VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 1
MAGAZINE OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR L ike the other hardworking families across the Magnolia State, the Mississippi State University Extension Service family has enjoyed the holiday season. We give thanks for our state’s many leaders in agriculture, natural resources, 4-H, family and consumer sciences, and government and community development. We appreciate the continuing opportunities we have to work with these stakeholders as 2017 unfolds. This issue of Extension Matters features several Mississippians recognized in 2016 for their leadership: Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Paul Good, Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year Billy Boyd, and Loggers of the Year Jeremy and Jason Flora. By incorporating new technologies in the field with Extension support, these men serve as examples of managers willing to evolve and adapt, as they inspire other Mississippians to embrace innovations, too. We also feature a range of volunteers in this issue. Thousands of state residents came together along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast in October for the annual Coastal Cleanup event, which Extension directed for the first time. Also, longtime 4-H volunteer Rose CoffeyGraham shares how her years of service have inspired young people who participate in the youth development program. Finally, Extension employees and community volunteers are partnering to address the food security challenges in Quitman County. Other stories in this issue include entrepreneurs who work with Extension to improve practices and attract customers. Two young women from Grenada County share how their leadership instruction from 4-H inspired them to begin a successful film festival, now in its third year. The city clerk in Woodville shares how Extension’s assistance in developing the small town’s website enables her team to serve residents and tourists online. A group of childcare workers in Lauderdale County recount how participating in Extension’s Healthy Homes Initiative for Child Care has improved their approaches to taking care of children. These stories show hardworking Mississippians improving the quality of life for themselves and their neighbors by working with Extension. I hope you enjoy discovering more about these partnerships and how they are making everyday lives better all around this great state.
Sincerely,
Gary Jackson Director, MSU Extension Service
Extension Matters is published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Dr. Mark E. Keenum MSU President
Dr. Gregory A. Bohach
Vice President Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine
CONTENTS Building Capacity
4
From the Ground Up
7
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
Dr. Randy Loper
Department Head Extension Center for Technology Outreach
Stepping Up
10
The Big Picture
12
Outstanding Logger of the Year
15
Doing the “Heart” Work
18
Completely Cotton
20
The Good Seed
22
Healthier and Happier
25
What’s New
28
Cleaning Up Our Coast
30
Where Are They Now?
34
Sumner Davis
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
Keryn Page Editor
Beth Barron Designer Writers
Susan Collins-Smith Nathan Gregory Keri Collins Lewis Photographers
Tony Carabba Susan Collins-Smith Kevin Hudson Kat Lawrence 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.
extension.msstate.edu
On the cover: Paul Good was named the 2016 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Read his story on page 22.
MAGAZINE OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE
Woodville City Clerk Cathy McCurley (left) with Elnora Veals, Linda Billeaudeau, and Tarwonna Walker, deputy clerks
4 Extension M A T T E R S
BUILDING CAPACITY Small Town Builds Big Online Presence STORY BY LEAH BARBOUR
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
T he Woodville Board of Aldermen
did most of the nuts and bolts part. She
was ready. It was 2014, and the officials
led us, and she did a wonderful job,”
concluded that the city needed a website
McCurley explains.
to offer residents and tourists up-to-
Pittman walked McCurley and her
date information about city services,
deputies through each step of the process.
community events, and tourist attractions.
They discussed what kinds of information
City Clerk Cathy McCurley was
residents and visitors might need, as
appointed to create and maintain the
well as how it should be separated and
new website for the southwest Mississippi
organized on webpages.
town. The only problem? She knew nothing about building websites. “I’m not computer-savvy,” McCurley laughs. “Our board had been talking about it for several months. They wanted
Launched in January 2015, woodvillems.org allows residents to pay their utility bills, property taxes, and court fees online, McCurley emphasizes. “One thing that has been a really big
that site. Then, our Extension Service
deal is that people can go on the website
agent, Ann Davis, put us in touch with
to pay their utilities,” McCurley says. “It’s
Sarah Pittman.”
very easy, and people had been asking for
Pittman directs the Website Outreach Program through the Mississippi State
this service for a long time.” Many older residents don’t feel
University Extension Service’s Center
comfortable paying their bills online, she
for Technology Outreach. Over about
explains. Therefore, many people call the
6 months, she helped McCurley and
clerk’s office with their account number and
her deputy clerks gather the necessary
payment information, and staff members
information, sort through it, and organize
use the online system to pay on their behalf.
it on a user-friendly webpage. “Sarah offered, through Extension, to build the website for us. She pretty much
The website also offers an ideal way to notify residents of service problems, as well as community celebrations—“things
Extension M A T T E R S 5
that customers need to know,” McCurley
Much of the credit, McCurley
knows what’s going on in the county and
says. In addition, customers can contact
emphasizes, goes to the people working
her directly through the site to ask
with Extension. Other Extension employees
questions or report outages.
who played major roles in bringing the
is always ready to point us in the right direction. She actually wrote a lot of what’s on the website,” McCurley says. “Sarah
The website seems to be attracting
website online, along with Pittman and
tourists, too. McCurley explains that, in
Davis, include Chance McDavid, senior
made it extremely easy. She is 100-percent
a town where everyone knows everyone,
Extension associate, and Dale Moore, web
accessible; she even answered us when
more visitors seem to be coming. New
developer. McDavid developed content and
tourists are discovering local festivals,
chose pictures, while Moore helped build
parades, and landmarks.
the template for the site.
“People who didn’t know we existed
she was on vacation. She is a dependable partner, and she’s there if we need her. “This is not a job to her. She feels like
At the end of the day, though,
are coming from all over to visit
Davis and Pittman enabled the elected
Woodville,” she says. “The website is
officials in Woodville to better serve their
giving us this type of exposure that keeps
constituents and visitors, and McCurley
our Main Street active. Even the people
says she is very grateful for their help.
who are just passing through are seeing
“Ann Davis and I grew up together.
it’s a wonderful place to stop and relax.”
She’s a huge asset to the community. She
this is a gift she is sharing. She has this knowledge and she wants to share. Any town would be lucky to work with her and with Extension.”
REACHING THE MASSES* Extension’s Web Outreach Program helps Mississippi communities develop an online web presence so they can better serve their residents.
427 day-to-day interactions
32 websites created and completed.
43 communities, towns, and governments reached.
150 meetings with Mississippi
21 clients maintaining
28 counties visited.
with community clients.
Municipal League members.
their new sites.
Community leaders ready to participate in the hands-on training and learn how to build and maintain a relevant website should contact the Extension Center for Technology Outreach today!
Contact Sarah Pittman at (662) 418-1262 or sarah.pittman@msstate.edu.
*Numbers compiled from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016.
6 Extension M A T T E R S
FROM THE GROUND UP Eupora Producer Earns National Award
farming is all I ever wanted to do. Cala and I were humbled and blessed to be recognized on the national level.” Tabb started with cotton and soybeans before he advanced to “growing a little bit of everything now.” He has steered recent efforts toward peanuts, milo, wheat, corn, and produce. The produce component is another revenue stream, but it is also Tabb’s way of paying his knowledge forward. That knowledge came from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which he credits with a major role in the farm’s success. Each February, Tabb buys watermelon and tomato seeds and turns them over to the Webster County Schools Forest and Agriculture Department. Vocationaltechnical students there grow the plants in a greenhouse through the spring. Tabb buys the plants back when the school year ends and transplants them. Those students come back to Tabb’s
STORY BY NATHAN GREGORY
Billy Tabb got a reality check in 2003 when he told his father he wanted to farm. “My dad is a lifelong farmer, so I was
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Thirteen years in, Old Walthall Farms in Eupora has grown from 185 acres to 2,600, and Tabb and his wife, Cala,
hoping he would help me get started. He
received the American Farm Bureau
told me to go to the FSA office and get a
Federation’s national Young Farmers and
loan,” Tabb recalls. “When I got there, the
Ranchers Achievement award.
lender gave me a stack of papers as thick
“It’s unbelievable what Farm Bureau
as the Bible and wished me good luck.”
does for our producers, and I didn’t get to
The loan to rent his father’s land
see it firsthand until I became a member,”
farm later in the summer to watch the harvest. “I don’t think it’s a big deal to take time out with kids, let them come to the farm, and make their own contribution,” he explains. “So many people with Extension help me any way they can, so I want to pass that on to young people who are interested in agriculture.” Tabb likens the resources Extension offers to a personalized, human search engine. “We’ve all gotten used to people telling
through the U.S. Department of
Tabb says. “I think what set me apart
us to Google something we want to find
Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency was
for the award was how diversified we are
out. I’ve had my own Google with the
$83,000. That’s compared to the $1.2
now, compared to when I started. I told
Extension Service since the day I started,”
million it took to plant his crop this year.
the committee my story and told them
Tabb says. “If I can’t identify an insect
Extension M A T T E R S 7
Billy Tabb, farmer
8 Extension M A T T E R S
in my field or figure out why leaves are falling off cotton in the middle of the growing season, I have an expert available at any time to answer my questions. They always have the answers and it doesn’t cost anything, so Extension is a useful tool that you’re missing out on if you don’t take advantage of it.” Tabb singles out Webster County Extension agent Lisa Stewart and MSU regional Extension specialist Dr. Dennis Reginelli for working with him since his early days. “Years ago, Lisa and Dennis taught me how to check my crops for pests and identify thresholds so I could decide when I needed to use an insecticide and
One of Reginelli’s suggestions just
gotten a lot of quality data because he
when spraying would be excessive,” he
might have saved Tabb’s soybean crop in
believes in communicating with us as a
says. “Knowing those thresholds is very
2011. He suggested that Tabb use paraquat
team. Those data are going to be shared,
important because, if you spray an entire
on the crop to speed its harvest and avoid
not only in his community, but across the
field after only finding an isolated case or
potential damage from the remnants of
state to help producers see what changes
two of insect pressure, you could hurt the
Tropical Storm Lee.
they can make to get the results they are
beneficial insects and spend more money than you should.” Another tool Tabb has used to his
But another piece of advice may be even more memorable: “I was growing okra and called Dennis
looking for. “I appreciate his dedication to us and to the success of his peers,” Reginelli
benefit is the crop variety demonstration
to tell him it wasn’t producing like I had
adds. “I’ve seen him start as a young man
plots Reginelli has grown on his land for
hoped,” Tabb recalls. “He told me to
and grow into a great producer with a
the last decade. As a producer-cooperator,
beat some of the leaves off of the plants
beautiful family. It’s been a privilege to
Tabb has learned from demonstration
with a stick. I thought that sounded
watch his success.”
results which varieties are best suited for
strange, but I did it and the yields
his land.
improved significantly.”
“Our soil is not the best in the world,”
Reginelli says Tabb’s willingness to
he admits, “so varieties that grow well
learn is key to his continued growth as
in the Midwest or the Delta don’t grow
a producer.
as well here. Dennis is helping me find
“When you’ve got a young person
varieties that will grow here and
interested in farming, you want to
generate a profit. He is a jack-of-all-trades,
put a lot of effort into helping him,”
and I’ve called him for advice on pretty
he says. “We’ve worked on numerous
much everything.”
demonstration plots using his land and
Extension M A T T E R S 9
STEPPING UP
Extension Food Pantry Serves Rural Community STORY BY NATHAN GREGORY
Robert Jamison, volunteer
10 Extension M A T T E R S
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
O n Tuesdays and Thursdays before
nutritionally balanced dishes on a budget.
each month both before and after the
lunch, Robert Jamison is usually exercising
They also lead the indoor exercise class,
pantry was established. Sixty-two percent
with people who have been his neighbors
which they began last January and
of the respondents said they no longer run
in Lambert for 30 years.
modeled after Let’s Move!, a federal
out of food before the end of the month.
initiative to solve obesity problems.
Crawford said more than 100 new
The Quitman County Veterans Service Officer also volunteers for a food pantry
Crawford describes Jamison as “one of
families apply for service at the pantry
there that serves about 800 local families
the regulars” in the classes, which usually
each year. As part of the Mid-South Food
every other month. The county does
have up to a dozen participants.
Bank network, the pantry receives three
not have a grocery store, but the pantry,
“He’s well known in the community,
meals for every $1 donated. Volunteers
since it opened in 2014, has helped people
and we enjoy having him in the group
and Extension personnel pack protein
in need.
because he’s very personable, and people
foods, whole grains, and two or three
here love him,” she says.
types of fruits and vegetables in each box.
These activities have two things in common: they happen at the town’s
Jamison jokes that he has no choice
“The center wasn’t used a lot until the
community center, and the Mississippi
but to take part in the class being held just
food pantry program started. Once people
State University Extension Service was
outside his office.
got used to going there, they started
instrumental in their creation.
having more activities to bring community
“These programs are helpful for the
members together,” Crawford said.
community—not only to Lambert, but
Delois Turner, a longtime resident
to all of Quitman County,” Jamison
of Lambert, is like many beneficiaries of
says. “We’ve got a lot of people who live
the pantry. Crawford says Turner worked
in rural areas, and it’s several miles to
many years in jobs that did not offer
the nearest store. This food pantry gives
retirement benefits, and she is taking
nutritious food to people who wouldn’t be
care of other family members and already
able to get it.”
relying on the federal Supplemental
Extension’s Quitman County office
Nutrition Assistance Program.
works with the Mid-South Food Bank,
“The food we get from the pantry helps
Mississippi Food Network, and Quitman County Veterans Service. Together, they
subsidize what we are missing,” Turner said. “The exercise group has been very
“I feel like this has also helped my eating
distribute food and deliver nutrition
helpful for our community, too,” he says.
habits, because I’m thinking about whether
education programs at the community
“I know it’s helped me out.”
something is good for me before I eat it.”
center, which is owned by the Delta
In September 2016, MSU personnel
Jamison is one of several volunteers
Mission Outreach Ministry and Alliance.
conducted a survey during a distribution
who keep this opportunity possible for
Jamison’s office is also in the building.
day. More than half of the 90 respondents
families in need, but he is quick to give
During each distribution day,
indicated they could not afford to eat
credit to Extension for playing a lead role.
Extension program assistant Angie
balanced meals before the food pantry
“Angie and Mari Alyce not only help
Crawford and Extension agent Mari
began operations. Nearly 90 percent said
get healthy food to people who can’t
Alyce Earnest deliver nutrition education
they can now eat healthy meals using
always afford to get it, but they show them
programs at the community center.
what they receive from the pantry.
how to make dishes out of what they get
They show recipients how to use the items in the food boxes to make healthy,
The survey also asked participants if they ran out of food before the end of
in their box,” he says. “Extension has helped our town out a great deal.”
Extension M A T T E R S 11
THE BIG PICTURE
Sisters Use 4-H Skills to Produce Film Festival STORY BY SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Katrina Kinder (left) and Isabella Kinder, Afterglow Film Festival producers
12 Extension M A T T E R S
W
hen sisters Katrina and Isabella Kinder began kicking around the idea of having a film festival in their hometown of Grenada, their mom said, “No way.”
“To successfully pull off something like that takes a lot of time and effort,” says Jan Walton, 4-H agent with the
special effects makeup, and tech-based
judges, design the event program, promote
entrepreneurship.
the festival through social media and
“We always wanted to have a film
advertisements, and manage their own film company, Diamondback Productions.
Mississippi State University Extension
festival,” Katrina says. “It was so much
Service in Grenada County, where both
fun when we’d go with our mom. The
girls were members at the time. “They
atmosphere was great, and we always
it comes to preparing for and holding
were so busy with school, 4-H, and their
enjoyed seeing other people’s work and
the festival, but they take on the
other extracurricular activities that their
meeting them.
main responsibilities of planning and
mom, Nanette, didn’t want to put that
“The biggest reason our mom didn’t go
The girls have a lot of support when
coordination, Walton says. “I am so impressed with them,
extra pressure on them. But she later
for the festival on the first try was because
warmed up to the idea, and here we are.”
we wanted to have it 6 months from the
especially when you think about the fact
Katrina, 20, and Isabella, 17, who
time we started talking about it. She told
that they were 17 and 14 years old when
were homeschooled, wrapped up the
us we needed at least a year. She was right
they started this festival,” she says. “But
third Grenada Afterglow Film Festival in
about that.”
I knew they had the skills to do it. They
October and have begun planning the
Filmmakers from 60 countries entered
have always been organized and diligent
fourth. Afterglow is a family-friendly
300 films for consideration for the 2016
4-H participants. I never had to remind
event that includes venues for filmmakers,
Grenada Afterglow festival. The girls watch
them to meet their deadlines.”
gamers, writers, artists, and performers,
each one to make sure it is suitable for a family
As members of the Grenada County
including singers, bands, dancers, and
audience. Genres include comedies, dramas,
4-H Leadership Team and Robotics Club,
cosplay participants. Cosplayers perform
documentaries, claymation, animation, and
Katrina and Isabella practiced skills that
by dressing in costumes that depict a
public service announcements.
help them produce the festival and run
variety of characters. Workshops are
Simultaneously, they write grants,
also offered. Topics for 2016 included
recruit local sponsors, coordinate
claymation, drones, virtual reality,
volunteers, book workshop instructors, find
their film company. “4-H has been a great learning experience for us,” Isabella says. “It
Extension M A T T E R S 13
“We are thankful for the support we’ve gotten for Afterglow, allowed us to learn and practice our teamwork and organization abilities and to develop our passion for filmmaking.”
and we hope that people who come to the festival go away with a good feeling about what they’ve experienced.” KATRINA KINDER
The girls won the first statewide 4-H film competition in 2011 for their documentary on Grenada Lake. They also have entered their films in festivals across the country. In 2014, both girls placed
“We want people who come to
and her husband, Coley, provide several
the festival to realize there are career
of their downtown buildings for film
opportunities related to filmmaking,
showings, art displays, and workshops. The
gaming, writing, and other arts fields,”
festival is funded through local donations
in the top three in the national “Do the
Isabella says. “If you want to work in the
and grants from the Mississippi Arts
Ride Thing” video competition with their
arts, the prospects aren’t limited to what
Commission, the National Endowment for
public service announcements aimed at
you see every day.”
the Arts, and Visit Mississippi.
raising awareness of safe practices for riding all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes. The girls hope the festival is an inspiration to other young people.
14 Extension M A T T E R S
Afterglow is supported by Extension,
The 2017 Grenada Afterglow Film
the Downtown Grenada Development
Festival is scheduled for October 6 and 7
Association, Grenada Community
in downtown Grenada.
Foundation, and Deborah Bailey. Bailey
Jason (left) and Jeremy Flora, loggers
OUTSTANDING LOGGER OF THE YEAR Flora Brothers Bring Small-Town Values to Big Industry STORY BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Extension M A T T E R S 15
Jason and Jeremy Flora have been
point. Our daddy told us to work hard and
Jeremy observes. “I’d hate to do it all
logging so long, they may have sawdust in
it would get us through life, and winning
by myself.”
their veins.
this award is a big deal for us.”
One of Flora Logging’s most
As 5- and 6-year-olds, they carried oil
Jason shares his brother’s perspective.
noteworthy accomplishments is an
and gas cans for their father, a logger since
“To come from where we did, starting
untarnished safety record. They credit
1981. As teens, they hauled pulpwood to earn spending money. These brothers grew up in the woods, so it’s only natural they chose to become loggers. Their commitment paid off as Flora Logging in Maben grew from a couple
with dad’s old equipment to winning this award—it’s a dream come true,” Jason says. Born just 11 months apart, the Flora brothers bring both their good-natured sibling rivalry and their respect for each other’s strengths to the family business.
of pieces of old equipment their dad
They currently run three crews, own six
gave them in 1999 to the new trucks, cutters, and booms they operate today. They recently received the prestigious Outstanding Logger of the Year Award from the Mississippi Forestry Association. Being named Oktibbeha County’s top logger was an honor, and winning at the state level was a shock and a big thrill. “We come from a small town where everyone knows everyone else,” Jeremy shares. “We’ve always hoped to get to this
log trucks—seven including a lowboy—and contract with seven more to deliver their quota of 65 loads a week to the Packaging Corporation of America mill in Counce, Tennessee. Both men jokingly claim to be the
their employees, some of whom have been part of their team for more than 10 years. They conduct regular safety meetings and interact with their crews all week, which keeps everyone accountable for following proper procedures. They also give credit to the MSU Extension Service. “Extension helps us get our Sustainable Forestry Initiative certifications every two years,” Jeremy says. “At least one person on each of our three crews is certified.” The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated
best when it comes to running logging
to sustainable forest management.
equipment, but they also brag on each other.
Its internationally recognized forest-
“What makes my brother a great logger is being steady, keeping everything going,”
certification standard addresses best practices related to biodiversity, water
“They are local loggers who have done an outstanding job for local landowners. They make the most of every tract of land, are dependable to both landowners and mills, and their safety record is one every logging operation would like to emulate.” ED WILLIAMS
16 Extension M A T T E R S
quality, wildlife habitat, species at risk,
Farmers Association, nominated Flora
office responsibilities with Jason’s wife,
and forests with exceptional conservation
Logging for the award.
Kimberly. Taxes, payroll, bills, stumpage,
value. Loggers must take 12 hours of
“People trust them,” Legiambenyi says.
landowner payments: logging generates a
continuing education classes every two
“They treat all their clients the same,
lot of paperwork that the Flora brothers
years to maintain SFI certification, which
whether they have a lot of knowledge
gladly leave to their wives.
permits them to deliver wood to certified
about the logging process, or none at all.”
SFI forest products companies. Jason describes Extension’s role in growing their business according to industry standards.
Williams reports the brothers are well respected in multiple counties. “They are local loggers who have done
The next generation is already preparing to join the family business. Jeremy’s son, Brett, plans to major in forestry and run Flora Logging one day. Brett may be joined
an outstanding job for local landowners,”
by his youngest sister, who at 3, loves to
Williams says. “They make the most of
watch the logging equipment in action, or
observes. “They always have new
every tract of land, are dependable to both
Jason’s two daughters.
information and keep us up-to-date. They
landowners and mills, and their safety
helped us learn a lot over the years: stream
record is one every logging operation
on hard hats and work in the woods one
management, taxes, and best management
would like to emulate.”
day,” Jeremy says. “That’d be all right with
“Extension really helped us,” he
practices. It’s well worth going to Extension classes.” Dr. Thomas Legiambenyi, Extension agent in Oktibbeha County, and Ed Williams, retired Extension agent and president of the Oktibbeha County Forest
The brothers agree the business hinges on everyone pitching in.
“The girls may decide they want to put
me. They’re good kids. They’re the future of our business.”
“Our wives are really smart and keep the business going,” Jeremy volunteers. His wife, Ashleigh, is a registered nurse who works in home health care but shares
Extension M A T T E R S 17
DOING THE “HEART” WORK 4-H Volunteer Invests in Community Kids STORY BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS
Rose Coffey-Graham, 4-H volunteer
18 Extension M A T T E R S
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
When Rose Coffey-Graham first began teaching children, she was just 7 years old and pressed into service by local families who needed someone to watch their kids while they picked cotton. Her teaching
“I volunteer because I enjoy seeing other people happy. It’s not about me; it’s about others. Life is short, and it would be a shame not to enjoy it.” ROSE COFFEY-GRAHAM
materials? “I had a big tree to sit under and some cardboard, and I acted as if I was the adult,” she remembers. She and the children made toys out of discarded boxes, and Rose wrote poetry to read to them. A local woman gave her some books, and soon Rose was teaching the other kids how to read with an early copy of The Cat in the Hat. A lifetime resident of Oktibbeha County, Rose occasionally runs into her first students. “They still remember sitting under that tree,” she says with a smile. Most people who interact with Rose find her memorable. She exudes joy, enthusiasm, energy, and creativity that she willingly shares with others. “Ideas don’t come to me at 2 in the morning for me to keep them to myself!” she declares. So it comes as no surprise that Rose
Through the years, Rose has led the Controllers Generation I and Generation
Rose receives encouragement from
and volunteers, and her daughter, Jameka
her husband, Robert; her children and
Harkins, is now a coleader. The current
grandchildren; and her large extended
club is famous for its community service
family. She also values her church family
projects. Awards for individual members,
at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church,
the leaders, and the club fill a trophy case
whose members offer their support for
at the Greensboro Center in Starkville. But that’s just this year’s awards. The rest are in a storage unit, because there wasn’t room for all of them anywhere else. In 2016, the Controllers Generation II club received the 4-H Banner Club Governor’s Award for being the top club in the state. They also received the Volunteer Starkville Spirit Award. Rose’s list of personal awards is lengthy. In addition to a 2015 President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama and a 2015 Starkville
Award and has taught 4-H club members
Community Volunteer of the Year award,
how to make the best better since the
in 2016 Rose received the Governor’s
early 1980s.
Initiative for Volunteer Excellence
much for young people to do in rural Oktibbeha County. She met with Grenell
and giving back.
II clubs. Her children have been members
has received the Lifetime 4-H Volunteer
At age 16, Rose noticed there wasn’t
her club are constantly learning, growing,
every program Rose dreams up in the middle of the night. Rose’s advice to others is to get busy volunteering and giving back. “Showcase your talent,” she pleads. “You have something to offer! Share it with others!” Rose is well-known and admired by everyone in the state 4-H office at MSU. “The 4-H program would be extremely difficult without the dedication of our volunteers,” said Larry Alexander, Extension professor and 4-H specialist. “Rose sets the bar high when it comes to volunteerism, because she leads her club
(GIVE) award for Outstanding Service in
with enthusiasm and sincere interest in all
Strengthening Families.
of her members. She works hard to show
Each year, Rose organizes a variety
them through her personal example the
Rogers, then the Extension agent in
of activities for 4-H members that tie
importance of integrity, service to others,
Oktibbeha County. Rose was too young to
them closely to their community. From
and giving back to the community. We are
be a 4-H volunteer, but she began a club
book drives and breast cancer awareness
incredibly blessed to have her as part of
when she turned 18 and was a student at
campaigns to nursing home visits and
the 4-H family.”
Mississippi State University.
parent-child programs, the 58 members in
Extension M A T T E R S 19
COMPLETELY COTTON For the fourth year in a row, Mississippi cotton farmers brought in more than 1,000 pounds per acre. Altogether, the Magnolia State had 420,000 acres—41 percent more than in 2015—and ranks third in the nation in cotton acreage, behind only Texas and Georgia. PHOTO BY KAT LAWRENCE
20 Extension M A T T E R S
Extension M A T T E R S 21
THE GOOD SEED Macon Producer Sees Success with Extension Collaboration STORY BY NATHAN GREGORY
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Joyce Good (left) and Paul Good, producer
22 Extension M A T T E R S
A sk Paul Good how he has succeeded in
recognition made him a finalist in the
needed to change,” he says. “My father
agriculture for more than 70 years, and he
Southern region competition.
encouraged my siblings and me to get into
gives two pieces of advice: pay attention
“In 70 years of farming, I have seen a
farming and to get as much agricultural
to even the smallest details when scouting
lot of changes in the industry, but I still
education as we could. He allowed us to
crops, and take advantage of all available
enjoy the work,” Good says. “I think we
get on the farm and try different crops,
educational opportunities.
are growing the cleanest, safest, and most
and he used college materials himself to
nutritious produce we’ve ever had, and I
teach us. Through the years, I’ve tried to
credits the Mississippi State University
couldn’t have been successful here without
remember how much value he placed on
Extension Service with providing him
the faculty and staff at MSU Extension.”
that and take as many of MSU Extension’s
The 90-year-old row-crop producer
much of his knowledge. From offering
Good, a sixth-generation farmer, is
field days and short courses as I can. I’m fortunate to have that available.”
information about evolving technologies
known by many Extension agents and
to explaining the state’s agricultural
specialists, as well as his peers, for his
nuances, Extension agents have worked
efficiency. Good learned from his father at
agriculture for nearly 30 years in Indiana
with Good since he moved to Macon from
an early age to make the most out of the
when he began to see more industrial and
Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1974 with his wife,
resources he had. Over the years, Good has
residential developments moving nearer
Joyce, and five children.
sought to use what he learns as a producer-
to his area. He saw more fertile soil in the
cooperator, working with Extension
South during several trips to Mississippi.
Good, who grows corn, cotton, and
Good had already been working in
“We felt a real peace about this area and
soybeans on about 1,000 acres near
personnel to try out new crops and
Brooksville, has racked up numerous
methods on his own land. He also reads as
saw potential,” he says. “I wasn’t certain how
accolades recognizing his work and
many Extension publications as he can.
much, but things turned out really well.”
success growing row crops. His most
“I grew up during the Dust Bowl,
MSU Regional Extension Specialist Dr.
recent recognition is as the 2016 Swisher
and the challenges that event brought to
Dennis Reginelli continuously works with
Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern
farming made me want to conserve and
Good to use portions of his land to grow
Farmer of the Year for Mississippi. This
made me realize my methods of farming
demonstration and research crops.
“In 70 years of farming, I have seen a lot of changes in the industry, but I still enjoy the work. I think we are growing the cleanest, safest, and most nutritious produce we’ve ever had, and I couldn’t have been successful here without the faculty and staff at MSU Extension.” PAU L G O O D
Extension M A T T E R S 23
“One thing we did years ago that made an impact with Paul was a soybean
other producers wanting to compare
adds. “Seeing the weaknesses and
management strategies with their peers.
strengths in each yield has helped me
management program,” Reginelli says. “We
“He allows us to do demonstration
make better decisions with what I grow.”
replicated his standard soybean population,
plots with him, and he is picking up a lot
The land that Paul and Joyce Good
but, on the demonstration plot, we used
of information he can use on his farm,”
manage now is not the only land in the
only 75 percent of his usual planting rate.
Reginelli explains. “He also goes to the
family. They’ve already passed down land
We wanted to show that we could maintain
row-crop short courses and field days. He
that several of their children now farm.
and increase yields with fewer plants per
takes our research and information and
acre to save money. He saw on his own land
sees what he can do with it on his farm to
and were taught to work hard and help
how well the strategy worked.”
improve his production.”
others,” Joyce says. “We wanted to leave a
As a producer-cooperator, Good also hosts tours on his farm for
“What I get in turn is so much greater than what I let Extension use,” Good
“We both have strong work ethics
legacy to our children and worked toward that goal since we got married.”
Extension Shares Knowledge with Courses and Field Days Field days and short courses are educational meetings that
The MSU Row Crop Short Course is a comprehensive, 3-day event
Extension specialists host to update Mississippi producers on current
held annually on the Starkville campus that covers new research
agricultural research at MSU. These meetings provide information
related to the state’s major crops. The 2016 conference allowed
producers can use during the growing season to help them have
producers to voice their concerns about herbicide resistance, and
successful harvests.
Extension experts presented insect- and disease-control information
Field days are generally held at research centers or experiment
and productivity enhancement strategies.
stations and feature tours of research plots, industry exhibits, and
Information on upcoming field days is available at mississippi-
agricultural information on various crops and plant management.
crops.com/category/meetings/field-days. Visit extension.msstate.
Some field days feature tours of demonstration plots on the farms
edu/row-crop-short-course to learn about the 2017 short course,
of producer-cooperators like Paul Good, so that visitors can see new
which will be held at the beginning of December.
varieties or management methods tested under conditions similar to their own. Field days are held several times throughout the year.
24 Extension M A T T E R S
HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER Extension Program Helps Childcare Employees STORY BY LEAH BARBOUR
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Sha Boyd (left) and Brandie Cook, childcare employees
Extension M A T T E R S 25
When the mailer arrived at Barbara
area, Henson emphasizes. The nursery,
Henson’s Nursery and Pre-K to invite
pre-K, and kindergarten to sixth-grade
and Lauderdale County agent Patti
the staff to participate in the Healthy
after-school classrooms are clean, colorful,
Swearingen because Extension offers
Homes Initiative, director Beverly Henson
and safe. The daycare is licensed to hold
admits she felt a twinge of surprise—and
97 children during the school year and
skepticism.
more than 120 during the summer months.
“It was going to be 6 contact hours, and no one ever does 6 at once. It’s the maximum that you can earn at one time, and getting so many hours at once in a local place is really hard for us,” Henson explains. “So I said, ‘We’re going to go and get those hours.’” Altogether, eight employees, including Henson, signed up to earn 6 continuing education units in one Saturday session
Beverly has worked at her mother’s longtime-licensed daycare in Meridian
Henson was familiar with Extension
TummySafe, the state-mandated foodservice program for licensed childcare centers. Swearingen, along with Susan Cosgrove, an Extension area family-
for most of her life, only taking a break to
resource-management agent, delivered the
earn her degree in physical education and
session Henson attended.
recreation from the Mississippi University for Women. When she first saw the announcement for the Healthy Homes Initiative training session, Henson says, she didn’t think
at the local Mississippi State University
it would impact her team’s approach to
Extension Service office. Fifteen units are
working with children. Henson assumed
required annually.
that the training topics, like making
“Most of the information was presented on PowerPoint, and they kept it moving fast, whatever the topic. It didn’t seem long. Patti and Susan were good presenters, and we had lunch, too,” Beverly remembers. “They were really open to questions. I really enjoyed it. This was
homes safer and controlling mold, would
my first real Extension experience, and I
facility are impressed by the “5 acres of
emphasize the same habits and practices
was pleasantly surprised.
pure fun” featured in the outdoor play
that her team already uses.
Parents who tour Henson’s childcare
26 Extension M A T T E R S
“They have two thumbs up from me!”
What They Learned Sha Boyd has been with Barbara Henson’s Nursery and Pre-K for 12 years. “I enjoyed the training, and I appreciate Extension being there on a Saturday to give
Good Health Begins at Home! Extension’s Healthy Homes Initiative, based on the Healthy Homes Partnership, aims to improve health and safety for people of all ages in different indoor environments. Healthy Homes topics:
This training is for:
• asthma and allergies
• parents
us 6 hours. I learned new things about lead
• carbon monoxide
• grandparents
and mold, and a lot of other stuff. It was
• drinking water
• community-based civic groups
very educational.
• hazardous household products
• community outreach workers
• indoor air quality
• childcare providers
• integrated pest management
• environmental health practitioners
and I shared with her about not smoking
• lead
around her child. Now, she’s coming in
• mold and moisture control
• leaders of community-based organizations
not smelling like smoke. She’s smoking
• home safety and accessibility
• library patrons
“One of my (children’s) parents smokes,
outside now. “I didn’t really know that much about mold, either. But at the training, I learned
Extension agents are available to offer this training upon request. Visit extenstion.msstate.edu/hhi
how it affects adults, how you’ll have flu-like
to learn more!
• Master Homemaker Volunteer groups • public health nurses • public housing authority employees • tribal environmental health officials
symptoms. When you live in an older home without a fan in the bathroom, you can take a fan and blow that air out. “I learned a lot from the training, and I’m on my guard now.” Brandie Cook has worked at the Nursery and Pre-K for 8 years. “There was a lot of important stuff that I didn’t know—stuff about my own house: the mold, the air fresheners, the different cleaning products. Air fresheners and candles can affect your breathing. Mold can be anywhere, and it can affect children and adults. “They gave us folders with all the information, and they even asked us to come up with our own questions. They were very thorough.
Making Homes Healthier Together Extension now delivers Healthy Homes Solutions training in Mississippi
Homes Solutions training program to meet state licensure requirements.
as part of the Healthy Homes Initiative,
Knight works with Dr. David Buys,
which has a special focus on childcare
Extension state health specialist,
providers.
and Susan Cosgrove, family-resource
Extension is partnering with the
management agent, to deliver research-
Mississippi Department of Health, the
based
agency overseeing state licensure for
environments to childcare providers.
education
about
indoor
childcare centers, to provide childcare
State health department officials are
workers with education about how
also helping: Jessica Heap, a childcare
physical environments impact children’s
licensure specialist, attends some
health. Children are among the most
training sessions to answer questions,
vulnerable of Mississippi’s population,
facilitate activities, and provide support.
so this new partnership is especially
MSU food science, nutrition, and health
important to the Extension family.
promotion professor Dr. Barry Hunt
“We don’t want to do anything that
Brooke Knight, an Extension agent
and assistant professor Brittney Oliver
might make our children sick. The whole
in Jones County, has worked for years
have also helped make the curriculum
in programs to assist and support
more accessible to childcare providers.
presentation was well thought-out and well put-together. We learned a lot, I enjoyed it,
childcare workers. Knight modified and adapted information from the Healthy
and I’ll plan to do it again.”
Extension M A T T E R S 27
EXTENSION AGENT NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR For more than a quarter-century, Harvin Hudson has tirelessly worked days, nights, and weekends in Neshoba County as the Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Hudson was named the 2016 Philadelphia and Neshoba County Citizen of the Year for his years of leadership as the community faced a variety of challenges, including civic, industrial, religious, educational, cultural, recreational, and social issues. As part of his Extension duties, Hudson helped coordinate and launch two farmers’ markets in Philadelphia. Hudson works one-on-one with producers to grow sustainable vegetables. For decades, he’s been the coordinator of the Neshoba County Fair livestock shows and exhibit hall, and he helped begin the Wildlife Jamboree. He has mentored farmers, foresters, and gardeners. Guest speaker Marshall Ramsey, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, celebrated Hudson’s years of influence and accomplishments at the annual Community Development Partnership banquet in the fall.
TENNESSEE JOINS EXTENSION’S TOURISM CONFERENCE For 16 years, Alabama rural tourism leaders have partnered with Mississippi State University Extension Service tourism experts to deliver the annual Mississippi-Alabama Rural Tourism Conference. In October, Tennessee joined for the very first time at the 17th gathering, which attracts hundreds of small-town tourism officials. The Mississippi-Tennessee-Alabama Rural Tourism Conference was held in Columbus. Organizers say teaming up with Tennessee tourism stakeholders brought new talent and varied perspectives to the gathering. Extension leaders with the Center for Government and Community Development worked with individual stakeholders to develop tours and advertisements. Other activities included tours of antebellum homes and downtown revitalization efforts. Tourism professionals, fair board representatives, festival committee members, garden club members, community volunteers, and local elected officials discovered problem-solving strategies and tourism trends. Together, more than 100 people who work to attract visitors gathered to discuss how to promote tourism despite limited budgets.
28 Extension M A T T E R S
4-H’ERS CELEBRATE SCIENCE Almost 30 4-H robotics clubs around Mississippi observed 4-H National Youth Science Day. Young people built and flew unmanned aerial vehicles, better known as drones. A generous $1,000 donation from The Chisholm Foundation of Laurel in Jones County made 4-H Drone Discovery Kits available to hundreds of 4-H’ers in Mississippi. Because 4-H science day occurs during the same week as the Mississippi State Fair, 2016 was the first year 4-H Robotics participants celebrated the annual observance. Many 4-H’ers enjoyed activities before and after the fair. Children who participate in the program delivered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service enjoy building things that solve problems. Young people in robotics clubs are learning 21st-century skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participating counties were Amite, Bolivar, Carroll, Choctaw, DeSoto, Grenada, Hancock, Harrison, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Newton, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pearl River, Rankin, Smith, Stone, Sunflower, Tate, Tishomingo, and Yalobusha.
TEENS LEARN LOCAL CIVICS Though many Mississippi classrooms closely followed the November presidential election, many schools do not emphasize how local government operates. However, the decisions made by local officials significantly impact residents’ day-to-day lives, whether in relation to law enforcement, property taxes, or construction regulations. To address this need, Mississippi State University Extension Service leaders within the Center for Government and Community Development developed the Keys to Community program. Jason Camp, Extension associate, is directing the adoption of the curriculum. So far, 35 counties have participated. Designed for 14- to 18-year-olds, lessons cover a range of local government topics. Students discover how their county operates and why having a voice in local election processes matters. Along with discussing law enforcement officials’ role in local government, teens are learning about the functions of chancery and circuit clerks, judicial officers, tax assessors and collectors, and county supervisors. Learn more at gcd.msucares.com/keys.
Extension M A T T E R S 29
CLEANING UP OUR COAST
30 Extension M A T T E R S
SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH
PHOTOS BY SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH, KEVIN HUDSON, AND KAT LAWRENCE
SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH
A bout 2,400 community volunteers
determine sources of litter as they develop
came together October 22 for the
better public education about trash
Mississippi Coastal Cleanup to tidy their
disposal and pollution prevention.
beaches and coastal waterways.
Plastics make up most of the trash
Participants collected more than an
littering these areas, but cigarettes, food
estimated 10 tons of debris at 50 sites in
wrappers, aluminum cans, and fishing
Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson Counties.
line are also common.
The 28th annual Gulf Coast event
Coastal Cleanup organizers will
is organized and implemented by the
implement educational programs in 2017
Mississippi State University Extension
to help citizens understand how to keep
Service in partnership with the Mississippi
trash out of waterways and off beaches.
Marine Debris Task Force. Volunteers recorded the types of
Mississippi Coastal Cleanup, visit mscoastalcleanup.org.
KEVIN HUDSON
KAT LAWRENCE
items they found, which helps organizers
For more information about the
Extension M A T T E R S 31
KAT LAWRENCE
KEVIN HUDSON
32 Extension M A T T E R S
SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH
KEVIN HUDSON
KAT LAWRENCE
EXTENSION’S STATEWIDE NETWORK
Extension M A T T E R S 33
4-H WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Q&A WITH LEAH BARBOUR PHOTO BY TONY CARABBA
Jerry Tony Clark II, 4-H alumnus
34 Extension M A T T E R S
Jerry Tony Clark II, a former Grenada County 4-H’er whom friends call “Clark,” tells how 6 years of participating in 4-H put him on the path to Hollywood.
Q: What 4-H memory stands out to you, and why?
Because of 4-H . . . I often find myself equipped to grab opportunities that come my way and handle them professionally and with integrity.
One time our 4-H Leadership officers went out in Grenada to a muddy field—it was almost a swamp due to rain—and we planted
If I hadn’t been in 4-H . . . I honestly don’t know where I
a tree.
would be today. I actually went to college on a scholarship that
I wondered why we spent so much time walking through the mud
I was granted due to my involvement with 4-H, which led to me
and getting our boots stuck just to plant a tiny little tree. We had
living in Hollywood today.
a lot of extra steps to make sure the tree would stand in the mud
and would grow when the ground dried up.
Q: Why should young people join 4-H?
Now, I realize that we often find ourselves walking through mud
There are so many reasons why kids should join 4-H! Right now,
in life, and the ground we walk on will sometimes try to swallow
I am living out my dreams in Los Angeles, currently achieving
us up, but, if we keep pushing through the mud, it’s possible to
many of the seemingly “impossible” goals I set for myself, and
plant something that can grow into a beautiful thing if you treat
I am setting new goals and climbing higher. I would not be
it with care and attention.
here if it wasn’t for 4-H. I did not have a blueprint when I started chasing my dreams, but 4-H helped me figure out how
Q: What were your favorite 4-H projects?
to go without a blueprint. 4-H is a place where you will find
4-H Expressive Arts provided a platform for me to do all the
support and encouragement and where you will learn how to be
things I loved: dance, make music, perform, and create art. A lot
something greater in life.
of people I was around threw judgment and labels at me. I was going to end up “feminine” from dancing, “poor” from music,
Q: Who influenced you the most in 4-H?
a “typecast” actor, and so on and so on. 4-H Expressive Arts
Grenada County Extension agent Jan Walton is an example
gave me a way to branch out and do what I wanted to do despite
of someone who is truly dedicated to her community. She is a
opposition.
leader with a heart for serving others, especially those in need. I have watched Jan influence the lives of countless youth in
Q: Fill in the blanks:
my community, including my own. To this day, she still fully
4-H taught me to . . . be a leader and a giver.
supports me and what I am trying to do in life.
4-H taught me to stop . . . being mediocre. Being a part of 4-H taught me how to give and be a leader, which makes a person
Clark is an experienced entertainer, artistic director, producer,
move toward greatness. I gave back to my community and gave
actor, and dancer who now lives in North Hollywood in Los
speeches, got Congressional medals, and connected to hundreds
Angeles, California. He has been featured in several films,
and hundreds of people. On weekends in my free time, I was at
including Pitch Perfect 2 and The Maze Runner, among others.
soup kitchens, playing concerts, or on the road to Club Congress instead of sitting around watching TV.
Extension M A T T E R S 35
Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762
NONPROFIT ORG. US Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit No. 290
extension.msstate.edu @MSUExtService Mississippi State University Extension Service msuextservice msuextservice Mississippi State University Extension Service
Page 25
HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER STORY BY LEAH BARBOUR • PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON Extension agents are training childcare workers in the new Healthy Homes Initiative curriculum. Discover how one Meridian daycare was impacted.