School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences (AREAS)
ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
The School of AREAS has embarked upon numerous initiatives during the year of 2013. Despite budget cuts from the state and federal levels, we were able to continue our community and outreach services and research projects, as well as participate in conferences to continue marketing various services and programs that we offer to our limited resource audiences. Listed below is a culmination of our 2013 accomplishments.
ACADEMICS HUMAN SCIENCES
resignation followed by a teacher • Faculty, staff and students were Human Sciences serves as the premiere resignation. The search for a new charged with recruitment efforts at department to produce graduates in Child teacher is currently underway. The internal and external entities. This Development, who will be working with CDLC serves children six weeks to included participating in recruitment children ‐‐ our smallest assets ‐‐ and preschool age. The Center utilizes events sponsored by the university, Nutrition and Dietetics, who will be giving the following curriculums for alumni and partnering agencies. This and providing sound information learning: Creative Curriculum, is an ongoing process. concerning nourishment and overall Mississippi Department of health. Education Early Learning • Each graduating senior was charged Standards, and will soon with recruiting two students. The academic year for Human Sciences incorporate Common Core State was challenged with budget cuts and Standards. The staff attends • To manage the increasing student minimal faculty to continue its efforts of trainings on age appropriate majors qualified adjuncts were challenging young minds, and in some techniques and processes to recruited to enhance the class instances older minds. The Department of enhance learning among the offerings. This was done to keep Human Sciences has three areas under its children. needed classes on the course offering umbrella, Child Development, Nutrition list. and Dietetics, and the Child Development Laboratory Center. These three areas • Reactivation of the Advisory Board. comprise who we are and the products The Advisory Board is the key to that we graduate into the workforce. In helping the department to stay up‐to‐ this academic year, we changed date. Advisory Board members are chairperson twice, and a Child knowledgeable in their chosen fields Development faculty retired but growth and aware of key events, legislative continued. In the continued growth updates, financial resources and mode, the department actively recruits partnerships to assist the Department qualified and knowledgeable adjunct in its efforts. The faculty/staff are faculty and performing students. The continuously engaging in outreach department has partnerships with and research efforts through the childcare agencies, school systems, following projects: ASU Spark, Delta hospitals, clinics and social service OPRU, Obesity in Preschool Children agencies to provide our students with and Head Start Grants. real‐ life experiences in their chosen Pictured above and below: ASU ABEC Club fields. members working with students from the The Alcorn State Child Development Child Development Laboratory Center. Laboratory Center (CDLC) has had a steady As part of our continuing efforts to flow of teachers until the recent director produce quality graduates, strategies have been put in place: MISSION: Through vibrant teaching, research and outreach activities, the School of AREAS empowers students and citizens educationally and socio-economically to enrich the quality of life for themselves and their communities in Mississippi, the United States and the world. 1
ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
ACADEMICS cont’d
The project’s theme is Educate, Energize and Exercise.
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Pictured: Dr. Ravola demonstrates to an Adams County Head Start student gardening techniques.
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My Body Matters (MBM), is a project that targets and addresses the obesity problem at an early age to help develop healthy adults for the future. Poor diet and physical inactivity at an early age increases the chances for developing serious health problems. The project is partnering with AJFC Community Action Agency’s Head Start centers in Adams and Jefferson counties.
Introduced 560 preschool children to physical activity regimes and vegetable gardening activities. o Raised beds for the vegetable gardening activity have been built. Mississippi Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference: On February 15, 2013, the Mississippi Association of Family and Consumer Sciences convened at Alcorn State University. Over 150 consumer sciences professionals from throughout Mississippi attended the conference. o Students Tiffany Thompson and Monnette Pittman placed first and third, respectively, in the research poster presentations at the conference. o Linda V. Barnett, program analyst with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences Head Start Division in Washington, D.C., was the keynote speaker.
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Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society Inducts New Members: The history of the Kappa Gamma Alpha Chapter at Alcorn goes back to 1972, when it inducted it first members on the Lorman campus. The mission of Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society is to empower leaders through scholarship, research and leadership. This mission serves to enhance the ability of the organization and chapters to prepare scholars and st researchers as leaders for the 21 century. o Induction ceremony held on November 14, 2013. o 11 high achieving students were honored. o Ouida S. Pittman conducted the ceremony and Dr. Derek Greenfield was the speaker. He inspired the audience and shared valuable tools for living the best life possible.
Pictured left: Monnette Pittman Right, Tiffany Thompson.
Pictured L to R: Samantha Martinez; Aquierra Anderson; Jessica Smith, President; Camille Barnes, Secretary/Treasurer; Kanesha Sumling; Shalonda Brinkley, Editor; Stormy Trotter; Ashley Thomas; Amanda Doyle; Atrice King, Vice‐President; and Samantha Walton.
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ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
RESEARCH
Alternative Crop Production and Utilization The state of Mississippi has been known for its agricultural products. Its mild climate, long growing season, and adequate rainfall help growers produce high‐priority agronomic crops, such as cotton, corn, soybean, and rice. However, the potential for the production of these crops has exceeded demand; thus, depressing prices below profitability level. There is therefore the need for diversification of crops grown in the state. It is believed that any farming system that is environmentally sound, energy conserving, productive, stable, profitable and tending toward long‐term sustainability could be acceptable alternative to the monocropping of agronomic crops. New crops, new uses of old crops, and soil building cropping practices hold out promise to restore agriculture profitability and sustainability without adverse effects to humans and the environment. • Some farmers are now switching or incorporating recommended alternative crops in their farming operations. • Both transitional and organic cropping systems are now being used by some farmers in their farm operations to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals in crop production, leading to more environmentally sustainable agriculture.
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Findings have also contributed to the formation of the Natural Product Association in Mississippi, and production of marketable, high quality shiitake mushrooms and other specialty crops. Some graduate students have completed their thesis research using echinacea, feverfew, lemongrass, vetiver grass and amaranth as test crops. Undergraduates develop term papers from these crops, as a requirement for the completion of some courses in this department. Information needed by Alcorn Extension Program to better serve the stakeholders have been generated through these studies.
sector, soil erosion and groundwater pollution from plant nutrients remain as major universal problems. The increased demand for food, fiber, and fuel, due to population increase, is causing marked acceleration of soil erosion and pollution. Groundwater and surface water supplies are threatened with contamination of N and P from agricultural fertilizers and animal manures. Soil erosion is the major conservation issue on croplands all over the world. More than to one billion tons of agricultural soil is deposited in waterways every year in the U.S. Human pressure and the reduction of plant cover are the main causes of soil erosion. •
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• Pictured: Medicinal herbs grown at the ASU Experiment Station. Research conducted by: Dr. Patrick Igbokwe Director, Alcorn Experiment Station
Cover and Management (C factor) Research on Horticultural Crops Even though research and education systems have transformed agriculture from a traditional to a high technology
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It is strongly suggested to control the placement, type, amount, and form of animal waste and crop residues incorporated into the soil to maintain the C:N ratios. Sixteen years of research work on hairy vetch shows that it is an excellent winter cover for the southeast. Sub‐surfaced residues of both shoot and root decomposed faster than surfaced residues. Decomposition of crop residue is a function of C:N ratio and its placement. Decomposition rates of both root and shoot residues are negatively correlated with the low C:N ratios.
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ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
RESEARCH Cont’d
Pictured: Dr. Girish Panicker at the C‐Factor Farm with the muscadine fruit. Research conducted by: Dr. Girish Panicker Associate Professor and Director Center for Conservation Research
The Influence of Environmental Interventions on Childhood Obesity of Preschoolers in Southwest Mississippi The obesity epidemic has affected every section of the population. A problem once considered to affect only the adults, is now spreading to children as well. One in three children are either obese or overweight by their first birthday. Approximately 12% of preschool children are obese (CDC, 2013). Children who are overweight or obese as preschoolers are five times as likely to be overweight or obese as adults (CDC 2013). Obesity is closely linked to health problems. Children as young as six years of age are showing thickening of heart muscles. Elevated blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are also in evidence (Friedmann
et.,al., 2012). While the health risks are more alarming and obvious, obesity also affects other areas, such as social and psychological health.
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Numerous studies on obesity have revealed high correlations between obesity and depression, school absenteeism and lowered academic achievement. While the problem of obesity has caused national concern, the problem is even more severe in Mississippi than other states. Mississippi has the second highest obesity rate in the country. Already, 14.9% of preschool children are overweight, and another 13.7% are obese.
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Within minority and low income communities, the issue of obesity is even graver. One in five African‐ American children are either overweight or obese. The southwest region of Mississippi is highly populated with low‐income income African‐American families. Addressing obesity will not only improve health but will also enhance school readiness and foster healthy behaviors in young children for a life‐long impact. With the project’s intent of addressing obesity in young children, Head Start centers in Adams and Jefferson counties have proven to be an ideal platform to promote healthy eating and physical activity in preschoolers. •
Strengthened Head Start centers through a robust curriculum that establishes healthy behaviors in the families they serve.
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Enhanced nutrition education and physical activity components of the current curriculums at the participating Head Start centers. Resources and training provided to Head Start staff to impart nutrition education and physical activity as part of the Head Start curriculum. Sensitized parents and care givers to the issues related to childhood obesity. Strengthened the capabilities of Alcorn State University in addressing the growing problem of childhood obesity in minority communities of southwestern Mississippi. Established working collaborations between the academic and extension arm of the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences (AREAS) at Alcorn State University. The project created a partnership between the Department of Human Sciences and Alcorn Extension Program as they engaged in establishing vegetable gardens at Head Start centers, and has improved the effectiveness of Alcorn in addressing the needs of local communities.
Research conducted by: Dr. Martha Ravola, Project Director
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ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
SERVICE AND OUTREACH The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) staff, educators and specialists work hard to improve Mississippi’s agriculture and strengthen the state’s families and communities through dissemination and application of research‐based knowledge. ASUEP main audiences include: (a) Small farmers with little or no output to commercially oriented farms with operators employed full‐time in agriculture. The State of Mississippi has approximately 37,500 small farms with annual gross farm revenue of $50,000 or less, (b) limited income audiences ‐ resource audience with incomes of 80% of State Median Household income (0.80 of $31,330 = $25,064 per year), (c) low educational attainment audiences (less than high school degree); and (d) audiences affected by other social factors. ASUEP educational programs are varied and support the felt needs of our publics. The following is a list of impact statements describing most recent programs and initiatives:
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Health and Wellness Program Our state ranks highest across all ages in high rate of obesity and low in physical activity, which results in high rate of health‐related problems. In 2012‐13 ASUEP staff trained, activated and worked with churches and schools in six communities across the southwest and central of Mississippi. Some of the counties identified have some of the highest rates of obesity among children and adults. In Claiborne, Jefferson, Warren, Adams and Rankin counties, ASUEP staff reached over 300 people.
Most of the groups organized have continued to improve health conditions by adapting to healthier meals and recipes, exercising and some are tending and developing their community garden.
and/or delivery of produce. A total of 10 farmers participated.These planted crops are located in over 80 acres in the Delta Region of Mississippi. Farmers sold 1,350 cases at $27.50 per case which generated sales revenue of $37,125.00.
Pictured: Area Ag Educator, Rilondricks Beeman, demonstrates community gardening techniques to Jefferson county headstart students.
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Mississippi Wal‐Mart Pea Project Small farmers across the state need to bridge the gaps between the ability to grow vegetable and fruit crops and their capacity to package and market their crops in a manner that results in enhanced profitability and sustainability of their farming operations and quality of life. The ASUEP is leading an effort that includes partnerships of socially and historically disadvantaged farmer groups and retail companies to significantly improve the coordination of production and harvesting, learning commercial grading and packaging techniques, and facilitating pick‐up
Farmers Market – Natchez Hundreds of small farmers in Mississippi count on the income from markets to get by financially; nearly all who participate in open markets run very small operations, and the profit margin is slim. Many people in the Southwest Region of the state live in geographical areas where affordable and healthy food is difficult to obtain. Some research links this phenomenon to diet‐ related health problems in affected populations. For the last five years, ASU Extension Program has provided leadership and coordination of the Natchez Farmers Market. This is a not‐for‐profit effort established to provide an outlet for local farmers
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ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
SERVICE AND OUTREACH Cont’d and crafters to market their commodities to the public and to address local needs from the public to have access to healthy, homegrown fruits and vegetables. During peak season, from May to October, over 45 small farmers and crafters benefit from the ASUEP Farmers Market’s direct services and training. Many have increased sales and farming related expertise every year. Local leaders find the market to be a needed investment on the region’s economy and a very important addition to the efforts to improve health and wellness of the residents. Some farmers reported increased sales from $700 per week to $2,000 per week after three or four years in the Farmers Market.
The Alcorn Extension Program in conjunction with the Mississippi Association of Cooperative (MAC) organizes the largest and only statewide premier gathering of small farmers and women in business, agricultural students, farmers’ market managers and others involved in the small farm industry and rural and women owned small businesses. This three day educational conference reaches 475 small farmers, women in businesses, and agricultural professionals. The program includes daylong short courses and on‐farm and small business tours, focused workshops, engaging keynote addresses and numerous networking opportunities.
Pictured: Helen Brooks, Marketing Coordinator assists a customer with purchasing fresh produce.
Small Farmers Conference Mississippi small farmers and small rural businesses are constantly striving to maintain a profitable operation, but lack the crucial knowledge, resources, training and skills, needed to sustain a productive operation. A small farmer is defined as one that grows and sells year in agricultural products.
Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Vendors Borrowers Training Farmers continue to face difficulties in their farming operations because of a lack of capital. For many, the barriers include difficulty understanding the complexities of the Farm Services Agency (FSA) loan application. The application process is difficult, lengthy and the margin of error is very high. Alcorn Extension Program, in partnership with Alcorn Agricultural Economics Department and other campus faculty, offer training to help farmers meet the requirement as outlined by FSA. The ASUEP training is helping borrowers to gain necessary skills to complete the loan application and become more independent in fulfilling application requirements. Those enrolled in the training course have applied for additional loans as a requirement of the course. A total of 30 farmers in the training filed applications to FSA. The total amount received to increase farm operations, purchase equipment and in some cases purchase additional land was $1,133,606.
Pictured: 2013 Small Farmers Conference promotional flyer.
VISION: The School of AREAS is a premier land-grant program that promotes excellence by providing teaching, research and outreach activities, delivered by cutting edge technology, to its students and the communities it serves. 6
ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
“1st Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Conference” held September 9‐10, 2013 in Natchez, Miss. Carolyn Banks, of the ASUEP Small Farm Outreach Project, participated in the “1st Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Conference” in September, 2013, in Natchez, MS, at the Natchez Convention Center. Banks presented to the participants “Farm Record Keeping.” The GLCI is a nationwide partnership of individuals and organizations working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of the nation’s privately‐owned grazing land by providing technical, educational, and related assistance to those who own and manage private grazing land. Healthy and productive grazing land is a substantial component of the agricultural economy and is the largest of all agricultural land uses, with over 575 million acres being grazed in the United States. Through GLCI, NRCS provides technical assistance to ensure that the resources remain healthy and productive by supporting and encouraging better grazing management, improved livestock production, protection of the soil from wind and water erosion, reduction of drought impacts, control of invasive weeds, and the use of energy‐ efficient production techniques. This was a great opportunity for producers across the state to learn of developments and the newest techniques using renewable resources in livestock management, water quality and grazing distribution, productivity, and health of livestock in privately owned grazing lands. The School of AREAS Media and Communications Unit was consulted to provide media assistance to the organization.
Mississippi House Agriculture Committee Members Visit Alcorn In 2013, Alcorn State University hosted members of the Agriculture Committee of the Mississippi House of Representatives for a two‐day tour that showcased the institution’s academic, service and research programs in New Hebron and Southwestern Mississippi. The tour was hosted by the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences (AREAS). The legislators were first shown the proposed site of the Farmers Market on The Bluff in Natchez, MS on the Lorman campus, they had a chance to watch a video about Alcorn and hear a presentation by Dr. Barry L. Bequette, dean and director of land‐grant programs, on the many successes of the School of AREAS. The group interacted with faculty and University administrators as they toured the Experiment Station, Ecology and Natural Resources, Conservation Center, Biotechnology Centers, Model Farm as well as a Goat Research area. According to Dr. Bequette, the tour was given to allow the legislators to view first‐ hand how Alcorn is utilizing state funding.
Members of the Mississippi Legislature at the Natchez Bluff during the ASU Legislative Tour
School of AREAS The School of AREAS hosted its first annual Graduate Recognition Program and Luncheon on May 9 in the Ray Johnson Assembly Center, Research and Extension Complex. The luncheon immediately followed in the Student Union Ballroom. The School honored 155 undergraduate and graduate students. Karis Gutter, acting undersecretary of agriculture, USDA, served as the keynote speaker. Faculty •
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Dr. Wesley Lloyd Whittaker, professor and program leader for agricultural economic/international agriculture received the Presidents’ Award for Distinguished Teaching Dr. Girish Panicker , associate professor plant and soil science was honored at the L. A. Potts Luncheon and Success Story Recognitions for his work on Exploring Melon Genetic Diversity Dr. Daniel Collins, professor of plant pathology and chair Department of Agriculture has been appointed to several national agricultural boards: 1) Appointed to advisory Board of the Southern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center, elected Vice President of the
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ACHIEVEMENTS 2013
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS Cont’d
Small Farm IPM Working Group,
and the Public Policy and Outreach Board of the American Phytopathological Society (APS) which is an international scientific society for plant pathogist. Students •
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Lesle Peavie was awarded 3rd place in Graduate Student Poster Competition Tuskegee Professional Agricultural Workers Conference Over 12 students from the department of Agriculture presented research papers at the Professional Agriculture Workers Conference at Tuskegee University.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Department of Agriculture Graduates 2013 Number of Ag. Graduates for 2013 Agricultural Economics‐11 Agribusiness Management‐16 Agronomy‐3 Animal Science‐11 International Agricultural Economics‐2 Human Sciences Enrollment (by majors): 175 Child Development and 25 Nutrition and Dietetics Graduates (by majors): Graduating in 2014 ‐‐ 32 Child Development and 8 Nutrition and Dietetics Graduates matriculating in Graduate School: estimated 25 Dietetic Internship: estimated 3 Graduate Job Placements: estimated 10 will have jobs upon graduation Layout and Design of Annual Report: School of AREAS Office of AREAS Communications
SCHOOL OF AREAS 1000 ASU DRIVE, #690 – ALCORN STATE, MS 39096 Phone: 601-877-6137 WWW.ALCORN.EDU
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