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Benton County

University of Missouri Extension

Council Annual Report

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From the Benton County Extension Council:

This past year was a busy time for the University of Missouri Extension in Benton County with the amount of programming offered and in the changing faces of the region. 2015 brought many new faces to the West Central MU Extension region as we welcomed the diverse talents of qualified specialists from a number of counties bringing their specialized programs and knowledge to Benton County for residents to utilize. Today, we are proud to continue offering the same quality programming our community has come to expect while also offering them fresh opportunities to expand their knowledge in our ever changing world.

Local specialists have held seminars and classes throughout the year providing information from youth development to helping older adults find strength through balance and exercise. New programing in 2015 saw specialists seeking new ways to reach the public through county ag tours, school gardening programs, and healthy cooking programs. Ag specialists offered programming aimed at helping farmers make the most of their resources. Additionally, information was provided though county newspapers, and local radio stations. Specialists also participated on video newscasts on Warsaw BCE TV sponsored by the Benton County Enterprise newspaper.

As we do every year, we would like to continue to thank all of the volunteers, organizations, businesses, and local leaders for their continued support of extension programming. With your help, we have been able to generate local programming geared towards what matters most in the community. Whether it is the leadership and friendships forged through 4-H, the financial strength gained from informed business and personal financial decisions, or the beautiful gardens crafted by local master gardeners, extension programming helps nurture and support the entire community, not just those directly involved with the programming.

Looking forward, we plan to continue offering relevant programs that will improve the knowledge and lives of the residents of Benton County throughout the years to come.

Cindy Harris Stephanie Ledbetter Connie Mefford and Gene Schmitz

Benton County Benton County Benton County

Extension Council Chair Extension Council Secretary Co-County Program Directors

Table of Contents

Council Letter ………………………………………….…..…2

Dr. Henderson’s Letter.……………………………………......3

Agriculture and Natural Resources……………………..….…4-5

Business Development Program.……………………....……....6

Family Nutrition Education..…………………...………….....7-8

Cooking Matters and Food Preservation………………...….…9

Benton County 4-H………………………………….…….... 10

Focus on Kids and School Enrichment …………………...11-12

Family Financial Education and Master Gardeners...……...….13

Master Naturalist……………………………..……………....14

Community Development and Housing and Environmental Design………………….…………………………..………...15 Continuing Education……………...……………………...…16

Impact Page………………………………………………….17

Extension Leadership and Finance Summary………………...…….18

Connie Mefford presents Wilma Keightley the Leaders Honor Award. Wilma is a long time 4-H supporter. She served for 15 years as a project leader for the clubs of Turkey Creek and Lake Creek Lamplighters. Wilma also served for over 25 years on the Cole Camp 4-H Fair Committee.

Live. And Learn.

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VICE PROVOST’S OFFICE

108 Whitten Hall

Columbia MO 65211

PHONE: 573-882-7477

FAX: 573-882-1955 December 2015

Dear County Commissioners and Friends of MU Extension:

Each year, University of Missouri Extension carries out the University of Missouri’s land-grant mission — bringing the

university’s knowledge and research to all Missourians. For more than a century, we have been the “front door” to

higher education in Missouri — helping to improve lives and create vibrant, resilient communities.

MU Extension is known as a valued and trusted resource for Missourians, touching the lives of nearly 2.3 million

citizens. Our presence in all 114 Missouri counties, coupled with our network of councils, enables us to listen to the

needs of communities, and respond with programming that addresses those needs. From our well-known programs in

agriculture, nutrition and health, 4-H, and small business development, to lesser known continuing education programs

for professionals such as fire and law enforcement training, nursing and medical continuing education and labor

education, MU Extension makes a difference with programs that are in demand. The following are examples of program

impact.

MU Extension’s Business Development Program helps Missouri entrepreneurs succeed in private enterprise

and promotes statewide economic growth. In the past fiscal year, this program helped businesses increase

sales by more than $157 million, secure loans and equity of nearly $100 million, create 1,832 jobs, and

retain an additional 1,436 jobs. The program also helped to launch 213 new businesses in our state.

Alianza, a joint initiative of MU Extension and the Institute for Human Development at the University of

Missouri – Kansas City, provides intercultural training to the growing segment of Latino farmers, and pairs

them with the knowledge and services they need to help Missouri meet its agricultural needs.

4-H Youth Futures: College Within Reach, is designed to help high school youths who are not encouraged to

attend college realize the benefits of a college degree. Studies show that an individual’s lifetime earning

potential increases by an average of $2.3 million with a bachelor’s degree. This program makes a difference

for many young people.

Strengthening communities through art, innovation and creativity is the focus of MU Extension’s

Community Arts Program. The program’s 2015 St. Louis Storytelling Festival, which brought curriculum to

life for 12,000 local school children, shows how extension adds value to communities through engagement

with MU.

These examples are a small representation of the many ways MU Extension works to enrich lives, businesses and

communities to strengthen Missouri. I encourage you to read the attached annual report to view the impact made in your

county. On behalf of MU Extension, thank you for your support and partnership with us to better serve your community.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Henderson

Interim Vice Provost and Director

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Agriculture and Natural

Resources (ANR)

Above, participants in the 2015 Benton County Ag Tour visit during a stop at a beef operation utilizing management intensive grazing practices. Additional stops on the tour were precision fertilization on grass hay fields, covered beef feeding floors, and alfalfa production.

Below, the 2015 growing season was an extraordinary one for Missouri producers. Record wet conditions from May through July transitioned into drought in September and October. This weather led to delays in the spring hay harvest, leading many producers to be concerned about hay quality. As such, hay testing was of particular importance this past year for producers to assess the need for supplemental nutrients to meet the nutritional demands for their cattle.

Agriculture Programming

Ag business, agronomy, and livestock programming helps area farmers meet the challenges

of today’s evolving agricultural landscape. Major programing efforts such as farm bill

education, pesticide applicator training, Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer program, the

Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity program, leasing programs, and grazing schools were

geared at helping farmers maintain up to date information for their tenants and themselves.

Ag programming reached over 400 participants countywide.

What impact does this have on the participants?

Over 20 producers attended one of the “Understanding and Using Hay Test

Results” sessions held throughout the region presented by Gene Schmitz. Participants

indicated a 30% increase in knowledge and 82% planned to adopt a new

management practice or change an existing practice as a result of what they learned.

7 area farmers were introduced to general leasing concepts and discussed Missouri leasing law at the Farmland Leasing Workshops presented by Brent Carpenter. Participants said that as a result of the seminar they intend to: 1) Write better lease agreements, 2) Get a more updated contract, 3) Get a written agreement, 4) Stay with their present agreement.

Farm Bill education presented by Brent Carpenter continued to play an important role in 2015 with 25 participants receiving help with navigating their program options under the new bill.

10 students attended the Regional Grazing School in the county. Brent Carpenter, Travis Harper, and Gene Schmitz were instructors in the school. The two day class qualifies participants for cost-share on grazing system practices through the Missouri Soil and Water Conservation program. Of the participants, 78% said they plan to use rotational grazing, while 89% plan to implement changes to extend their grazing season.

What impact does this have on the county and Missouri?

Agriculture programming helps prepare area farm businesses to better weather financial

risks and protect the environment through responsible use of fertilizer and pesticides.

Major programming efforts such as the farm bill education seminar, pesticide applicator

training, and livestock marketing opportunities with feedouts and replacement heifer

development programs provide clients with the expert analysis they need to make the

important decisions that will impact not only their own family farms but the surrounding

area. Increased education reduces risk, which in turn encourages lenders to direct their

clients towards the appropriate resources to improve their businesses’ profits and

creditworthiness. All of this benefits Benton County and Missouri through job creation

and the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable Ag practices and agricultural

commodity exports.

Gene Schmitz, Livestock Specialist

Brent Carpenter, Ag Business Specialist

Travis Harper, Agronomy Specialist

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Missouri Century Farms

The Missouri Century Farm program dates back to 1976 and seeks to recognize and celebrate the families and farms who have survived the test of time and been in operation for 100 years or more. Sponsored by MU Extension, the MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, and the Missouri Farm Bureau, the program continues to honor Missouri’s agriculture history and farmers. One farm was recognized in Benton County in 2015. For Missouri and the community, the Century Farm program is an important venue to promote and preserve the states cultural and economic past for future generations.

Soil Testing Services

Soil testing services offered in coordination with the University of Missouri

Soil and Plant Testing Lab helped farmers and gardeners gain valuable

information regarding the fertility needs of their land.

In 2015, 48 samples flowed through the Benton County office, testing the

fertility and nutrient composition of cropland, lawns, gardens, and poultry

litter.

What impact does this have on the participants?

Proper soil testing helps farmers make effective use of fertilizer to

maximize their financial returns.

Accurate application of fertilizers to soil helps improve soil fertility and reduce the environmental impact of over fertilization.

Manure and compost testing helps users understand the nutrient composition to aid in optimum use while protecting local water resources.

What impact does this have on the county and Missouri?

By supporting soil testing services in Benton County and Missouri, local

citizens are able to better understand the needs of their land and apply

amendments to their soil in a judicious and financially responsible way. In

applying the correct amount of fertilizer, compost, or manure to their land,

users help improve the health of their soil while limiting the negative

environmental impacts of over fertilization resulting in healthier crops, trees,

and gardens.

Left, steers tagged and ready to be shipped to an Iowa feedlot to participate in the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity program. Three Benton County producers participated in this opportunity to learn how their calves perform in the feedlot and what carcass characteristics and carcass value their calves produce. This represents another marketing channel for area producers to capitalize on improved genetics they are breeding into their cow herds. Right, Brent Carpenter discusses the implication of the 2015 Farm Bill to a group of area producers.

Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT)

In 2015, Travis Harper provided

training and updates for area

producers needing to get or renew

their private pesticide applicator

license.

By supporting the PPAT program,

producers gain skills that lead to

improved efficiencies of

production, profitability, and

sustainability in their farming

operations.

This benefits citizens by improving

environmental quality through the

timely application and improved

utilization of pesticides in critical

watersheds which thereby protects

and enhances the natural resources

and water quality of Missouri.

Above, Dick and Shirley Copp accept their sign and certificate recognizing their farms’ status as Century Farm.

NEEDS UPDATED

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Business Development

Program (BDP) Jackie Rasmussen, Business Development

& International Trade Specialist

For the 17 counties that comprise the West Central Region, MU Extension Business Development Program counselors provided start-up and management counseling, training, and other assistance to 2,905 individuals and companies (167 individuals in Benton County).

Individuals received assistance in topics ranging from:

Starting A Business Business & Strategic Planning Marketing Management Doing Business with the Government Understanding Financial Statements,

and International Trade

Why Export? Where’s Your Export Market? Making An International Sale Moving My Product Internationally

Businesses participating in counseling or training sessions learned:

Effective tips and techniques to successfully start or manage their businesses Additional resources and business assistance services that exist that can be

accesses to support business development & growth – such as the Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, Missouri Career Options Project, and the Missouri Environmental Program.

As a result of assistance provided by the MU Extension Business Development program, businesses in the WC Region in FY2014 generated the following economic impact:

Started 19 new businesses (1 in Benton County) Created 217 new jobs (1 in Benton County) Generated sales increases of $6,800,513 Received government contract awards of

$13,239,564 ($191,482.52 in Benton County- 9 awards in Benton County)

Secured new investment (loans or owner equity) of $2,579,875 ($85,000 in Benton County)

Acquired Assets worth $1,075,750 ($103,500 in Benton County)

As entrepreneurs and innovators, Missouri’s small businesses are becoming a more diverse group that continues to make the state’s economy productive. There are approximately 500,000 small businesses in Missouri. Nearly 98 percent of all businesses with employees are categorized as small businesses. In assisting the owners and managers of those businesses, MU Extension contributes to the county’s economic development through growth in jobs, sales, innovation, technology development, and commercialization.

Across the state of Missouri, the total impact for all businesses assisted by the MO Business Development Program was:

267 new businesses 2,057 new jobs 1,590 jobs retained $174,934,851 in increased sales $438,777,708 in government contracts $110,460,065 in loans and investments in business $23,145,950 in SBIR/STTR, Research or Phase III proposals 3,572 clients/companies receiving at total of 26,541 hours of

business counseling 13,980 business training/conference attendees

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Human Environmental Sciences (HES)

Tammy Culpepper, Nutrition Program Assistant Cary Creach, FNEP Regional Project Director

Megan Webb, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist

Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP)

University of Missouri Extension’s Family Nutrition Program (FNP) provided SNAP-Ed nutrition education to 3,849 low-income participants in Benton County during 2015. FNP is one of MU Extension’s Family Nutrition Education Programs (FNEP), and teaches information on nutrition, food safety, and physical activity for lifelong health and fitness. Nutrition education for youth provides information in kid-friendly terms and lessons with hands-on activities. Activities include opportunities for taste-testing healthy foods and practicing skills that lead to good health. Education for adults includes nutrition, food safety, physical activity, and food resource management. During 2015, 2,321 youth and 1,528 adults were served through schools, community groups, and agencies. The following is a list of the locations where participants were served: Schools: Children’s Palace LLC Warsaw Head Start (WCMCAA) Cole Camp Elementary Cole Camp Middle School Lincoln Elementary Warsaw North Elementary Warsaw South Elementary Warsaw Ruth Mercer Elementary

Agencies:

Benton County Food Pantry

Benton County Food Stamp Office

Benton County WCMCAA

Care Connection

This is a success story using our Show Me Nutrition poster boards. I had put up the SMN poster about Family Meals. Since we many times do not actually have direct contact with the people that are reading the board, this did remind me that those boards can give value to our program as well. I actually had a parent of a Head Start student stop me at the elementary school one day. She said that Gail Wallace (Head Start coordinator) had told her that the poster was part of one of our programs and if she contacted me, to be sure and tell me what she had told Gail. She said she grew up in a family that never ate meals together and she had not even thought of the importance of meal time as long as everyone got to eat. After reading the information and taking home some of the handouts, she decided this might help her three children and husband interact with each other better. It’s been about six months since I used that poster in Head Start and she said it is amazing how much healthier they are eating. The kids and even sometimes her husband all chip in to decide what they are eating and how to fix it. She said it has now become such a habit that the other day, when we didn't have time to fix dinner and decided we would grab something out later, the middle child asked if we could at least bring it home to eat at the table. The SMN board proved to be a great resource. Tammy Culpepper, Benton County Nutrition Program Associate

I do a gardening program at the Lincoln Elementary Preschool. We let them discuss what foods they want to grow in the garden. One of many things they chose this year was celery. I have never grown or even seen celery grown before, but we decided to give it a try. We had a local greenhouse donate any of the plants we wanted and they happened to have celery plants. The teacher did not understand why they wanted to grow celery because half of her students would not eat it when she served it as a snack. We grew some of the best looking celery around, (the rainy summer probably helped a lot). So the day we harvested it, I also gave them peanut butter that they could dip it in. Every child but one tried it and asked for more. The teacher was joking and said, “No way, you never eat the celery when I fix it for you.” They told her it wasn't as good as their celery out of their garden. I thought that summed it up the best. Since then, she has served celery several different times that wasn’t out of their garden and they all eat it much better.

Tammy Culpepper, Benton County Nutrition Program Associate

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Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP) Feedback was received from 2,826 teachers (51% of these teachers had participated in FNP for three or more years). Evaluation data was collected on students who participated in a variety of curricula from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Ninety-nine percent (2,790 teachers) reported one or more changes in students after FNP. What impact does this have on the participants?

Student changes reported by teachers

Student changes

Percent of teachers who ob-

served each type of student

change

Percent of teachers whose students talked about this

change

More aware of nutrition 92% 90%

Make healthier meal and/or snack

choices 68% 80%

Eat breakfast more often 49% 53%

More willing to try new foods 83% 82%

Improved hand washing 83% 79%

Improved food safety other than

hand washing 40% 44%

Increased physical activity 62% 68%

Teachers’ Changes (self-reported)

Behavioral change Percent of teachers who

made each type of change

Percent of teachers already

practicing the behavior

Percent of teachers who

model or talk about the

behavior in front of students

More aware of nutrition 52% 47% 95%

Make healthier meal and/or snack

choices 51% 45% 94%

Eat breakfast more often 35% 55% 82%

More willing to try new foods 43% 51% 90%

Improved hand washing 32% 66% 94%

Improved food safety other than

hand washing 34% 61% 76%

Increased physical activity 40% 45% 88%

Make/offer healthier food choices

for students 49% 39%

Adults who participated in FNP also made significant improvements in each area addressed. (Dietary Quality and Physical Activity)

Indicator Percent of respondents reporting improvement

Think about healthy food choices when deciding what to feed

your family 56%

Use the “Nutrition Facts” label to make food choices 67%

Consume something within 2 hours of waking 56%

Consume the equivalent of 3 cups of milk, yogurt, and cheese

each day 55%

Eat more than one kind of vegetable each day 56%

Eat more than one kind of fruit each day 57%

Exercise for a total of 30 minutes each day 53%

Food Safety

Indicator Percent of respondents reporting improvement

Let meat and dairy foods sit out for more than 2 hours

47%

Thaw frozen foods at room temperature 62%

Food Resource Management

Indicator

Percent of respondents reporting improvement

Plan meals ahead of time

60%

Compare prices before bought food

46%

Shop with a grocery list

50%

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Cooking Matters at the Store

Program Mission As part of the No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in America, Share Our Strength's Cooking Matters at the Store teaches participants to shop smarter and use nutrition information to make healthier choices. Description of Program Offerings Cooking Matters at the Store tours provide families with hands-on education as they shop for food, giving them skills to compare foods for cost and nutrition. Participants learn how to plan and budget for healthy, affordable, and delicious meals for their families. Program Impact Participation During program year one, Cooking Matters at the Store tours were delivered to one participant in Benton County. Evaluation After attending a Cooking Matters at the Store tour, 100% reported improved knowledge, skills, or understanding of maintaining a healthier dietary intake; 100% reported using skills and knowledge to shop healthier and reduce food costs.

Food Preservation

Program Mission MU Extension’s Food Preservation programs serve as source for current research-based recommendations for safe and quality home food preservation. Description of Program Offerings Quality for Keeps: Home Food Preservation is a six session series on safe food preservation methods. The six session topics are: Harvesting/Storing fresh produce, Pressure Canning, Boiling Water Canning – Pickling, Boiling Water Canning – Salsas, Jams and Jellies, and Freezing/Dehydration. Program Impact Participation During program year two, Quality for Keeps: Home Food Preservation workshops were delivered to ten participants in Benton County. Evaluation After attending a Quality for Keeps: Home Food Preservation workshop, 100% reported improved knowledge, skills, or understanding of safe food preservation methods.

Megan Webb, Nutrition Specialist

Megan Webb, Nutrition Specialist

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Benton County 4-H Kay Sparks, 4-H Youth Development Specialist

Benton County 4-H clubs offer long-term educational experiences in which members learn life skills such as decision making, public speaking, and working with others. Members learn by doing under the guidance of adult volunteers who teach projects ranging from dogs, rabbits, poultry, and alpacas to cake decorating, entrepreneurship, and horse riding. Through club meetings, camps, and educational trips, Benton County 4-H offers life-long learning opportunities. During 2015, 102 4-H members and 54 trained youth and adult volunteers supported each other in 5 clubs as they built life skills, engaged in science and technology, and connected with their communities.

Total Hours of Collective Participation in 2015 · 4-H Members — 3,570 learning hours · Volunteers — 5,400 volunteer hours

Benton County Fair — 482 entries · Benton County Livestock Sale — 29 youths with 12 animals, 11 hams, 5 bacons, and 1 cheese · Benton County Demonstrations — 3 youths · 4-H Camp — 24 youths · Show-Me 4-H Wares — 1st Place Alpaca Alley Team · Teen Conference — 5 youths · State Congress — 2 youths · State Contests — 9 youths · Missouri State Fair Exhibitors — 19 youth with 42 exhibits

Regional, State, and Local 4-H Attendance

What impact does this have on the participants? · One out of every five Missourians between the ages of 5 and 18

participated in 4-H in 2015. · Missouri 4-H members learn to use these talents to engage in their

communities. Young people in 4-H are engaged in twice as many leadership roles than their non-4-H peers. This provides them with the experience in problem-solving to step up and lead in a complex, changing world. In Benton County, 48 4-H members were engaged in leadership and service experiences in their communities.

· Benton County is growing future scientists. 4-H’ers are more likely to pursue future courses or a career in science, engineering, or computer technology with 4-H youth being three times more likely to go into a science related career than similar peers (Lerner and Lerner, 2008). Forty-six of our 4-H members were enrolled in science related projects this past year.

· 4-H fosters career development in its members by connecting members with college campuses and faculty. Annually, MU Extension 4-H connects 8,700 young people to the University of Missouri campuses. Being on campus is a predictor of youth going onto higher education (Hoover, 2006).

Benton County 4-H Volunteers

Youth who earn their bachelor’s degree increase annual earnings by $2 million over their lifetime (NACUBO, 2012). If 50 percent of the Benton County members participating in 4-H events on campus go on to earn their degree, 4-H would help young people earn $16.1 million more in lifetime earnings. Additionally, 4-H volunteers responding to a survey reported that they contribute on average 100 hours per year. Valuing their time at $21.30 per hour, based on average Missouri incomes, the contribution of Benton County 4-H volunteers was worth more than $115,020 in 2015! These adults serve as mentors for our youth, which is priceless for growing our communities.

What impact does 4-H have on the county and Missouri?

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Focus on Kids (FOK) FOK helped one participant from Benton and its’ surrounding counties learn how to better support their children through the divorce and separation process in 2015 for a total of 294 learning hours over the course of 12 sessions. What impact does this have on the participants? "This is the third class I have taken and out of all of them this one

has made me realize how important my family is." — Participant comment.

96 percent said they would recommend the class and felt it was a very good program for divorcing parents.

97 percent said the program provided useful ideas about reducing stress for children.

98 percent said the program offered helpful suggestions to support their child’s relationship with both parents.

What impact does this have on the county and Missouri? When you support the Focus on Kids program, the county and state benefit as parents are better able to meet the social and emotional demands of their children. A healthy home environment nurtures children who are more successful in school and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

4-H Youth Development Program Specialist Kay Sparks

Monday, March 9, 2015, was a good night for area 4-H club, Lake Creek Lamplighters. The club was chosen by the Vajen Family of Mora, Missouri to receive their $2500 check from the Monsanto America’s Farmers Grow Communities Fund. Club members, James and Nancy Vajen, MU Extension 4-H Specialist Kay Sparks, and Monsanto area representative Charlie Blaylock were on hand for the event.

Lincoln Elementary students see firsthand how apple

cider is made at the Cole Camp Antique Tractor Show.

Benton County 4-H members at the 2015 4-H Camp in Heit’s Point.

The Benton County 4-H/FFA Royalty

Living History Farm Tour The University of Missouri Extension 4-H program partnered with the Central Missouri Agriculture Club and Cole Camp Antique Tractor Club to educate over 450 area youths and adults about the important role that agriculture plays in their lives. Young people from Cole Camp and Lincoln along with five other schools came together over the two day event to learn and observe how agriculture has shaped Missouri communities and has evolved over time. The students spent the days viewing demonstrations on farm tool history and seeing firsthand how to bail straw, shell corn, make apple cider, churn butter, and boil lye for soap making. This year’s tour also featured a blacksmith, llamas, and donkeys. By experiencing the farm tour, students learn about historic farming practices and gain an understanding of how much farming has changed with modern technology and how that change has impacted the development of the surrounding region.

2015 4-H Camp Heit’s Point King:

Garrett Louiselle

of Lake Creek

Lamplighters 4-H Club

Queen:

Sydney Neas

of Lake Creek

Lamplighters 4-H Club

Prince:

Wyatt Derendinger

of Searchers 4-H Club

Princess:

Hannah Harrell

of All Arounders 4-H

Club

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Kay Sparks, 4-H youth specialist, works the Benton County Back to School event. Benton County 4-H took part in the event to raise awareness of local 4-H programs for area youth.

Benton County 4-H President, Garrett Louiselle,

discusses Benton County 4-H with newcomers

at the Benton County 4-H Project Discovery

event. The event was designed to show the

public what 4-H is all about in Benton County.

Embryology Program Youth Development

Comments from teachers:

“Not only did our class get to learn and enjoy this

live experience, but other students from other

classrooms stopped by to enjoy them.”

“The children love seeing the chicks hatch and enjoy

holding the chicks as they learn the life cycle of an

egg.”

Kay Sparks, 4-H Youth Development Specialist

The 2015 Benton County 4-H/FFA Youth Fair

The 4-H embryology program is a classroom supplement designed to provide youth with a hands-on science learning experience by watching pre-incubated eggs hatch over the course of a few days under their care. During 2015, 140 students from 7 classrooms in Benton County participated in embryology resulting in 840 hours of learning. What impact does this have on the participants? · Students learn about where their food comes from while gaining knowledge of life cycles and embryo and

reproductive development. · By using experimental learning and hands on activities in the classroom, teachers are able to build classrooms

geared towards developing student’s scientific and observational learning skills. · Participants developed the social skills necessary to care for and nurture another living being by helping turn and care for the chicks both before and after they hatch alongside their teacher. What impact does this have on the county and Missouri? 4-H science programming seeks to cultivate an appreciation of the sciences and life early on in Missouri youth. Aligned with state standards, embryology reached hundreds of students yearly who are able to pass on their knowledge of nutrition and science to their parents thus encouraging a more educated community. A more educated and science literate populace in turn benefits the demands of today’s technological and science driven economy.

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Family Financial Education Dedra Thomas, Family Financial Education Specialist

University of Missouri Extension’s Family Financial Education is the key to enhancing financial literacy. Programs focus on helping families master control of their financial resources, increase their skill in financial decision making, and expand their capacity to set and achieve financial goals. Educational information and programs are available on the following family financial education topics: Credit Repair/Management Debt Management Budgeting/Savings Banking Services Predatory Lending Healthcare Initiative Consumer Education/Buying Skills Post-Retirement Planning Identity Theft/Consumer Protection Decision Making Skills

What impact does this have on the county and Missouri? When people have control over their finances, they make a positive economic contribution to society as a whole. A community that has individuals and families saving and investing their money, using credit wisely, and avoiding money traps, means that more people live a sustainable life and are able to build wealth on a more consistent basis.

Master Gardener

“Helping others learn to grow” is the mission of the Missouri Master Gardeners. Members work tirelessly giving their own time to help beautify their communities and disseminate unbiased, research based gardening information to the general public.

The Benton County Master Gardeners had a successful plant sale in June. They provided information on flower & vegetable gardening. The Benton County Master Gardeners have an ongoing milkweed/monarch project with the Corps of Engineers to help save the monarch butterfly in Missouri.

Local residents chosen as State Fair Farm Family for

Benton County

Thad and Kristy Henderson and family of Edwards were

among the 110 families honored during the Missouri State

Fair’s Farm Family Day on August 17, 2015.

The Hendersons were selected as the Benton County

Missouri State Fair Farm Family by the Benton County

Extension Council and the local Farm Bureau. The family

includes Kelsey, Thane, and Brayden.

Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families

from across the state who are active in their community,

involved in agriculture, and participate in local outreach and

extension programs such as 4-H and FFA.

The annual event was sponsored by Missouri Department of

Agriculture, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri State Fair,

University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and

Natural Resources, and University of Missouri Extension.

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The Missouri Master Naturalist™ program is a community-based natural resource education and volunteer service program for adults sponsored by Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension. The Hi Lonesome Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalists is based in Cole Camp. Residents of Benton, Pettis, Hickory, and Moniteau counties make up this chapter. Visit the http://extension.missouri.edu/masternaturalist/colecamp/ website for more information on their activities. A total of 108 people have completed the Master Naturalist Training in Benton County. Training topics include:

Ecological Concepts Soils and Geology Forest Ecology Wildlife Management Agriculture and Conservation Aquatic Ecology Grasslands and Prairie Birds Caves and Karst And much more!

The Hi Lonesome Master Naturalist Chapter club members have increased opportunities for citizens and tourists to enjoy the natural ecosystems of Benton County and enhanced preservation of plants and animals found on natural prairies in Benton County.

The Hi Lonesome Master Naturalist Chapter members volunteered a total of 2,503 hours in Benton County in 2015. They also completed 398 additional educational hours for 2015.

The barn owl is consider threatened in Missouri due to loss of nesting

habitat. Last year, our group placed nine owl nesting boxes in Pettis and

Benton counties and had three broods fledged. With the placement of 13

more boxes in 2016, we hope to improve the number in Missouri.

Eighteen people graduated from the 2015 Master Naturalist class.

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Build Your Board Training

Build Your Board is a comprehensive training that Extension offers both as a face-to-face workshop or as a

convenient statewide online course for members of small nonprofit boards. The course was designed by local

Community Development Specialists in order for board members to understand their legal responsibilities and

become more effective while serving on their local boards.

Nearly every non-profit organization operates under a board of directors. With the bulk of the organization’s

resources going to meet the needs of clients, it can be difficult for organizations to provide the necessary training

to board members and yet the effectiveness of their board can make or break the organization.

The Build Your Board course is comprised of sixteen lessons, organized into five learning modules. Course participants participating in the online course can log in any time and have the option to go through all sixteen lessons at once or break the training into sessions as short at 15 minutes each. For more information visit the Build Your Board website at: http://extension.missouri.edu/buildyourboard or contact your local Community Development Specialist.

Home Ownership Made Easier (HOME)

Home Ownership Made Easier (HOME) partnered with USDA to help 4 participants from Benton and its’ surrounding counties learn about the responsibility that comes with owning a home in 2015 for a total of 8 learning hours over 4 sessions.

What impact does this have on the participants?

“I learned a lot that I never knew about the home buying process and this will definitely help me in keeping my home.” — Participant comment.

100 percent said they would recommend the class and felt it was a very good program for future homeowners. All participants were approved for their homeownership loan upon completion of the program.

What impact does this have on the county and Missouri?

When you support the HOME program the county and state benefit as lower income individuals have better access to owning a quality home at an affordable rate. Homeownership is key not only to the participant’s stability but also helps in stimulating a local economy.

In 2015 a pilot of a new International Community Leadership Development (ICLD) Program was conducted with five Missouri delegates and five South African delegates participating in the international exchange. The new program focused on increasing the skills and resources of committed community members so that their efforts have greater impact. They received instruction in ethics, project management, and transformational leadership through 32 hour of classroom instruction and a two week practicum exchange in the other country. During the practicum exchange participants visited nonprofit organizations and community projects gaining insights into common community issues and how they can be addressed. At the conclusion of the program, each participant developed a plan and presented how they would integrate what they learned in their home community.

Community Development and

Housing and Environmental Design Connie Mefford, Community Development Specialist Mark Porth, Housing and Environmental Design Specialist

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Other MU Extension Programs and Continuing Education Office of Continuing Medical Education and Physician Lifelong Learning (CME/PLL)

CME/PLL serves both MU Extension and the MU School of Medicine by educating physicians and other health care providers to

improve the standard of care across the state of Missouri. In FY 2015, CME/PLL offered 1,678 noncredit programs, courses, and

activities with 23,452 participants. One person from Benton County attended these programs, courses, and activities. Visit

medicine.missouri.edu/cme/about.html for more information.

Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI)

MU FRTI is charged with providing comprehensive continuing professional education and training to Missouri’s

fire service and emergency response personnel. The institute has a direct impact on the well-being and protection

of Missouri’s 29,000 firefighters and the 6 million people they serve. Courses prepare firefighters for medical

emergencies, hazardous materials response, and disaster preparedness and mitigation as well as fires. In FY 2015,

MU FRTI trained firefighters representing all 114 Missouri counties for a total enrollment of 13,005 fire and

emergency responders — 152,585 hours of training. In FY 2015, MU FRTI served 1,090 fire departments,

organizations, and agencies. Forty-three people from Benton County attended this training. For more

information, visit mufrti.org.

Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI)

LETI brings state-of-the-art, certified, professional training to law enforcement officers and continuing

professional education to a wide spectrum of other criminal justice and public safety professionals. The

institute has for more than 60 years been the state’s leader in providing vital training and education services

for Missouri’s 20,000 in-service personnel and 3,000 police recruits annually. Working with national, state,

and local agencies from 37 states, LETI provided basic and advanced cruelty investigations training. LETI

also presented a variety of topics to extension personnel and the general public including five personal

safety presentations to municipal employees. Two people from Benton County attended this training.

MU Conference Office

The MU Conference Office provides high-quality, professional, full-service meeting management for a variety of noncredit educational

programs, such as conferences, workshops, seminars, and symposia. Whether a meeting is hosted on campus, in out-state Missouri, or

anywhere in the world, the office’s professional staff provides assistance to create the best learning environment for participants. In FY

2015, the MU Conference Office registered 14,219 people for conferences on teacher education in math, science, and writing; pesticide

applicator training; youth leadership programs for students with disabilities; and many other topics. Sixty-six people from Benton

County attended these conferences. For more information, visit muconf.missouri.edu.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

OLLI appeals to the intellectual, cultural, and curious worlds of adults 50 and older. Classes are taught by retired university instructors,

authors, artists, and world travelers. In FY 2015, OLLI offered courses covering a broad array of interests and subjects. In addition to

classes, OLLI hosts many social activities and provides service opportunities for members. Because the retiree population is projected to

double in the next 15 years, OLLI is poised to stimulate and engage a growing population of seniors. For more information, visit

extension.missouri.edu/learnforlife.

Veterinary Medical Extension and Continuing Education (VMECE)

VMECE focuses on issues that have widespread impact on Missouri veterinarians and livestock owners. Factors such as disease risks,

rising input costs, and regulations all affect the livelihood of farming operations. VMECE provides up-to-date information and

consultations to veterinarians and livestock owners so they are better prepared to address these challenges. In FY 2015, VMECE

organized events for veterinarians seeking continuing education credit to renew their veterinary licenses. Team members also presented

information about production-related topics or animal disease to more than 1,500 people at 30 different meetings across the state. They

also made 34 farm visits with local veterinarians to help solve livestock production problems.

MTI

The Missouri Training Institute provides continuing education programs in business, custom-designed training programs, and consulting

services for business and industry, public and nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Training programs cover human

resource management, supervision, management, leadership, team building, effective decision-making, dealing with generational

differences, and business writing. The institute’s consulting services cover human resources, strategic planning, board development, and

board retreats. In FY 2015, 10,249 people enrolled in the institute’s 427 programs. Eighteen people from Benton County enrolled in

these programs. For more information, visit mti.missouri.edu.

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University of Missouri Extension Center

Benton County

1220 Commercial Street

Warsaw MO 65355

Office: 660-438-5012

Fax: 660-438-3120

Email: bentonco@missouri.edu

Visit our web site

http://extension.missouri.edu/Benton

Benton County Extension Leadership Volunteers, Faculty and Staff

2015 Benton County

Finance Summary Benton County Extension Council Members

Extension Faculty and Staff Based in Benton County

Additional Faculty and Staff Serving Benton County

Officers

Cindy Harris, Chairman Tina Ives, Vice-Chairman Stephanie Ledbetter, Secretary Don Kersey, Treasurer

Elected

Mark Breshears Rod Brethower Charles (Brad) Crouch Cindy Harris Tina Ives Don Kersey Stephanie Ledbetter Rodney Meyer Frances Shockley Marlo Zeitler Appointed

Tom Black, Benton County Cattlemen

Steve Daleske, Benton County Commission

Nancy Konkus

Evonne Lang, Benton County Farm Bureau

Paula Spring, City of Warsaw

Connie Mefford, Community Development Specialist and Co-County Program Director 660-438-5012

Gene Schmitz, Livestock Specialist and Co-County Program Director 660-438-5012

Tammy Culpepper, Nutrition Program Associate 660-438-5012

Debbie Wilken, Office Support 660-438-5012

Wayne Prewitt, West Central Missouri Regional Director 660-383-1633

Brent Carpenter Agriculture Business Specialist 660-827-0591

Cary Creach, FNEP West Central Region Project Director 660-383-1633

Travis Harper, Agronomy Specialist 660-885-5556

Kent Shannon, Natural Resource Engineering Specialist 573-445-9792

Kay Sparks, 4-H Youth Development Program Specialist 660-827-0591

Megan Webb, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist 660-827-0591

Dedra R. Thomas, Family Financial Education Specialist 660-747-3193

Sarah M. Traub Human Development & Family Science Specialist 660-882-5661

Mark Porth Housing and Environmental Specialist 660-885-5556

Mission

Using science-based knowledge, University of

Missouri Extension engages people to understand

change, solve problems, and make informed

decisions.

University of Missouri Extension does

not discriminate on the basis of race,

color, national origin, sex, religion, age,

disability, political beliefs, sexual

orientation, marital or family status, or

status as a Vietnam era veteran in

employment or in any program activity.

Income:

Governmental

Appropriations $24579.96

Misc. Income

Reserve Funds 2335.53

Total Income $ 26915.49

Expense

Personnel—Salaries $15503.10

Payroll Expenses 1180.25

Travel 4800.00

Telephone—local 1967.09

Telephone—tolls 277.76

Advertising 45.00

Supplies/Services 2882.71

Insurance 200.00

Miscellaneous 59.58

Repairs/Maintenance

Capital Repairs

Total Expense $ 26915.49

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