Dent County Extension 112 E. 5th Street, Suite 4 Salem, Missouri 65560 573-729-3196 http://extension.missouri.edu/dent University of Missouri Dent County Extension Council 2015 Annual Report 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.
Transcript
Dent County Extension 112 E. 5th Street, Suite 4 Salem, Missouri 65560
573-729-3196 http://extension.missouri.edu/dent
University of Missouri Dent County Extension Council
2015
Annual Report
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.
Mission The mission of University of Missouri Extension is to improve Missourians’ lives by addressing their
highest priorities through the application of research-based knowledge and resources.
Dear Friends of Dent County Extension, This report shares highlights from another productive year of extending university-based research and knowledge beyond the campus into all 114 Missouri counties. We are pleased to present our 2015 annual report that features some of the local program efforts in Dent County this year. We take pride in knowing that this is just a sample of the outstand-ing work generated within the county by extension personnel. I hope you will take a few minutes to review this report and learn more about our accomplishments and commitment to education for the citizens of Dent County and south central Missouri. The success of University of Missouri Extension in Dent County depends upon the dedication and support of our Extension Council members, faculty and staff, and the community. A sincere thank you goes out to the Dent County Commission, City of Salem, and Judson Young Memorial Education Foundation for your continued financial support, and to the organizations, businesses and individuals who support our programs each year with financial donations and volunteer time. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to 2016. Sincerely,
Mike Thompson Michael Thompson Dent County Extension Chair
2015 Dent County Extension Council
Michael Thompson, chair Jason Edwards, vice chair
Krystal Sims, secretary George Gruendel, treasurer
Members: Jim Bell
Kyle Case Tom Forbes
Heath Garrison David Groves Thom Haines Alicia Hasten
Justin Headrick Joyce Jones Don Major
Michelle Parker Willie Strader Tracy Strange
Karla Tiefenthaler
Appointed: Gary Larson, Dent County
Commission J.J. Tune, City of Salem
Jarrod Simpson, Farm Bureau Jim Cafourek, MFA
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
VICE PROVOST’S OFFICE
108 Whitten Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
PHONE: (573) 882-7477
FAX: (573) 882-1955
University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Local Extension Councils Cooperating
Faculty and Staff Serving Dent County Headquartered in Dent County: Ted Cunningham, Livestock Specialist and Co-County Program Director Sarah Hultine Massengale, Community Development Specialist and Co-County Program Director Linda Shelton, Youth Program Associate Melissa DuBois, School District Wellness Coordinator (contract position for 2015-2016) Stephanie Wofford, Nutrition Program Associate Cary Terrill, Secretary Brenda Jessen, Secretary Ben Latimer, AmeriCorps volunteer Other Faculty Serving Dent County: Chantae Alfred, Family Financial Education Specialist, Phelps County Karen Branstetter, Youth Specialist, Crawford County Emily Crowe, Nutrition Specialist, Gasconade County Charles Ellis, Natural Resource Engineer, Lincoln County Kathi Mecham, Horticulture Specialist, Phelps County Pat Snodgrass, Housing and Environmental Design Specialist, Crawford County
2015 DENT COUNTY MU EXTENSION - FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Funding from county, city, gifts, state and federal monies makes MU Extension unique. Dent County funds support local office costs. State/federal dollars are used for specialist salaries,
orientation, in-service costs and postage.
Revenue Amount
County Commission $37,500.00
City of Salem $5,800.00
Judson Young Foundation $5,000.00
Reimbursements $6,871.11
Carryover $5,774.90
Postage from MU $2,411.00
Total $63,357.01
Expenditures Amount
Salary $21,059.77
Office Expenditures $14,231.87
Equipment $2,648.52
Travel and Training $5,467.83
Youth Program $12,576.41
Total $55,984.40
Livestock Specialist Ted Cunningham
Agriculture: Livestock Production and Management
Programs What Did They Learn? What Action Did
Participants Take or How Did They Benefit?
How Does This Work to Make Dent County and Missouri Better?
Management Intensive Grazing Schools Freeze Branding Workshop Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program Dent County Youth Beef Day
Over 100 participants improved forage and livestock management skills, in regional grazing schools held in East Central Missouri This event provides “hands-on” instruction for livestock producers who wish to permanent-ly identify their livestock with freeze brands. Attendees learned all aspects of the process of freeze branding as well as information about Missouri Brand Law. As a result of this workshop, 100% of survey respondents indicated they felt comfortable freeze branding their own animals Improved replacement heifer development practices and methods to increase reproductive efficiency. 172 Dent County 3rd grade students learned about rural safety issues, where their food comes from, and general agricultural awareness
Participants benefit by improving on farm manage-ment of their forage resource, extending the grazing season, improving forage quality, and decreasing input costs. Based on evaluation results, 16 out of 21 attendees indicated they planned to incorporate freeze branding in the management of their live-stock. Of the 16 who planned to freeze brand 16 indicated they would freeze brand as a theft deterrent, and 15 indicated they would freeze brand to improve identification for herd record keeping and management. Participants utilize improved reproductive management strategies such as reproductive tract scoring, pelvic measuring, artificial insemination and proper health management to improve heifer development Benefits students by learning about how food is produced, how to be safe in rural environments, and better understand the contribution agriculture makes to our community and country.
Forage production is the key ingredient to Dent County’s agricultural industry. Employment of skills learned in these schools improves production and profits for county livestock producers, and conserves soil and water for future generations. Freeze branding provides a permanent ID that improves record keeping resulting in improved herd management for Missouri beef herds. Additionally, freeze branding deters theft, decreasing losses to Missouri producers as well as law enforcement and judicial system costs. Improves the quality of the Missouri beef herd Provides elementary-age students with a better understanding of agriculture and prevents accidents and injuries associated with rural living.
Agriculture: continued
Programs What Did They Learn? What Action Did
Participants Take or How Did They Benefit?
How Does This Work to Make Dent County and Missouri Bet-
ter?
Forage and Beef Conference Spring Beef and Forage Workshop MU Wurdack Research Center Field Days Hay Storage Research Project
Over 200 producers learned improved Forage and livestock management skills 27 Dent County livestock producers learned improved beef heifer development manage-ment and alternative nitrogen sources for pasture and hay fertilization 750 FFA and Vocational Agriculture students learned about various segments of the Agricul-tural industry, rural safety and health issues, career opportunities and technologies related to agriculture. Approximately 75 producers learned about opportunities to renovate pastures to DNA testing, hay storage, cover crops, and weed control. This project seeks to identify methods of round bale storage that reduce waste and labor. Results of this research will be used to better instruct livestock producers of best management prac-tices for storing hay and reducing feed costs
Improved management of livestock operations and forage resource Participants made informed decisions on development of beef replacement heifers, and use of non ammonium nitrate nitrogen sources Youth participants benefit from having a better under-standing of the various aspects of agriculture and science, as well as an increased awareness of rural safety issues. Agriculture producers benefit from adapting management techniques demonstrated at the Research Center and from research derived from the MU farms and centers across the state. Producers will benefit by reducing hay waste at storage and feeding, as well as determining what storage methods are most economically feasible
Enhanced profitability, sustainabil-ity and quality of life for livestock producers and forage growers Improves the quality and longevity of the beef herd, and reduces costs associated with nitrogen fertilization. Increased awareness of agriculture and its multitude of opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders and producers, as well as consumers. Enhanced profitability, sustainabil-ity and quality of life for livestock producers and forage growers Improves management of the primary cost driver in cow/calf production systems.
Producers who attended the Freeze Branding Workshop received “hands-on” instruction by branding replacement heifers at MU Wurdack Farm. Freeze branding provides a permanent identification that assists producers with better record keeping and herd management, while also serving as a theft deterrent to would be cattle thieves.
2015 Dent County Farm Family: Lance, Alicia and Brody Hasten were recognized at the Missouri State Fair as the 2015 Dent County Farm Family.
Agriculture: continued
Programs What Did They Learn? What Action Did
Participants Take or How Did They Benefit?
How Does This Work to Make Dent County and Missouri
Better?
Alliance for Grassland Renewal Fescue Renovation Workshop Soil, Forage, and Feed Analysis Tests
Producers learned advantages, establishment, and management practices related to novel endophyte tall fescue 292 soil tests, and 64 hay and feed tests were conducted to learn proper fertilization rates for pastures and hayfields as well as determine supple-mentation and feeding requirements for beef cattle
Improved varieties of novel fescue exist and are capable of improving live-stock production capabilities in the south central region of Missouri. Producers more efficiently utilize fertilizer and reduce costs associated with forage production. Additionally, forage and feed analysis allows for least cost supplementation plans to be developed
Improved cattle performance and profitability of livestock producers Improves the profitability of ag producers
Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame recognition: Former longtime Dent County Extension Livestock Specialist and County Program Director Jim Freeman, Salem, was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame in Sedalia during the 2015 Missouri State Fair. The Missouri 4-H Foundation recognized Jim’s work and volunteer efforts supporting 4-H since 1963. Jim (right) is pictured with 4-H Foundation Trustee Dale Ludwig.
2015 Dent County Extension Leaders Honor Roll Recipients:
Ray Walden Roger Schafer
Awards and Recognition
2015 4-H/FFA Expo
The 2015 4-H/FFA Expo was another successful event, with over 200 Dent County youth participating. The event included 228 livestock entries and 81 4-H/FFA exhibits. This year’s Market Sale totaled over $166,000 with 58 buyers on 133 animals/items sold, from 109 youth.
Community Development: Working Collaboratively for Stronger Communities
Community Development Specialist Sarah Hultine Massengale
Programs What Did They Learn? How Participants Benefit How Does This Work Make Dent County and Missouri
Better?
Beginning Veteran Farmers: Opportunities and Resources for Veterans Interested in Agriculture Innovate Ozarks Business Conference Health Insurance Education Initiative
On April 27, veterans and active military members in this region with an interest in farming attended a full day workshop at MS&T campus to learn and network with a range of agriculture specialists and fellow veteran farmers. Topics included: disability resources and services, specialty production practices and farm visits on cattle production and high tunnel operations. 94% of participants reported that because of this program, they learned resources that will help them start their farm. 10 Dent County residents participated in the regional professional development business conference on October 23 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Sessions included Missouri Tourism Impact and Opportunity; social media marketing; workplace wellness; business planning for emergencies; customer service; supervision 101; and business succession planning. 12 Dent County residents participated in local programs addressing basics of how the health care law affects health insurance, what the new health care law means, and how to understand health insurance options and get help to pay for your insurance.
Beginning farmer programs targeted to military veterans help to build stronger farmer networks for resources and assistance, and introduce participants to the range of additional services available to them as veterans. Participants reported that before the program, only 50% knew where to access info and assistance, but after the program 100% knew this information. Additionally, only 50% of participants felt connected to a network of farmers before the program, but that increased to 100% after participating. 100% of participants reported that as a result of this conference they made new connections to other businesses and leaders in their region. 91% of participants said that they would use the ideas and skills learned in this conference a great deal in their own businesses, and 73% reported learning how tourism is an economic engine for Missouri’s economy. 60% of participants said they would share the information they learned with family and friends. 90% of participants said that because of the program they felt confident in their ability to choose the best health insurance plan for them.
There is a growing interest and demand for locally produced food in Dent County and the region, for residents, schools, and other institutions, but limited production to meet these demands. Supporting new farmers in the county and region will help to build new farm businesses, grow more food, and strengthen the local economy. Small businesses face significant challenges in starting, growing and sustaining their businesses. Mu Extension provides training, resources and networking to support and enhance businesses in this region which increases business start-up, retention and expansion, creates more stable and active small business communities and a stronger workforce. Because of the new health care law, individuals, families and businesses will need to make decisions about their health insurance. As a nonpartisan entity, MU Extension provides education to ensure that residents have the resources and skills needed to make informed health insurance decisions.
Community Development: continued
Dent County Healthy Food Initiative In 2015, Dent County Extension partnered with Missouri River Communities Network to host an AmeriCorps volunteer for 2015-2016. AmeriCorps member Ben Latimer is working to increase the number of school and community garden programs in our community, and provide educational opportunities for health, nutrition, and cooking skills in partnership with our Extension staff, Healthy Dent County, local schools and other organizations. Funding for the AmeriCorps pro-ject was provided by Dent County Extension Council, MU Extension East Central Region, Healthy Dent County, and Judson Young Educational Foundation.
AmeriCorps volunteer Ben Latimer assists 5th grade students at Green Forest Elementary to plant their new school courtyard garden. The students taste-tested the turnips and spinach they grew this fall.
Photo by Andrew Sheeley, courtesy of The Salem News
Left: Stephen Foutes with Missouri Division of Tourism discusses the economic impact of tourism during the Innovate Ozarks business conference in October. Photo by Andrew Sheeley, courtesy of The Salem News. Right: Participants in the Veterans to Farmers workshop discuss high tunnel operations and small farm profitability. Photo by Jason Jenkins, courtesy of Rural Missouri.
Fire training
The University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute plans, develops and delivers state-of-the-art continuing education courses that meet the training needs of emergency services professionals, which enable them to better protect the lives and property within their communities.
MU Extension delivers continuing education courses, programs and training in a variety of professional trades that contribute to the success of public-sector organizations and private industries throughout Missouri and the nation.
4-H bird
houses Among many life skills, 4-H teaches how to create and construct items using wood and wood working tools. 4-Hers first learn the basics, such as using a tape measure and a hammer, and then they move on to working with advance equipment, such as routers and table saws.
Woodworking not your passion? That’s OK, Missouri 4-H has projects in topics ranging from arts and crafts to public speaking and much, much more.
How Does This Make Dent County and Missouri Better?
Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP) provides information on nutrition, food safety, and physical activity for lifelong health and fitness. In Dent County, 1,536 youth and 6,099 adults participated in FNEP.
Programming occurred in the following schools and agencies:
North Wood R-4
Dent-Phelps R-3
Green Forest R-2
Salem Upper Elementary and William Lynch Elementary
Salem Christian Daycare
Salem Develop-mental Preschool
Salem Head Start
Salem Farmers’ Market
Lifeway Center/Shepherd’s Nook Food Pantry
Dent County Health Center
Salem Fitness Center
Salem Public Library
Dent County Food Stamp office
Salem United Methodist Church
Nutrition Program Associate Stephanie Wofford goes into schools and interacts with community members to teach 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.
New gardening
curricula have been
introduced this year
and we are partnering
with other agencies to
develop school and
community gardens.
Evaluation data collected across the entire state reflects the positive impacts that occur in every county with FNP:
Two thousand, five hundred eight (2,826) teachers gave us feedback.
51 percent have participated in FNP for three or more years.
99 percent (2,790 teachers) reported one or more positive changes in students after FNP.
Adults who participat-ed in FNP also made significant improvements in areas such as healthier food choices, physical activity and food safety.
Participants in FNEP in Dent County 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 health care costs over the participant’s lifetime, saving taxpayers money in reduced public healthcare benefits and insurance premiums.
Nutrition Program Associate Stephanie Wofford
Family Nutrition Program: Reaching low-income children and families with nutrition education
Dent County 4-H Engaging youth as valued members of the community in partnership with caring volunteers Linda Shelton
4-H Youth Program Associate
Number of Dent County
Learners What Did They Learn? How Participants Benefit
How Does This Work Make Dent County and Missouri
Better?
198 4-H members 58 trained 4-H volunteers 8 youth volunteers One of every five Missouri-ans between the ages of 5 and 18 participated in a Missouri 4-H program in 2015.
Dent County 4-H serves youth through 4 organized clubs, camps and local community service activities.
Learning by doing is the 4-H motto. In Dent County 4-H Clubs, youth have the opportunity to practice leader-ship, citizenship, responsibility, team work, record keeping, project learning, public speak-ing, community service and other life skills under the guidance of trained adult volunteers.
4-H youth also participate in a variety of regional and state educational experiences which further develops a member’s learning opportunities.
Regional and State 4-H attendance:
4-H Summer Camp — 27
4-H Counselor Camp — 11
Shooting Sports Camp — 4
Photography Camp — 1
Dent County 4-H/FFA Expo — 150
State Shooting Sports Contest — 12
Missouri State Fair — 3
Move Across Missouri — 1
Missouri Equine Tour — 2
Missouri Youth Livestock Clinic &
Judging Workshop — 8
Meats Judging Contest — 5
State Poultry Day — 3
4-H’ers participating in 4-H events, club activities and 4-H projects learn to use these ex-periences to engage in their communities. Young people in 4-H are involved 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.
The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Develop, an ongoing study which began in 2002, discovered some measurable differences between 4-H members and their non-4-H peers. Compared to non-4-H youth, 4-H youth are:
41% less likely to engage in risky behaviors
70% more likely to participate in science, engineering or comput-er technology programs
40% more likely to pursue sci-ence, engineering or computer technology courses or careers
70% more likely to go on to college
70% more likely to graduate from college
25% more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities
To have increased financial success for themselves and their children
To have improved health for themselves and their children
To have improved quality of life through more opportunities for leisure and hobbies
4-H project work and related educational experiences help youth explore interests in citizenship, communications and leadership. 4-H youth report three times more opportunities than their non-4-H peers to engage in meaningful community leadership roles.
Communities reap long-term benefits by supporting programs like 4-H. Youth engaged in the program are 60% more likely to vote than their non-engaged peers. In addition 4-H youth are more likely to volunteer and contribute to their communities than participating in other youth programs.
Involved in 28 community service projects, all four Dent County 4-H Clubs received state 4-H community service awards for their contributions to their local communities. Youth are learning the importance of being involved in their communities.
These projects and others lend themselves to creating an envi-ronment for 4-H youth who care about the contribution to the economic vitality of the entire community.
2015 Dent County 4-H members at Camp Clover Point
Summer Camp is one of the most valuable experiences a child can have!
Adults and youth are recognized for their outstanding achievements at the 2015
Recognition Night award banquet.
Programs
Total Hours of Collective Workshop Participation in 2015
What Did They Learn?
What Action Did They Take?
How Does This Work Make Dent County and Missouri Better?
In Dent County, 12 people participated in the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program. University of Missouri Extension partnered with the Salem Community Center at The Armory to offer the program to the citizens of Dent County.
During program year 2015, Healthy Schools Healthy Communities coaching was provided to I Can Too Learning Center in Salem.
Stay Strong, Stay Healthy in an 8-week strength training program designed for middle-aged and older adults to improve strength, balance and flexibility. The Missouri Founda-tion for Health (MFH) initiative, Healthy Schools Healthy Communities, seeks to reduce childhood obesity through prevention efforts in selected communities in the MFH region.
• 100% would recommend the program to someone else. Post session evaluations showed 100% of participants: • Felt their health was better because of this program • Felt physically stronger • Felt they had more energy • Felt more flexible I Can Too Learning Center is on track to apply for Advanced level Eat Smart and Move Smart recognition in early 2016.
Research has shown that older adults who increase their physical activity and strength train regularly improve their strength, balance and flexibility. This results in reduced risk for falls, better overall health and greater independence. These health benefits decrease the likelihood of a participant enter-ing a nursing home, which costs on average $51,465 per year in Missouri. The money saved benefits the community by keeping more discretionary income in circulation locally. MU Extension faculty provide training and technical assistance to the child care centers within selected communities. This approach will also help to keep child care staff motivated and on track with implementing the Eat Smart and Move Smart Guidelines, helping children reach their full potential in physical growth and health.
Participants learn safe and effective exercises to
improve strength, balance and flexibility.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH EDUCATION
Emily Crowe Nutrition and Health Education Specialist
NUTRITION AND HEALTH EDUCATION: CONTINUED
Programs
Total Hours of Collective Workshop Participation in 2015
What Did They Learn?
What Action Did They Take?
How Does This Work Make Dent County and Missouri Better?
Cooking Matters at the Store Cooking Matters for Parents
During program year 2015, Cooking Matters at the Store tours were delivered to 26 participants in Dent County. University of Missouri Extension partnered with Country Mart to offer the program to the citizens of Dent County.
During program year 2015, Cooking Matters courses were delivered to 7 partici-pants in Dent County. The University of Missouri Exten-sion partnered with the Unit-ed Methodist Church and Building Family Foundations to deliver this program to citi-zens of Dent County.
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. Participants in the six-week Cooking Matters course are adults and teens who want to make healthy meals for themselves and their family on a budget. They learn to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices, and cook delicious, affordable meals.
•100% would recommend the program to someone else. When asked "What new ideas did you learn on this tour for saving money or buying healthier food?" participants commented: • Buying in bulk and freezing portions • Comparing fresh, frozen and canned vegetables When asked on the evaluation survey “How has this course affected your life?” participants commented: "This class taught me healthier ways to prepare meals" "Helped me make food that is better for my family"
As a result of the program. Participants indicated that they have increased confidence in their ability to purchase healthier food on a budget, promoting a positive change in attitudes towards healthy foods. In helping people lead healthier lives, Extension is helping Dent County citizens create a more active community, and a healthy labor force is critical to attracting and keeping jobs in Missouri. As part of the No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in America, Share Our Strength's Cooking Matters teaches participants to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious, affordable meals.
Participants learned to compare fresh, frozen and
canned produce and other food budgeting skills.
Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Partnership Promoting health and wellness in schools, families and communities
School District Wellness Coordinator Melissa DuBois
Missouri is one of the heaviest states in the country: 30% of Missouri adults are obese and 31% of children ages 10 to 17 are overweight or obese. In 2013, Missouri Foundation for Health established a five year initiative called Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities to address childhood obesity in our region. Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities seeks to reduce childhood obesity through prevention efforts in selected communities in the MFH region. Healthy Dent County and Salem R-80 School District have contracted with Dent County Extension for Melissa DuBois to serve as the project’s School District Wellness Coordinator for the Salem R-80 and Northwood R-IV School Districts. In the 2014-2015 school year, Melissa worked with the school wellness champions and facilitated wellness committees at each school building to develop action plans for healthy change. Projects have included GoNoodle “Brain Breaks” in the classroom, healthy birthday celebrations, staff wellness/FitBits, piloting stability chairs, water bottle filling stations, and more. Special health events have had many participants, including National Walk to School Day, Halloween SpookBACKular (donating over 350lb of candy to the USO), Tigress Running Club, and Panther Elite. The success of the second year of the grant program impressed MFH, who expanded the initiative in Dent County to include Oak Hill R-I for the new school year. Dent County now has four of its five districts participating in the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities initiative to help improve the health of our community and students.
Left: Mr. Roberts, Middle School Principal, sports his new FitBit for staff wellness. Teachers are all excited to get moving. Right: Over thirty 3rd-8th grade girls partici-pated in the end of season Tigress Run-A-Thon, which raised just under $1000 to donate to local charities. Bottom Left: Middle school students walk the Square before the first bell. Teachers have reported students being much more alert and ready to learn the first few hours of the day. Bottom Right: 12 of the 19 Panther Elite summer camp participants showing how to do a proper wall sit.
Chris Thompson Business Development Specialist
Business Development Program
Program, Workshop, Number
of Learners
County Participation
What Did They Learn?
What Action Did They Take?
How Does This Work to Make Dent County and
Missouri Better?
Across the entire state MU Extension business counselors provided start-up and manage-ment counseling, coaching, training and other assistance to 17,552 individuals and companies. Counseling and coaching address just about any business topic. Training events included:
Starting A Business
The Basics of Writing a Business Plan
Financial Management
Intro & Advanced QuickBooks
Doing Business with the Government
Marketing
Strategic Planning
Balanced Score-cards
Supervision 101
International Trade
4 Dent residents and businesses received counseling or coaching
Businesses participating in counseling, coaching or training learned:
How to start a business
How to develop a business plan
How to under-stand, analyze and use financial statements to make fact based business decisions
How to more effectively lead and manage their employees
How to use QuickBooks
How to apply for financing
The conditions & demographics in their market area
Other resources available to assist businesses such as the Small Business & Technology Development Centers, Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, International Trade Center, Trade Adjustment Assis-tance Center
As a result of assistance provided by the MU Extension Business Develop-ment program businesses in Dent County during FY2015 generated the following economic impact:
Created 3 new jobs
Secured new in-vestment (loans or owner equity) totaling $225,000
As entrepreneurs and inno-vators, 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. In assisting these small businesses, MU Extension contributes to the county and state’s economic develop-ment through growth in jobs, sales, technology develop-ment and commercialization.
Across the state of Missouri, the total impact for all businesses assisted by the MO Business Development Program was:
219 new businesses
2,057 new jobs
1,590 jobs retained
$174,934,851 in increased sales
$438,777,708 in govern-ment contracts
$110,460,065 in loans and investments in business
$15,995,900 in export awards
$538,084 in research grants awarded
3,572 clients/companies receiving business counseling or coaching
13,980 business training/conference attendees
HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS Horticulture Specialist
Kathi Mecham
Programs
What Did They Learn?
How Participants
Benefit
How Does This Work Make Dent County and Missouri Better?
Lasagna/ Sheet Gardening workshop at Salem Community Garden. Container Gardening: 20 participants Landscape Design for the Homeowner: 12 participants. 16 Lawn or garden soil test results were reviewed
Participants learned a no-dig, no-till gardening method that uses less water and fertilizers. Participants learned methods and materials used to grow vegetables in containers. Participants learned basics design principles and some do-it –yourself solutions. Those submitting soil
test samples learned soil
type, fertility and organic matter status of land areas tested and nutrient levels to apply to lawn and garden area.
Participants saved time and money by using leaves, kitchen waste, cardboard and newspaper to create a rich, healthy garden soil. Participants save money and time by planting in smaller quantities and using less materials and fertilizers. Participants save time and money by doing home design work themselves and also what to ask the professions. Those submitting soil tests benefitted economically by avoiding over-application of expensive fertilizer materials and avoided reduction of crop and garden productivity/ quality due to under-application of fertilizers. The envi-ronment was benefited by reduction of excess fertilizer run-off into surface and ground water.
This gardening method provides for better water retention and less fertilizer therefore benefiting Dent County and Missouri by saving water and reducing over-use of fertilizers. Benefits also include materials that commonly end up in landfills are used to create rich healthy gardens.
Container Gardening benefits Dent County by keeping residents active and eating fresh foods. Landscape Design efforts bene-fits Dent County by increased property values and beautifica-tion of the community. Proper fertilizer use by home gardeners increases environ-mental quality of the county and the state. Watershed and groundwater issues are critical local, statewide, and national issues in scope and effect. Local soil conservation and fertilizer use impacts state river and stream quality, ultimately affect-ing Gulf ocean waters.
Topics and Programs
What Did They Learn? What Action Did Participants Take or How Did Participants Benefit?
How Does This Work Make Dent County and Missouri Better?
Medicare
Boot Camp
Media Efforts
Extension partnered
with Edward Jones Investments to present the free workshop to residents. Attendees learned how to make the right Medicare choices. They learned to know when and if changes can be made to the Medicare Coverage
In Dent County, nine people participated in the Medicare Boot Camp program.
Participants completed a total of 18 hours of learning.
Radio Interviews broadcast in Dent County provided Financial Education to listeners.
Topics of discussion included: Holiday Shopping, Consumer Scams, and Credit and Savings
Participants benefit by improving
their knowledge of Medicare Eligibility and how to protect their Medicare. By enrolling at the correct time, participants make better Medicare choices and decrease financial penalty costs.
The public information gives listeners updates about Extension programs and needed education in financial literacy.
Increased knowledge helps Dent County residents expand their knowledge to ensure they receive all their Medicare benefits. A healthier Dent County, decreases health care costs for the county, state of Missouri, and the nation overall. Improved financial knowledge leads to improved personal finances. People have more choices in making financial decisions. Improved personal finances helps to keep Dent County residents and the economy moving in the right direction.
Family Financial Education Specialist Chantae Alfred
FAMILY FINANCIAL EDUCATION
“Financial literacy – it’s never too late to learn!” Malcom Forbes and Chantae Alfred
