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
As I reflect on 2015, I can’t help feeling grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Mississippi State University Extension Service family and excited about Extension’s future. I am grateful for the past—for the way it has brought us to this point and continues to shape our future. For example, retired Extension Associate Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Joe Street and his family recently created an endowed award for Extension agents and faculty. The award will encourage Extension professionals to continue to pursue excellence in communicating the latest research in agriculture and natural resources to clients across the state. I am grateful for the present—for the men and women who contributed to last year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo, North America’s Premier Farm Show, in October. Mississippi was the spotlight state at the 2015 Expo, and I was proud of the way we worked together with our partners, Alcorn State University Extension, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, to demonstrate the Hospitality State’s use of technology in the fields and on the farm. I am grateful for the future—for the youth, volunteers, MSU-ES employees, and parents who made this year’s 4-H Village possible. Every fall, young people from across Mississippi create the village to showcase their work and growth at the Mississippi State Fair in Jackson. These young people are not just Mississippi’s future leaders, but also, they are already leaders in classrooms and clubs across the state. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to help them hone those skills so that they will be even sharper in the days and years to come. In this second volume of Extension Matters, you’ll see many more stories about Extension’s past, present, and future. Read on page 21 about how our hippotherapy program is helping Andi Webb beat the odds, and see how Extension helped Ben Jones, Leigh Bailey, and Jamie Redmond discover second careers in forestry and agriculture. Find out how Greta Thornton’s work with 4-H helps her reconnect with her love of agriculture and form new bonds with the youth in her community, and learn how one 4-H’er is discovering how to lead effectively. See how the leaders of Tunica are using information from Extension to provide for the current and future needs of their residents. You can also read about the ways Extension information helps the Enslin family keep their specialty meats safe and their processes secure. Finally, be sure to “meet” our new specialists and coordinators in “What’s New in Extension.” I hope you enjoy this copy of Extension Matters! Sincerely,
Gary Jackson Director, MSU Extension Service
Extension Matters is published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
CONTENTS
Dr. Mark E. Keenum President
Dr. Gregory A. Bohach Vice President Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine
The More Things Change...
4
Extension Where You Are
7
Outside Expertise
9
Dr. Gary B. Jackson Director MSU Extension Service
Dr. Steve Martin Associate Director Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Paula Threadgill Associate Director 4-H Youth Development, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Center for Continuing Education
Randy Loper Department Head Extension Center for Technology Outreach
Sumner Davis
What's New in Extension
12
Back to Her Roots
14
Finding His Voice
18
Everlasting Therapy
21
From The Ground Up
24
Meeting The Mark
27
Department Head Center for Government and Community Development
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
Leah Barbour Managing Editor
Amelia Plair Editor
Phillip Smith Designer Writers
Susan Collins-Smith Keri Collins Lewis Nathan Gregory Photographer
Kevin Hudson 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: 4-H volunteer Greta Thornton shares farming lessons with her grandchildren, Evan and Andee Grace Johnson.
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
Travis Satterfield, producer
4 Extension M AT T E R S
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE... Delta Farmer Travis Satterfield Reflects on 40+Years in the Fields STORY BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS
T he price of rice hasn’t increased much
“We found that—particularly in the
dedicated to promoting agriculture,
since Travis Satterfield of Benoit began
early days, when you are going to a new
Respess observes, including serving as past
growing it in 1974, but nearly everything
crop—Extension is instrumental in the
president of the Delta Council and
learning curve,” he shares. “We were in
chairman of several committees for the
catfish for a while, and we relied heavily
group. Currently, Satterfield chairs the
on Extension support. Extension is a vital
farm policy committee.
else in the world of production agriculture has changed. Up until 1974, rice acres were under strict government control. “Congress passed legislation allowing anyone to plant rice without penalty, but we wouldn’t be eligible for government
part of adapting to different crops and all the changes that have happened during my
of the Delta Council, reflects on
lifetime. Without Extension and research,
Satterfield’s years of service to the
there would have been some voids.”
agriculture community.
He reviews company-generated support, and they couldn’t guarantee we could plant it beyond that year,” Satterfield remembers. Changing crops felt like a gamble, but Satterfield risked it. “We had no irrigation on our farm whatsoever. We had to put in a well, which was not a common practice then. But our land was ideal for rice because of the heavy
Chip Morgan, executive vice president
“He’s the face of the Delta Council
information for the products he uses on
when it comes to federal and state farm
his farm but relies on MSU for validation.
policy related to any area of agriculture,
“I like to see what MSU says about
not just row crops,” Morgan explains.
varieties and products. I value their
“He’s highly respected everywhere he goes
unbiased opinion,” he says. “When you’re
because he has sound judgment and sage
evaluating products, you need that
advice on things that have an economic
external validation, and you can get that
impact on our region.
from MSU.” Don Respess, now the Coahoma
“He’s one of the most unselfish leaders I’ve ever worked for. At the end of the day,
soils—clay and buckshot,” he explains.
County coordinator for the MSU
he just wants to move the ball down the
“Rice has been our salvation.”
Extension Service, worked in Bolivar
field, and he’ll play any position. He wants
County for more than a decade. He says
the team to score.”
While rice seemed risky at first, Satterfield says he had support from a
his former client stays informed about all
trusted neighbor: the Mississippi State
crops.
University Extension Service. “Extension has always played a very
“Travis is always willing to make crop changes if he thinks it will benefit his
Morgan says that, when Satterfield speaks to legislators, he emphasizes the importance of research and education programs very effectively.
important role in agriculture in the Delta,”
business, and he works with folks at
he asserts.
Stoneville and on campus to try to get the
great impact. He’s an American success
most yield,” Respess says. “He wants to get
story,” Morgan concludes.
Satterfield usually rotates rice and soybean but also has farmed catfish, corn, and wheat on his Bolivar County farm.
the most bang for his buck.” Satterfield has always been very involved with Extension and other organizations
“In his quiet and soft way he’s had a
His involvement with farm policy keeps Satterfield up-to-date with current issues and news. He believes people have some
Extension M AT T E R S 5
misconceptions about production
food supply is possible if we can use all of
agriculture, one of which is based on the
the tools available to us,” he stresses.
abundant domestic food supply. “In the U.S., we can buy most anything
While much has changed in production agriculture since Satterfield started in late
we want any time of year, but that doesn’t
1968, one key to success remains the
just happen without a lot of work,” he
same: a strong support system at home.
explains. “People think we can change our entire production system and maintain the same food supply, but that’s not possible.” The improvements in crop yields have
“There’s nothing like a good, supportive partner,” he advises. After graduating from Delta State with a business degree in 1965, Satterfield was
“She’s 100-percent adapted now, but she had to make a tremendous amount of sacrifice in the beginning, going from a steady income to farming,” he recalls. Travis and Nancy have four sons, 11 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Two of their sons and two grandsons work on the farm, and their granddaughter manages the office. “We feel blessed to have a family farm
been the result of technological
working in Virginia for DuPont
with kids and grandkids working together,”
advancements and genetic developments,
Construction.
he says.
and Extension has been instrumental in
“I had gone to college with no
The local agriculture community is also
helping producers learn about the tools
intention of farming because there was no
needed to maintain a profitable, efficient
economic incentive,” he says. “When my
farm, he says.
dad’s health forced him to decide to retire,
the-hill and still farming, but we have a
get help, or leave the farm, I got the
great group of young people involved here,
technology we have and every bit of the
opportunity to move back and work for
people who enjoy it. They are astute and
advances in breeding and genetics, and
myself.”
could have worked in a lot of different
“We’re making full use of every bit of
there are still people all over the world who are hungry. A safe, affordable, abundant
He talked his Virginia sweetheart, Nancy, into marrying him and moving to Mississippi.
an encouragement to Satterfield. “You read about how farmers are over-
careers but have chosen to work in production agriculture,” he says. “As long as we can keep attracting people like that, we’re in good hands.”
“We found that—particularly in the early days, when you are going to a new crop— Extension is instrumental in the learning curve.” —Travis Satterfield
6 Extension M AT T E R S
EXTENSION TURNING A NEW LEAF Jackson Couple Grows Pesticide-free Produce STORY BY SuSaN COLLINS-SmITh
Jamie Redmond, left, and Leigh Bailey, hydroponic farmers
growers in the state meant less produce being trucked across the country,” Bailey says. So the two began vigorously researching the business. They visited other hydroponic
L eigh Bailey and her husband, Jamie Redmond, considered a
growers in the state and across the country, asked lots of questions,
number of options for a second career when the two real estate
took several classes, and studied the market in the Jackson area
agents got married about four years ago.
before opening Salad Days in 2014.
“After we married, Jamie moved to Mississippi from Georgia, where
Their 18,000 square-foot business, based in Madison County,
he had been in real estate for more than 30 years,” explains Bailey, a
supplies local restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets with
Jackson native. “He didn’t really want to start over in real estate here,
pesticide-free lettuce, tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers.
and I was ready for something new, too.”
“Leigh and Jamie went about this the right way and have done
Both Bailey and Redmond had gardened as a hobby in the past
really well,” says Rick Snyder, vegetable specialist with the MSU
and love the outdoors, so they knew that, whatever their next venture
Extension Service, an organization the two rely on heavily for advice.
was, it had to involve nature.
“Hydroponic farming takes a lot more experience than any crop you
“We spent about a year or so kicking tires, looking at different
grow in the field, so you really have to do your homework.”
businesses, deciding what we wanted to do,” Bailey says. Then they read an article in Mississippi Farm Country, a Farm Bureau magazine, about St. Bethany Fresh, a family-run hydroponic tomato farm in Pontotoc. “The greenhouse owner graciously gave us a two-hour tour of his farm,” Bailey says. “I was surprised that he was willing to show us his operation and explain in detail everything from his growing methods to where and how he sold the tomatoes. We learned a lot from that visit and very much appreciated his willingness to share his knowledge. “He told us he could not even scratch the surface of demand in Mississippi for locally grown produce, and that more hydroponic
Extension M AT T E R S 7
Aside from the basic method of growing the crop, which is highly
presenters at this year’s conference and allowed about 90 of the
technical, hydroponic farmers also must have a good handle on the
workshop attendees to tour their operation as part of the short
budget, Snyder says.
course.
“They must know what their costs are as well as potential income,”
They have also called on other Extension specialists for help with
says Snyder, who is based at the MSU Truck Crops Branch Experiment
pest and disease control, which can be more trying in a greenhouse
Station in Crystal Springs. “Although I normally recommend people
environment.
start with one bay, Leigh and Jamie started with six bays and two different systems to accommodate vine crops and leaf crops. But I expect they will continue to do well if they keep asking questions and learning.” That is exactly what they plan to do, Bailey says.
“Everyone has been very helpful,” Bailey says. “They are quick to come visit us or coach us over the phone.” Even though it has only been a year and a half, Bailey says business is good. “We stay very busy. The restaurant community here has been very
“There is a steep learning curve,” she says of the Dutch bucket
supportive,” she says. “We sell our lettuce with the roots on it within
system and the nutrient film technique they use. “There are so many
a day or two of harvest. It has about a two-week shelf life. Compared
variables to consider—weather, the number of daylight hours,
to what is available from California, there is very little waste because
humidity, pests, and diseases—even though the plants are in a
it is so fresh when it arrives in the kitchen. The chefs and stores we
controlled environment. I’ve read a lot and attended a lot of classes
work with are very pleased with our produce.”
all over the country, but we’ve also had input and involvement from the Extension Service since we began our education process. We spent the day with Dr. Snyder early on, shared our plans, and he was excited about it. He’s done everything he could to help us.” The two have been regular attendees at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course since they began researching Salad Days. They were
8 Extension M AT T E R S
To learn more about Salad Days and where to find their produce, visit http://www.saladdaysproduce.com. Potential greenhouse growers interested in learning more should attend the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, a national conference held by Extension in the Jackson area every March. More information can be found at http://greenhousetomatosc.com.
OUTSIDE EXPERTISE Extension Helps Mississippi Town Balance Its Budget STORY BY NaThaN GREGORY
L ocal governments and water
center compares similarly sized systems to
says, and the city was able to make up its
associations often face the balancing act of
provide local leaders with information
revenue shortfall.
meeting the infrastructure needs of the
they can use to maximize their resources.
residents they serve and keeping costs for
Assistant Extension Professor Jason
“If we do a rate study in-house, it becomes political. And without an expert,
Barrett found that, based on the city’s rate
you get asked why the current rates need to
structure, Tunica’s enterprise fund was
be adjusted and whose idea it was to
Chuck Cariker knew last year that
operating at a $424,000 deficit each year.
consider doing that,” Cariker says. “The
enterprise fund revenues were becoming
He and Extension Associate Hamp Beatty
Center for Government and Community
insufficient to support the water and sewer
compared the city’s rates to similar
Development studies those situations for
services in the northwest Mississippi town.
systems in five other Mississippi cities.
municipalities around the state. Our
those services affordable. Tunica’s board of aldermen and Mayor
Cariker credits MSU Extension’s Center for
Barrett and Beatty showed city leaders
citizens looked to them as experts because
that Tunica charged significantly less than
they were an independent group with
Development with helping the city
their peers per 5,000 gallons of water and
experience in evaluating water and sewer
streamline its budgeting process to
for sewer and sanitation usage per
rate structures.”
generate the revenue required to provide
customer. Instead of raising rates,
the services its citizens need.
aldermen lowered the number of gallons
use Extension’s study to make an informed
covered by the minimum base fee from
decision instead of “picking something out
Government and Community
6,000 gallons per month to 4,000. The
of the blue,” he adds.
Development has helped more than a
adjustment had no effect on the 45
dozen municipalities and rural water
percent of consumers who were using only
residents that this was looked at by more
up to 4,000 gallons each month, Cariker
than just us,” Cariker says. “Jason and
Government and Community
In the past year, the Center for
associations to balance their budgets. The
The city’s board of aldermen was able to
“We could explain and provide proof to
Extension M AT T E R S 9
“Jason and Hamp are the people to go to for any municipality wanting to have experts evaluate their enterprise funds.” —Tunica Mayor Chuck Cariker
10 Extension M AT T E R S
Hamp are the people to go to for any
Barrett says one of the most important
Projecting a surplus in enterprise fund
municipality in Mississippi wanting to
steps involved in each study is meeting
budgets is not the best policy, because
have experts evaluate their enterprise
with officials in person and seeing how a
achieving a profit is not the objective of a
funds.”
city’s infrastructure and services operate.
Barrett regularly makes presentations at
“Listening to what the officials have on
Mississippi Municipal League and
their minds and observing how their
Mississippi Association of Supervisors
systems work are two of the most
municipality. But, Beatty adds, cities and towns have to budget for maintenance. “System and equipment upgrades are needed to keep water and sewer systems
conventions to show the services that the
important parts of each process,” Barrett
functioning, so some reserves have to be
Center for Government and Community
says. “From there, it’s just a matter of
available when the inevitable happens and
Development provides. City and county
gathering data and putting several
the time comes to make those
leaders interested in a study contact him
programs together that will help them
improvements,” he says.
for further information. Studies are free of
from a revenue standpoint. After gathering
charge to the municipality.
and organizing the data from that city’s
board what to do about their enterprise
peers, I like to go back for an actual board
rates, but simply to give officials the
officials showed in consulting a third party
meeting, present it, and be available to the
information they need to make the best
before the city reached a crisis was a
citizens to answer their questions.”
decision for the people they represent.
Barrett says the leadership that Tunica
positive sign. “What they did is what you like to see in Mississippi communities, because they
Officials from municipalities and rural
The goal of each study is not to tell a
“We try to refrain from telling
water associations in Hattiesburg,
somebody what they need to do. I’m just
Hernando, Coldwater, Brandon, and
giving them food for thought,” Barrett
had the foresight to know they were not
Okalona have recently sought the center’s
says. “I’m giving them A, and I’m giving
generating the money they needed in their
expertise. As a former elected official,
them B. They should be able to calculate C
enterprise funds and that they needed to
Beatty can relate to leaders who look to
on their own. Each municipality and
seek assistance as soon as they could.
third parties to evaluate deficiencies and to
association has its own unique situation.
Being able to lean on the MSU Extension
show what improvements can be made.
Service faculty and staff provides a great
“Municipal enterprise funds are
Tunica was simply trying to make up for a budget shortfall. Officials in another city
resource for them,” Barrett says. “We
supposed to be able to stand on their own
may have to plan for future upgrades to
provided a third-party objective opinion
financially and generate enough revenue to
their wastewater system. They know what
with factual input from the Extension
cover expenses each year with enough left
it’s going to cost and they have to do it.
Service. We looked at their consumption
over to account for depreciation and
They just have to figure out how to
and budget to show them how their deficits upgrades,” Beatty says. “Municipalities
structure their rates to pay for the
could be made up. They had a need; we had cannot rely on property and sales tax
upgrades.”
the expertise; and we were able to connect
revenues in their general funds, which are
the two.”
designed to fund police, fire, and maintenance departments.”
Extension M AT T E R S 11
NEW COORDINATORS ENHANCING EXTENSION OUTREACH
Four Regional Extension Coordinators are connecting Mississippi State University Extension Service agents and experts even more closely with their local communities.
Before he came to the Delta position, Lacy was the state Extension Livestock Economist for the University of Georgia. Mitchell, formerly MSU Extension’s Union County agent and
These coordinators work directly with Extension agents
northeast district director, writes a weekly column for several
and specialists to develop educational programs and training
Magnolia State newspapers in addition to her Extension
opportunities to meet local needs and state objectives. They also
responsibilities.
coordinate regional and area activities with regional and state specialists, research faculty, and Extension administrators. Curt Lacy is working from the Delta Research and Extension
A longtime area Extension agent based in Lauderdale County, Porter will bring horticulture expertise to the Southeast regional office.
Center in Stoneville, while Linda C. Mitchell is based at the North
Williams, a food scientist and Mississippi Agricultural and
Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona. Wayne
Forestry Experiment Station researcher before he accepted the
Porter is connecting from the Coastal Research and Extension
coordinator position, has long offered business workshops, advice,
Center in Biloxi, while J. Byron Williams hails from the Central
and expertise related to federal and state food regulations.
Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond.
Lacy
Mitchell
Porter
Williams
EXTENDING KNOWLEDGE • CHANGING LIVES 12 Extension M AT T E R S
FOUNTAIN NAMED FELLOW The world’s largest group of food and nutrition professionals awarded a fellowship to Brent Fountain, associate Extension professor of human nutrition. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics grants fellowships to select nutritionists who exemplify the academy’s values of customer focus, integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. As part of Extension, Fountain educates clients about responsible, nutritious approaches to eating healthy foods. Fountain is past president of the Mississippi Dietetic Association, now called the Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He is one of Mississippi’s eight certified sports dietetics specialists and holds certifications from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the International Olympic Committee, and the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Fountain
NEW SOYBEAN AGRONOMIST To help producers increase soybean yields and maximize farm profitability, John Orlowski joined the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station as a soybean agronomist. Orlowski will evaluate farmers’ soybean production systems from his base location at the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville. He attended Cornell University and completed a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences. In his master’s program in agronomy, also at Cornell, Orlowski evaluated different row spacing and seeding rate decisions for New York soybean producers. He earned a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky in crop science with a focus on input-intensive, high-yield soybean management.
Orlowski
NEW FLORAL DESIGN SPECIALIST After teaching at Mississippi State University for 23 years, Jim DelPrince has joined the Extension Service as a floral design specialist at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. In this new educational area of Extension, DelPrince develops classes, workshops, and other opportunities to teach the public how to use flowers, greenery, fruits, and vegetables for decoration and other purposes. In some of the classes, participants learn how to make a flower crown, create buffet designs, and arrange altar flowers. In other workshops, participants bring their own items to make displays for entryways, tables, and parties. DelPrince also works with members of Mississippi’s green industry to help them strengthen their businesses.
DelPrince Extension M AT T E R S 13
BACK TO HER ROOTS STORY BY SuSaN COLLINS-SmITh
Greta Thornton, 4-H volunteer
14 Extension M AT T E R S
Volunteer Connects to Agriculture and Community Although Greta Thornton’s children are
“Agriculture is not related to our
us make decisions and gives us something
adults, she could not give up the volunteer
business and is something I’ve been
work that she says keeps her connected to
involved in since I was a child,” says
agriculture.
Thornton, who grew up in Vancleave with
had not been involved with the Extension
six brothers and sisters. “My father was a
Service until she registered her children,
on in agriculture, and working with
row cropper. He grew corn and soybeans
Karoline and Jerrod, for the 4-H livestock
Extension keeps me up to date,” she says
and raised cattle when we were kids. I
program in the early 1990s, when they
of the Mississippi State University
always helped around the farm, just like
were young teenagers.
Extension Service. “My husband and I
my brothers. We all pitched in.
“I like to be involved with what is going
have a farm with cattle and chickens and a few other animals. I enjoy working in
“He’s 81, and he still raises cattle and bales hay. My work with Extension helps
to talk about,” Thornton says. Thornton was not a 4-H’er herself and
“We were looking for something that we could do as a family, and we thought that would be a good project for them,”
agriculture and staying involved with the youth in our county.” The farm is an enjoyable pastime for the Thorntons, who live in Vancleave and run an air conditioning business as their main livelihood.
2015 Mississippi 4-H 5,970: number of adult volunteers. 220: average hours contributed by each volunteer.
$25 million: estimated value of service.
Greta Thornton with Extension agent Angie Rogers Extension M AT T E R S 15
“Many children may not have the chance to be involved with agriculture without Extension. I want them to have that opportunity and be encouraged to keep participating.”—Greta Thorton
Thornton with daughter Karoline Johnson she says. “My husband had been involved
county poultry program off the ground.
without them. I know I can count on
in archery and racing, and we always went
Three years ago we started the Family Farm
Greta to help me with anything. All I have
with him. But we wanted something the
Day that helps introduce children to life
to do is ask her.”
kids could be more involved in and that we
on the farm. She also helps me organize
could still all do together.”
and run our FARMtastic event every year.
They both showed cattle and chickens.
“Greta is an adult programs volunteer,
Thornton says working with children is one of the most enjoyable aspects of volunteering with Extension.
Karoline became involved in the Junior
but she often helps me with youth events.
Cattlemen’s Association and served as
We Extension agents depend on our
is a heavily industrial county. The shipyard,
state president during her last year in 4-H,
volunteers. We couldn’t do our jobs
Chevron, and Mississippi Power are some
which got Thornton involved in the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association in Jackson and George counties. She now serves as president of the group, which works closely with the Extension Service. Thornton is involved with many Extension events, including Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo and county and state fairs, and she has helped establish some popular local events and programs, such as Family Farm Day and the 4-H poultry program. “Greta is a major contributor to our county Extension programs,” says Angie Rogers, Extension agriculture agent in Jackson County. “She helped me get our
16 Extension M AT T E R S
“I love to help the kids. Jackson County
Thornton with grandchildren Evan and Andee Grace Johnson
of our largest employers,” Thornton
says. “I want to be there to support them
learning, but they are. They learn the value
explains. “Many children may not have
and answer their questions. I love to see
of hard work.
the chance to be involved with agriculture
the kids develop life skills and gain an
without Extension. I want them to have
appreciation for and an understanding of
get up before school and feed their animals
that opportunity and be encouraged to
agriculture at the same time.”
or if they missed a football game or party
keep participating.” Many times, she says, her main duty at a livestock show or county and state fairs is to help make sure things run smoothly
She wants other children to have
“Our kids would fuss when they had to
because we had to go to a show. But once
positive experiences like her son and
we were there, they enjoyed themselves,
daughter.
and we all had a good time. They learned
“I think 4-H is one of the best things
that their hard work and sacrifice paid off.
by standing at the back of the barn where
children can be involved in,” she says. “If
When they won at a show, it wasn’t hard
4-H’ers are preparing to enter the show
kids are busy in the barn with cattle, they
work anymore. It was fun work. They also
ring with their animals.
are learning. If they are in the ring
learned how to lose. Even though they lost,
showing an animal, they are learning.
they still learned a lot. And they
They usually don’t realize they are
understood that.”
“A lot of kids are scared or nervous when they walk in the ring,” Thornton
Extension M AT T E R S 17
FINDING HIS VOICE 4-H’er Discovers His Passion, Gets Big Opportunities STORY BY SuSaN COLLINS-SmITh
The Tuesday before Thanksgiving found
4-H National Congress is arranged by a
Tyler Packer packing up to head to Atlanta,
22-member committee made up of 15 4-H
Georgia, to attend the National 4-H
employees and seven 4-H’ers. Packer was
Congress.
one of those seven.
The high school junior had spent the
“The kids plan this whole conference,
entire year helping to plan and organize
and the process to get on the planning
the 94th annual National Congress, an
committee is competitive,” says Packer, a
event that recognizes excellence and
native of Stateline. “I am very honored to
provides opportunities for delegates to
have been selected.
develop leadership skills through workshops, tours, and hands-on service projects. The event brought more than 1,000 4-H
“I have no words for how awesome it was,” Packer says. The youth component of the committee is called the Design Team. The team met
delegates together from across the country
periodically through conference calls and
to learn, serve, and discover new resources.
video conference during the year leading
4-H is the youth development organization
up to the conference. 4-H members were
for the MSU Extension Service and other
responsible for suggesting speakers, tours,
land-grant universities nationwide.
workshop topics, service-learning projects,
Packer at the opening of the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, with Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith and MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine Vice President Greg Bohach
and other experiences for the six-day conference. A self-described shy and reserved child, Packer would not have considered even attending such an event, much less helping plan it, four or five years ago. He says he’s changed mostly because of his involvement in 4-H. “4-H is an organization that challenges you and allows you to find your strengths along the way,” Packer says. Martha Jackson-Banks, 4-H Leadership Development specialist, says she has seen Tyler grow as a result of his involvement in 4-H. “The power 4-H has is really amazing,” she says. “When you meet Tyler, you would have no idea that he was ever shy. He is always smiling and never meets a stranger. He has taken every opportunity to increase his public speaking, leadership, and personal development skills. “I have watched his level of confidence and knowledge increase as he has taken on more responsibility and discovered something he really enjoys and is good at.”
18 Extension M AT T E R S
“4-H is an organization that challenges you and allows you to find your strengths.” —Tyler Packer, 4-H member
Extension M AT T E R S 19
Tyler Packer with MSU President Mark E. Keenum at the Sunbelt Ag Expo
Packer sang the national anthem to represent Mississippi 4-H at the 2015 Sunbelt Ag Expo, where Mississippi was the spotlight state. The Expo showcases the region’s agriculture and its advancements each year in Moultrie, Georgia. “Dr. (Paula) Threadgill approached me and asked me if I would like to sing the national anthem at the Expo,” Packer explains. “I said I’d love to do it, but I Packer has been involved with 4-H
“My first year, I competed in the public
since the summer after he was in third
speaking contest but didn’t win anything,”
grade, when his mom took him to a 4-H-
Packer explains. “But I worked the next
sponsored arts and crafts meeting at the
year to improve and placed during my
Greene County Extension office.
second and third years.”
“My mom said she wanted me to see if
In 2015, he placed first and earned a
didn’t realize until about three weeks before we left what a huge deal it was. “And when we got there, I was like, whoa. I was really blown away that I got to represent Mississippi 4-H in that kind of venue. I got to meet the governor of
I liked it,” he says. “So I went to the
January 2016 trip to Colorado to compete
meetings that summer and decided to see
in the national 4-H public speaking
Agriculture, and Dr. Mark Keenum, the
what it had to offer.”
contest.
MSU president. It was a great experience,”
After that summer, he tried out many of the organization’s projects, including entomology, seed identification, and shooting sports, before discovering his passion—public speaking. Packer competed in numerous county, district, and state speaking contests, and he refined his skill to earn the privilege of attending 4-H State Congress, the annual MSU campus event open to senior 4-H members, ages 14 to 19. The assembly gives young people practical learning experiences and expands their leadership
“Tyler is a wonderful representative of Mississippi 4-H,” says Jackson-Banks.
Georgia, the Mississippi Commissioner of
Packer says. He currently serves as state vice-
“Every time I see him he has a big smile on
president and plans to run for president in
his face, which is contagious. His positive
2016. During his last year in 4-H, Packer
attitude and love of 4-H radiates.”
will be making important decisions about
Packer campaigned for and won a seat
his future—a future influenced by 4-H. He
on the 4-H State Council during his
wants to study business, law, and politics
second year at State Congress, where he
in college and eventually work as a
was elected song leader.
diplomat for the United Nations.
A classically trained pianist who also
“My involvement in the public speaking
plays saxophone and enjoys singing,
track of 4-H has definitely guided me in
Packer regularly performs in church and
that direction,” he says. “I grew to love
was a member of his school band until
public speaking because it is an avenue
ninth grade. But he had never played
that can change opinions. It allows me to
opportunities. Attendees can run for State
piano or sung outside his church—until his
be bold and passionate about my opinions
4-H Council offices and participate in
second year at State Congress.
and show others a different viewpoint.
workshops aimed at further developing their leadership abilities. Packer says the three-day event has
“I decided I would run for song leader that year,” he says. “I was up there singing
speaking and taught me the best way to
and playing, and people were clapping and
use my talent.”
been a growth experience for him each
encouraging me. That really made me feel
year and influenced his decision to become
good. I learned that people generally
a member of the 4-H Leadership Team.
accepted me for what I had to offer.”
20 Extension M AT T E R S
4-H helped me become skilled at public
EVERLASTING THERAPY Trauma Survivor Benefits from Extension Hippotherapy Program STORY BY NaThaN GREGORY
Andi Webb, front, participating horse rider
Extension M AT T E R S 21
General outpatient therapy is a major step in helping trauma victims on the road to recovery, but hippotherapy has emerged as an effective method of helping them regain mobility over time. A new program offered through the
“It's like a birthday party for her every time she gets to go.”—Sherry Webb Hippotherapy is different from
“We currently have only three horses that can be used for hippotherapy,” Brunson explains, “because they have to be even more tolerant and patient than the average therapeutic riding horse.” Sherry Webb says she has seen
MSU Extension Service’s Equine Assisted
therapeutic horseback riding. Therapeutic
significant improvement in her daughter’s
Therapy is now providing advanced,
riding teaches riding skills as a means of
recovery since she started.
specialized therapy to patients with brain
treatment for people with intellectual,
and spinal injuries who are working to
emotional, psychological, and/or physical
weakness is her right side. Her right leg is
redevelop muscular and neurological
disorders. In hippotherapy, however,
weak, and she has no use of her right
functions.
participants sit astride the horse and gain
arm,” Webb says. “Hippotherapy has
physical strength by responding to its
taught her balance. When she started the
movements.
program, she was posturing backwards. It
Tupelo native Andi Webb is one of six patients who benefit from weekly horse riding sessions during fall and spring
Program coordinator Cassie Brunson,
“Andi is in a wheelchair, and her
took a therapist on either side of her to
semesters at MSU. A car accident in
physical therapist Jackie Parker, and
push her forward just to hold her up on
December 2009 left her in a coma for six
physical therapy assistant Sarah Heurkamp
the horse. By the end of the first semester,
months. She was diagnosed with an anoxic
are working together to grow the new
all they were doing was keeping her from
injury—permanent brain damage caused by
program within Equine Assisted Therapy at
falling off the horse. She was doing
an extended lack of oxygen.
the Elizabeth A. Howard 4-H Therapeutic
everything else herself.”
Webb’s original prognosis was a life
Riding and Activity Center, or “TRAC,” in
expectancy of five years or less with no
West Point. The hippotherapy component
progress after coming out of her coma
chance of regaining consciousness, but a
has been consistently offered for more
indicated she would not walk again. Her
second evaluation from the Shepherd
than a year.
mother now believes otherwise.
Clinic in Atlanta showed more promise for recovery. She returned home in April 2010 after spending two months there. Once a singer in her church choir, she emerged from her coma during a service on Mother’s Day. Her mother, Sherry, was by her side at the time. “She started singing,” Sherry Webb says. “She knew every word to every song.” Outpatient speech and occupational therapy followed for the next five years. During that time, Andi made strides forward, but her mother says her progress eventually stalled, which prompted her to search for another outlet. She found one in Extension’s emerging hippotherapy program.
22 Extension M AT T E R S
The first forecasts based on Andi’s early
“This therapy stretches and relaxes
work one-on-one with each rider to
your body. Her legs were so tight, and she
address his or her individual needs.
would have to put her knees together just
“What we do is assess Andi’s
to stand up. Now, she can stand like a
functional limitations and disabilities,
normal person,” Webb says. “It’s night
and we match up what we’re trying to
and day compared to where she was
accomplish with movements of a horse
before she began the therapy. We recently
with the right temperament that can help
had a prosthetics company have her fitted
us get there,” Parker says. “We’ve seen her
for braces. I have no doubt she’s going to
gain in her balance and strength. Her
walk again.”
standing is a lot better and steadier. She
Hippotherapy requires a physician’s
has worked on taking some steps, and
approval, just as therapy services would in
she’s working her way up to walking. She’s
an outpatient clinic, and all care providers
come a long way.”
must be certified. Parker and Huerkamp
Whether they are involved with therapeutic riding or hippotherapy, Brunson says each rider has specific needs.
EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY sponsored by Extension Equine Assisted Therapy: a physical, occupational, or speech therapy treatment strategy that uses equine movement as part of the patient's treatment plan.
Hippotherapy: advanced, specialized therapy for patients who, because of brain injuries, spinal injuries, or other serious traumas, need to redevelop muscular and neurological functions.
“Every semester, we set goals for each rider to work toward,” Brunson says. “We have children with autism or Down syndrome who are coming for an outlet
Elizabeth A. Howard 4-H Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center: a West Point facility where special needs individuals participate in equine therapies.
and for socialization. Andi is coming to regain the strength she once had. Everybody is working toward completely different goals, and one of the most important parts of our jobs is identifying what those goals are.” Webb says Andi’s favorite horse is Fred, an 18-year-old quarter horse who has been with the program for almost two
3-4
45-50
hippotherapy patients
therapeutic horseback riders
ride horses each therapeutic session.
participate each semester.
100-120
years, because of his gentle nature. “Hippotherapy is amazing because
volunteers
there is no limit on it. It is an everlasting
serve in program.
therapy,” Webb says. “Every time Andi goes, she’s high-spirited. She loves to laugh, joke, and have fun with them. It’s like a birthday party for her every time she gets to go. We would have been sitting at
1998
2009
2014
Extension begins offering Equine Assisted Therapy.
Howard family sponsors the development of the Elizabeth A. Howard 4-H Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center.
Extension sponsors hippotherapy treatments for a small group of patients.
the house trying to figure out what to do if we had not gotten her in this program, because there are no other options for her right now.”
Extension M AT T E R S 23
FROM THE GROUND UP STORY BY NaThaN GREGORY
Ben Jones, timber manager
24 Extension M AT T E R S
Resources at the Forest and Wildlife Research Center to be
Football Coaching Legend Also Known for Success in Timber Industry
crucial to his success. “All of the Extension courses I’ve gone to have helped me a great deal, and I think all of them are important for any landowner who manages timber,” Jones says. “There are a lot of landowners who are not familiar with the process of how to manage their
To many Northeast Mississippians who
grandfather owned timberland in Monroe
land and make it more valuable by raising
played high school football between the
County and would occasionally cut trees to
trees on it. So many are not aware of what
early 1960s and the late 1980s, Ben Jones
sell for extra money. Ever since, Jones has
county forestry associations and Extension
is a coaching icon.
been interested in managing timberland.
do in presenting management programs
A member of the Mississippi Association
“Even at the time I was coaching, I was
for landowners. It’s important that they
of Coaches Hall of Fame, Jones built a
interested in trees,” he says. “I visited a lot
get educated about it and be aware of how
reputation for winning wherever he went
of tree farms and spoke with people about
valuable timber can be.”
across the state. He had a knack for
how they managed their land. I didn’t take
developing programs and demonstrated his
up this process until I was in my late 50s.”
gift in Fulton, Meridian, Tupelo, and New
Jones owns about 1,200 acres of land in
Jones is among 300,000 landowners in Mississippi who own 20 or more acres of forest. Extension coordinates with the state’s 79 county forestry associations and
Albany—schools that were not known for
six counties—Benton, Chickasaw,
consistent success before his arrival. Since
Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, and Union—where the Mississippi Forestry Association to
he retired in 1987, he’s successfully added
he maintains pine timber in various stages
offer educational programming to help
another skill to his repertoire: forestry.
of development. He is a former president
landowners better understand and manage
Jones credits the Mississippi State
and longtime member of several local
land, which helps them achieve increased
University Extension Service with his
forestry associations and a regular attendee
returns on investment.
success in this latest career chapter.
of Extension forestry workshops, courses,
Though he hasn’t been involved in forestry for all of his 85 years, Jones has always enjoyed land management. His
and evening programs.
Extension forestry specialist John Kushla hosts 60 to 70 programs, courses,
Jones finds the programs Extension
and workshops a year and consults with
offers through the MSU College of Forest
timber landowners across Mississippi. He counts Jones among the clients he works
Jones with W.P. Daniel, high school quarterback
with the most.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Extension M AT T E R S 25
“We see a lot of regulars at county forestry meetings because the meetings
“We try to cast a broad net,” Kushla
could stay in contact with. It doesn’t
says. “When we use tax roll databases, we
happen all the time, but we do have
have a high level of interest among
can screen them for small and big
landowners who are well off but hear about
landowners. Of all those people, he’s
timberland owners. When we do a short
our programs and come to learn about land
probably my most active,” Kushla says.
course or workshop that we are going to
and timber management.”
“We’ll see him at any one of these county
advertise, we post that on our website. The
forestry meetings regularly. I have gone to
county forestry associations advertise
state leads the nation in number of
look at his tracts of timber over a number
evening programs to their local
certified tree farms and active county
of years on a routine basis.”
membership through postcards and
forestry associations.
Evening programs are short
newsletters.
Forestry is important in Mississippi: The
“Members of the county forestry
presentations for local forestry associations
“We occasionally advertise in local
and Master Gardener clubs. The programs
papers in advance of workshops to attract
stewards. They want to learn more about
are designed to provide relevant
new members,” he adds. “We get a lot of
what they need to be doing,” Kushla says.
information on topics of interest,
people who are not members of local
“The Mississippi Forestry Association has
associations want to be good forest
including insect management, alternative
forestry associations attending our day-
been instrumental in developing the
forest income, kudzu control, and forest
long classes that way.”
infrastructure of our county forestry
management for wildlife habitats. Day-long short courses offer more
Because Extension advertises through tax rolls, courses also occasionally attract
groups.” Jones says that his success in forestry is
intensive training in specific areas of
absentee landowners who live out of state.
due in large part to his participation in the
forestry, such as marketing and harvesting
Kushla says tax roll mailing has been a
wide variety of relevant programs Extension
timber, growing trees for bioenergy,
significant benefit to the Extension forestry
offers.
managing hardwoods, and using forest
program.
herbicides. Workshops provide hands-on
“We did a short course in Oktibbeha
“About 25 years ago,” Jones adds, “someone saw me planting pine trees and
training in valuing forests, using GPS in
County a couple of years ago, and two
asked me why I would bother to do it
mapping and navigation, identifying trees,
clients from California who own land in
because I wouldn’t live to see them grow
and evaluating pine stands for thinning.
Mississippi attended,” he says. “We
enough to be sold. I sold those trees five
Before Extension presents workshops, it
recently had someone fly down from
years ago. You never know. You have to
advertises through county tax rolls and
Maryland who wanted to learn more about
take advantage of educational opportunities
sends newsletters to members of county
how he should be managing his timber.
and have a positive attitude about the
forestry associations to generate high
We have a database of forestry consultants
progress your timber is going to make.”
attendance.
and recommended one to him that he
Jones with football icon Archie Manning SUBMITTED PHOTO
26 Extension M AT T E R S
MEETING THE MARK Meat Processors Maintain Compliance through Extension Training, Assistance STORY BY LEah BaRBOuR
Freddie Enslin, Hattiesburg meat processor
Extension M AT T E R S 27
Enslin & Son Packing Co. in Hattiesburg
formal regulatory reports, or acting as a
expectations. When Enslin explains the
features a variety of traditional and
client advocate with industry leaders,
specific processes and techniques he’s
specialty sausages and smoked meats.
Williams helps Enslin keep the meat
reporting, Williams often suggests more
processing business both compliant and
appropriate terminology.
Company President Freddie Enslin says that having great products attracts customers from all over South Mississippi,
efficient. Food defense plans help prepare
“The federal people write the guidelines, and though we are already
but selling items like their popular
processing facilities for both intentional
complying, we may not be reporting in the
jalapeño and cheddar sausage is only one
attacks and major environmental events,
language we’re supposed to,” Enslin says.
reason the business has been thriving for
such as severe storms, fires, explosions, or
“But Byron is helping us by suggesting
more than 90 years.
other disasters. The most recent workshop
ways we can rephrase to help the federal
Enslin attended suggested food defense
regulators know what we’re doing.
The family-managed meat processing facility, jointly owned by Enslin and his
planning strategies to help his company
four siblings, must comply with numerous
guard against intentional or accidental
say but doesn’t tell me what to say. He’s
federal food safety laws. He says the MSU
contamination that could affect the safety
been trained in what the feds are looking
Extension Service’s family and consumer
of ingredients, final products, and the
for, too. That’s helped me—and the
sciences division provides Enslin & Son
business’s sustainability.
business—tremendously.”
Packing Co. the nutrition and food safety
“Now, we’ve got a system for food
trainings it needs to stay in compliance
defense with improved plant security and
and offer wholesome, safe, and reliable
truck security,” Enslin says. “We also
food products.
learned more about how to keep the correct
He explains that J. Byron Williams, an Extension food scientist and Mississippi
documentation.” As a dedicated employee of the family
Agricultural and Forestry Experiment
business since third grade, Enslin well
Station researcher specializing in meat
understands the ins and outs of meat
processing, has remained an instructor
processing, but he admits that his
and advocate for Enslin & Son Packing Co.
understanding of the technical side of the
as industry regulations have evolved over
industry continues to evolve. Extension
time. Enslin recommends that other,
education from a reliable source is allowing
similar industries participate in Extension
the company to better meet the technical
food preservation and safety trainings and
standards, he says.
workshops.
“Byron’s doctorate (in food science and
“I can attest to what Byron has done for technology) gives credence to what he us in Extension; I definitely would
says,” Enslin reveals. “He holds Extension
recommend Extension services,” Enslin
trainings that are enhancing what we’re
says. “If Byron offers workshops, I work to
already doing. He gives us ideas on various
be part of those trainings, even if it’s not
aspects of the technical side of the business,
directly about what we’re doing in our
and he’s been a big help, especially in
company—it’s still the food industry and
helping us speak the right lingo.”
food science.” Whether helping Enslin develop food
Enslin says he sometimes drafts reports with simple terminology to explain
defense strategies for his business, teaching regulatory processes, but his word choices him the terminology appropriate for
28 Extension M AT T E R S
may not match the federal reviewers’
“Byron understands what I’m trying to
Williams acts as an advocate and mediator for his clients, Enslin
emphasizes. Whether Williams is speaking to leaders in Jackson or in Washington, D.C., he supports Mississippi meat processors on issues of food safety and food integrity. “Extension has helped keep us in compliance with the regulatory agencies,” Enslin says. “The agency puts it into the world of
SAFE FOOD, Safe Eating Extension Trainings Suggest Ways to Protect the Food Supply from Intentional Threats The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration distribute surveys, strategies, and guidelines that explain potential vulnerabilities in a food company’s infrastructure. FIRST, survey the basic issues—
reality instead of a world of theory. We can understand what they’re trying to achieve, and they can see what we’re trying to do. “Customers can be confident in what we’re doing together.”
n Water and ice supply:
•
Restricted access to the water supply.
• • • •
Restricted access to ice machines.
n Facility and premises security. n Incoming ingredients procedure. n Supply acceptance process. n Transportation. n Inventory. n Ingredients. n Processing procedures. n Visitors.
NEXT, evaluate which areas need enhanced security— n Slaughter and processing areas:
• •
Holding pens.
• • •
Inventory of ingredients.
n Shipping and receiving:
•
Monitoring and testing of incoming ingredients.
• •
Records of inspections.
•
Deliveries checked for all materials.
• •
Notification of deliveries.
Usage of tamper-evident seals on trucks and products.
Prompt communication with local health officials if water supply concerns arise.
•
Knowledge of suppliers’ defense plans.
• •
Reliability of suppliers.
•
Certificates of analysis on incoming raw materials. Adequate tracking system of products, raw materials, and finished products.
FINALLY, develop a functional food defense plan— n Create plan based on the
vulnerabilities revealed by facilities evaluation and risk assessment. n Implement the plan. n Test the plan by periodically
monitoring the defense measures:
Inventory of hazardous chemicals. Procedures for storage and disposal of chemicals.
Waterline integrity.
n Security throughout the supply line:
Integrity of flow lines, including gas, water, electricity, etc.
n Storage security:
Restricted access to storage tanks.
•
Make unannounced entrances at random perimeter checkpoints.
•
Check locks on doors, storage areas, bulk tanks, water/ice supplies, windows, offices, oneway exit doors, etc.
• •
Perform a mock recall. Test lab or storeroom inventory procedures.
n Assess the plan periodically—at least
annually—to ensure security.
Returned goods and policies procedures.
Information from “Food Defense and Biosecurity: Elements and Guidelines for a Defense Plan” by J. Byron Williams. Pub # 2593 http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p2593.pdf
Extension M AT T E R S 29
30 Extension M AT T E R S
NONPROFIT ORG. US Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit No. 290
Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762
www.msucares.com
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EVERLASTING THERAPY BY NATHAN GREGORY Extension's emerging Equine Assisted Therapy program is already changing lives in Northeast Mississippi. One Tupelo native is benefiting significantly from hippotherapy after injuries from a car accident left her in a coma. The patient's mother and an Extension associate explain how EAT's newest program is helping the young lady, now awake, to redevelop her muscular and neurological functions through the movement of a horse.