College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
2nd Quarter 2016 Vol.2 No.2
Prairie View, TX
Gearing Up for Homecoming PAGE 11
Award-winning CAHS PAGE 8
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Excerpt from the CAHS Strategic Plan 2014-2019. Visit www.pvamu.edu/cahs/e-publications to view the entire document.
COL LE GE OF AGRIC U LTURE AND HUMAN SC I E NCE S
Strategic Plan
Vision 3
Community Service Infrastructure that Sets CAHS Apart (The One College Concept) The CAHS will be the proactive visionary unit to build and maintain an organizational infrastructure that sets PVAMU apart, nationally and globally. We will strive to be the most attractive place to conduct cutting edge research and training programs, foster intellectual knowledge, and deliver relevant outreach.
ACADEMICS
RESEARCH
EXTENSION
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is published by Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Department of Marketing Communications & Information Technology
Mission Directive 2 Advocate on behalf of limited resource clients that are disadvantaged and offer research based education to improve economics and sustain health.
Interim Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs DR. JAMES PALMER Director of Marketing, Communications & iT LaRachelle Smith Editor and Media and Publications Coordinator Maurice Perkins
Goals 1.
Incorporate
representation from academics, research, extension and stakeholders in all programs and projects including grant proposals and development of curricula.
2. Communicate the accomplishments of the
CAHS through multi-media technology to our stakeholders at large.
3. Create venues for faculty, researchers and
extension personnel to increase visibility and credibility with our stakeholders at large.
4. Provide opportunities for extension and
research staff to engage students in their academic learning.
5. Increase the CAHS visibility through
opportunities for academics, research and extension staff to author national and international publications.
Photographer/Graphic Designer Michael Thomas Contributing Photographers Maurice Perkins Paris Kincaid Contributing Writers Maurice Perkins Dr. Danielle Hairston-Green Jakari Bates Johnathan Williams Contributing Proofreader Kelley Redmon
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the EvansAllen 1890 Research Formula Program and the 1890 Extension Formula Program project under Section 1444 and Section 1445. The contents are solely the responsibility of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA or NIFA. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, PVAMU or the Tri-Ag editor.
News, story ideas and comments should be sent to:
250 E.M. Norris St. | P.O. Box 519, MS 2001 Prairie View, TX 77446 cahscomm@pvamu.edu This publication available electronically www.pvamu.edu/cahs/e-publications
www.pvamu.edu/cahs
6. Draft policies and procedures to
outline the goals of the “One College Concept” to clearly specify the objectives and accountability measures.
The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences does not discriminate against anyone regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity.
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Current Locations Prospective Locations
What’s on Your Plate?
Do your choices influence our students? The rising obesity rates and the prevalence of harmful weight management strategies employed by college students have peaked the curiosity of researchers. In fact, the American College Health Association (2005) in a national college health assessment gathered data which suggest that stress is the number one reported health impediment to students’ academic performance, with depression and anxiety ranked number five. That same assessment revealed that over 15,000 of the 56,637 student’s surveyed were overweight or obese. As high school students change over into the semi-independent lifestyle of college life, they are faced with the added responsibility of making choices that could have a profound impact on their physical, mental, and nutritional health. Jackson, Tucker and Herman report that college students are “challenged with greater autonomy, new demands and stressors associated with a different structure to daily life”. Understanding what factors encourage or discourage certain health practices of college students, and who are those individuals that have the greatest influences could reveal the key to a student’s nutritional health behaviors. Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory suggests that people learn indirectly, by observing and modeling others with whom they may identify the most. According to Horacek, Betts and Rutar, “college students’ most used source for nutritional information is their family and peer group”. Similarly, a study conducted by Greaney et al. (2009) of 115 college students suggests that there are interpersonal-level barriers to healthful weight management indicating that other individual’s behaviors are an influential factor on ‘what and when’ college students eat. In addition, the Theory of Reasoned Action, developed by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen, states that the intention of a person to adopt a recommended behavior is determined by the person’s subjective and normative viewpoint based on what others think he or she should do and whether important individuals approve or disapprove the behavior.
Budd, Beiker & Spencer and Towler & Shepherd find support for this theory in their respective studies which indicates that a person’s attitude and subjective norms were both predictors of individuals consumptions and/or use of unhealthy substances and/or foods. Campus leadership is an important aspect of helping freshman students as they change over into a semi-independent living situation; moving from the comforts of home to an environment where they must manage their lives without the direct input of family and/or caretakers. Leadership is also important in modeling health behaviors for students especially on the college campus which at times could perpetuate overconsumption of unhealthy foods due to the ease of accessibility to foods that are not enriched with nutritional benefits (Strong, Parks, Anderson, Winett & Davy, 2008). These health behaviors could be any action taken by a person to maintain, attain or regain good health and to prevent illness. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), schools [including colleges and universities] can have a significant impact on the nutritional health behaviors that are changed or developed by our children and our young adults. The school provides students with opportunities to explore a variety of meals and the students spend most of their waking hours during the week in the school where the greatest amount of influence on their nutritional health decisions are made. As you are making choices in your day regarding your nutritional and physical health, recognize that we have an opportunity to positively influence others to make the best choices in their lives. We are our own testimony. So share your best practices with a student, a friend or a colleague today. by Danielle Y. Hairston-Green, PhD, Program Specialist, dyhairstongreen@pvamu.edu
Resources Greaney, M.L., Less, F.D., White, A.A., Dayton, S.F., Riebe, D., Blissmer, B., Shoff, S.,Walsh, J.R., & Greene, G.W. (2009). College Students’ barriers and enablers for healthful weight management: A qualitative study. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 41(4), 281-286. Horacek, T.M., Betts, N.M., & Rutar, J. (1996). Peer nutrition education programs on college campuses. Society for Nutrition Education, (28)6, 353-357. Jackson, E.S., Tucker, C.M. & Herman, K.C. (2007). Health value, perceived social support, and health self-efficacy as factors in a health-promoting lifestyle. Journal of American College Health, 56(1), 69-74. doi: 10.3200/JACH.56.1.69-74. Strong, K.A., Parks, S.L., Anderson, E., Winett R., & Davy, B.M. (2008). Weight gain prevention: identifying theory-based targets for health behavior change in young adults. Journal of American Dietetic Association, 108, 1708-1715. Towler, G. & Shepherd, R. (1992). Modification of fishbein and ajzein’s theory of reasoned action to predict chip consumption. Food Quality and Preference, 3, 37-45
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Garden2
Cooperative Extension program Highlights
Table2016
On Saturday, March 5, residents, volunteers, and community leaders convened at Methodist Health Systems (Dallas) for the second annual Garden 2 Table (G2T) event. The event is sponsored collaboratively with the Methodist Health Systems, The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and The Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program. In an effort to reach the urban population and offer a forum for networking, G2T provided mutual support and sharing of common resources in backyard gardening tips, urban livestock techniques, food safety and preservation, general community wellness, and cooking activities for the youth participants. Families throughout the county as well as elected officials attended this year’s event of more than 150 attendees sharing knowledge and learning from each other. By Marvin Young Extension Agent, Dallas County
MRYoung@ag.tamu.edu
Dallas/Fort Worth partakes in
“A Taste of African Heritage” March 2016 allowed Dallas County Cooperative ExtensionProgram, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent, Marvin Young, the chance to implement a pilot program called A Taste of African Heritage (ATAH). ATAH was sponsored by Oldways, a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to proper health using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition. The program was presented to residents in the Morningside section of Fort Worth, Texas. Reverend Kyev Tatum of the Village of Fort Worth USA spearheaded the program in partnership with The Building Bridges Initiative of the University of North Texas. ATAH showed such an impact that the pastor of Morningside United Methodist Church, Reverend Charles Robinson, will host the program as well. ATAH and Oldways cultivated a desire to eat healthier and created a bridge to African cuisine through good nutrition with delicious food, culture and heritage, eating, shopping, and cooking. Participants studied, learned and discussed the “African Heritage Diet Pyramid”. The pyramid modeled foods rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, herbs, spices and traditional sauces to promote a healthier diet. For the month, the Morningside United Methodist Church, 2860 Evans Ave., Fort Worth, Texas held ATAH meetings each Wednesday. The pilot program illustrated a way for people of color to understand the importance of a balanced diet. This program educated participants on food preferences and how to properly balance meat and fibers.
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T
Maurice Perkins he Department of Marketing, Communications & iT (DOMCiT)
And the
won a series of top awards over the past two years. These included the silver ADDY Award and the gold and bronze ACE awards from the Association of Communications Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences (ACE). The unit kicked off 2015 by receiving the Silver ADDY from the American Advertising Federation partnering with Presley Design Studio for the “Goat Milk Vehicle Wrap” campaign. The vehicle wrap was the initiative of DOMCiT to brand and highlight Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) College of Agriculture and Human Sciences’ (CAHS) flagship program at the International Goat Research Center (IGRC). The American Advertising Awards, formerly the ADDY, is the largest and most recognized competition in the advertising industry. The Goat Milk Vehicle Wrap competed against over 40,000 submitted entries nationwide.
Gold Goes Marketing and communications enable the CAHS to develop avenues for reaching out and interacting with stakeholders. Maintaining excellence in communications effectively promotes programs and services while building brand awareness which is important in creatively attracting, growing and showcasing agriculture in a positive light. In evaluating DOMCiT’s work, ACE recognized DOMCiT for its outstanding efforts in marketing communications. The unit brought home two awards surpassing all land-grant universities, including the 1862s and other 1890s with its expertise. DOMCiT was awarded the ACE Gold Award in the area of Publishing for the Tri-Ag Newsletter. This recognition came in less than a year after the resurrection of Tri-Ag. Over the past 10 years, Tri-Ag has morphed from an internal document to being one requested by external stakeholders across the region. DOMCiT was further awarded an ACE Bronze Award for the Outlook on Agriculture (OOA) radio show as well. The radio show broadcasts on the university’s public radio station, KPVU- 91.3 FM. Recently, the show was requested to return to the HBCU radio line-up via Sirius XM Radio.
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College of Agriculture breakfast
F l a s h b ac k
to...
Outlook on Agriculture is hosted by LaRachelle Smith and Maurice Perkins. The hosts take to the airwaves to inform students and community members about agriculture and human sciences, current research conducted by revered scientists and opportunities being offered through the Cooperative Extension Program within the college. Each week Smith and Perkins present interesting facts regarding healthy living and agriculture. They also include in the segment expert guests from the faculty and staff of the University. The two hosts lead discussions ranging from the benefits of medicinal plants, CAHS student organizations, extension programs that target the underserved Texas population, just to name a few. The ACE Awards process not only recognizes exceptional work in communications but also critiques the work of each university, to encourage improvement. ACE is an international association of communicators, educators and information technologists. The organization offers professional development and networking for individuals knowledgeable about agriculture, natural resources, and life and human sciences. ACE awards are intense because over 80 land-grant universities submit their work in various areas. ACE recognizes communications professionals for their contributions to research papers, graphic design, publishing and web design, to name a few. The learn more about ACE, visit aceweb.org.
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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
F l a s h b ac k
F
Johnathan Williams and Maurice Perkins or the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) at Prairie
View A&M University (PVAMU) the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is not only a chance for students to showcase their rodeo skills and livestock production, but it is a vital instrument for creating collegiate opportunities for students in the agriculture field. Since its 1931 establishment, the HLSR has made an impressive footprint on the livestock, entertainment and sporting industries. It also has played a notable role in enhancing the lives of thousands of young people in Texas. Indeed, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a very strong contributor of scholarship opportunities and donations to PVAMU. The Prairie View Trail Ride (PVTRA), has been a significant part of the university’s involvement and interaction with the livestock show and rodeo. PVTRA is the oldest African-American trail Ride in the United States. They were approved in 1958 as the first African American Trail of the HLSR, and all black trail rides of Texas have roots that trace back to the PVTRA. PVTRA is known as the “mother” of the Black Trails. As cowboys gear up for the PV Trail Ride, Cook-off Teams prepare for the Annual Chili Cookoff and they parade through the campus (serving as a booster for the HLSR and supporting PVAMU in its educational programs). Led by the 4-H and Youth Development unit in the Cooperative Extension Program, the CAHS participates in the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to increase awareness about the aspects of the college that represent the best of our academics, research and extension programs to the youth of all ages. Dating back to 1989, Dr. Freddie Richards and Mr. Horace Hodge took the reigns as coordinators of the University’s booth exhibit. Mr. Hodge led the charge from 1990 until 2013 and recalls, “Before our school got involved in the rodeo, there were about 10 plus schools participating with a booth, most of those schools were agriculture-related, and so we felt it was important for us to be there at the rodeo as well.” This year at the HLSR, the CAHS not only exhibited its livestock show skills but introduced the public to the Project 2050 campaign. This innovative look at the CAHS demonstrates PVAMU’s vision toward the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) mission of solving agriculture problems of the past with viable solutions of the future.
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Students from the CAHS sustain year-round livestock to compete in the annual show. Through the International Goat Research Center, students engage with Dr. Barbara Johnson, Chandra Adams, Scott Horner and Dwight Rhodes to learn about the needs of goats and how to become award winners in the show. As the livestock show season approaches, members of the PVAMU Livestock Show Team begin preparation for the competition.
Jus for Show The preparation can be very time-consuming, so it is best to start months in advance to ensure proper goat selection and training. There are multiple steps to which every handler should adhere. The first step in the training process deals with establishing the relationship between the student and the animal. This is important since goats are temperamental and are not familiar with human interaction. For instance, collar breaking, where the goats become
accustomed to a collar while walking alongside its trainer is important. As Mr. Horner states, “Depending upon the goat, training them may take up to a couple of days or even forever.” Given this step in the process, students generally start training in the fall leading up to weeks of the show. When attending the livestock shows, spectators only witness the final product; they do not know all the time and sacrifice that leads to the show itself. Not only does the team have to train, feed and care for the goats, but grooming is an essential aspect of the training. Grooming consists of the goat getting its ears clipped, hair cut, bathed and hooves trimmed. The entire grooming process can take a couple of hours per goat. The PVAMU Livestock Show Team enters several goats for show. The student’s experience is as diverse as the CAHS student body ranging from three weeks to three or more years hands-on with livestock. A member of the team shares, “The goats have to be trained to walk and stand still because they tend to hop all over the place.” When asked of the team, “What is the most interesting thing they remember at a livestock show?” they reflected about a goat getting loose and breaking the trophy they had just won.
for more information on PVAMU CAHS involvement in the HLSR, visit www.pvamu.edu/hlsr and for more about the award-winning PVAMU Livestock Show Team, visit www.pvamu.edu/cahs/the-livestock-show-team
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Position and Location Program Specialist at CEP CAHS Employee for 4 years (Anniversary Interview) What is your favorite part of working at CAHS? Being able to tap into my creativity
Where are you from? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania What is your guilty pleasure? Endless bowl of milk, chocolate candy and Starbucks
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? Electra, she’s sexy and electrifying
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? My daughter, Domonique. She has taught me how to be ok with being different and with simple things. She taught me how to laugh out loud and not be afraid to show my silly side.
List 3 top highlights of your life 1. Becoming a parent 2. Becoming an elected official 3. Earning my PhD
Favorite Song? “Dark” by my son, Inspire Movie? “Shawshank Redemption” Book? “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury Comedian? Richard Pryor What is on your “Bucket List?” Move to another country
Events2016
Nickname Danii
Upcoming
Danielle Yvette Hairston-Green
Joaquina (pronounced Y-Key-Na) Scott Kankam Nickname Jai (pronounced J) Position and Location Program Specialist at CEP CAHS Employee for serving people who need my skills and expertise the most
What is your favorite part of working at CAHS?
Outlook on Agriculture Radio Show
Helping students and working with people in rural residences
Thursdays 1pm ET
Where are you from? Houston, Texas
HBCU Radio –
What is your guilty pleasure? Netflix and Chill (by myself)
Sirius XM Ch. 142 www.pvamu.edu/ outlookonag
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? Wonder Woman, she is skinny and pretty while taking on the bad guys
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? Mediocre people inspire me to be great
With hosts LaRachelle Smith & Maurice Perkins
List 3 top highlights of your life 1. My son going to school for the first time ever this year 2. Graduating from Tuskegee University 3. Employed at three higher education institutions by the age of 33
Favorite Song? “Here Comes The Hotstepper” by Ini Kamoze Movie? “Love Jones” Book? “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison Comedian? Martin Lawrence What is on your “Bucket List?” Travel to England
CAHS Employee Spotlights 10
November 1, 2016 | 9:00 AM
September 20 – 22, 2016 | 4:00 PM
VETERAN’S CONFERENCE
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SUMMIT
CEP Building, PVAMU Main Campus
Student Center, PVAMU Main Campus
October 8, 2016 | 6:00 AM
November 16 – 17, 2016
Ag – COB Multi-Purpose Building, PVAMU Main Campus
CEP Building, PVAMU Main Campus
LINDESEY WEATHERSPOON AGRICULTURE BREAKFAST
1890’S COMMUNICATIONS SUMMIT
October 11, 2014 marked the inception of the Alfred N. Poindexter Lifetime Professional Achievement Award and the Lindsey Weatherspoon Progressive Young Professional Award. Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences created these annual recognitions to not only honor the namesake, but to acknowledge our alumni who exude what Dr. Alfred N. Poindexter and Mr. Lindsey Weatherspoon instilled in the college, agriculture, as well as the students they influenced and led.
Nominations are being received for the 2016 Alfred N. Poindexter Lifetime Professional Achievement Award and the 2016 Lindsey Weatherspoon Progressive Young Professional Award.
Nomination Deadline September 16, 2016
Upcoming Events Be sure to complete your Program Planning Approval Form at least 6 months in advance to have your program/event included here.
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Animal Refugees Jakari Bates “Turn around, don’t drown,” is what we say to people who drive in
heavy rains and flooding waters. During the heavy rains and flooding on the early Monday morning of April 18th, the citizens of metropolitan Houston and surrounding rural counties, including faculty and staff from Prairie View A&M University in Waller County, were exploring their neighborhoods on unchartered paths attempting to find ways to get to work. Although work is essential and important, it isn’t ever worth risking one’s life. Now that advice is for the many that commute to work every day, what do we say to those farmers and producers in rural settings who don’t leave their homes destined for a remote work location? As for these folks, their way of life is their work. Farmers and producers have families to provide for too and depend on crops and raising livestock to make ends meet. They raise swine, cattle and sheep for sustenance, while the rest of us have grown very fond of our pet animals and wouldn’t think of neglecting them in an emergency. The flooding this past spring season not only damaged cars and homes, but also grossly affected the operations of many farmers and producers who housed their livestock on their flooded property. Rising waters can generate currents strong enough to break down fences that protect resources causing animals to roam freely and get displaced. The losses can be catastrophic to a family whose only income source is from living off the land. According to emergency management services, about 70 horses were displaced from the Cypress Trail Horse Stables and were rescued by crews in the flooding. Even fish were displaced from the Houston bayous to streets near the University of Houston. Research professor and scientist at the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Dr. Richard Griffin states, “The water levels can come up rapidly in flood plain areas, and so if there are animals in that area, farmers must get those animals out quickly. Otherwise, the animals will be afraid of
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having that much water around them because they aren’t used to floods. Second, the animals are dealing with contaminants in the water, and lastly fences can be compromised that keep animals inside the property”. Farm workers at the University, experienced and knowledgeable about such natural disasters, anticipated damage by the storm and relocated cattle to higher ground. Unfortunately, the University Farm did not escape flood damage. There was fence damage on the north side of the farm, where it was completely blown down. All cattle were accounted for due to strong preparation, but we know this is not always the case for some small farmers. Within a few days of the floods, an estimated 240 billion gallons of rainfall occurred. This rainfall caused Harris County as much as $5 billion in property damage. This type damage can be insurmountable for small producers cutting into their profits with a vengeance. Given what the Houston area experienced, livestock owners must pay close attention to the weather and if there are heavy rains coming, take precautions to move cattle and animals in safe locations. They must also make sure that fence surrounding property is strong enough to withstand increasing levels of pressure that may come from wind or rain. Lastly, owners should obtain farm and ranch insurance to protect crops and livestock. Increased insurance coverage is highly suggested to protect against losses due to flooding. For more information on farm and ranch insurance and coverage, visit the Texas Department of Insurance at www.TDI.Texas.gov.
For information on Flood Insurance contact your local insurance agents or visit the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart
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Jakari Bates n today’s society, most people have become dependent on their
information regarding the most effective ways to maximize the use of smart devices and the internet to function. their Garmin VivoFit and heart monitor. The expected results of the According to Ofcom’s Media Use and Attitudes 2015 report,16project are that participants will lose weight more effectively, reduce 24-year-olds spend about 20 hours and 30 minutes per week online, healthcare costs, adopt healthier lifestyles and improve their overall which is double the amount of time the same age group spent quality of life. According to Dr. Danielle Y. Hairston Green, Co-PI for online 10 years ago. The popularity of smartphones and tablets has the CAHS Every Step Matter project, “We have witnessed an increase in worsened the addiction to the internet. People have fallen in love with excitement regarding wellness as well as behavior change among more the convenience of technology, but it may be having a negative impact than 50% of the participants. In fact, there are times when I am walking on their health. A recent study by researchers from the Henry Ford across the campus and a participant will greet me by raising their arm, Hospital in Detroit demonstrated that teens who spent at least 14 hours which is adorned by a wearable device, as acknowledgement that they per week on the internet had elevated blood pressure. Heavy internet are getting their steps in.” and computer use also affect mental health. Recent studies revealed Technology has infiltrated every aspect of daily life in contemporary the detrimental effect heavy use of computer devices has on people’s society. It is important that we monitor our use of the Internet and mental health. There are apps being developed to facilitate nearly any technology because of the negative effects that it seems to have on our task we need to accomplish, and the overwhelming support of technology cognitive development and wellness. We also need to make sure we take causes people to use their brains less to figure out problems and become advantage of the positive innovations that technology has made in health entertained. This is especially true for children. and wellness to remain as healthy as possible. A 2011 study in South Korea, about the effects of internet addiction, showed the amount of time young people spend on the internet is having an adverse effect on their mental health. The effect is a deterioration of cognitive abilities which is more often seen in victims of a head injury or people suffering from psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Manfred Spitzer, a German neuroscientist, coined the term “digital dementia” to refer to this effect. “Over-use of smartphones and game devices hampers the balanced development of the brain,” Byun Gi-won, a doctor at the Balance Brain Centre in Seoul, shared with the JoongAng Daily newspaper. After publishing his book called “Digital Dementia,” Dr. Spitzer suggested digital media be banned from German classrooms because of the irreversible harm in brain development. On the other hand, the rise in the popularity and availability of technology and the internet has been used to facilitate positive trends in healthcare and wellness. One of the most important ways technology has benefited healthcare is the introduction of electronic health records. This has made the transfer of patient information more standardized and efficient. In many doctor’s offices, patients are able to make and confirm appointments from their phones. There has also been the introduction of “wearables” that has many health-conscious applications, such as a heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, and a pedometer. At Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS), there is currently a project underway examines the effectiveness of wearable health monitoring technology called “CAHS Every Step Matters.” The research project is an attempt to create a community of wellness while engaging faculty, staff, and students in educational modules that focus on nutritional health, technology, and physical health. Each participant receives a Garmin VIVO fit, a wearable heart monitor, and participate in pre and post assessments to determine if using these devices are simply a novelty or whether they enhance their overall achievement of wellness goals. Participants in the program receive training on how to use the wearable device as well as information associated with apps that interface most effectively with the device. The wearable device also provides participants with access to an online community, where the data from their daily activity which is monitored through the device is synced and the members can see daily achievements and motivate one another to complete group fitness goals. In addition to monitoring and assessments, each participant is required to attend weekly informational workshops that share nutritional information regarding meal planning and healthy nutritional lifestyle For more research and programs at Prairie View A&M University’s changes, along with exposing participants to physical activity that will College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, visit www.pvamu.edu/carc. increase their at-work mobility. In addition, the participants receive
Digital Dementia Health Effects of Technology
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W
e all have taken math courses while in grade school, as well as college, but I don’t think a teacher or professor explained how we can convert one square foot into money. This may have made math more intriguing for more students. One square foot doesn’t seem like much, just as $1 can come and go in the blink of an eye. In farming, one acre isn’t a lot and some may even think it cannot yield much of an institution income. Clifton (Clif) Slade, a researcher from the 1890 Land-Grant Virginia State University (VSU) explains the contrary. Slade argues that he can create an economic return on the investment for farmers growing crops using as little as one acre. Slade is a 59-year-old retired agricultural extension agent, a third generation farmer and currently a part-time extension agent working in Surry County with VSU. In the Spring of 2015, Billy Lawton, Program Leader for Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU), Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR), invited Clif Slade to the Governor Bill and Vera Daniel University Farm and Ranch on the main campus, to share his theory with local farmers eager to maximize profits. Slade started growing seed in 2011 as part of his transition into organic farming. Until recently, Slade was a “big tractor” farmer, cultivating acres of genetically modified corn and soy each year.
During Slade’s visit to PVAMU, he shared his mathematical revelation. His plan is for a farmer to maximize their economic growth potential through only one acre of land, which is equal to 43,560 sq ft. The average farmer with 2 to 3 acres of land in theory can yield $80,000 to $100,000 in gross income. The 43,560 Project has not only been theorized but was put into motion at VSU in June of 2013. During the presentation, Slade jokingly expressed, “If you are lazy [or] have money, invest in the stock market, this is not for you.” He stated that in order to maximize profit, it will take a lot of a hard work but it can be done and it will help farmers “double, triple, and even quadruple, their production”. After its 2013 inception, the 43,560 Project has grown to other 1890 Land-Grant Universities, including our own. The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences not only wants to encourage local farmers to start the project on their lands but has dedicated an acre of farmland to conduct research on the project. Lawton started work on the project in April 2015 and is continuously encouraging producers to do the same. According to Mr. Lawton, “We have a plot of land on the farm on [the main] campus that we are cultivating and growing crops on. The plot right now is covered with greens, such as mustard greens and also turnips.” PVAMU partnered with Texas A&M University (TAMU) for the project. TAMU provided barrier technology that prevents deer and other large animals from entering the project area, consuming and eventually destroying the crop. As Mr. Willie Dewalt of PVAMU, explains the technology, “Texas A&M installed the [fence] and taught us how beneficial this is to our crop and how it doesn’t harm the deer.”
As the knowledge and technology are shared, Slade is enthusiastic that farmers in Texas can make the same amount of money on two acres of land that big producers can make on 300 acres. Slade believes that the money saved from not borrowing for such things as farm hands, big tractors and the diesel to operate equipment balances out the profits. “Their [Big producers] profit margins are so close, 25 to 30 dollars an acre. They have to borrow money from the bank to pay for the diesel for their great big tractors. I work just as hard as they do but I know that what I’m selling, whether seed or produce, is a good, wholesome [organic] product.” The most important key or challenge to this project is for farmers to know how to market their crop and what type of crop would be useful to their community. Slade states there are four channels for farmers to sell: people who like their produce to be picked, farmers markets, independently owned restaurants, and community-supported agriculture organizations, also known as CSAs. Farmers must also grow a produce that would be different but also useful to their community. Mr. Lawton explains that super foods and crops that are high-value plants, such as kale, tomatoes, strawberries, pomegranates, apples and beets are the best to grow for the community.
To learn more about programs presented by Cooperative Extension Program Agriculture and Natural Resources Program area, visit www.pvamu.edu/cep.
1 Sq. Ft. = $1, 1 Year Later:
The43,560Project Johnathan Williams and Maurice Perkins
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The Effects of CAHS
Project2050 The Climate Change is Closer than You Think
Johnathan Williams When you hear about food deserts, flooding and the effects of
overpopulation in America, climate change is not always on most people’s minds. Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) is taking a proactive stance to curtail the consequences of the projected 2050 population increase. All across Texas, significant effects of climate change are taking place. As the earth continues to warm due to the effects of greenhouse gases and natural causes, we have to look at conserving as much energy as possible. As population continues to increase, more greenhouse gases will be emitted into the earth’s atmosphere causing the earth to warm. Climate change refers to the warming of the earth’s surface, is due to the emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. The production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are primarily due to human activities and the use of fossil fuels. Humans emit billions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) that speed up the process of global warming. As a matter of fact, according to the Associated Press, “Six countries produce nearly 60% of global carbon dioxide emissions. China and the United States combine for more than two-fifths.” In the ranking of the top six countries that emit the most carbon dioxide, the United States is second. Since the earth is warming at accelerated speeds, we are able to see drastic changes to our ecosystem. In the city of Houston and the surrounding areas, we have seen climate change first hand. As the CO2 levels increase, there is a direct correlation in temperature increase each year, which causes winter seasons to be warmer. During warmer winter seasons, surface rain waters will not be entrapped in the land or grasses to be stored for the spring; instead, what takes place is huge amounts of water will occur all at once. According to Dr. Ali Fares, a Research Scientist within the CAHS, “That huge amount of water will mean we will have to flood. If you can remember in late April, we had a huge amount of rain that caused flooding.” Dr. Fares continues to further explain, “These types of events will occur more and more often. The point is, higher temperature means we will no longer have the ability to store water that is usable by communities” The consequences of climate change in our area will be longer periods of drought or large amounts of rain that will cause flood damage. These events will soon become normal. What does all of this mean for Texas citizens? Dr. Fares explains, “During the winter, mosquitoes tend to die due to their inability to survive in cold temperatures. But if there are warmer winters, we will see more mosquitoes flying around that have the ability to carry viruses and disease.” Most
recently, mosquitoes are transporting the Zika virus to humans that can cause fevers, rashes, joint pains, and red eyes. This affects the food supply greatly. Farmers expect cooler temperatures for a certain crop to produce fruitfully. Also, warmer weathers will consequently cause plants and crops to bloom too early, ahead of schedule. PVAMU’s CAHS is tirelessly working on Project 2050, to reduce the effects of climate change. Dr. Fares along with a fellow research scientist, Dr. Ripendra Awal, are conducting research that analyzes climate change data. They are studying the weather in areas of the Brazos River to better comprehend what will be the effect of climate change on irrigation requirements to grow major crops in Texas. They are currently studying how the effects of climate change affect crops such as cotton, corn and wheat. This research will provide a prediction of what changes are to come in 2050. It will also predict how the major food sources of Texas will be affected. While PVAMU’s scientists are doing their best to study climate change, the average U.S. citizen can also play a role to slow the effects.
slow the warming effects of climate change 1. Switch to clean energy sources at home, such as installing solar panels.
2. Start recycling glass, metals, and paper. 3. Use a programmable thermostat. 4. Turn off computers, lights, and appliances when not in use. 5. Do not run water while washing dishes or brushing teeth. Run water as needed.
6. Take showers instead of baths. Conserve water any way possible. 7. Drive eco-friendly vehicles and carpool.
Inform your friends, family members and co-workers how to become more energy efficient. Individually we can’t save the world but collectively we can make a difference.
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To learn more about the research of Dr. Fares and Dr. Awal, email alfares@pvamu.edu or riawal@pvamu.edu. Find more information about Prairie View A&M University’s Project2050 at www.pvamu.edu/Project2050.
Donating to the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences will help its student organizations, and is tax deductible. Your gift will provide assistance with increasing our students’ ability to compete in collegiate competitions as well as support their community commitment. These agriculture and human sciences organizations develop soft skills that will prove valuable for their future careers. Your donations will aid in the education of deserving students who are pursing careers in the agricultural and human sciences sectors. Remember your gift is tax-deductible and no amount is too small.
Thank you for your support.
Regan Johnson Nutrition Major, Junior
You are the CAHS of Change!
Easy donation Options Mail a check Carden-Waller Cooperative Extension Building 250 E.M. Norris Street P.O. Box 519; MS 2001 Attn: LWAB Coordinator Prairie View, TX 77446
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