Purdue Extension Jefferson County Annual Report 2022-2023

Purdue Extension Jefferson County

ANNUAL REPORT 2022- 2023

Annual Meeting Report and Dinner Sponsored by: Jefferson County Farm Bureau Inc. German American Bank Jefferson County 4-H Fair Board

Dear Reader, Purdue Extension-Jefferson County is one of 92 Cooperative Extension Services in Indiana under the guidance of Purdue University. Starting with the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, Extension has provided services and education to diverse communities for well over a hundred years. In Jefferson County we have two educators and two full-time staff that deliver and support programming in Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development and Health and Human Sciences we fully staffed. We are actively hiring for two positions in 2024.

Through this report we will share a few of our success stories from the 2023 program year.

We will also highlight the upcoming programs we are bringing to Jefferson County.

The most vital part of Extension is our dedication to being a community partner. We invite you to engage with us across all of our program areas so we may connect university knowledge to our community in the most beneficial way possible. Thank you for reading and supporting Purdue Extension in Jefferson County. Please reach out any time to discuss how we can assist in meeting community needs.

Sincerely,

Britt Copeland, County Extension Director Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development copelanb@purdue.edu

Kasie Bachmann, Office Manager kbachman@purdue.edu

(812) 265 8919 3767 W 256 Madison, IN 47250

4-H in Jefferson County is on the rise 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in the community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and adults. In Jefferson County, our 4-H program continues to be a point of pride and continues growing. Through the hard work of over a hundred volunteers our clubs and programs meet monthly, sometimes weekly, to deliver programming and instill life skills in youth.

By working with our 4-H Expansion and Review Advisory committee and Junior Leaders we were able to put together a New to 4-H Night in 2023 aimed to welcome new families. We have also had a strong focus on revamping our volunteer trainings and support of new families in our program. Last year was the first year our 4-H enrollment broke the 500 member mark since the COVID slump. We look forward to continual improvement, and growth so we can continue delivering a quality 4-H Program in Jefferson County.

Our Membership 505 107 12 1

4-H Youth Members Adult Volunteers Community 4-H Clubs Educator

Our Involvement 2,353 5 3 2 1

Entries in the 4-H Fair Animal Science Workshops 4-H Camps Offered SPARK Clubs Offered State 4-H Trip Participation

Our Fair 20,000 3,311 1,371 993 167

Unique Fair Visitors per Placer Report Lbs. of Pork Donated to Food Pantries Lbs. of Beef Donated to Food Pantries $ of Lamb Donated to Food Pantries Animals Sold in the Livestock Auction

4-H Enrollment is still open, we welcome you to join us as a member in 2024. Contact us to learn how.

4-H Motto: “To make the best better”

4-H Programming in Jefferson County Junior Leaders promote broadband access and become Tech Changemakers

Southeastern Indiana 4-H Camp participation keeps growing Our 30 youth joined 250 other 4-H members at Camp Higher Ground in West Harrison, Indiana for a 4 day camp. Our camp is unique in the fact that it is almost entirely youth led. As a member progresses in age they take on more responsibilities as a counselor in training, counselor, group leader and finally a Junior Director. Three training programs are held before the summer to prepare youth for their roles at camp. We are very proud of the youth in our county who developed their leadership skills while serving as junior staff.

Jefferson County Delegation gets a hands-on Civic Engagement Experience at Indiana 4-H Day at the Statehouse

Our Junior Leaders received financial support from the Jefferson County Broadband task force to send three members to a statewide training to become “Tech Changemakers.” As a result our Junior Leaders led outreach events to assisted living communities and community groups on topics such as online banking, digital literacy, online job application best practices and more. Recently with the introduction of the Purdue Broadband Team members helped promote broadband access by winning the County Taskforce Logo contest and plan to lead broadband literacy presentations at upcoming 4-H events. Our Junior Leaders also led a very successful “New to 4-H Night” in 2023 with over 70 attendees.

Animal Science Workshops were well attended and encourage us to continue expanding offerings

In the spring of 2023, 27 members attended a sheep nutrition In the spring of 2023, four members attended the Indiana 4-H workshop that featured a Purdue Extension Small Ruminant Educator, Forage Testing and a Showmanship demonstration Day at the statehouse along with the 4-H Youth Educator. with superintendents. 17 members attended a poultry science Members spoke workshop with a guest judge and older members leading the with representapresentation. Our first overnight Horse and Pony camp in a tives and senalong time was successfully executed and is being planned tors before a genagain for 2024. Finally, our Experience Vet Science 4-H eral session in SPARK club had which an official 16 youth enproclamation was gage with a loread on the sencal veterinariate floor. Meman , a field vetbers got the erinarian from chance to see the Board of government in Animal Health action and ask and tour IVY their own questions. Educators across the state where imTech and Hanopressed by our young peoples engagement and grasp of current issues such as access to mental health care in rural com- ver College munities, access to broadband and commitment to education Campuses. investment.

Jefferson County Agriculture and Natural Resources Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource Edu- In addition to educational programing our ANR Educator is able cators provide research based resources and education- to assist with: al programs to their local communities. In Jefferson County, we provide answers to your questions and pro- • Private and Commercial Pesticide License Information and Questions graming related to horticulture, animal science, and natural resources to meet local needs. This work is support- • Plant and Bug Identification ed by campus specialists and a deep library of free or • Soil Testing Information & Analysis low cost publications on topics such as cash rents, suc- • Forage Testing Information & Analysis cession planning, forage production and much more.

• General ANR Consultations

A new class of Master Gardeners were certified Virtual Learning Library of Agricultural topics were and our volunteer association was active in 2023 expanded and added to Facebook to increase The master gardener basic training is a 15 week program viewership. that teaches participants about consumer horticulture topics with the intention that graduates go on to relay that knowledge to benefit our community. In 2023 we graduated 14 new Master Gardeners The Jefferson/Switzerland County Master Gardener Association held educational events open to the public on Soil Biodiversity, Composting, Bonsai for beginners and Invasive Species. Combined these events hosted 130 community members. We also held our popular wreath making workshop in December with 74 attendees. A new basic training starts in February. We hope to continue equipping attendees with horticulture knowledge that can be used to benefit our community.

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Programs and Tobacco GAPS programs were held locally and plan to be expanded next year Pesticide applicator programs are a need extension fills across Indiana. Our educator regularly provides support to local farmers as they navigate the application process. In 2023 PARP credits were given to 27 farmers in the community as a result of local programs. Area wide programs including the Southeastern Purdue Agricultural Center Field day were well attended by Jefferson County applicators. More local opportunities were determined to be a need and will be added in 2024.

As the area lead for our winter webinar series our educator brings timely topics such as stocking fish in your ponds, emergency livestock care, soil health, landscape design, winter forage management and more to an accessible virtual platform that allows attendees to engage in the topic and learn where the resources are located for future list. In the last series 56 individuals engaged in a live format and our video recordings averaged 110 views per post. Numbers from the current series will be complied at it’s conclusion but is looking to surpass those numbers. We invite you to check out our Purdue Extension– Jefferson County Facebook and YouTube Pages to view these recordings. The Purdue Extension Education Store has countless researched based, non biased publications that are available at little to no cost. Our extension educator is happy to act as an agricultural librarian of sorts to connect you to the right publication or program extension has on the subject.

Emergency Animal Handling & Self Care Program for Law Enforcement Pilot program was delivered in our county In partnership with Ohio County Extension we put together a professional development program to law enforcement on how to safely handle and humanely euthanize injured livestock in the event of a livestock trailer wreak. A session on Stress First Aid and healthy snacking rounded out the program.

Jefferson County Health and Human Services Health and Human Services Programming in Jefferson County has focused on financial literacy, food safety, and metal health education and awareness over the past year. As our educator transitioned to a regional role, programming continues supported by educators in neighboring counties and our current educator. The

Safe Sitter 4-H SPARK club is being planned again for 2024 and Youth Mental Health Courses are currently being taught. We are actively hiring for the HHS/4-H Extension Educator Position. If you know of a qualified candidate please direct them to the careers.purdue.edu website.

Programming Impact 2nd Safe Sitter 4-H SPARK Club.

Captain Cash

11 participants attended the event and received a Safe This in school program was taught to 14 3rd grade stuSitter Certificate which includes education on child dedents at Christian Academy of Madison. 9 students revelopment, safety skills, CPR/First Aid, and more. Of the ported planning to go to college after high school. 11 12 that signed students agreed that people who learn more usually up for the event, earn more.

7 were new to 4H. External fund- Youth Mental Health First Aid ing allowed me In 2023 our 4-H/ANR educator traveled to two military to be a Safe Sit- bases and taught 6 virtual courses to military personnel ter Independent to teach the Youth Mental Health First Aid Program to Instructor were a 132 individuals. This program is meant to teach adults result of the IYI who work with youth how to respond when youth may be Professional De- experiencing a mental health crisis. This work is supportvelopment ed by external grant funding and a working partnership Grant. NKDH partnered with Purdue Extension for the with Indiana 4-H and the United States Navy. use of the CPR manikins.

ServSafe Food Handler This course and exam was administered to 7 individuals. 5 individuals identified as Home-Based Vendors and 2 identified as considering becoming a Home-Based Vendor. 71% of respondents reporting learning "A lot" or "A great deal" about controlling time and temperature as a result of the course. 100% of participants passed the ServSafe Food Handler Exam with an average score of 92%.

Introduction to Community Wellness Coordinator Position What is a CWC?

Examples of Potential Projects

Community Wellness Coordinators (CWCs) collaborate with community partners on broader community change that involves policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes. Under the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP), CWCs work to make the healthy choice the easy choice where limited-resource Hoosiers live, eat, work, play and shop. Purdue Extension NEP is supported by two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) educational programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

• • • • • •

Providing support for Community Gardens Assisting Partners in Research and Grants Encouraging SNAP Acceptance at Farmers Markets Supporting Farm to School Initiatives Increasing Nutrition and Physical Activity Access for Vulnerable Populations Supporting Food Pantry Programs & MORE!

Contact Jessica Martini, CWC for Ohio, Jefferson, Scott and Switzerland County at koons0@purdue.edu to learn more.

Local Extension Leadership & Advisory Committees Below are the various committees and organizations that advise and support extension programming. Our intention is to meet community needs with our programming. Local input is essential to ensure our program offerings are relevant and benefit the citizens of Jefferson County. We express our gratitude to those who set up to share their expertise and input on these boards.

Jefferson County Extension Board Term ends 2024 Kelsey Eisert Brent Gray Jerry Hay Tanner Mahoney

Term ends 2025 2nd term 2nd term 2nd term 2nd term

Heather Foy Derek Wynn Mary Mehl Linda Sloffer

Jefferson County 4-H Club Agricultural Association (4-H Fair Board) Scott Hubbard Tanner Mahoney Larry Sedam Mary Ellen Wehner Billy Keller Brice Gray Emerson Coles Bill Miller Linda Shimfessel Aaron Clayton Michael Hazelwood

Ashley Shephard Mary Mehl Bill Cain Alinza Deuser Wenda Feutz Erin Culver Molly Bruce Britt Copeland

Fair board membership is staggered. Five members are elected each year at the Annual Fair Board Meeting in July for a three year term. The 4-H Fair Board also acts as the 4-H Council.

4-H Adult Leader Organization All 4-H Adult Leaders are members.

No Constitution or by-laws.

Extension Homemaker’s Council President: Wenda Feutz Vice President: Mary Ann Eaglin Treasurer: Carolyn Jones Secretary: Brenda Kelly

Extension Homemakers Club Presidents Smyrna Neighbors: Franny Phillips

Term ends 2026 1st Term 1st term 2nd term 2nd term

Kyle Harsin Bridget Leach Misty Jacobs Chad Wehner

1st term 1st term 2nd term 2nd term

4-H Expansion and Review Committee Kodi Turner Judy Smith Jill Deputy Taylor Hubbard Zach Hubbard Wesley Powell Alinza Deuser Tonya Gross Lily Sloan

Debbie Long Tanner Mahoney Binnie Phillips Tonya Gross Alicia Skirvin Amanda Harsin Bridget Leach Molly Bruce

Agriculture & Natural Resources Advisory Committee Amanda Briggs Wesley Powell Kristin Miller Jonathan Stockdale

Jason Goley Debbie Long Billy Bob Miller

Health and Human Sciences Advisory Committee Keith Howard Jane Stormer Heather Foy Krysten Snyder Dr. Amanda Harsin Shirley Kloepfer

Laura Arico Tristan Imel Scott Davidson Kodi Turner Hannah Bentley

Jefferson/Switzerland County Master Gardener Association President: Glenn Schulte Treasurer: Debbie Long

2023 Tenure of 4-H Volunteer Leaders Ball, Mary Beitzel, Tammy Brennan, Marla Hampton, Sharon Ison, Shelby Richey, Kevin Rudolph , Austin Beavers, Jason Gross, Chris Hill, Keesha Hord, Crystal King, Adam King, Larami Powers, Patricia Shepherd , Ashley Smith, Shanna Stockdale, Rick Clayton, Aaron Coles, Madison Copeland, Andrea Copeland, Brittany Glunt, Renee Graham, Brandy Huff, Heather Leach, Ryan Long, Debra Rudolph , Cassandra Simpson, Carrie Hubbard, Taylor Oberhausen, Tia Schirmer, Vicky Bechman, Erica Jacobs, Misty Morrison, Jessica Seel, Kelly Shelton, Hannah Wehner, Brandon Wehner, Whitney Barnes, Ashley Bell, Jacob Gross, Tonya Mehl, Mary Wehner, Brent

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7

Deuser, Alinza Thomas, Connie Vigar, Brienne Cain, William Hubbard, Savannah Mahoney, Joshua Wehner, Megan Wheeler, Anthony Williams, Sara Bladen, Becky Cain, Cuyler Floyd, Carrie Hitchel, Brittany Hubbard, Zachary Leach, Bridget Wehner, Brad Bechman, Carrie Gray, Brice Reece, Alysha Schafer, Shelby cash, Mark Cash, Tara Coles, Krista Phillips, Barton Whelan, Amanda Imel, Christopher Imel, Tristan Miller, Bill Shelton, Alyssa Hubbard, Scott Napier, Alexis Cain, BJ Cain, Julia Field, Crystal Gray, Brent Carter, Jeanna Laub, Tori Adams, Bess Bachmann, Kasie Briggs, Amanda Hubbard, Michelle Wehner, Julie Wehner, Julie

8 8 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 22 22 22 22

Coles, Emmy Wheeler, Amy Copeland, Trina Keller, Jennie Keller, William McDonough, Tim Gray, Linda Phillips, Belinda Phillips, Terry Brim, Penny Deputy, Jill Shimfessel, Melinda Wehner, Mary Sedam, Larry Sedam, Tammy Shimfessel, Linda Smith, Dave Coles, Emerson Elston, Judith Schafer, Sharon Smith, Judy

23 24 25 27 27 27 30 30 30 31 31 31 33 38 38 38 39 46 46 50 53

Looking Ahead Upcoming Programs, Fair Dates, the 4-H Handbook, 4-H Deadlines are all available online We have a lot of exciting events planned for 2024 and many more in the works. Our monthly newsletters keep you in the know month to month. Our 4H Handbook has a listing of all important dates for 4-H Families and a fair schedule of just 4-H events and deadlines. A complete fair schedule with grandstand information and other public facing details will be published in the summer. Please pick up a copy of the 4-H Handbook or read the book online along with all previously published newsletters. Also follow us on Facebook for helpful reminders and educational content. Go to facebook.com/ purdueextensionjefferson.

Go to extension.purdue.edu/county/Jefferson to learn more.

As always, reach out to the office if you have questions about upcoming events or have trouble accessing online materials.

Programs Coming Soon to a Newsletter Near You March 12, May 15, July 1

June 3-7

Required training for all Livestock Exhibitors. We will be adding project specific meetings before each meeting to get more bang for your gas money. More to come.

High School Aged Campers should already be registered and attending trainings. Youth in grades 3-7 can access camp applications March 1– May 15th.

Planning for March 21st This SPARK club is intended for any middle or high school aged youth with an interest in Animal Science

Planning for Spring Elementary aged youth are invited to learn how to make healthy and delicious food in this afterschool club. More info to come.

June 14-15 More information to come from Horse and Pony Superintendents on our second Horse and Pony Camp.

June 29, 2024 Mini 4-H members are invited to a day of fun with educators and the Junior Leaders. Animal Project Demos, Crafts and more will add to a day of fun.