Extension Matters, Volume 1 • Number 1

Page 1

MAGAZINE OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE

E X T E N D I N G

K N O W L E D G E

C H A N G I N G

L I V E S


This, the first edition of Extension Matters, comes during a monumental time in our history, as the Mississippi State University Extension Service celebrates our first centennial. For 100 years, MSU Extension has served individuals, communities, our state, and the nation. The Smith-Lever Act, signed on May 8, 1914, established the Cooperative Extension Service, the nationwide education system operating through land-grant universities in partnership with federal, state, and local governments. Our foundational goal has remained the same—to deliver education that changes lives. But our subject matter and our methods have changed as the needs of Mississippians have changed. Our mission in Extension is to deliver research-proven information to Mississippians, and we do that by taking advantage of both face-to-face meetings and all the tools that today’s technology offers. Our nation and state have come a long way since 1914. We lived through boll weevil invasions, the Depression, and world wars. Each one might have crippled the state, but Extension agents and faculty were always there to help see their clients through those challenges and others. For example, Mississippi’s cotton farms are 100-percent boll-weevil-free today, due in a large part to Extension’s working with the farmers themselves, who did what it took to eliminate cotton’s historic number one pest. We can point to similar stories in other commodities, where both simple and complex changes enabled growers to be more successful. Home demonstration clubs in the early years of Extension improved nutrition and living conditions for rural families and continue today in a variety of family and consumer science activities addressing topics such as nutrition, health, financial literacy, volunteer programs, and home-based businesses. The Extension Service has evolved into a vibrant organization equipping citizens for living in the 21st century. Along with our many state and local partners, we celebrate our past while maintaining a focus on the bright future ahead. An expanded knowledge base, innovations for families, farmers, and government leaders; leadership training through 4-H youth development programs; and community and economic development opportunities are just part of Extension’s forward-thinking mindset. The profiles in this edition provide a glimpse into how Extension works through our program areas to better the lives of people just like you. We are excited to have our clients tell their stories, and we are thankful for the opportunity to interact with Mississippians through our local offices in all 82 counties across the state. I am honored to lead our Extension family during this milestone time in our history. I look forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, community government leaders, and business and industry to prepare the MSU Extension Service to help Mississippians for the next R

100 years by providing practical, trustworthy information applicable to every facet of their lives.

Gary Jackson Director, MSU Extension Service


Extension Matters is published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

CONTENTS

Mark E. Keenum President

Gregory A. Bohach Vice President Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine

Extension helps Delta farmer succeed, excel

4

Four generations of 4-H’ers span the century

6

Extension where you are

9

Gary B. Jackson Director MSU Extension Service

Steve Martin Interim Associate Director Agriculture and Natural Resources

Paula Threadgill Associate Director 4-H Youth Development, Family & Consumer Sciences, Center for Continuing Education

Randy Loper Department Head Extension Center for Technology Outreach

Sumner Davis Department Head Center for Governmental and Community Development

Extension helps demonstrate sustainable ag

10

Eating healthier, living better

12

4-H offers family time, life lessons

14

Hernando’s city clerk relies on MSU Extension

16

What’s new in Extension

18

The Food Factor reaches new audiences

20

Elizabeth Gregory North Department Head Office of Agricultural Communications

Richard Swann Assistant to the Director and Fiscal Administrator

Extension Matters is produced by the Office of Agricultural Communications.

Elizabeth Gregory North Executive Editor

Meaghan Gordon Managing Editor

Amelia Plair Editor

Phillip Smith Designer Writers

Kaitlyn Byrne Bonnie Coblentz Susan Collins-Smith Keri Collins Lewis Photographers

Megan Bean Scott Corey Kat Lawrence Beth Wynn Extension Matters Office of Agricultural Communications P.O. Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762 We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.msucares.com

On the cover: Keith Benson, director of the Alliance for Sustainable Agricultural Production in Goodman, examines squash blossoms in the organization's demonstration garden. PHOTO BY Megan Bean M A G A Z I N E O F T H E M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y E X T E N S I O N S E R V I C E


DELTA FARMER Succeed, Excel BY SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH

Abbott Meyers, Mississippi Farmer of the Year 2013 and Extension client. PHOTO BY

Scott Corey

4 Extension M AT T E R S


A bbott Myers’s entire family farmed, but

Although he had a lot to learn, he had

advances made easier, quicker work of the

he did not intend to carry on the family

many good teachers along the way. His

soybean, corn, and rice fields that now

business when he entered Mississippi State

father was one of them. They farmed 30

sprawl over more than 7,000 acres.

University in the mid-1960s.

years together before the senior Myers

Agriculture is an ever-evolving business,

retired.

and Extension continues to play a big role

“I was an aerospace engineering major,” Myers said. “I wanted to build airplanes

“When I started out, I didn’t know

and rocket ships. Space exploration was

anything about managing a budget, labor,

new. Man had just walked on the moon. I

growing cotton or corn, social security

was fascinated by all of that.”

taxes, FICA taxes, or anything to do with

I began farming 43 years ago,” Myers said.

running a business,” Myers said. “I learned

“We don’t even drain rice the way we used

years, he got a call that took him back

a lot. My dad was my first teacher, and he

to. That seems like such a simple thing

home to the Mississippi Delta. His father,

was a good teacher and a good mentor. But

that would never change, but it has.

a Dundee row crop farmer, underwent

I had a lot of good ones.”

Extension has been invaluable to us in this

But between his sophomore and junior

surgery to repair a detached retina and needed his help to make a crop that year. “At that time, you had to lie flat on your back for several weeks after that surgery,” Myers said. “I was the oldest, so I

Also on that list are several MSU Extension Service agents and specialists, including Hayes T. Farish, DeWayne Wheeler, and Ted Miller. Hayes T. Farish, Tunica County

in helping the Myers family stay up-todate. “Everything has changed so much since

respect. They helped get me started and keep me going the right direction.” Extension’s dedication to the people of Mississippi is evident in Myers’s success. “I worked with Abbott for several years

talked to my professors, took my exams

Extension agent in the late 1960s and early

as rice specialist,” said Joe Street, now

early, went home, and made the biggest

1970s, was instrumental during Myers’s

associate director of Extension. “He has a

mess you’ve ever seen.”

early farming years. As farming became

very impressive farming operation, which

more technical, Myers said he relied on the

he developed from a not-very-productive

the challenge of farming. The hot, hard

Extension Service for independent,

clay soil. Our research-based information

work he associated with the livelihood

research-based information on chemicals,

played a key role in helping him make

suddenly took a backseat to the

planting dates, plant varieties, fertilization

informed decisions.”

attractiveness of running a successful

practices, and more.

Surprisingly, Myers discovered he liked

business.

“In the early 1970s, chemicals were just

Myers’s success was rewarded in 2013 when he was named winner of the Swisher

coming on the scene,” Myers said. “Before

Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer

once I did it, I liked the idea of being my

that, we used a cultivator to take care of

of the Year. He is now teaching his son,

own boss, running my own business, and

weeds. Insecticides were also new. We

Ransom, the family business and plans to

making my own decisions.”

depended heavily on the advice of Mr.

turn it over to him in the future.

“I never wanted to farm,” he said. “But

So he returned to campus, talked to his future wife about it, and joined his father on the family farm after earning a degree.

Farish when incorporating chemicals.” New and better plant varieties came later. Equipment and technological

Extension M AT T E R S 5


Zach Moody, Gene Brunt, and Christie Moody, members of a McCool family involved in 4-H for more than 100 years. PHOTO BY Kat Lawrence

6 Extension M AT T E R S


FOUR GENERATIONS of 4-H’ers span the century BY MEAGHAN GORDON

Mississippi State University Extension

train trip from Attala County to

answer questions about our farming

celebrated its centennial in 2014. The

Washington, D.C., and to the National

operation,” he said.

organization has touched countless lives in

Corn Exposition School for Prize Winners

the last 100 years, including four

in Columbia, South Carolina, in January

changed quite a bit since his days in the

1913.

ring. He has witnessed the changes

generations of 4-H’ers in one family. The Brunt and Moody families of McCool, Mississippi, trace their involvement back to patriarch Elmer Brunt. In the early 1910s, Elmer participated in a corn club overseen by W. H. “Corn Club” Smith, who organized the first such group in the state in 1907. The United States Department of Agriculture paid Smith $1 per year for his work in the corn club, making it the first federally sponsored youth program. The USDA’s support established a three-way partnership of county, state, and federal governments, and that partnership is the reason Mississippi claims to be the birthplace of 4-H. In 1912, Elmer Brunt won first place in the 4th Congressional district competition for the most corn grown on one acre of land. His yield earned the young farmer a

Elmer’s son, Gene Brunt, said his

Gene said showing livestock has

alongside his grandson, Zach Moody, who

father’s trip would not have been possible

showed Hereford bulls and heifers for a

without the club.

decade.

“My daddy’s parents wouldn’t have had

“Back then, the only thing we had to

the money to send him to Washington,

prepare to show the cows was a brush,”

D.C., in those days, but he got to go

Gene joked. “We didn’t have cattle trailers,

through the USDA,” said Brunt, 72.

so I remember all the kids and their

The pristine certificates Elmer won a century ago were rolled up and stored in a family trunk for decades. Today they are

animals rode on a flat-bed truck to a show in Scott County.” Although livestock show preparation

planned for display at the Mississippi 4-H

has changed over the years, one thing

Learning Center and Pete Frierson 4-H

remains the same: the relationships.

Museum. Gene said he followed in his father’s

“4-H is just so family oriented, and we have wonderful friends we met through

footsteps and began running the family

4-H,” said Christie Moody, Gene’s

cattle farm after his 1960 graduation from

daughter and Zach’s mother.

Ethel High School. His 4-H involvement

“4-H brings out leadership skills in the

during his school years helped him learn

students, and you meet good people. I

the ropes. He still looks to Extension

think Zach’s biggest takeaways from his

agents for help. “They are always there to

years in the organization are the

Extension M AT T E R S 7


friendships. And he was glad he had his

Christie began volunteering when Zach

“It’s awesome to have a family who has

granddaddy,” she added, with tears in her

was 7 and continues to serve, although he

thrived in 4-H programs for four

eyes.

has moved on to MSU. She says Zach’s 4-H

generations. They are always there to help,

experience led him to Mississippi State and

from serving on the advisory council to

the Attala County livestock program, and

helped him earn one of only 25 annual

helping in the ring,” Hamilton said.

she has seen the way her local Extension

spots in the MSU College of Veterinary

office and volunteers work to provide

Medicine’s Early Entry Program.

Christie serves as volunteer leader for

opportunities for youth in her county. “Students have a lot of opportunities in

Zach, a sophomore animal and dairy science major, hopes to run a large animal

Hamilton said she loves watching 4-H bring families closer, especially in the livestock program, as multiple generations work together.

4-H. Whether they are very outgoing or

veterinary practice. He said his years as a

quiet, I think there is something in 4-H

4-H’er made a big difference in his life.

truly a tie that binds their family together.

“4-H taught me responsibility and

As the MSU Extension Service celebrates its

that anybody can do,” she explained.

For the Brunts and the Moodys, 4-H is

“With individual events and group

introduced me to a lot of friends along the

first century, stories like this one are a

projects, it offers the ability to learn

way,” he said. “Most importantly, I got a

testament to the ways Extension programs

leadership roles or allow children who

lot of bonding time with my grandfather

continue to extend knowledge and change

don’t want to lead the chance to still

and my family.”

lives.

participate. No matter what the child’s

Attala County 4-H agent Becky

abilities or personality, there is something

Hamilton said the family has been a

they can take from 4-H.”

godsend for her.

4-H

is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

4-H Pledge

4-H Creed

I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful citizen. I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, plan, and reason. I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic, and true.

4-H Colors The 4-H colors are green and white. Green is nature’s most common color and represents youth, life, and growth. White symbolizes purity and high ideals.

4-H Motto To Make the Best Better

I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, skillful, and useful. I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently. I believe in my country, my state, and my community and in my responsibility for their

4-H Slogan

development. In all these things

Learn by Doing

I believe, and am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.

8 Extension M AT T E R S


EXTENSION

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is adding community resource development agents in four counties across the state to help reach Mississippians in new ways. The community resource development agents will work with local

Community resource development agent Allyson Coleman and Demarc White of Water Valley’s D and D House of BBQ. PHOTO BY

Lara Bowman

citizen groups, civic organizations, economic development agencies, and government offices to identify and implement programs that

Government and Community Development into the community,” said

address local needs.

Steve Martin, head of the North Mississippi Research and Extension

“We looked at socioeconomic statistics of all the counties in

Center in Verona. “She will help with

Mississippi and picked four counties that were solid, middle-of-the-

surveys in county profiles and

road economically,” said Sumner Davis, director of the Extension

training for governmental leaders.

Center for Government and Community Development. “We also

Allyson will help us expand our

wanted to spread them out geographically. These new positions are

reach and bring Extension closer to

all part of a bigger community effort by the MSU Extension Service.”

the county.”

In the 2013 legislative session, the MSU Extension Service received

The additional positions will be

additional funding, which led to the creation of these community

filled in the coming months. All four

Additional county agents focus on community development

resource development positions in Sunflower, Yalobusha, Lincoln, and

agents should be in place by the end

BY KAITLYN BYRNE

Pearl River counties.

of the year.

Davis said these agents will facilitate technical assistance, trainings, and workshops on various community development topics specific to each county and its surrounding area. The campus-based Extension

Davis stressed the importance of selecting the right person for each location. “We understand Mississippians are highly diverse and have a broad

Center for Government and Community Development and the MSU

range of needs and goals. We want to be sure these new agents will

Department of Agricultural Economics will support the agents’ work.

have the specific skills and experience needed for the clients they’ll

Allyson Coleman has been named the community resource development agent for Yalobusha County and its surrounding area. “We are looking forward to having Allyson as part of our staff to integrate some of the things we do with the Extension Center for

serve and the projects they’ll undertake,” Davis said. As more funding becomes available, the MSU Extension Service will add community resource development agents to additional counties across the state.

Extension M AT T E R S 9


EXTENSION SERVICE HELPS DEMONSTRATE

Sustainable Ag BY BONNIE COBLENTZ

Keith Benson, director of the Alliance for Sustainable Agricultural Production. PHOTO BY

10 Extension M AT T E R S

Megan Bean


One of the best ways to learn a new skill

“Our topics are different each month

“In Mississippi and around the country,

is to watch someone else doing it, a

based on what farmers and gardeners need

a new cadre of farmers is emerging to

concept Keith Benson uses to teach

to be dealing with at that time,” Benson

address issues of sustainability,” Benson

sustainable agriculture in Holmes County.

continued. “In March, we focused on

said. “They are trying to build farming

Benson is director of the Alliance for

high-tunnel production, seed starting,

systems that are environmentally sound,

Sustainable Agricultural Production in

plastic mulch, and irrigation

economically viable, and socially

Goodman. The nonprofit organization

demonstrations. Before that, we looked at

responsible, and thus sustainable.”

operates a demonstration farm to display

the Farm to School program that tries to

these practices for farmers.

allow local farmers to sell their produce to

of a 50-acre tract, and there are plans to

the local schools.”

plant an additional acre this year in a

“Our goal is to help people increase production and grow healthier food,” Benson said. “We try to encourage farmers to grow more sustainably.” Started in 2011, the alliance has three main purposes: to make a real investment in skill and knowledge development, to

Benson relies on a variety of partners to provide the expertise for these ventures. “Probably our biggest partner is the Mississippi State University Extension Service,” Benson said. Betsy Padgett, Holmes County

The demonstration farm uses four acres

muscadine grape orchard. It features two high tunnels that extend the growing season, and a third is planned. This spring, the farm started bell peppers and tomatoes from seed. Typical annual production includes tomatoes,

mobilize growers for specialized markets,

Extension coordinator, has worked with

peppers, greens, melons, and cucumbers.

and to expand community gardening

Benson to link him to information and

The goal is to expand each year so the farm

opportunities.

expertise from the MSU Extension Service.

can be a training ground for area farmers

She said agronomist Bill Evans and

working with these same crops.

“The alliance was started by farmers in Holmes County who wanted to grow more

vegetable specialist Rick Snyder have been

sustainably and improve the quality of life

regular participants in these efforts.

in their community,” Benson said. “Like

He said the group is dedicated to improving the quality of life for poor,

“I have helped him reach out to the

rural, and underserved communities, with

many communities throughout

Extension state specialists,” Padgett said.

a special emphasis on at-risk or vulnerable

Mississippi, Holmes County has a history

“The people we have in place across the

populations.

of declining population, high unemploy-

state have really come to bat for him and

ment, high poverty, and limited economic

filled the training needs that he’s trying to

people to grow, process, market, and

development.

address.

distribute high-value, sustainably grown

“Despite these challenges, many of

“Keith is trying to use this

“We accomplish this mission by helping

crops, such as specialty vegetables, fruits,

these poor, rural, underserved counties are

demonstration farm to help farmers stay

blessed with rich soil, a long tradition of

on task by giving them timely information

farming, and significant land ownership by

ahead of when they need it,” she said.

historically disadvantaged groups,” he said.

“Extension has been able to supply the

farming in Mississippi,” Benson said.

“To take advantage of these opportunities,

expertise to train the farmers he brings

“We’re seeing that more people are willing

the alliance and its partners are working to

in.”

to buy local and pay more for sustainably,

implement strategies designed to improve

The alliance’s second priority calls for

herbs, spices, and flowers,” Benson said. These efforts are already paying off. “There is growing interest in this type of

organically grown food. Farmers are

farm profitability, expand market

supporting these farmers with an

starting to produce more goods to meet

opportunities, and increase consumer

aggressive marketing strategy, ensuring

this demand.

access to healthy food.”

that reliable markets and buyers are in

To meet the first goal, the alliance

“We are committed to helping local

place. This strategy includes on-farm sales,

farmers and consumers make the most of

coordinates monthly training on needed

roadside stands, and partnerships with

the opportunities presented by this rapidly

topics and arranges demonstrations on the

specialty food stores, grocery stores,

growing sector,” Benson said.

production farm on the third Friday of

restaurants, and farmers markets.

each month. “We have black, white, young, and

The third goal is that everyone, regardless of income, should have access to

older participants. It’s a great thing to see

healthy, high-quality, safe, and affordable

people coming out and learning,” he said.

food.

Extension M AT T E R S 11


EATING HEALTHIER,

Living Better BY SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH

EFNEP makes

a difference!

A study of EFNEP’s 539 adult graduates in 2013 found:

• • •

a 45% increase in eating 3 or more cups of fruits and vegetables per day. a 31% increase in following good food safety practices. a 47% increase in being more physically active.

For the 23,408 children and teens, the study found:

• • •

a 39% improvement in requesting veggies. a 30% increase in choosing low-fat foods. a 57% improvement in washing hands.

For children in K-2, 99% made at least one improvement in knowledge or skill related to diet quality. For kids in middle school (6th-8th), 69% adopted or improved 2 or more habits related to physical activity. 12 Extension M AT T E R S

Alberta Cheval, Extension EFNEP participant. PHOTO BY

Scott Corey


With a business to run and five active

watch our sodium intake, and we try to

them to the grocery store and let them

children, Alberta Cheval never spent much

monitor the amount of calories and

choose the fruits and vegetables they want.

time in the kitchen.

cholesterol that are in our foods.”

I get them in the kitchen and let them

She often rushed through the grocery

Evers supplemented the in-home

store, grabbing quick meals and snacks she

education program with Kids in the Kitchen

knew her finicky eaters would like.

and Junior Chef, both hands-on nutrition

help. We make it fun. If they prepare it, they will eat it.” The Expanded Food and Nutrition

“I always thought eating healthy and

programs aimed at young people and

Education Program also emphasizes food

exercising were overrated,” Cheval said. “I

delivered at the Extension office. The

resource management by teaching

was an athlete in college, but, even then, I

programs focus on teaching children how

participants how to maximize their food

didn’t eat healthy.”

to use the USDA MyPlate meal planner to

budget. Cheval said the program taught

choose nutritionally balanced snacks and

her how to comparison shop, which has

meals.

saved her money.

Three years ago, Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helped transform her family’s

Both programs allow children to

“Now, instead of just grabbing

lifestyle. Now she and her five children—

prepare snacks and meals with fruits,

something off the shelf, I know I can get

Breanna, Tia, Ruddie Jr., Tyrus, and

vegetables, and other healthy foods. Each

more for my money by looking at the price

Elijah—eat healthier and exercise more.

lesson teaches participants about the five

per unit,” Cheval said. “It takes me a little

EFNEP provides hands-on nutrition and

food groups, the nutrients each group

bit longer to shop because I want to make

health education to families to help them

provides to the body, and why those

sure I pick the right foods.”

make healthy choices.

nutrients are important for the body. The

The family also committed to regular

curriculum also teaches proper

exercise, which has brought them closer

ate a lot of prepackaged and ready-to-heat

identification and uses for kitchen

and improved their quality of life.

frozen foods,” said Cheval, whose children

equipment and basic kitchen and food

range in age from 8 to 17. “My children

safety.

“Before going through the program, we

really didn’t like vegetables. They would

“The great thing about Kids in the

“We get outside and walk about four miles at least three times a week,” Cheval said. “We also play basketball and football

Kitchen and Junior Chef is getting children

in the evenings after school and work. We

involved in the kitchen,” Evers said. “If

really enjoy that time together. The whole

County Extension office, Cheval changed

kids will get in there and participate in

family feels better, too. I used to feel

her whole family’s attitude. Ida Knight and

food preparation, they will at least try new

sluggish, but now I have the energy I need

Deborah Evers, both Extension program

foods that they don’t think they like.

to get through the day. And I’ve seen that

say, ‘Mom, I don’t want these vegetables.’” With help from staff at the Jones

assistants, worked with Cheval and her

“I had a child in one class who thought

children to educate them about how to

he didn’t like vegetables, but, once he

make more nutritious choices.

helped prepare them, he tried them. We

Cheval studied the Making Healthy Choices curriculum on her own and met periodically with Knight, who came to her

paired a few fresh vegetables with ranch dressing, and he liked it,” Evers said. Sometimes it is all about presentation,

in my kids.” Cheval said her goal is to teach her children how to live a healthy lifestyle. “I want this learning experience to continue through future generations of our family,” she said. “My children have

home and helped her learn new recipes

Evers said. Cheval has learned to disguise a

learned a way of life they can instill in

and how to make better choices at the

few things her children are not fond of on

their children.”

grocery store.

their own and lets them help make meal

“We never used to pay much attention to what we ate,” Cheval said. “Now we buy

choices. “I blend some of the vegetables in with

a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and

other foods so they are more appetizing for

check the nutrition labels on products. We

them,” Cheval said. “I sometimes take

Extension M AT T E R S 13


Mississippi 4-H’er Nic Carter and his grandfather, Wallace Outlaw. PHOTO BY

4-H In 2014, enrollment in Mississippi 4-H was 66,361 kids and teens. 14 Extension M AT T E R S

Scott Corey

PROJECT ENROLLMENT 2014 29% healthy lifestyles 15% leadership 18% wildlife, forestry, ďŹ shing, and shooting sports 15% animal science 6% science, engineering, and technology

6% plant science 4% family and consumer sciences 4% citizenship 3% communications


offers family time, aising championship hogs is a family

Carter’s mother, Lacey Outlaw Myers,

tradition for Humphreys County 4-H’er

said 4-H was always part of her plan for

Nic Carter, and the college freshman is

her children.

leaving big boots for his sister and

“It was never a question of whether or

Carter said he has always been interested in pigs, and his focus has paid off. “In 4-H, hogs have been my only project,” he said. “That’s what we know

not my children would be involved in

and what we’re good at. I’ve been all over

4-H,” Myers said. “It was a way of life for

the U.S. showing pigs—Texas, Oklahoma,

three titles at the 2014 Dixie National

us growing up and is such a wonderful

South Dakota, Kentucky—to national-

Junior Round-up. In his final

organization to be a part of. I really

level shows and sales.”

competition, two of their hogs qualified

wanted my children to experience that

for the Sale of Junior Champions. One

for themselves.

cousins to fill. Carter and his sister, Mari Bess, won

was named the Champion Duroc Hog

“Nicholas has been involved with pigs

and Mississippi-bred Champion Duroc

since he was a toddler and would have

Hog. The other was named the

been a 4-H member since then if they

Mississippi-bred Grand Champion

allowed them that early,” she said.

Barrow. “I’ve been in Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions six times,” Carter said. “My sister and I take care of six pigs

Myers said 4-H volunteer leaders and

These trips, usually taken with his grandfather, have kept Carter informed about changes in showmanship and styles of showing. “Nicholas has always been close to my father, but 4-H has allowed them to spend even more time with each other,”

agents have mentored both Nic and Mari

Myers said. “Most children seem to

Bess.

outgrow hanging out with their parents

“I believe that my children display the

and grandparents too soon, but Nicholas

at my grandfather’s place, and getting

influences of 4-H in their everyday lives,”

has always been much happier at the

into the sale means a lot for our family.

she said. “There have been so many

farm with my dad than anywhere else.

It takes a lot of work to get to the sale,

wonderful people involved in 4-H

This is the one thing I have to say I’m

and it’s nice to recoup some of the

through the years. They have helped

most grateful to 4-H for.”

money for feed, for breeding pigs, and for

mold my children into the young adults

investing for the future.”

they are today.”

Carter’s grandfather, Wallace Outlaw

Carter said the skills he has learned in

Carter is finishing his first year at Mississippi Delta Community College and plans to transfer to Mississippi State

of Belzoni, has been teaching children

4-H will go with him for the rest of his

University to pursue a degree in

about showing hogs for decades.

life.

agribusiness.

“Nic’s mom started showing hogs

“Everything in life is about hard work

“I want to take our breeding program

when she was 8 years old,” Outlaw said.

and working with others. 4-H certainly

to the next level,” he said. “It’s been a

“I kept pigs until my grandkids got old

teaches you about hard work,

great hobby to share with my

enough. Nic is the eldest, and he’s been

sportsmanship, dedication, and good

grandfather, but I want to keep my sister

showing since he was 8. I’ve got eight

ethics,” he said.

and cousins at the top for years to

grandkids, and all of them are showing but one, who is too young.”

Focus is another skill he has learned

come.”

during his 4-H showmanship career.

Extension M AT T E R S 15


Hernando City Clerk Katie Harbin. PHOTO BY

Scott Corey

local governments succeed. Each year, Extension’s Center for Government and Community Development trains:

• • •

124 municipal clerks and tax collectors. 400 county assessors. 445 certified appraisers, both public and private.

The center offers a variety of trainings and certification programs for county and municipal officials, as well as education in emergency preparedness, technical assistance related to wells and water systems, and training and facilitation in essential skills such as strategic planning, leadership and local governance, conflict management, needs assessment, and economic impact assessment. 16 Extension M AT T E R S


Hernando’s City Clerk

RELIES ON MSU EXTENSION BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS

Hernando is the fastest-growing town in

to keep up with all of the changing laws

DeSoto County, but City Clerk Katie

and procedures,” Harbin said. “The

opportunity to advance, and that there is

Harbin is part of a team at City Hall

training that I received with Extension has

training made available to us,” she said.

dedicated to maintaining Hernando’s

helped me greatly because I came in not

“We’re constantly learning and growing.”

small-town appeal.

really knowing much about the

“I love the fact that there is the

Sumner Davis, head of the Center for

government side of how things work or

Government and Community Development,

Hernando, and I try to maintain that

what it would take to become a certified

said everyone on his team is dedicated to

connection through my customer service,”

clerk. They helped me learn pretty much

supporting the state’s community leaders,

Harbin said. “From our workers to our

everything I do with my job.

no matter how big or small the town may be.

“I spend every day serving the people of

buildings to our rules for planning, we all

“Other than calling other clerks, the

“Our goal is to develop and build strong

want to help Hernando keep its charm

Extension Service is my main source of

partnerships with agencies, institutions,

while providing access to all of the great

help in getting answers to my questions

organizations, and foundations that have a

amenities people are looking for.”

and getting my training,” she said.

shared commitment to strengthening the

Harbin began working for the City of

Though she has not yet experienced

well-being of Mississippi communities,”

Hernando in 2006 as an assistant

everything her new job will require of her,

Davis said. “We do that by supporting the

bookkeeper. She immediately began a

Harbin said she was confident she could

work of local government officials,

three-year training program provided by

do it because of the ongoing training and

community-based organizations, state and

the Mississippi State University Extension

strong support she receives from the MSU

local agencies, and businesses.”

Service Center for Government and

Extension Service.

Community Development. In 2010, she

“The best part of working with

The center’s mission also includes providing community leaders, organizations,

obtained her certification. The following

Extension is that they’re there to help. I

agencies, businesses, and citizens with high-

year, she got her city clerk certification and

know that my main contact, Janet Baird,

quality, research-based information on

was promoted from deputy clerk to city

used to be a city clerk before working for

economic and community development

clerk.

the Extension Service. She knows where

topics.

City clerks take minutes and preserve

the clerks are coming from, and she knows

“From energy development workshops

records for the board of aldermen and the

what we need to know,” Harbin said. “If

and information for small-business owners

mayor; handle all of the financial records

there are any laws that are changing or any

to 4-H citizenship programs, we are

for the city, including the budget, everyday

updates that change, she sends out emails

committed to helping Mississippians get the

payables, and receivables; accept sealed

to all of us to let us know what is going

information they need to make positive

bids and do bid procedures; and run city

on. I know that I can just pick up the

improvements in their lives and

elections.

phone and call her and she will get back

communities,” Davis concluded.

Harbin enjoys the variety of her day-today duties and said she learned how to do

with me and help me in any way possible.” Harbin continues to access the

For more information about the MSU Extension Service Center for Government

education available through the Extension

and Community Development, go to

“The Extension Service provides a great

Service. She is currently working toward

http://gcd.msucares.com/community-

program to help any clerk starting out get

her master municipal clerk designation.

development.

her job through training programs.

the knowledge they need to do the job and

Extension M AT T E R S 17


FARMtastic FARMtastic received a Mississippi State University Extension Service internal seed grant to introduce thirdgraders to topics in livestock, forestry, agronomy, horticulture, entomology, and nutrition through hands-on activities. In 2013, the event was open to the general public for the first time, and more than 900 third-graders from Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties attended. In 2014, a miniature FARMtastic program was held during the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, with more than 1,200 attendees. “Elementary students have little understanding of agricultural systems. In many states, the Extension Service has tried to address this problem through education,” said Oktibbeha County Extension Agent Julie White. “Research suggests that children who are aware of their relationship to farms and the natural environment are more likely to make healthier food choices, which result in better health.” The Extension seed grant will help FARMtastic achieve three goals. The first goal is to increase the reach and content delivered through each FARMtastic event. The second goal is

MISSISSIPPI HONEY BEE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation have collaborated to

to develop, pilot test, and revise an educational curriculum,

create the Mississippi Honey Bee Stewardship Program in

including a standardized evaluation. The final goal is to

an effort to protect the state’s pollinators from pesticides on

evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum. Once all three of

crops.

these goals are accomplished, FARMtastic could be replicated statewide.

The program uses a unified flagging system throughout the state to identify hive locations near agricultural fields. Beekeepers and farmers will work together to place black and yellow “Bee Aware” flags to inform pesticide applicators on the ground and in the air. “The Mississippi Honey Bee Stewardship Program is setting a precedent by showing there is cooperation and commitment on both sides. They’re willing to work together to minimize the risk of economic losses by both the beekeepers and the farmers,” said Jeff Gore, entomologist with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and MSU Extension Service. “The Bee Aware flags that resulted from this agreement are an additional tool to help raise everyone’s awareness about pollinator health and protecting pollinators.” The Mississippi Honeybee Stewardship Program has gained support from the Mississippi Beekeepers Association, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association, Mississippi Agricultural Consultants Association, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and MSU Extension Service.

18 Extension M AT T E R S


4-H NEWS The MSU Extension Service 4-H ATV Safety Program received grants to purchase more ATVs, a trailer, and a truck so the program can expand throughout the state. The program’s goal is to reduce ATV-related accidents and fatalities in Mississippi through ATV safety awareness, online courses, and ATV RiderCourse programs. More than 2,500 young people and adults have been reached statewide. A group of 4-H’ers and adults who have attended the ATV RiderCourse program helped develop public service announcements about ATV safety. The ads are part of a program called “Do the Ride Thing,” which is part of a national ATV safety campaign through the National 4-H Council and the ATV Safety Institute. The grants will allow the program to offer ATV Safety RiderCourses at approved locations throughout the state, instead of only at the MSU training facility. The program targets young people between the ages of 6 and 16 because riders in this age group are involved in the most ATV-related injuries and fatalities. The ATV Safety Institute, National 4-H Council, Farm Bureau, and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks continue to support the MSU Extension Service 4-H ATV Safety Program. BY KAITLYN BYRNE

To support the growing demand for sewing-related workshops in Mississippi, the Mississippi State University Extension Service is hosting sewing lessons for Extension agents, who will then share the skills in their communities. Wanda Cheek, part-time Extension instructor in clothing and textiles who is conducting the sewing lessons, said the agents will learn how to sew a new project during each lesson, gradually leading to constructing an entire garment. “We start out small, with table runners and shoulder bags, and then work our way up to zippered cosmetic bags and clothing,” Cheek said. “The point is for each project to build upon the previous project so they can get comfortable with the machine and share their newly learned skills with clients in their county.”

Extension M AT T E R S 19


“It’s time to make healthy food a factor in your life.”

Natasha Haynes, host of “The Food Factor” PHOTO BY Beth Wynn

20 Extension M AT T E R S


THE FOOD FACTOR reaches new audiences Serving lunch at the Dixie National Sale

Haynes admitted she didn’t know what

BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS

including Tupelo, Greenwood, Meridian,

of Junior Champions livestock auction

she was getting into when she signed on to

Biloxi, and Jackson. The show is also on

doesn’t seem likely to garner anyone a

host The Food Factor. She has 20 years of

YouTube and the weekly MSU Extension

television show appearance, but that’s

experience delivering educational

Service-produced show Farmweek.

what happened to Natasha Haynes.

programs to live audiences, but Haynes

The family and consumer sciences

“I believe food is an important part of

knew that making the transition to

our social lives, but we can create new

agent for the Mississippi State University

recorded video and audio would be a new

traditions that focus less on food and more

Extension Service in Rankin County

challenge. Haynes holds a master’s degree

on time spent together being active,” she

caught the attention of Elizabeth Gregory

in communication from Mississippi

says. “I think people of all ages can

North, head of the Office of Agricultural

College, so she had some insight into the

establish healthy patterns that will lead to

Communications. North was planning a

production process but couldn’t foresee all

longterm improvements in their health—

new statewide health and nutrition

its intricacies.

there is no quick fix, but the little changes

program that would share important

“I hadn’t counted on how creative the

have an impact over time.”

Extension health information in a fun and

team would get with some of the

friendly way. She was on the lookout for

costumes, locations, and approaches to

http://msucares.com/food-

the perfect host, and she found it in

each topic,” she says. “I’ve battled the

factor/index.html.

Haynes.

punching bag in the Sanderson Center,

That’s how The Food Factor was born.

dressed like a leprechaun for a segment on

With a creative team from Ag

adding more green to your diet, and played

Communications, Haynes develops scripts

a referee for a football party. I never know

based on research-based material in

what they’re going to come up with!”

Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture publications.

Watch The Food Factor at

The Food Factor is broadcast in several major Mississippi television markets,

“Our goal is to take practical tips people can use and package it in entertaining, attention-getting ways,” Haynes says. “Whether it’s drinking more water, handling food safely, or saving money at the grocery store, we want to help Mississippians sift through the noise

Extension’s new TV segment targets busy urban families with fun food messages

and get information they can trust.”

Extension M AT T E R S 21




Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762

www.msucares.com

www.facebook.com/MSUExtService www.twitter.com/MSUExtService www.pinterest.com/msuextservice Instagram: @msuextservice

NONPROFIT ORG. US Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit No. 290


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