou, a revamped MU Extension website that will provide an easy-to-use single entry point for all Extension experiences.

“Mizzou’s campus is the 114 counties of Missouri,” Cartwright MU Alumni, extension staff and volunteers, and community leaders said. “With a focus on ‘all things Missouri,’ we attended this statewide announcement in person at the Greene County MU Extension Center located inside the Springfield Botanical Center.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT president of communications and strategic part of a $6.6 million research initiative to initiatives with the Missouri Chamber of promote soil health through cover crops.

Commerce and Industry; and Jody Squires, Helping businesses succeed– MU regional director for the urban region of MU Extension Community Development Extension. programs and specialists foster economic “The three pillars of a healthy community development by focusing on skills—such as are the economy, health care access and a high- leadership development, decision-making and quality education system,” Stewart said. “The emergency preparedness—that are needed to University of Missouri is in a unique position create viable communities, competitive to support all three of these pillars through workforces and quality jobs.

Extension, our research endeavors and service “These efforts illustrate how our students, opportunities. We are steadfast in our resolve faculty, staff and alumni are part of the fabric to help the state meet the challenges facing the of our state, nation and the world,” state and improve lives.”

Cartwright said. “They illustrate why I say we Last year, engagement efforts served 1.3 are the University for Missouri.” million Missourians, including a $200 million increase in sales for Missouri businesses and the creation or retention of 8,000 jobs. Current initiatives connecting the university to the state “Mizzou’s campus is the 114 include: counties of Missouri. With a  Boosting Missouri’s economy– Last focus on ‘all things Missouri,’ we month, University of Missouri officials announced that the MU has a $3.9 billion will deepen the university’s impact on the state of Missouri. relationship with—and value  Serving Missouri communities– Since to—the people of Missouri ..”

2014, Mizzou Alternative Breaks has partnered — Chancellor Alexander Cartwright with MU Extension to send students on weekend service trips within Missouri.  Building strong youth and families– MU has implemented afterschool youth leadership programs such as the Community Arts Program and the 4-H Center for Youth Development.  Promoting health and safety– MU continues to offer a range of training programs for Missouri’s civil servants such as the Law Enforcement Training Institute.  Supporting The Springfield Botanical Center event was well attended in person with agriculture– MU is hundreds more watching online from across the state of Missouri.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MU Extension and Drury Partner to Help Willard with Community Visioning

a visioning workshop, where each workshop participant is given opportunities to identify the goal they believe Willard should strive to attain in the coming years, strategies for how that goal might be achieved, and possible activities that could be used to implement those strategies,” said Garrott.

Attendees were seated in groups of five, each with a Drury student acting as a facilitator, with each group discussing various issues affecting the community and its future.

After about two hours, each group was asked to briefly present their conclusions before breaking up for the night.

Among some of the suggested topics of conversation were: The development of Willard as a sustainable community; to become recognized as a community with big town amenities and small-town charm; to create an identifiable social/public center for the community – a community commons or “heart”; create a community that the youth will wish to stay in and return to invest; and to create a dynamic community with a memorable sense of place.

Garrott said that, in the coming weeks, the students will take the input from these discussions to prepare a series of “what-if” sketches to explore the potential of various ideas. They will be visiting the community regularly to visit with individuals and groups to develop their sketches, which are to be presented at the next meeting on March 1 at the same location from 6-8 p.m.

Add the city of Willard to the list of local communities that have worked with students from the Drury University Center for Community Studies and Jeff Barber with University of Missouri Extension to develop a vision for how the community could look better by 2040.

Residents, representatives of Drury and MU, and other members of the community gathered Feb. 8 in the meeting room at the Willard fire station on north Highway Z to begin the process. Organizers estimate that about 40 people were in attendance.

“The 2018 Citizen Advisory Network (CAN) meetings are designed to identify ways Willard stakeholders can reinforce and communicate our region’s focus on families, education, and service,” said Brad Gray, Willard city administrator. “This first meeting of the year focused on the community’s vision and outlined how citizens’ feedback will be incorporated into Willard’s Comprehensive Plan.”

The purpose of the first visioning meeting was to bring all the parties together to develop a deeper understanding of the Willard community’s values and priorities, said Jay Garrott, a Drury professor long involved with the program.

“The evening’s activities were organized as

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Amy Patillo Highlight Report: Labor and Workforce Development

returning home to their community to live, work, and play.

This session provided communities with resources to make big changes that create hometown opportunities for youth to build lifelong careers.

Dr. Amy Patillo StrikeForce Farmer Development project

My Hometown: Do I leave home or do I stay?

Youth and adult partnerships that make a difference in rural communities.

In the first year, the StrikeForce Farmer Development Program (SFDP) is a USDANRCS grant serving 46 counties in Southwest and Southeast Missouri, has funded 34 projects to train, educate, and provide outreach and technical assistance to aspiring, new, and developing farmers.

These programs address the needs of farmers through local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives that enhance local food production and self-employment in specialty crop production and farming. The project has served 45 veterans and provided mentorship programs to 28 farmers. The StrikeForce project is a multi-disciplinary project supported by the following team

MU Extension’s Labor and Workforce team, John Gulick of Osage County Extension and Dr. Amy Patillo of Greene County Extension attended and presented at the Missouri Community Betterment “Rural Rally,” the 55th annual conference focusing on engaging youth and adults in community betterment and community development.

Nearly 200 volunteers, community leaders, and youth attended to highlight local economic development efforts in more than 17 counties and 19 communities.

Gulick and Patillo’s session “My Hometown: Do I leave home or do I stay?” engaged 67 youth and adults representing 17 counties in an interactive session to discuss why youth return home or not. Youth and adults addressed attitudes and actions that encourage and discourage youth from A Strike Force grant funded program in Greene County.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT members, David Burton, Patrick Byers, Sarah Denkler, Jamie Gundel, and Amy Patillo.

The StrikeForce Project targets areas that need the economic boost and will benefit from the expansion of small farms and on-farm businesses. The funding has expanded educational opportunities to farmers in StrikeForce counties to make their operations more profitable and efficient, while emphasizing conservation of natural resources.

These areas have particularly benefited from the increased educational offerings that financial assistance from NRCS sponsored programs has provided for workshops and conservation practices associated with specialty crops.

In addition, the MDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program has supported initial efforts among team members to develop curriculum and workshops that support specialty crop producers.

Examples include the Missouri Blueberry School, Growing Blackberry Production in Missouri project, activities at the Year Round Learning Farm, Winter Production Conference, and Missouri Tomato School. Continued project funding will allow the curriculums and approaches developed in these regional projects to be expanded to a broader audience and offer new custom designed workshops for scaling up and funding opportunities, as requested by farmers.

National Enzyme Company collaborates with MU Extension Missouri Training Institute (MTI) Leadership Development National Enzyme Company has collaborated with MU Extension to deliver a sustainable leadership-training program for supervisors and managers. NEC and MU Extension specialist Dr. Amy Patillo and Ted Probert partner to provide ongoing leadership training and professional development to meet the need needs of NEC as it continues to grow and expand.

National Enzyme Company (NEC) invests in their employees by offering six lunch and learn sessions for supervisors and managers. This approach is cost effective for NEC while encouraging an extended commitment to the ongoing training program. Workshops include: Giving Effective Performance Reviews, Employee Engagement, Generational Cohorts and Personality Differences, Review of Discrimination Law and Legal Requirements, Right Brain Thinking in a Left Brain World: Innovation, and Influencing Up. NEC Employees report the training has: “Improved how I will interact with customers.”; “Identified the importance of trust, good management practices and the importance of being a good leader to others.”, “The leadership training is relevant to my job and provided new ways of seeing myself and how others view me in the workplace and how I work with others around me.”

Participants recognized “training about coaching employees and conflict resolution are leadership programs they would not have had the opportunity to be engaged in as part of their regular jobs and were very valuable to their development as a leader and in learning how to develop leaders within their departmental teams.”

Above: Patrick Byers teaching at a strikeforce program in the West Plains area.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT will be used for training and technical assistance, planning, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs in collaboration with community partners."

Farmers, communities, and children all reap benefits when more schools begin to source more foods locally and teach children about food, farming, and nutrition. The interaction leads to improved public health, economic development, and education.

Hollister and Springfield Catholic Schools Working Together as Part of New Farm to School Grant Awarded to Taney County Health Dept., Coordinated by MU Extension In 2018, the Hollister R-V School District and Springfield Catholic Schools worked together to increase local food procurement for school meal programs and to expand educational activities on agriculture and gardening by participating in a new two-year farm to school grant.

The Taney County Health Department was one of 65 recipients chosen from more than 300 applicants to receive the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service Farm to School grant. The program provides support and technical assistance to develop a sustainable farm to school community. The goal of the USDA Farm to School program is to serve no less than 20 percent local products in school lunch programs and to deliver it within 48 hours of harvest.

Dr. Pam Duitsman, a University of Missouri Extension community development specialist is currently serving as coordinator for the program and Dr. Amy Patillo, a University of Missouri Extension labor and workforce specialist served as the coordinator of the farm to school grant program in 2017 and early 2018.

"Ensuring that kids have access to healthy and locally produced food helps instill healthy eating habits and agricultural literacy in the next generation, while also supporting the local farming economy," said Dr. Patillo. "This grant

Students at Gardeners Orchard north of Springfield Dr. Patillo, trained at the University of Missouri in Strategic Doing offers new tools to communities Strategic Doing offers new resources and tools to engage professionals and communities to create innovative solutions to economic and community development challenges. Individuals use innovative ideas to engage old assets in new ways to meet the ongoing challenges in communities and organizations. Strategic Doing is an exciting new approach that helps local communities, regions, or organizations form the collaborations needed to address complex challenges. Instead of just talking about what can be done, this workshop will allow us to actually set doable goals that can be achieved in a short time period. Strategic Doing builds complex collaboration networks by helping groups work together for long-term impacts.

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BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MU Extensions business development work in Greene County is done in partnership with the Small Business Development and Technical Center located at Missouri State University.

Greene County SBTDC Impact FY 2018 Sales Increase PTAC Awards Number of Awards New Businesses Starts Jobs Created Jobs Retained Total Capitalization Businesses turned around or failures prevented Acquired Assets Clients/Companies Receiving Business Counseling Training Event Attendees

$11,818,222.00 $27,192,129.00 74 10 154 443 $9,759,016.00 0 $0.00 185 641

Number of Greene County Residents Served Business development program specialists and business counselors with MU Extension and the Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, Missouri Environmental Program, Missouri Career Options Project, and the Missouri Market Development program served 185 Greene County residents and their companies with business start-up and management counseling, and more. Participants and clients include:  Small business owners in the service, construction and retail industries  Prospective entrepreneurs  Non-profit organizations  Displaced workers

How This Work Makes Greene County and Missouri Better?

405 North Jefferson Avenue Springfield, Mo Phone: 417-837-2617

Allen Waldo

Procurement Technical Assistance Small Business Development Center Tel: (417) 837-2612 waldoaj@missouri.edu

Chrystal Irons

Director Small Business Development Center Tel: (417) 581-3558 cirons@missouristate.edu

Successful businesses promote growth and Sandra Smart-Winegar stability in the local and state economy.

Business Development Specialist Missouri’s small businesses are a diverse group Small Business Development Center that continues to make Missouri productive. In Tel: (417) 837-2617 assisting owners and managers of those ssmartwinegar@missouristate.edu businesses, MU Extension contributes to a economic development through growth in jobs, sales, innovation, technology development and commercialization. When you support MU Extension’s Business Development Program, enterprising Missourians receive information and training to start, run and expand businesses. This increased business activity creates jobs, increases consumer demand, promotes economic development and generates much needed tax revenue.

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YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Greene County Volunteer Inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame “Making the best better” for generations of Missouri 4-H’ers, a volunteer from Greene County was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame Aug. 18 at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

There were among 50 inductees from 38 counties establishing a legacy totaling 1,318 years of service to 4-H. Janice Perry of Republic has been the go to person in Greene County when it comes to dairy for many years. Janice has served, and Missouri 4-H Foundation Trustees Dr. Marla continues to serve, as the dairy superintendent Tobin (left) with Greene County 4-H volunteer for the Greene County 4-H Fair, procuring Janice Perry and State 4-H Council member awards and judges, and helping youth show in Rachel Love (right). Photo by Casey Buckman. their correct class.

In addition, Janice has served and continues to serve on the committee for state 4-H Dairy Cow Camp that hosts over 40 youth each year teaching 4-H kids about animal agriculture.

Janice has also been a lifelong adult volunteer and officer of the Greene County 4-H Foundation. She currently serves as President of this volunteer group.

Jodi Wright Receives Frank Graham Volunteer Jodi Wright, Greene County, was honored with 2018 Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership Awards by the 4-H Center for Youth Development in March. Wright was one of 19 volunteers recognized statewide for commitment and leadership to the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Youth Development program.

Wright has served the Greene County 4-H program for 10 years.

The Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership award recognizes exemplary volunteers for their hard work and dedication to helping Missouri youth grow. It is named for Frank Graham who served as director of MU Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development from 19581975.

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YOUTH AND FAMILIES Lauren Waterman is New 4-H Youth Representative on County Extension Council

Existing Greene County 4-H Clubs Shooting Stars is the newest club in Greene County (started in 2015) and is comprised of youth who are homeschooled and/or have special needs. The club meets on the second Saturday of the month in various locations.

My name is Lauren Waterman.

I'm 16 years old, and this will be my seventh year in 4-H. Throughout those years, I have held the positions of secretary, reporter, parliamentarian, and song and game leader in my 4-H club.

As for projects, my favorites are Photography and Public Speaking. I enjoy playing the guitar and ukulele, am currently learning American Sign Language, and love to read.

The Extension Council Youth Leadership (ECYL) program supports County Extension Councils in diversifying their membership to include youth on councils. Through ECYL, councils gain fresh ideas, new energy, and generational insights from youth and young adults. Having young people serve on councils leads to enhanced dialogue and decisionmaking, and increases council linkages to other youth and adults in the community.

Councils participating in ECYL take steps to add youth ages 14-17 in non-voting capacities, and young adults ages 18-25 in elected and/or appointed voting positions. Councils strive to integrate these youth-adult partnerships into their ongoing council leadership development efforts. ECYL is a practical step councils can take to broaden community representation and bring new voices to the table.

By involving younger citizens as supporters of Extension now, councils foster the development of homegrown community leaders for the future.

Bois D'Arc Braves 4-H Clubmeets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church in Bois D'Arc. High Mark 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Strafford United Methodist Church.

Horsin Around 4-H Club meets at 2 p.m on the first Sunday of the month at Old Mill Equestrian Center (2051 Old Mill Road, Battlefield, Mo. 65619). Our primary focus is Horse Knowledge and Horse Riding Jot-Em-Down 4-H Club meets at 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month at West Republic Fire Station, Republic, Mo. Lucky Eleven 4-H Club meets on Fourth Sunday afternoons at the Springfield Livestock Center north of Republic. Projects have included (subject to leaders - but not limited to) Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Dairy, Woodworking, Cake Decorating, Photography, Shooting Sports (through Greene County), Leadership, Robotics, Public Speaking, Foods, Arts and Crafts, etc.

Sac River Stablemates 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Sac River Stables northeast of Willard.

Sho-Me 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Fair Grove Lion’s Club, Fair Grove.

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YOUTH AND FAMILIES

4-H Highlights for Greene County Clubs in 2019 Greene County 4-H members exceled in a number of programs at both the state and national level during 2019.

1. The Greene County Hippology team won the state title and represented Missouri at nationals in Louisville Ky During November.

The team is shown left to right Karley McCall, Carlee Clair (Horsin Around )Suzy Swearingin, Chealsea Swan (Bois D’ Arc Braves) .

2. Greene County 4-H member Blake Wright was elected to the state 4-H Council.

3. Lora Wright represented Greene County and Missouri 4-H on the International Youth Dairy Judging Tour.

4. Missouri 4-H and FFA dairy judging teams continued their tradition of excellence by placing first in two international dairy judging contests as a part of the International Dairy Youth Tour.

5. Greene County 4-H Leader's Council officers for the coming year: President Jim Sontheimer, Vice President John Waterman, Secretary Sharon Giancola and Treasurer Dawn Hufman.

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YOUTH AND FAMILIES Sponsors Needed to Support 4-H SPIN Clubs Like the Robotics Club at Weaver Elementary in Springfield Melissa Plunk, Numeracy Coach at Weaver Elementary School in Springfield, has seen the difference University of Missouri’s robotics program can make on a student.

Now in her third year of leading the program at Weaver, Plunk says students show improvement in measurements, decimals, problem-solving, general math and communication.

“The program helps students with their perseverance,” said Plunk. “In math, it is so easy for students to get frustrated and give up.

Every summer … I remember the improvement I see in these student’s perseverance, and I say yes to doing the program again.”

Weaver Robotics has 18 fourth and fifthgrade students this year. They meet weekly to program robots and prepare for the annual Robotics Design Challenge, ( LEGO Challenge) hosted at the University of Missouri in April.

Satish Nair, a professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering Departments at the University of Missouri, started the Robotics Design Challenge 15 years ago. The goal of the LEGO Challenge is to introduce engineering and math to kids early.

Nair said children make up their minds on math as early as elementary school.

“Somewhere along the line I think kids, boys, and girls, decide that math or even other STEM classes, are not for them,” Nair said.

“We’d like to dispel that myth by introducing math in a fun, accessible way.”

In Greene County, the local extension council has provided funding to establish the Weaver Robotics Club as a 4-H SPIN and introduce students to more opportunities.

Weaver Robotics Club members practice programming and moving their robots through a maze. The program is part of an ongoing relationship with MU. 53

YOUTH AND FAMILIES “Dig Into Ag-Venture,” an Honored Youth Program In Greene County, the “Dig Into Ag-Venutre” day campus offered at the Ozark Empire Fair are state and international winners! Under the direction of Karla Deaver, 4-H Youth Specialist, this day camp has been honored by both the International Association of Fairs and Expos and the University of Missouri.

“Dig Into Ag-Venture” day camps at the Ozark Empire Fair are offered on a variety of topics. Camp topics are selected and scheduled based on the exhibit schedule of the fair so participants can see the topic of the camp at the fair.

Camp activities are hands-on and engage the children in the learning process. Each session features an introduction to the camp topic followed by an agriculture production activity and a consumer (food) related activity. Campers are then taken on a tour of the fairgrounds featuring the camp topic.

Topics include beef cattle, sheep and goats, dairy cattle, swine, grains, bees and honey, poultry, and fruits and vegetables. Topics were chosen based upon the fair schedule so that campers could have not only a visual but a hands-on representation of the topic being presented. Campers have the opportunity to interact with agriculture producers in the barns, providing another means of connecting farmers and farming with the food they produce. Campers also have the opportunity to interact with animals on display, further developing their understanding of the food chain.

Campers are guided through the tours and activities with the assistance of 4-H teen leaders.

Camps were offered each day of Ozark Empire Fair 2017 in Springfield, from 9 am to noon.

Learning objectives for each camp differed based upon the segment of agriculture being taught, but the overall learning objectives of each camp were similar.

“Dig Into Ag-Venture” was named runner-up program of the year in Missouri by University of Missouri Extension in 2018. Karla Deaver leads this program.

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YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Partnership with Greene County Juvenile Makes Addition of a 4-H Youth Associate Possible in 2019

fice receives between 1,400 and 1,600 referrals each year for delinquency violations (behaviors that would be criminal if committed by adults) and status offenses (things like truancy, running away from home). Those referrals may result in formal probation, informal probation or diversion services. The juvenile office also serves about 600 youth Greene County Commissioner Harold who are subject to the court’s jurisdiction Bengsch often points out that you will not find due to abuse and neglect.

4-H members in the county juvenile program.

The Greene County Youth Academy With that idea in mind, David Burton, (GCYA) is a day treatment program that procounty engagement specialist for Greene vides services to youth placed in that proCounty MU Extension, and Bill Prince, family gram by the court. Those youth go to school court administrator and chief juvenile officer there during the day and participate in profor Greene County, began dreaming in 2018 gramming after school. about how to develop a program that would GCYA is going to be the focus of the benefit Greene County youth. new 4-H program. However, programs are The County Commission and University of being developed for youth in the Missouri Extension are each diversion program and other proIf 4-H can keep funding 50 percent of the position. The Greene County Exten- youth out of trouble, grams.

Students in the program will let’s see if the sion Council is funding memberbe enrolled in 4-H. Through volships for the students as well as positive youth unteers and partners the students supplies and other expenses redevelopment will receive training in projects of lated to the program. approach can also their choice and have the oppor“We are pleased to announce help turn some lives tunity to take part in 4-H contests, a program such as this as a colcamps and the fair. around. laborative venture with MU Extension. As far as we can determine is a first in the state.

It is further evidence of Greene County's desire to help our troubled youth with programs of proven worth,” said Bengsch. “Preventing only one person from being incarcerated in our jail at the current cost of $63 per day, we would recoup the $16,000 county investment in this venture in 254 days.”

Justin Kastning began work as the 4-H Youth Associate on Jan. 7. He grew up in the 4-H program.

According to Prince, the Greene County Juvenile Of55

YOUTH AND FAMILIES Highlights Report from Renette Wardlow Greene- A Matter of Balance

the class each week.”

Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling greater. A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. It includes 8 twohour sessions for a small group of 8-12 participants led by a trained facilitator. This nationally recognized program was developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University.

Short-term learning outcomes

Participants learned ways to think more positively thus reducing their fear of falling.

They learned of ob- Renette Wardlow stacles to be aware of to Human Development Joined —1990 reduce the risk of falling.

They learned exercises that will help build strength and balance.

Total Contacts: 96

Ash Grove-A Matter of Balance Customer quotes Dana said, “This class has helped me to be more aware of my surroundings, in a safety sense for myself and others.”

Louise said, “Thank you for offering this class, It re-enforces what I have been doing to stay active as long as possible.”

Judy said, “This class has helped me to keep moving and use my left leg more. It is becoming better each day and in every way.” “Thanks for having it.”

Marcene said, “This class gives me more confidence when walking. I am doing the exercises at home between classes. I’m glad to be involved.”

“As I get older (70+) the risk of falling down is growing. Added to that, fear is the medications that produce side effects. This alone has helped my awareness of falling and increased my caution,” said Joe. Gailene said, “Renette is a pleasure to learn from. I am excited to see this program offered to help us improve our mobility and prevent falls. I look forward to

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YOUTH AND FAMILIES Springfield-"A Matter of Balance" Customer quotes

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy - Level 1 Customer quotes

"I was one of the people who would play with all my grandchildren and when I had my stroke I could no longer do this."

"It's been two years since my stroke and I have come a long way but I still can't do some the things that I use to do." This gentlemen spoke these words with a lump in his throat and a tear in his eye. He is obviously emotionally distraught over his physical limitations.

The group talked with him about the emotional tole a stroke can have on a person.

" It makes me sad that the course is over, I loved coming to class to see everyone."

"This class has been very enjoyable and I am much stronger than I was."

Learning

Participants continue to learn the importance of exercise on their overall health.

Boost Your Brain and Memory

Southwest Missouri Nursing Home Activity Directors participated in a six hour workshop, "Boost Your Brain and Memory."

Total contacts - 118

Short-term learning outcomes  How to identify fears of falling.  Being able to list things we worry about regarding falls.  Practiced exercises to assist with balance problems.

Total Contacts: 120

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HEALTH AND SAFETY Highlights Report from Dr. Pam Duitsman Pam held 56 programs in Greene County during 2018, teaching over 900 Greene County Citizens.

Areas of teaching included: Local Food; Living a Healthy Life with Diabetes; Nutrition and Health; Chronic Disease SelfManagement; Food System Development; Farm to School; Cooking Matters; Farm to Table events; and On-Farm Food Safety Training and Certification.

Impacts of programs were measured, and feedback from participants indicated:

Local Food workshops:

90% of participants indicated that trainings were "very needed."

100% of the participants indicated that their understanding of this topic improved, and that they would “do something with what they had learned or experienced” in the workshop.

For Cooking Matters and Nutrition and Health workshops: 100% of the Participants reported that they were more confident in their ability to choose healthier foods 90% of the participants reported that the class improved their understanding of how health and nutrition are connected

Diabetes & Chronic Disease Classes:

100% of participants reported that their participation in the course has "made me more confident in my ability to take care of my diabetes/chronic condition."

100% of participants said participation "improved my ability to deal with problems caused by my diabetes/chronic condition."

100% of participants reported that the workshops "increased my independence and ability to carry-out routine daily activities."

92% of participants indicated that the workshops "improved the physical symptoms caused by my diabetes/chronic condition."

100% of participants reported that the workshops "improved the emotional distress (i.e., depression, etc.) caused by my diabetes/ chronic condition."

100% of participants agreed that the workshops "led me to change something (action or knowledge) based on what I learned or experienced."

Customer quotes

“This presentation blows me away! It is a great reminder of how important it is that we make healthy food choices because there is a direct correlation to our health.”

“She did a nice job of teaching material that could have been overwhelming.”

“I better understand the connection between inflammation and diet. I will change my eating habits to improve health.”

“Pam is a wealth of knowledge. I could have listened to her present information all day long.”

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HEALTH AND SAFETY Farm to School trainings well received by Springfield Public Schools and Springfield Catholic Schools.

80% of attendees indicated that they were committed to implementing produce safety practices on my farm.

75% reported that the workshops "increased my knowledge of worker health, hygiene, and training requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule."

90% indicated they were confident that "I can implement practices to address food safety risks related to worker health, hygiene, and training.

“Thank God for MU Extension. We would never have gotten started without your help.”

“I am excited, motivated and encouraged by the group's enthusiasm and expertise.”

“I was a teacher at Springfield Public Schools when you all did Farm to School training there. I loved the teacher training! I'm excited to be a part of this!”

Teachers at our Farm to School Teacher trainings reported:

100% reported that their knowledge had increased as a result of this workshop: I have learned information I did not know I found this workshop informative and I want to learn more

On-farm food safety training:

“This was a relevant training. Demystified FSMA, clearly delivered/defined what we need to implement to be compliant.”

Teachers receive training as part of Farm to School.

Regional foods presentation as part of the “Beginning Farmer” series offered by MU Extension.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Nutrition Impact Report for Greene County STATEWIDE IMPACT

Schools Served

The Family Nutrition Program (FNP) brought $9,449,699.00 federal funds to Missouri. These funds were used to provide nutrition education to 735,541 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients and eligible citizens of Missouri. There were 2,932,390 educational contacts. This year we had 2,242,249 indirect educational contacts. Indirect contacts are reached through newsletters, health fairs, food pantries and Show Me Nutrition help line.

12,916 of these participants reside in Greene County.

Schofield Elementary Campbell Small Wonder Early Childhood Center Macedonia Baptist Preschool Reed Middle School Willard – Orchard Hills Ash Grove Elementary Holland Elementary Horrace Mann Elementary McGregor Elementary Jeffries Elementary Bois D’Arc Elementary Walnut Grove Elementary Willard South Elementary Sweeney Elementary Logan Rogersville Elementary McCulloch Elementary Robberson Elementary

WHAT IS LEARNED Participants in FNP become more aware of nutrition, make healthier meal and snack choices, eat breakfast more often, are more willing to try new foods, increase their physical activity and in general make healthier food choices. Those who practice healthy eating and activity behaviors are more likely to enjoy a high quality of life as an adult and into old age. A healthy labor force is critical to attracting and keeping jobs in Missouri. In addition, this important programming effort serves to reduce healthcare costs over the participant’s lifetime, saving taxpayers money in reduced public healthcare benefits and insurance premiums.

GREENE COUNTY NUMBERS During 2018, 3,452 youth and 9,464 adults were served through schools, community groups and agencies.

Marty Wood demonstrates to participants at the Hand Extended Food Pantry in Springfield how to correctly insert a food thermometer.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY Community Agencies

SUCCESS STORIES In addition to the numbers, Nutrition Program Associate, Myra Dickensheet shared this success story demonstrating local impact: It was my second visit to a preschool. When I walked into the classroom several children said, "It's the germ lady!" A 4 year old girl in the front row held up her hands and said, "See my clean hands? I have been washing them all over and on top."

Nutrition Program Associate, Sherri Hull shared this success story demonstrating local impact: A fter an Eating Smart Being Active lesson with the Ozark Area Community Action Corporation Foster Grandparent program, one of the participants came over to chat. She said there is a history of heart disease and diabetes in her family. At her last doctor’s appointment he said she got an “A+” on her lab work. She appreciates the lessons, which have provided her with knowledge and encouragement to make changes in her lifestyle, to help reduce the risk of those diseases that are prevalent in her family.

Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Fairbanks Pregnancy Care Center Victory Mission – Family Ministry Northview Senior Center Greater Springfield Farmer’s Market Southside Senior Center AIDS Project of the Ozarks Southside Senior Center Price Cutter 52 Alternative Opportunities Republic Senior Center Greene Co. Juvenile Justice Crosslines - Springfield Center City Christian Outreach Central Assembly of God Strafford Senior Center Grow to Know Greater Springfield Farmer’s Market Greene Co. Food Stamp Office Northview Senior Center Hovey House Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Ash Grove Senior Center

Nutrition Program Associate, Martha Wood shared this success story demonstrating local impact: Goals I set for myself after attending the first nutrition lesson at the Pregnancy Care Center: More dairy and more walking. I learned I should cut Family Nutrition back on my coffee consumption during pregnancy and increase my dairy. So, I exchanged my mornEducation Program ing cup of coffee for a glass of 1% milk. I knew I 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 needed more exercise. The class was an encourChesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. agement for me and my daughter to spent more Tel: 417-886-2059 days outside walking and running rather than inhttp://missourifamilies.org side with the television.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION A number of unique outreach programs originate from the University of Missouri and reach residents of Greene County on very specific topics. These continuing education examples and impacts for the year are listed below. In 2018, 760 county residents accessed these resources.

Region

Fire & Rescue Training Institute

MU Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) provides continuing education and training to Missouri’s fire service and emergency response personnel.

The institute has a direct impact on the well-being of Missouri’s 29,000 firefighters.

Courses prepare firefighters for medical emergencies, hazardous materials response and disaster preparedness and mitigation, as well as fires. During FY2018, 411 enrollments in MUFRTI programs came from Greene County residents.

Law Enforcement Training Institute

Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) br ings pr ofessional tr aining to law enforcement officers and a wide spectrum of other criminal justice and public safety professionals. LETI provided advanced animal cruelty investigations training and conducted 17 armed intruder/personal safety presentations to extension personnel and council members. In Greene County, 58 public safety personnel participated in LETI programs in 2017.

Missouri Training Institute (MTI)

The Missouri Training Institute provides continuing education, customdesigned training programs and consulting services for business and industry, public and nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. Training programs include subjects in human resource management, supervision, management, leadership, team building and other business-related topics. In FY2018, 16 enrollments came from Greene County.

Office of Continuing Medical Education

Office of Continuing Medical Education and Physician Lifelong Learning CME/PLL serves both MU Extension and the MU School of Medicine by educating physicians and other health care professionals and enhancing the standard of health care to improve the health of the people of Missouri and beyond through health education, wellness promotion and health care quality improvement/performance improvement initiatives. In FY2018, 49 enrollments came from Greene County.

Labor Education

The MU Extension Labor Education Program works with members and leaders of workplace-based organizations across Missouri to help them develop skills to contribute to their organizations, act effectively in the workplace, and be informed participants in their communities. During FY2018, 2 persons from Greene County accessed this training.

MU’s Nursing Outreach and Distance Education

Keeping Missouri nurses up to date with the knowledge and skills they need to provide care and fully participate in the state’s health care efforts is a primary goal for Nursing Outreach. Nursing Outreach serves a rural health care audience with high-quality, affordable continuing education programs. In FY2018, 142 persons from Greene County accessed this training.

MU’s Conference Office

The MU Conference Office provides full-service meeting management for a variety of noncredit educational programs and conferences. Whether a meeting is hosted on campus or anywhere in the world, the office’s professional staff provides assistance to create the best learning environment for participants. During FY2018, 138 registrations came from Greene County residents.

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Southwest

LOCAL OFFICE Office Highlights from Office Manager Maggie Black The first step to a beautiful garden/lawn/ is safe for consumption. field is to do a soil analysis. This will tell the There were 909 paid registrations encustomer the nutrients in their soil. Horticultered through this office for our programs in turist/Agronomist will do the interpretation of 2018. Prior registration is always preferred the lab results to make recommendations of for an accurate headcount. Doing so allows how to bring the soil to the optimal level needus to be mindful of expenses such as how ed for what the customer is wanting to plant. much paper will be needed for handouts, acThis ultimately will save them money by elimcurate catering expenses, etc. Eliminating inating the guess work when buying, or not waste saves our county much needed funds. buying, additives for their soil. It also protects the environment from unnecessary fertilizer and chemicals. They will only be applying what is truly necessary for their lawn/garden/ field needs. In 2018, I prepared and sent 383 soil samples to our lab in Columbia. I reached 96% of the office goal of 400.

The drought situation in Greene County this year, forced livestock producers to be concerned with drought effects such as high levels of nitrates in forage and drought-damaged crops for silage and baleage. We saw a big increase in the number of Nitrate tests performed. I did 39, of which 38 tested positive for nitrates.

There were 47 new or renewed Private Pesticide Applicator training certifications done in this office in 2018. Private Pesticide Applicator Training is for producers of agricultural commodities, 18 years or older, wishing to obtain or renew their applicator’s license from the Missouri Department of Agriculture in order to buy and apply restricted-use pesticides on their own land. The license is good for 5 years and may be renewed.

I performed 15 pressure canner gauge tests for food safety in 2018. Accuracy can be determined by testing it against a calibrated gauge. If the canner is not at the recommended pressure during processing, the During 2018, I processed:  383 soil samples food inside the jars will either be cooked too much and will be of poor  39 nitrate tests quality, or the product will not be thor 47 private pesticide applicator tests oughly safe before storing on the shelf. The test takes just minutes and is  15 pressure canner gauge checks well worth the time to ensure your food  909 paid program registrations 63

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated February 2, 2019 Home to these programs and more!

The Extension office offers:          

Soil testing Lawn and gardening hotline Health 4-H program for youth Leadership development programs Nutrition education for families On farm education Private pesticide applicator trainings Programs for new business owners.

Training for communities, non-profits And much more

and Safety

Extension history in county:

Since 1914, Greene County and area residents have sought help from Extension in areas related to agriculture, gardening, 4-H youth, nutrition, families, business and community development. MU Extension programs focus on the high-priority needs of Missourians to improve lives, communities and economies with relevant, responsive and reliable educational solutions. Each county extension center, with oversight by elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to practical education on almost anything.

Facebook: Become a Fan

Find the Greene County Extension Council on Facebook along with Master Gardeners of Greene County and MUExtension417.

“Reaching Out Report”

Monthly newsletter from Greene County Extension details events and is available at http://issuu.com/greenecoext.

Monthly Extension Meetings

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3r d Thursday of month (except July),7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Springfield Livestock Marketing Center.

Master Gardeners of Greene County— board meeting: Fir st Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Master Naturalists Board Meetings: at 5:30 p.m. at the MDC regional office, on the second Wednesday of the month.

Greene County Extension Council: Last Monday of the month at noon at the Springfield Botanical Center. In May, meeting is on Tuesday.

10-Year Goal

“Greene County MU Extension will help Greene County businesses create or save 3,500 jobs, individually educate 500,000 Greene County residents on topics improving their families, farms, and nutrition and train 1500 new community leaders and volunteers in Greene County by the year 2030.”

Greene County MU Extension Office located inside the SpringfieldGreene County Botanical Center

2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 greeneco@missouri.edu

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

http://extension.missouri.edu

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