Improving Quality of Life in Rural Communities with MU Extension Programs

Written by David Burton

Many University of Missouri Extension programs focus on planting something or raising livestock. However, programs that improve the quality of life in our rural communities are just important to the productivity of agriculture in the Ozarks. Here are three examples.

SKILLUP TRANSITION

SkillUp 101 is an MU Extension program for people who receive food stamps. The program is designed to help individuals get a new job or go back to school and improve their life situation.

The goal of the program is to get people off food stamps and to become self-sufficient.

Individuals interested in the program, or who know someone who is interested, should call 855-278-0354 to begin the registration process. Once an individual’s food stamp eligibility is verified, they will be able to enroll in the SkillUp program. 

The following SkillUp transition classes in Greene County are going to be held at the Springfield Botanical Center from 1 to 3 p.m.: July 11 “The importance of maintaining a good attitude,” July 18 “Taking responsibility for your choices,” July 25 “Communication Skills,” Aug. 1 “Problem Solving Skills,” Aug. 8 “Preparing for the Workplace.”

In 2018, 800 people have applied for the SkillUp program across Missouri. Of those, 247 are in training, and 137 are employed and are receiving pay that is above the poverty level, which means that they no longer need food stamps.

BETTERMENT NIGHT

Greene County MU Extension has joined forces with sponsors to offer a unique event aimed at addressing challenges and improving the sense of community in Ash Grove.

The Ash Grove Betterment Night will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 12 at the Ash Grove Sunshine Center, 310 N Perryman Ave, Ash Grove.

All proceeds from the meal will stay with the Sunshine Center to support their building. Admission is $8 per for a barbeque meal with sides and homemade cobbler and ice cream.

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

I will be presenting, “Working Together to Create a Better Community.” My presentation will focus on volunteerism and examples of ways for people in Ash Grove to connect with a non-profit with the goal of improving the local quality of life.

Local sponsors have funded the marketing and promotion of this event. Those sponsors include
Integrity Homecare and Hospice, First Baptist Church of Ash Grove and Freeway Ministries, Wilson-Griffin Funeral Homes, Greene County Farm Bureau, Greene County Commission, and the Greene County Commonwealth.

To register for this event, contact Greene County MU Extension by telephone at (417) 881-8909 or online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Individuals wanting to be part of University of Missouri Extension’s EXCEL Leadership Class 2 in western Greene County are encouraged to register soon since there are only 15 seats available in the program.

Participants in the class must be residents of Ash Grove, Bois D’Arc, Republic, Willard, Walnut Grove or the county area around those communities.

The program is free again this year thanks to program funding from sponsors.

The purpose of EXCEL is community development through graduates who network and commit themselves as leaders to improve the lives of residents in their community.

Registration information is online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Registration for EXCEL Leadership Training with Greene County MU Extension Underway; Seating is Limited to 15

Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist
County Program Director - Greene County
Office Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Individuals wanting to be part of University of Missouri Extension’s EXCEL Leadership Class 2 in western Greene County are encouraged to register soon since there are only 15 seats available in the program.

Participants in the class must be residents of Ash Grove, Bois D’Arc, Republic, Willard, Walnut Grove or the county area around those communities.

“Residents of those school districts are eligible,” said David Burton, county program director for Greene County MU Extension. The program is free again this year thanks to program funding from the Greene County Commission.

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

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

Participants in the program must also create project plans for a community effort of some type. Understanding the planning process is important but learning how to implement it also important.

“Plans from Class 1 made a difference in our communities. People in Class 2 can build on some of those project plans, or create something new,” said Burton

EXCEL is a proven research-based community program for developing emerging leaders. This particular program targets residents of western Greene County living outside of Springfield.

MU Extension is using this program to develop leaders in response to feedback received at 40 statewide community forums in 2017. Participants at those forums identified a lack of community leaders and volunteers as one of the most important issues facing Missouri.

EXCEL students learn to engage in building community networks, making well-informed community decisions and finding real solutions to real problems. In the process of EXCEL classes, they also learn more about county resources and issues facing their communities.

“The purpose of EXCEL is community development through graduates who network and commit themselves as leaders to improve the lives of residents in their community,” said Burton. “Even after they graduate from the program, the goal is to keep EXCEL members engaged with each other through special opportunities and future EXCEL classes.”

MORE INFORMATION

Registration information can be found online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/exccel.aspx or individuals can register their interest by calling David Burton at (417) 881-8909 or emailing him directly at burtond@missouri.edu.

Community development specialists with MU Extension help people create communities of the future by tapping into local strengths and university resources. The Community Development Program works collaboratively with communities to foster economic development, leadership development, community decision making, community emergency preparedness and inclusive communities.
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Integrity Home Care Becomes Presenting Sponsor for 2018 Greene County Extension Programs

Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist

County Program Director - Greene County

Tel: (417) 881-8909

E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Integrity Home Care + Hospice in Springfield provides home health, hospice, pediatrics and much more throughout the state of Missouri. Their services are especially sought after in rural areas which made Greene County MU Extension a perfect partner.

Integrity Home Care + Hospice is first new presenting sponsor for Greene County MU Extension in several years thanks to the efforts of Greene County Extension Council member and volunteer Kent John.

“Being a presenting sponsor for our programs offers a unique opportunity at the reasonable price of $2,000 for 12 months,” said David Burton, country program director for Greene County Extension. “This is an excellent marketing opportunity that brings recognition to the sponsor and support to the local extension office.”

Presenting sponsors are listed on the ads, media releases and promotions of the major programs offering by Greene County Extension during the year. Burton explains that many businesses sponsor individual programs or events to target specific audiences at a smaller price.

“The presenting sponsor package helps the extension office with event planning and marketing but it also gives the sponsor access to the thousands of people we reach during the year with our marketing and our programs,” said Burton.

Greene County Extension annually hosts fee-based programs with an attendance of over 1,500 people. Over 40,000 county residents accessed programs through Greene County Extension in 2017.

However, marketing efforts by the extension office for these programs reach over 100,000 a year.

Current presenting sponsors include Integrity Home Care and Hospice, Greene County Commission, Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

For more information on how your business can become a presenting sponsor, contact Greene County Extension Council member and volunteer Kent John at (801) 604-2338 or David Burton by email at burtond@missouri.edu.

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Time for Face-to-Face Conversations

Written by David Burton

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Never underestimate the power of conversation.

While much of America has slipped back into their house, with the garage door shut, and with Facebook turned on, the best move forward for Missouri communities is to establish places where real conversations between real people can take place.

These conversations can lead to positive changes in the community and community relationships.

Improvements come from face-to-face dialogue, not from community rumors or gossip.

Great things can happen when landowners and possible builders sit down and visit with school district leaders about needs, challenges, and how they can work together to strengthen the community and the school district.

Great things can happen when the leading businesses in town sit down together and talk about ways to help each other and their community.

Great things can happen when you have improved communication between the city and the school district about items that mutually benefit and challenge these organizations.

Conversation, engagement, and education can lead to a community where there is cooperation, activated and engaged people, an improved quality of life and a growing community pride.
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Photo of author: Download at https://flic.kr/p/Cn2r4i

Register for 2018 EXCCEL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exccel-rural-greene-county-leadership-program-tickets-42048832189

BACKGROUND: The Western Greene County Leadership Academy known as EXCCEL pools emerging leaders from the western side of county including the towns of Republic, Willard, Ash Grove and rural areas in an effort to develop future community leaders.

EXCEL program will make a difference by developing new leaders and engaging Missourians

We are introducing the EXCCEL program to western Greene County. Here are details on the program and an application form.

What would be the goal of the program? – To develop individuals in western Greene County who can be leaders in their community or area and to also develop that important tie between a local newspaper and the development community leaders that want to find and implement community solutions.


How did this idea come about? – EXCEL is a statewide program offered by University of Missouri Extension to develop leaders. We learned this spring during statewide community conversations that rural communities are really struggling to find community leaders of any type. That is an expressed need statewide that this program is designed to respond to that need. But the program can be tailored to local resources and in western Greene County our main communities have a newspaper in common and so our program incorporates the local newspaper. There is a ton of research on the importance of newspapers and community engagement to finding answers to community issues. That is one of our goals and we think it can be accomplished while also developing leaders. Ryan Squibb and I have been talking about this type of model for several years and right now I have some funds to be able to totally underwrite the cost of launching this program. I think once we get it started it will be sustainable.


What are you most looking forward to by having this editorial board? – I’m excited to have an opportunity to learn about community issues and needs as well as networking with emerging leaders. That is part of the education and then sharing that information with the community as part of an editorial board really helps to get the entire community talking and engaged in finding solutions and working together. Sitting at home alone is not a very good way to find community issues, develop working relationships, or get engagement.


How do you think it would serve the Extension? The County/Southwest Missouri area? - MU Extension is all about engagement. This is a great example of engagement with long-term impacts. But we need people to commit to the meetings for 9 months and we need people to apply. Ideally we want 6 from Republic, 3 from Ash Grove, 3 from Willard and 2 from non-incorporated areas.


Can you describe to me how the process will work? Ryan mentioned something about small classes or workshops being conducted and from there a person would be selected to write an editorial piece on a select topic. Does this sound about right? – We will meet monthly. Program participants will work in teams to set up an engaging meeting. Each month we will focus on one community or one issue and invite existing leaders to come visit with the group, From that month’s team will write an editorial. Over the course of the entire program the entire group will develop a community event or activity to address a particular need as an ending project. We will also have a trip to Jefferson City and a meal and tour of the Greene County jail.

Twisted Tomatoes Spreading Concern in Southwest Missouri

June 30, 2017

Contact: Robert Balek, horticulture specialist

Headquartered in Jasper County

Tel: 417-358-2158

Email: balekr@missouri.edu  

Photo at https://flic.kr/p/q6W8Ui

CARTHAGE, Mo. -- From backyard gardens to full-fledged growers, something twisted is happening to tomato plants in southwest Missouri.

“The first sample came in around June 15 from Dade County,” said University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist Robert Balek.

A Dade County resident brought a portion of the suspect plant into the Dade County Extension office. University of Missouri Agronomy Specialist Jill Scheidt examined the sample there and realized it was not a typical case.

“At first, it looked like it could have been herbicide damage,” said Scheidt. “The leaves and stems were twisted and curled, but there were some differences between the sample and typical herbicide damage which told me it might be something else, something new.”

The sample had curled leaves and stems, but only in the top portion of the plant.  Also, not all of the tomatoes in the garden had these symptoms.  Another part of the mystery was that no herbicides were applied anywhere near the tomatoes. 

That is when a call was made to Jasper County.  “The correct diagnosis is required to know how to proceed with the crop, the plants, and the soil,” said Balek.  “This certainly was an unusual specimen. Since then, more samples came in almost daily form Jasper County.”

Drift from herbicides such as Banvel or 2,4-D can cause twisting and curling of tomato plants, but so can a microscopic pathogen called Tomato Curly Top Virus. 

The aptly named virus causes twisted, curly growth similar to that of herbicide damage, but there are subtle differences.

Tomatoes are very susceptible to herbicide drift, sometimes from as far as a quarter mile to half a mile away.  Cucumbers, peppers, and grapes are also very sensitive, and would all show symptoms in affected areas as well.  If these plants are present and healthy while the tomatoes are curled, you can likely rule out drift as a cause.

Curling can result from herbicide residues in soils, brought in by contaminated compost or mulch, but this also would affect other plants in the same soil.

To be sure, do a bio-assy.  Simply plant a few seeds of green beans near the affected plants.  As the beans sprout and new leaves appear, they should be straight and smooth.  Any curling could mean that herbicide residue is present in the soil. 

While Curly Top Virus is one possibility, there are other diseases which can curl tomato leaves. 

“If you are certain that no herbicide was applied anywhere near your tomatoes, and you have a clean bioassay on your soil, but you still see curling symptoms, contact your local extension office.

Contact Jill Scheidt at the Dade County Extension, 2 N. Main Street, Greenfield or phone: 417-637-2112; contact Robert Balek at the Jasper County Extension, 302 S. Main, Carthage or phone 417-358-2158

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DOWNLOAD PHOTOS FOR USE WITH THIS STORY

https://flic.kr/p/V2ekhf - Suspected Curly Top Virus Sample

https://flic.kr/p/V2ekih - Banvel Damage on Tomato

Arts and Cultural Heritage Tourism Workshop in Springfield May 12

Bring Economic Development to Your Community—develop Arts & Cultural Heritage Tourism

MU Extension’s “Arts and Cultural Heritage Tourism” workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 12 at the Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

The cost of the program is $20 per person and includes lunch and materials. Registration for the workshop can be completed online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene, by calling the Greene County MU Extension office at (417) 881-8909, or by visiting the office in person.

Program sponsors include University of Missouri Extension, Greene County MU Extension, Springfield-Greene County Park Board and Hamra Enterprises and Wendy’s Restaurants.

A hands-on workshop with curriculum to follow.

This innovative workshop and curriculum provides you with the knowledge and tools to increase local and regional economy through tourism initiatives that focus on the arts, culture and heritage.

·         Learn how the arts, culture and history can be a cornerstone for tourism and economic development

·         Explore how arts and cultural heritage tourism can align with agri-business, eco-tourism and adventure based tourism

·         Assess if arts and cultural heritage tourism is a fit for your community or region

·         Plan for, develop, implement, and evaluate arts and cultural heritage tourism programs, events and attractions, from a community standpoint

·         Learn how tourism focused on community arts, culture and history can contribute to community pride, stability, growth, preservation and protection of resources, and economic development in a community or region

Studies show that heritage travelers stay longer at their destination, spend more money and tend to put money back in the communities they visit. Over the years, travelers have outgrown homogenized places and are now looking for unique, authentic experiences—such as those that include the arts, culture and history of a region.

This workshop is a hands-on-training to pilot Arts and Cultural Heritage Tourism curriculum to be released in the fall of 2017. The workshop and curriculum focuses on assessing, developing, designing, implementing, managing and evaluating arts and cultural heritage tourism attractions, events or initiatives from a community standpoint.

Who should attend?

This workshop is geared towards leaders in community arts organizations, art studios and galleries, heritage festivals, lodging businesses, chambers of commerce.

Workshop participants can come from a variety of fields - tourism, historic preservation, the arts, humanities, agri-businesses, museums, economic development, convention and visitor bureau, community betterment, main street projects, small business owners, heritage areas, and many other fields. Participants can include entrepreneurs, small business owners, non-profit organizations, government departments, federal agencies and coalitions formed to bring these and other partners together.

Make New Year’s Resolution to Update Your Linkedin Profile for Better Networking and Career Building in 2017

December 16, 2016
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
SOUTHWEST REGION NEWS SERVICE
Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist
Tel: (417) 881-8909
Email: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – One New Year’s or holiday resolution to consider that could impact your career and networking ability is to create or update your LinkedIn.com profile according to David Burton, civic communication specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“The best thing you can to is to use your LinkedIn presence to showcase who you are versus what you do,” said Burton. “That makes this a great time of year to update your profile. Add awards or recognition you have received along with new topics or abilities related to your work.”

Burton also recommends adding links to online content that demonstrates your value or knowledge. Link to blog posts, news articles or contributed articles or videos that include you or your organization.

“I recently read one recommendation that I’m going to try myself this year which is to make sure your LinkedIn profile doesn’t read like a resume,” said Burton. “Instead, speak in first person so people can relate to you and trust you. The other recommendation was to use your profile to tell your story by weaving it into a listing of your skills and thought leadership you want to showcase.”

Burton adds that it is also important to use words in your profile that make it easy for people to find you. Think of words that people would use to search for someone like you and include those key words in your headline, your summary and throughout your profile.

“Be sure to complete the volunteer portion as well,” said Burton. “LinkedIn places a lot of weight with search in this section.”

It would also be good to resolve to keep your information current during this coming year and treat LinkedIn as an opportunity instead of a chore.

“Incomplete profiles, not updating your jobs or summaries, not giving details about each role or including photos that may be inappropriate for LinkedIn are all common mistakes,” said Burton.

Then take the time to request recommendations from current and former colleagues and customers. These testimonials send a powerful message about your work or organization.

LINKEDIN FOR BUSINESS

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for savvy small business owners according to Kathy Macomber, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“Basically, the site combines the functions of a resume and Rolodex,” said Macomber.

LinkedIn allows a person to import their Outlook contact list and then use those contacts to populate LinkedIn.

“You always have the ability to edit your information, and the privacy settings allow you to choose which information is publicly displayed,” said Macomber.

There are multiple groups with Linkedin that are formed around interests and trade and professional associations. Inside groups, you have the ability both to post questions of others, and to share (and market) your professional expertise by answering questions.

If your business interacts with certain positions (i.e. facilities manager or vice president of I.T., etc.), you can use the search feature on LinkedIn to identify those titles within a specific geographic area. The next step is to see whether you have any connections to those individuals.

“The approach to using LinkedIn is to think of finding the contacts you need to know, in addition to the ones you already do know,” said Macomber. “The professional image you project may provide one more reason for vendors and customers to reach out to you.”

MORE INFORMATION

Both Burton and Macomber are part of the Missouri Training Institute team in southwest Missouri. The Missouri Training Institute, in partnership with University of Missouri Extension, offers top-notch leadership and customized training for employees in all types of businesses and organizations.

For more information about MTI leadership, supervisory and customized training options contact any of these MU Extension specialists working in southwest Missouri:  Amy Patillo in Christian County, (417) 581-3558; Kathy Macomber in Barton County, (417) 682-3579; David Burton in Greene County, (417) 881-8909; Janice Emery in Texas County, 417-967-4545; Sarah Kenyon in Howell County, 417-256-2391; Nellie Lamers in Taney County, 417-546-4431; Ted Probert in Wright County, 417-547-7545.
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Goat Curry Recipe Fun Way to Try This Healthy Animal Protein

Below is an easy recipe to give goat meat, which is a healthy animal protein option, a try. For more information contact Lindsey Stevenson, a nutrition and health specialist with University of Missouri Extension, by (417) 682-3579 or email at stevensonlk@missouri.edu.

Goat Curry

Ingredients

Marinade:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup curry powder
• 1/4 cup chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds goat meat, cut into 2-inch chunks

Curry:

• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 4 cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 4 bay leaves
• Brown rice and peas, for serving

Directions

·         For the marinade: Mix the soy sauce, curry powder, garlic, basil, crushed pepper, oregano and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the goat to the bowl and marinate overnight.

·         For the curry: Remove the goat from the marinade. Heat the oil in a large pan and add the goat. Turn the heat to medium and sear the goat until brown, about 15 minutes. Add the coconut milk and 4 cups water. Cover and cook, about 2 hours.

·         Add the onions, bell peppers, carrots, green onions and bay leaves and simmer, about 1 hour.

·         Serve with rice and peas.

Source: Environmental Nutrition, Volume 39, Issue 12

Greene County Specialists and Programs Give Statewide Efforts

BYERS HONORED ON TWO TEAMS

Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension, was honored during the annual MU Extension Summit Oct. 25, 2016, as a member of two honored teams in Missouri: the Metropolitan Food System Team and the Diversity Program Award for the Noel Project, McDonald County. These awards are considered the two top team awards presented by MU Extension.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

Efforts made by Greene County Extension to use and teach the Great Game of Business to staff, volunteers and council members was named the "Program of the Year" for University of Missouri Extension during the annual MU Extension Summit.

BURTON NAMED COUNTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

During the annual MU Extension Summit, David Burton, civic communication specialist and county program director in Greene County, was named the County Program Director of the Year for Missouri (shown above accepting that award from Dr. Marshall Stewart, Vice-Chancellor of Extension and Engagement.

Old-time Craft Festival at New Bethel School on Sat. Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sponsored by—The Feed Store, Town & Country & Cooper’s Cafe

New Bethel School is located 3 mi. west of Anderson on F Hwy. then north ¾ mi. on New Bethel Rd.  For more information, call 417-658-5427)

OLD TIME CRAFT FESTIVAL~Sat. Oct. 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the school grounds

Craft Demonstrations:  Blacksmithing, Potter's Wheel, Basket Weaving, Hand-Spinning; Butter Churning, Dutch-Oven Cooking; Rope-Making, and More!

Water pumping contest--11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Prize for the person who can fill a bucket in the least time!

Chili Cook-off--12 noon-- prizes for the best chili (donated by Town & Country, Cooper's Cafe, and The Feed Store); Chili and beverage, $5.00

Pie Auction--1:30

Horse-drawn wagon rides all day!

Bluegrass Music

The proceeds from the event will go toward the restoration of the ceiling in the school.  If you live locally and are  willing to help, give us a call--417-658-5427.

Saturday, the 8th, 4-Hers from Southwest City will be coming to paint the schoolyard fence.

Help us spread the word for the Craft Festival and come on out and enjoy the day!

Aaron Day Family recognized as 2016 Webster County Farm Family

Bob Schultheis

Natural Resource Engineering Specialist / County Program Director

Phone: 417-859-2044

E-mail: schultheisr@missouri.edu

Marshfield, Mo. ― Aaron and Angie Day and son Brier of Marshfield were among the families honored during the Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 15 at the Missouri State Fair.

Each year the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state which are active in their community, involved in agricultural activities and who participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H and FFA.


The Days, who operate a beef cattle farm near Marshfield, were selected as the Webster County Missouri State Fair Farm Family by the Webster County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau.


“The Day family works to continue the tradition of what a family farm is all about—capitalizing on work experience and education to build farming skills that lead agriculture successfully into the future,” said Bob Schultheis, MU Extension natural resource engineering specialist and county program director for Webster County Extension.     


The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and Commissioners, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and University of Missouri Extension.


This was the first year in its 58-year history that all 114 counties participated by nominating a family.


The event showcases the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of our state. “These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities, and are active participants in local outreach and extension,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “As the showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”

Shown in the photo are (from left to right) front row: Aaron Day, Brier Day, Angie Day. Back row: Marshall Stewart, MU Extension’s Vice Chancellor for Extension & Engagement; Sherry Jones, State Fair Commissioner; Mark Wolfe, Missouri State Fair Director; Lowell Mohler, State Fair Commissioner; Richard Fordyce, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture; and Blake Hurst, President of Missouri Farm Bureau.

Local residents chosen as State Fair Farm Family for Barry County

Reagan Bluel

University of Missouri Extension in Barry County

417-847-3161

bluelrj@missouri.edu

CASSVILLE, Mo., ― Jimmy and Talana Hinson and family of Cassville were among the families honored during the Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 15 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Hinson family was selected as the Barry County Missouri Farm Family by the Barry County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau. The family includes Tierany, Cameron and Jaret Hinson.

Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state who are active in their communities, involved in agriculture and participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.

The Hinson family operates a 500 acre cow/calf operation.  In addition, Mr. Hinson is the Ag teacher at Cassville High School where Talana is a speech teacher. Of the Hinson’s four children, the three youngest, which are still living at home, raise and show swine. The children are very involved in the farm operation.

The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and Commissioners, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and University of Missouri Extension.

This was the first year in its 58-year history that all 114 counties participated by nominating a family.

The event showcases the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of our state. “These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities, and are active participants in local outreach and extension,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “As the showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”

Caption for Picture :

Back row dignitaries include:

Marshall Stewart, Vice Chancellor for Extension & Engagement,  MU Extension

Sherry Jones,  State Fair Commissioner

Mark Wolfe, MO, State Fair Director

Lowell Mohler, State Fair Commissioner

Richard Fordyce,  Director of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Agriculture

Blake Hurst, President, Missouri farm Bureau

Front Row:  Talana, Jaret, Tierany, Camron, and Jimmy Hinson

Sponsorship of the Salute to Century Farms event

Could your business help sponsor Greene County Extension’s third “Salute to Century Farms” event? The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2015 at the Round Barn Event Center along Clear Creek between Willard and Ash Grove, Mo. 

We have a great evening of entertainment and education lined up (see attached flyer for details). Attendees will be treated to a full meal provided by Maggie Mae’s Catering from Miller, Mo.

The sponsorship opportunities are as follows:

Bronze Level: For $100 your business name will be listed as sponsor on our event flyer, on our website, in our media releases, and in our event program. We will be mailing event information to area landowners and Century Farms in Greene County.

Silver Level: For $250 your business will get the same benefits as the bronze level plus your business logo will be used, you will receive two complimentary tickets to the event and be introduced at the event. 

Gold Level: The first two individuals or businesses to contribute $500 cash will also get naming rights as the official sponsor of our meal or the entertainment (sponsor can choose). These sponsors also receive the same benefits as the bronze and silver level donors plus a gift certificate for a free soil test from Greene County Extension.

Checks need to be made out to Greene County Extension with "Salute to Century Farms" in the memo portion of the check. Thank you for your consideration.

David L. Burton

Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

(417) 881-8909

Email: burtond@missouri.edu

Donation for benefit auction at the Salute to Century Farms

Any business with rural or agricultural roots and customers, is encouraged to donate an item or gift card for Greene County Extension to sell at a fall live benefit auction. The auction will provide funds for Greene County Extension’s educational programs during the year and will help us reach over 40,000 county residents with quality Extension training this year.

We will have at least 100 to 150 people at our auction which will be held as part of Greene County Extension’s third annual “Salute to Century Farms” event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 at the Round Barn Event Center along Clear Creek between Willard and Ash Grove, Mo. We have a great evening of entertainment and education planned.

We will also be honoring four farms in Greene County with Century Farm status. That means this productive farms have stayed operational and in the same family for over 100 years!

All donations for the auction will be appreciated. Gift cards, gift certificates for services, actual items should sell well. If you would like me or one of our council volunteers to come to your business and pick up a donation, please contact me by telephone or by email.

Donations are needed prior to Sept. 20.

If you need information about the tax-exempt status of Greene County Extension that information can be found here: tax letter and forms (PDF).

David L. Burton

Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

(417) 881-8909

Email: burtond@missouri.edu

Car Free Park Week at Botanical Center Aug 23-26, 2016

The main entrance to the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park will be closed to vehicular traffic due to a railway construction project.

The Botanical Center will remain open and the gardens and grounds are accessible via the South Creek Greenway walking trail.

Please be considerate of businesses nearby. Trailhead Parking is available at McDaniel Park at 2405 S. National Avenue(National Avenue and Sunset Street),Tal's Trailhead at 3351 S. Kauffman Road, and the Volunteer Nature Trail section at 4680 W. Rountree Road.

Limited parking may be available at the American Legion Post 639, south of the park on Scenic Ave.

If you plan to visit the Greene County Extension Center please call ahead of time and make an appointment although phone messages can be left along with soil samples.

Front Porch Conversations with Garden People

Contact: Reagan Bluel, dairy specialist
Headquartered in Barry County
Tel: (417)  847-3161
E-mail: BluelRJ@missouri.edu

CASSVILLE, Mo. -- Are you ready to put away the watering can?  Are you tired of dragging hoses around to water thirsty plants? 

Bill Greet, Master Gardener of the Ozarks member and volunteer, will discuss the option of installing a drip irrigation system in your home garden.  The above-ground hose and emitters are inexpensive and easy to install and can reduce your time in the garden significantly.

See his presentation and join the discussion at the next “Front Porch Conversation” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11 in the lower level of the Cassville Library in Cassville.

The Front Porch series of gardening presentations is co-sponsored by the Cassville Friends of the Library and the Barry County Master Gardeners. 

“Greet has been active in many Master Gardener project gardens and speaks from his experiences in various planting situations,” said Reagan Bluel, county program director for University of Missouri Extension in Barry County.

For more information call the Barry County Extension office at (417)  847-3161.

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Oral History Festival and One-Room School Reunion Added to Lifestyle Days Event in Springfield

Learn how to collect an oral history and see a demonstration with a former one-room school attendee starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 inside Liberty School at the Gray-Campbell Farmstead, located inside Nathanael Greene Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

The “Collecting Oral Histories” portion of the class begins at 9 a.m. and there is a $10 fee to cover the cost of materials. However, the first 25 people to pre-register will receive a Gray-Campbell Farmstead t-shirt. The interview portion of the program — with a former one-room school attendee — begins close to 10 a.m.

The “One-Room School Reunion” kicks off at 11:30 a.m. in conjunction with the Lifestyle Expo. There will be tours of Liberty School, special exhibits highlighting one-room schools in Greene County, time to socialize with other one-room school attendees, period math quizzes, a spelling bee, and more.

To register for the oral history program, visit the Greene County Extension office or contact them at 417-881-8909 or reach David Burton by email at burtond@missouri.edu.

25th Annual

Gray-Campbell Farmstead

1860s Lifestyle Exposition

Sept 17-18, 2016

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

Events during the day include horseshoe pitching, seed spitting, hearth cooking, fiber arts, music and dancing, lifestyle demonstrations, children’s costume contest, and tours of our historic buildings including the oldest home in Springfield, Mo.

NEW in 2016:

Oral History Festival & One-Room School Reunion

See article at left for details. Program starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday with oral history festival ($10 fee). This program is provided by Greene County Extension and the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance.

SPECIAL SCHEDULED EVENTS

· Old time fiddle and music jam at 11 a.m. Saturday

· Old fashioned brush arbor meeting at 11 a.m. Sunday

· Apple Pie baking contest at 3 p.m. Sunday

Located inside Nathanael Greene Park and Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

Free Admission * Donations Accepted

Food concessions will be available

For information call (417) 725-4922 or visit www.graycampbellfarmstead.org.