University of Idaho Extension Trends - 2024

Practical education you can trust.

A Message from the Director

University of Idaho Extension faculty and staff help people solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. We accomplish our mission by providing research based, unbiased information that can be used to make good decisions.

For UI Extension to be relevant in addressing the needs of the people of Idaho, every few years we conduct a needs assessment. During late 2022 and early 2023, we conducted 10 in person listening sessions across the state, sent electronic surveys to the public and to county commissioners. We also conducted focus groups with industry and commissions. Feedback from these efforts indicate that our priorities should be in agriculture, both production and small acreage hobby farms, emerging ag technologies, farm succession, youth programming and 4-H, financial literacy and family and consumer science issues, water and natural resources. We are incorporating the feedback provided into our 2025-29 Plan of Work.

Through 397,435 direct face-to-face educational interactions in 2023, our farmers, ranchers, individuals, businesses and communities have learned more efficient and effective ways to improve their lives while preserving our environment and natural resources. We delivered 3,563 different educational programs for a combined 12,021 educational activities. The return on investment as reported by our clientele is $47 million.

With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act we designed, developed and delivered a Digital Economy Program to bridge Idaho’s digital divide and support the investments in broadband and internet across our rural communities. In 2023, 2,892 individuals connected directly with the program, 31 digital skills workshops were conducted and 140 people received direct assistance to build their digital skills.

UI Extension has a long history of providing fact sheets, bulletins and articles containing relevant information that can be accessed without attending a class. In 2023 our faculty and staff authored 263 peer reviewed journal articles, Extension publications and popular press articles for trade magazines and newspapers. Extension publications and videos can be accessed through our online catalog at uidaho.edu/extension/publications. We are increasing our online presence with over 250 recorded webinars you can access when it’s convenient for you.

It has been a joy to help find solutions to problems the people of Idaho are facing. We are working together with you in building a thriving, prosperous, healthy Idaho.

Barbara Petty Director, University of Idaho Extension

UI Extension

BY THE NUMBERS

397,435

66

food pantries partnered with Eat Smart Idaho to improve access to healthy foods.

14,673

acres were treated for Mormon cricket infestations, saving an estimated 110,000 acres of tribal land from complete vegitation loss.

550

beef cattle producers received training on regenerative agriculture practices.

337 direct face-toface teaching contacts.

student participants in the Employment Feud program indicated an additional $801 in average monthly salary after training.

FUNDING BREAKDOWN

3,566 Federal: $3,091,570 State: $14,533,849 County: $6,006,106 Grants: $11,057,341

individuals received a bi-monthly newsletter addressing soil health in Idaho.

742

sheep and goat producers tuned in for the Sheep and Goat webinar series, with 82% intending to implement topics into their operations.

75,000+

participants in 4-H youth programming.

2023 EXTENSION FACTS

397,435 Direct Teaching Contacts

135 UI Extension Faculty

693,788 Web Page Views

263 Peer-reviewed Publications and Professional Journal Articles

75k+ Idaho Youth in 4-H

UI EXTENSION ADVISORY COUNCIL

• Frank Morado

• Russ Zenner

• Bill Lewis

• Sherman Takatori

• Jeremy Hampton

• Clark Kauffman

• Krista Huettig

• Allison Bischoff

• Arnold Callison

• Maria Gonzalez Cardenas

• Stephanie Etter

• Laurie Lickley

• Lori McCann

EXTENSION TRENDS: ADA COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 35,600 direct contacts

• 21,682 youth participants

• 251 volunteers

• 6,751 volunteer hours

• $2,906,436 extramural funding

UI Extension Educators

Ariel Agenbroad

ariel@uidaho.edu

Community Food Systems & Small Farms

Susan Bell

sbell@uidaho.edu

Horticulture

Andrew Bingham

abingham@uidaho.edu

Family & Consumer Sciences and Financial Management

Sendy Martinez

smartinez@uidaho.edu 4-H Youth Development

Bridget Morrisroe

bridgeta@uidaho.edu

Family & Consumer Sciences

2023 Impact

Educator Bridget Morrisroe is the lead for the U of I National Diabetes Prevention Program. From 2017-23, the program has reached over 285 participants at an estimated health care savings for three years at $237,690. Morrisroe also leads a multi-county first year and Advanced Master Food Safety Advisor program. In 2023 she re-certified 31 advanced volunteers and 19 new volunteers who donated 1,300 hours valued at $41,340.

Educator Susan Bell supervised Idaho Master Gardener volunteers during 225 days of plant diagnostic clinics for the public. This allowed them to solve 4,945 plant and insect problems for county residents. The Master Gardeners assisted with two garden schools and presented 189 workshops/classes for 3,188 adults and 305 children in the community. Sixteen community projects and eight information booths were completed, reaching 1,448 people. Master Gardeners continue to maintain eight demonstration gardens and turf trial sites at the Ada County office for the public evaluating landscape species for the high desert area. Twenty Ada County Master Composters taught composting classes at local libraries and elementary schools. They also continue to maintain a compost demonstration site featuring various bin examples and composting methodologies for the public.

Educator Sendy Martinez is working with the Nampa School District to expand the 4-H Juntos program into three high schools, Nampa, Skyview and Columbia. She hosted six family engagement nights and 25 Juntos 4-H club activities.

Educator Andrew Bingham reached nearly 1,000 youth with face-toface financial literacy programming.

Area Educator Ariel Agenbroad continues to support Farmers Markets in the region and statewide, serving on the board of the statewide Idaho Farmers Market Association (IFMA) as the elected treasurer. In this role she assisted with grant applications and management, relationships with funders, oversight of the SNAP and Double Up food bucks incentive programs, statewide communications, association membership, and maintaining the organization’s nonprofit status. She coordinated underwriting spots promoting SNAP for public and Spanish language radio. She also organized printing and distribution of the Extension publication Market Fresh in a SNAP! through Idaho Farmers Markets offering SNAP EBT benefits at their market. She organized two training webinars for Idaho market managers on risk management, and as a result was asked to serve on an expert panel for Farmers Markets by the Texas Center for Local Food. Agenbroad aided the Boise Farmers Market and Boise Farmers Mobile Market with a student intern and served on their membership committee. She also facilitated a group discussion on challenges and growth at the Boise Farmers Market annual vendor meeting and rang the opening bell on the last day of the outdoor market in October. For the second year in a row, she worked to organize an Idaho Bootcamp Training for market managers with a regional team led by the Washington State Farmers Market Association. One attendee shared that the highlight of bootcamp was “learning that there is support out there for me, as a market manager!”

4-H in Ada County

To address the impacts on the social, emotional and educational needs of youth, UI Extension 4-H Youth Development and family and consumer sciences educators received a community program grant from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to launch the Creating a Spark in Treasure Valley Youth program. Through this new program UI Extension educators expanded 4-H programming to reach youth, increasing access to activities that support educational learning. In round one of funding, 2,629 youth were reached, in round two 4,291 youth were reached, and in the final round 6,965 youth were reached. A total of 13,885 youth were reached in partnership with over 40 community partners between Sept. 2022-Sept. 2023. A total of 17 program staff at 20+ sites were hired and trained to implement the program. The 4-H Youth Yoga and Healthy Habits program was delivered at 20 sites to a total of 485 youth participants from 2018-2023. Four 4-H overnight summer camps were held in Donnelly, including one camp hosted exclusively for income-constrained youth in the Boise School District. A total of 360 youth attended a camp in 2023.

On the Horizon

Morrisroe is partnering with the City of Boise’s Curb It program working to develop a lesson and publication on minimizing food waste in the home.

Bell supervises 12 Master Tree Pruners who, for the fourth year, have assisted in pruning 45 small trees in two Boise parks. This year Master Gardener students have been involved in planning the International Heritage Orchard Annual Conference which reached 2,100 people. Master Gardener volunteers continue to be involved as host and interviewees for the International American Council of the Blind Radio Show.

Farm Succession programming will being undergoing a reboot with assistance from Utah State Extension educators.

The 4-H program will continue to work with Ada and Canyon community partners to deliver programming postARPA funding.

Agenbroad and a team of Extension educators has been tasked with providing education and technical assistance on Farm to Early Care and Education (Farm to ECE) as a health intervention to Idaho STARS Early Childhood Health Consultants in every region in Idaho. This training and technical assistance includes personalized trainings, mentoring and support as the consultants evaluate whether Farm to ECE is a good fit and which of the strategies developed through UI Extension should be implemented statewide. Farm to ECE is a set of strategies that addresses community health outcomes by engaging early care and education sites in the three core elements of Farm to School: local food procurement, education and gardening.

Advisory Board

Special thanks to volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Ada County: Ben Brock, Jessica Harrold, Amber Bierle, David Anderson, Julie Kulm, Kristin Lambson, Daniel Romero, Jim and Kathy Ladd, Jancie Alexander, Sydney Anderson, Linda Welch, Patti Davila, Sofya Sirotkina, Gretchen Anderson, Beth Kimball, Cathy McDougall, Jackie Amende, Ashley Rundle, Dorothy Plaza, Sue Olszewski, Marcia Farrar, Todd Christensen, Erin Edwards, Garnette Monnie, Donna Beronda, Mike Witschen, Jan Veatch, Margaret Erskine, Barbara English, Karoline Woodhead and Nicole Sparano.

EXTENSION TRENDS: ADAMS COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Adams County

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,365 direct contacts

• 1,064 youth participants

• 30 volunteers

• 260 volunteer hours

• $15,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Adams County: Dean Dryden, Sandy Dryden, Dave Veselka, Shirley Florence, Sara Swain, Phil Davis, Sara Warner, Rafaela and Brian Goodwin, Trista Robbins, Katie Tharp, Casey Anderson, Les Nunn, OX Ranch, Adams County Fair Board, Council FFA teachers, Weiser River Cattle Association directors and members, Adams/Valley Farm Bureau directors and members, Meadows Valley and Council school teachers, staff, and leadership, and Adams County Commissioners Mike Paradis, Joe Iveson and Vicki Purdy.

UI Extension Educator

Tyanne Roland

208-253-4279

tyanne@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The Ranchers Feeding Youth program offered by UI Extension, Adams County continues to provide programs to schools in Adams, Valley and Washington counties. This event features a half day of youth instruction about the beef cattle industry, including information about the byproduct uses of cattle, day-to-day ranch life and how the industry protects natural resources. Volunteers attend 3-4 schools a year and also provide a local beef lunch prepared by local ranchers. Impacts show an increase in knowledge and more awareness of the beef industry and the different aspects of the rural lifestyle so closely tied to the industry. UI Extension, Adams County also offers cattle industry learning opportunities including beef quality assurance classes for local producers and other topics that will help to strengthen their businesses.

Online programming offerings continue to be successful for youth to complete their annual requirements for fair projects and for adults to continue ongoing learning especially during the winter months.

The 4-H program in the county continues to grow and has added many more projects in 2023.

4-H in Adams County

The UI Extension, Adams County 4-H program continues to show growth in participation and new club offerings. Youth also continue to attend district events like the 4-H Adventure Camp and state events like the Know Your Government Conference, State Teen Association Convention and district 4-H camps. 4-H programming is offered in local schools with a variety of events and monthly activities and youth activities are offered throughout the summer with the help of seasonal employees with a passion for youth development and enrichment. Youth are also actively participating in shooting sports clubs with the help of certified and specially trained volunteers and through grants from the Friends of NRA. The local gun club has also been especially accommodating. In addition to traditional 4-H programming, the Adams County 4-H program also offered baton twirling and ballet classes. Approximately 30 children attend dance every Friday from March-Dec.

On the Horizon

Calving schools for local cattle producers are coming to Southern Idaho again just before calving season begins. 4-H programming will continue to expand for shooting sports, school enrichment programs and younger youth events and activities. More landowner topic sessions will be presented to local audiences and rangeland and grazing classes will also be offered. Fire related classes for acreage and homeowners that provide tools to create a more manageable fire barrier on properties will also be offered. Additionally, Idaho Master Gardener classes will be offered locally. There are many new volunteers starting more nontraditional 4-H programming, including crafts with Cloverbuds, fishing and archery.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BANNOCK COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Bannock County

2023 By the Numbers

• 17,303 direct contacts

• 3,692 youth participants

• 42 volunteers

• 760 volunteer hours

• $16,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bannock County: Norm Rademacher, Evelyn Hitchcock, Curtis Austin and John McNabb.

UI Extension Educators

Reed Findlay

208-236-7310

rfindlay@uidaho.edu

Nikola Ennis

208-236-7312

nbetts@uidaho.edu

Kathryn Hickok

208-236-7310

khickok@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Reed Findlay published an economic threshold for thrips in alfalfa crops. Other research included use of non-dormant alfalfa as a nitrogen source for small grain crops, dryland soil moisture study, use of forage cereal crops, vertical gardening and crop fertility studies. Successful programs included farm management, succession planning, economic outlook seminars, pesticide recertification seminars, Master Gardener classes and crop field days.

Eat Smart Idaho continues to expand its reach by establishing new partnerships in the community. The policy, systems and environmental projects are now in all the qualifying schools in Pocatello. The UI Extension, Bannock County gleaning project brought in over 350 pounds of fresh produce in a twomonth period and was donated to four local food pantries. The Edible Garden Tour brought together over 140 people, with 50% of those who registered unfamiliar with UI Extension. The fermentation club met monthly and reviewed preservation techniques and nutritional benefits of fermented food. The UI Extension, Bannock County Blender Bike was taken to over 10 events including the Senior Center, Lunch in the Park and Healthy City USA! events.

Educator Nikola Ennis managed ARPA funding received last year and was able to hire a full-time staff member for the duration of the grant, which ended in September. The grant allowed UI Extension, Bannock County to grow the 4-H program, including outreach into almost all schools in School District 25 and all schools in the Marsh Valley School District. More than 3,000 additional youth were reached due to the ARPA grant funding.

4-H in Bannock County

Animal Science Day Camps were highly attended and very useful for youth attendees. Anecdotal evidence that the day camps were successful came in the form of record books submitted prior to the fair that included stories about what the youth had learned at camp and how much fun they had. The overnight 4-H camp was also well attended and a huge success. Another success was reaching the homeschool group in Bannock County and successfully teaching a dissection lab for them over four weeks. Overall, the 4-H year was very successful, with the Bannock County Fair and continuing support of the 21st Century Grant in Pocatello reaching afterschool programs.

Kids in the Kitchen monthly virtual cooking class continue to be a great success. Educator Kathryn Hickok teams up with the UI Extension, Twin Falls County educator to teach youth how to cook and use tools while preparing nutritious meals for their families.

On the Horizon

The 2024 crop year will be the second year of the non-dormant alfalfa cereal grain crop rotation study. The nitrogen response to an annual alfalfa crop will be evaluated in 2024. This will be very important to assist grain growers in lowering input costs, especially in the area of expensive nitrogen fertilizers. Findlay will also assist with a grazing study in 2024.

There is a subset of Idahoans who do not have regular access to kitchens, so in 2024 Hickok will be assembling nutritious recipes that utilize food pantry staples that do not require cooking. She will also be submitting a publication on the nutritious fermented beverage Beet Kvass.

The 4-H team will continue to expand program reach and improve the spring and summer day camps. The team will also expand reach through social media on Facebook and Instagram.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BEAR LAKE COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,541 direct contacts

• 334 youth participants

• 46 volunteers

• 943 volunteer hours

• $60,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bear Lake County: Ariel Weston, Blake Wells, Elaine Peterson, Eric Cochran, Jamison McPherson, J.C. Price, Kevin Wells, Kolby Romrell, Mary Jensen, Scott Wells and Wayne Cochran.

UI Extension Educators

2023 Impact

To support Bear Lake County’s strong livestock industry, University of Idaho has been holding local Beef Schools and Pasture Management seminars. These seminars give producers access to research-based information and introduces them to specialists working in their field.

In 2023, 20 War on Weeds articles were published in the local newspaper. The weekly War on Weeds articles are designed to educate the public about important weeds of concern. Some articles focus on weeds already found in Bear Lake County and others warn about weeds that we are trying to keep out of the county and surrounding areas.

A new 4-H and family and consumer sciences educator was hired in 2023 to cover Bear Lake and Caribou counties.

4-H in Bear Lake County

UI Extension, Bear Lake County 4-H remains strong with excellent participation in the 4-H day camps, market livestock projects, an increase in the 4-H horse and market livestock programs, and the Working Ranch Horse program. With volunteers and grants from the NRA, shooting sports projects have grown from just rifle, to rifle, archery, pistol, and shotgun disciplines. The STEM coordinator has had great support from teachers as he took Lego Robotics and insects into their classes. The 4-H program finished the year in fine fashion with a highly successful 4-H fair sponsored by the Bear Lake County Fair Board.

On the Horizon

UI Extension strives to meet the needs of the community by offering relevant programs and conducting local research. Plans are underway to continue assisting with the UI Extension grazing studies. There is great excitement about the future of Extension and 4-H in Bear Lake County.

Justin Hatch

208-547-3205

jlhatch@uidaho.edu

Kari Ure

208-847-0344

kure@uidaho.edu

Needs assessments are being conducted for FCS and 4-H with hopes to begin implementing programs and classes early in 2024.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BENEWAH COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Benewah County • www.uidaho.edu/benewah

2023 By the Numbers

• 7,347 direct contacts

• 5,409 youth participants

• 87 volunteers

• 3,480 volunteer hours

• $705,494 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Benewah County: Erin Reid, Becky Harold, Amber King, Mary Getz, Penny Carpenter, Kristy Tucker and Steve Cuvala

UI Extension Educators

Gail Silkwood

208-245-2422

gsilkwood@uidaho.edu

Chris Schnepf

208-292-2525

cschnepf@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Extramural funding allowed UI Extension, Benewah County to drastically increase outreach efforts both during in-and-out-ofschool time. Funding was used to start the Benewah County 4-H STEM Center in partnership with the City of St. Maries, providing weekly education to six youth programs including elementary, middle, home school and community library groups.

The Idaho Master Gardener program certified a new class of volunteers in 2023, and provided education through local community groups and libraries as well as maintained demonstration garden spaces throughout the county.

A total of 174 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs held in Benewah County in 2023, including Logger Education to Advance Professionalism Update, Identifying Idaho Trees, Landscaping for Fire Prevention and Backyard Forests. Many Benewah County forest owners, loggers and foresters also attended programs held in adjacent panhandle counties. Certified UI Extension volunteers called Idaho Master Forest Stewards, provided over 509 hours of volunteer service to over 1,027 forest owners and others in the Idaho Panhandle in 2023.

4-H in Benewah County

The Benewah County 4-H program was greatly enhanced by new volunteers and grant funding to include additional STEAM programming such as sewing, engineering and natural sciences. Through grant funding project day camps were held for youth to experience 4-H STEAM project areas that didn’t have 4-H volunteers leading education. Opportunities for youth to experience these project areas opened a new connection with them and a more robust understanding of the depth of 4-H opportunities to community members and families. 4-H project program participation increased in 2023 through these opportunities, allowing youth to explore new opportunities and experiences through 4-H resources.

On the Horizon

UI Extension, Benewah County looks forward to continuing school programs, relocating and continuing the Benewah County 4-H STEM Center as well as looking for new partnerships and opportunities within the community. Education programs around small farms, horticulture and forestry will also continue in 2024.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BINGHAM COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Bingham County

2023 By the Numbers

• 11,387 direct contacts

• 2,723 youth participants

• 14 volunteers

• 106 volunteer hours

• $101,545 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bingham County: Katie Wallace, Nola Cates, Eric Jackson, Dale Taylor, Lloyd Tolman, Eileen Hustis and Dustin Wixom.

UI Extension Educators

Reed Findlay

208-236-7310

rfindlay@uidaho.edu

Julie Buck

208-785-8060

jhbuck@uidaho.edu

Carmen Willmore

208-785-8060

cwillmore@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Julie Buck co-authored a poster with the National Extension Dining with Diabetes working group for the National Health Outreach Conference and co-authored the Tobacco and Vaping Prevention lesson. She provided health and wellness education to local, state and national communities by presenting at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Epsilon Sigma Phi annual conference on the Tobacco and Vaping Prevention lesson. Food preservation and freezer meal classes were very popular this year. Three UI Extension impact statements were written regarding Buck’s impacts. The sheep and goat Extension team hosted 11 webinars and two Q&A nights and added collaborators from South Dakota State University to broaden the audience. Additional engagements for this program are seen through activity on the UI Extension Sheep and Goat Facebook page which has over 3,900 followers, and the UI Extension Livestock YouTube channel with over 1,710 subscribers. Viewers can watch any of the 110 videos that have been uploaded since the channel was created in March 2020. A new program in 2023 was the Bingham County Ag Safety Day, with 250 fifth grade students, parents and chaperones in attendance. Guest speakers attended from Idaho Power, Idaho Fish and Game, iRoam, US Forest Service, Eat Smart Idaho, and the local Sheriff's department that spoke on ATV and water safety. Children gained experience and knowledge in how to be safe in a farming community.

Educator Reed Findlay published an economic threshold for thrips in Idaho alfalfa crops. Other research included use of non-dormant alfalfa as a nitrogen source for small grain crops, dryland soil moisture study, use of forage cereal crops, vertical gardening and crop fertility studies. Successful programs included farm management, succession planning, economic outlook seminars, pesticide recertification seminars, Master Gardener classes and crop field days.

4-H in Bingham County

Educator Carmen Willmore hosted three livestock day camps for 4-H youth in Bingham County. Two were specifically for youth taking poultry and rabbit projects to the fair to help them understand nutrition and feeding. The last in the series of day camps was the livestock day camp where youth learned about ruminant nutrition, ultrasound, livestock first aid and quiz bowl on various livestock species.

On the Horizon

Buck will offer postpartum support groups throughout the state after a pilot program in Bingham County. Postpartum depression affects one in five moms and one in 10 dads. Group outreach would be a new offering in Bingham County and serve the 19% of Bingham County women ages 20-44 years old who gave birth in 2023. Buck will also teach Dining with Diabetes classes, food preservation and lead the 4-H sewing group. Understanding Alzheimer's and Disease Brain Health meetings will also be offered throughout Bingham County.

The 2024 crop year will be the second year of the non-dormant alfalfa cereal grain crop rotation study. The nitrogen response to an annual alfalfa crop will be evaluated in 2024. This will be very important to assist grain growers in lowering input costs, especially in the area of expensive nitrogen fertilizers. Findlay will also assist with a grazing study in 2024.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BLAINE COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,070 direct contacts

• 695 youth participants

• 15 volunteers

• 24 volunteer hours

• $47,500 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Blaine County: Lindsay Mollineaux, Pat Purdy, Lynea Petty, Tracy Green and Susan Kranz.

UI Extension Educators

Grant Loomis

208-788-5585

gloomis@uidaho.edu

Chandra Vaughan

208-788-5585

cvaughan@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Grant Loomis has been collaborating with UI Extension Barley Agronomy Specialist Jared Spackman on a field trial monitoring nutrients and investigating sulfur in the Wood River Valley compared to other sites in the study. Loomis’ work with the board game Pest Friends also continues with Jason Thomas from UI Extension, Minidoka County. Their goal is to better educate educators and the public on improvement practices in pest and weed control for crops and to show the value of game-based learning in agriculture, with an emphasis on integrated pest management. Loomis has also led an activity called Real Colors where 4-H youth and adults can better learn about themselves and their fellow peers and the way each color type interacts and communicates with one another based on their predominant color type.

4-H in Blaine County

Associate Extension Educator Chandra Vaughan conducted eight 4-H summer projects: embryology, gardening, baking, leathercraft, crafting, rocketry, Wildlife Day Camp and Livestock Education Day. The Extension office also worked with the Blaine County Fair Board and the Blaine County Market Animal Sales Committee for a successful fair.

The U.S. Forest Service also partnered for the seventh year in a row to offer Adventure Quest summer day camp at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Adventure Quest provides fun recreational pursuits combined with learning about the natural environment. All Things Wild is another four-day residential 4-H summer camp. The focus of this camp is hunter skills workshops which incorporate history, ethics, conservation, wildlife management, laws and regulations, survival, camping, orienteering, environment, and shooting skills in the disciplines of rifle, shotgun, and archery.

On the Horizon

After-school 4-H programs and day camps had a very successful year and efforts will be made to grow by offering new and exciting programs in the years to come. Blaine County 4-H is gearing up for the new 4-H year with market animal weigh-ins and 4-H projects. An emphasis will be placed on growing the new meat goat program FCS 4-H projects in Blaine County. Idaho Master Gardener course classes should also be available to interested members of the community.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BONNER COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Bonner County

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,452 direct contacts

• 642 youth participants

• 122 volunteers

• 297 volunteer hours

• $688,678 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bonner County: Diane Green, Tina Imlay, Harry Menser, Connie Trotter, Nancy Mangham and Sarah Garcia.

UI Extension Educators

Jennifer Jensen

208-263-8511

jenjensen@uidaho.edu

Chris Schnepf

208-292-2525

cschnepf@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The Idaho Master Gardener program saw its largest class in 2023 with 25 students. Of these students, four have been certified with three more working towards certification. Master Gardener volunteers answered 48 plant clinic questions and had informational booths at the Sandpoint Farmers Market, the Bonner County Fair and the Preparedness Expo. Master Gardeners also helped with youth gardening activities, including after-school program activities and the Junior Master Gardener Club.

Hands-on workshops developed through the Beginning Farmer Rancher Development project for Cultivating Success continue to be offered. Three sessions were offered in 2023 focused on soil health, harvesting and season extension. By utilizing a performance-based learning model, the focus was on building knowledge and confidence around the skills needed to operate a small farm. Workshops were held at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center. Staff and interns at the facility helped with workshops which included hands-on activities in the Educational Market Garden.

A total of 475 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs in Bonner County, including Landscaping for Fire Prevention, Backyard Forests, Logger Education to Advance Professionalism Update, Map and Compass for Forestry, 10 Acres and a Dream, Measuring Your Trees, Identifying Idaho Trees, Making and Using Biochar, the Forest Insect and Disease Field Day, and the Forestry Shortcourse. Currently, 14 Bonner County forest owners are certified UI Extension volunteers with the Idaho Master Forest Stewards, who provided over 509 hours of volunteer service to over 1,027 forest owners and others in the Idaho Panhandle.

4-H in Bonner County

Youth gardening activities offered additional STEM opportunities for Bonner County youth. During the school year the number of garden related after-school programs grew. The Extension office worked with Southside Elementary School again to offer springtime garden activities. Three additional parent and youth activities were held at three elementary schools, Southside, Kootenai and Farmin-Stidwell Elementary schools. In the traditional 4-H program of clubs and projects in Bonner County, there were 405 youth participants and 86 adult 4-H volunteers.

On the Horizon

The Idaho Master Gardener program continues to be a popular program for Bonner County. This coming year will include self-paced online modules for the Idaho Master Garden training program, offered in addition to the in-person classes.

New programs offered in 2024 will target those who want to produce food off their land and be better land stewards. A Beef Cattle Basic Care class will be held in February that will provide knowledge and skills needed to raise a small herd of beef cattle. The Living on the Land program will also be offered this year. This program covers such topics as soil and water quality, pasture management, forest management, and livestock care.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BONNEVILLE COUNTY

Paige Wray 208-529-1390 pwray@uidaho.edu University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County

2023 By the Numbers

• 12,897 direct contacts

• 6,294 youth participants

• 127 volunteers

• 10,556 volunteer hours

• $66,950 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bonneville County: Kathy Duplessis, Sandra Deatherage, Diana Skoy, Marnie Spencer, Donna Whitham, Mark Whitham, Hirsh Mynarcik, Wendy Radford, Catherine Dudley, Karen Foster, Brian Andersen, Matt Jones, Dayna Jones, Bryon Reed, Stan Boyle, Mark Wilson, Steven Boyle, Kristie Ackerman, Phil Browning, Joy Boyle, Sally Tangren, Jody Cornilsen, Molly Brinkerhoff, Jan Prudent, Sherry Glick, Aliece Rasmussen, Gary Lewis, Julie Finup and Vikki Gerdes.

UI Extension Educators

Leslee Blanch 208-529-1390 lblanch@uidaho.edu

Ron Patterson 208-529-1390 rpatterson@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Online Farm Financial Analysis and Farm Succession and Estate Planning classes debuted in 2023. Farmers and ranchers learned to analyze farm profitability and enhance sustainability for the next generation. The Eastern Idaho Pest Alert newsletter and Idaho Home Garden Tips online classes continue as a source of real-time gardening assistance. Educator Ron Patterson produced 73 educational videos for specific classes and public access on horticulture and agriculture topics. Twenty-seven Master Gardeners donated over 2,600 hours of volunteer service to help promote and maintain a more beautiful and sustainable Bonneville County community.

New wellness topics for 2023 included Dementia Friends information sessions, Embracing Gratitude, Compassion, and Benefits of Volunteering. Programming partnerships remain strong with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Department of Corrections, GEO Reentry Services, Club Inc. transitional housing, Idaho State University Friends for Learning, and the Idaho Department of Labor. New partnerships have been formed with Developmental Workshop, Inc, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Idaho Falls YMCA. The 2nd Annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair was organized and hosted by UI Extension, Bonneville County educators in 2023.

4-H in Bonneville County

The positive youth development benefits of 4-H are made possible by caring adult volunteers in the community. Bonneville County 4-H has increased its volunteer base to 97 throughout its 45 clubs. The number of youth participating in 4-H has held steady from the previous year. Youth in Bonneville County have the opportunity to join clubs and learn about everything from livestock to cats, cooking, robotics, sewing, and even shooting sports.

Educator Paige Wray has focused efforts on expanding opportunities in teen leadership, youth partnerships, STEM and volunteer development. With the help of three AmeriCorps volunteers, one grant program coordinator, and $60,000 in grant funding, the 4-H day camp, in-school and after-school outreach offerings were expanded, resulting in 8,263 direct contacts.

On the Horizon

Wray will continue to meet the needs of Bonneville County and its youth through positive youth development programs with input from youth and community members involved or invested in helping youth thrive. She will continue to expand opportunities for youth to lead, learn and serve as well as work with more adults to expand the program as a whole.

Patterson will continue to improve asynchronous program offerings. Blanch will focus on physical and mental health education for wellness programming.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BOUNDARY COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 6,377 direct contacts

• 3,392 youth participants

• 84 volunteers

• 1,431 volunteer hours

• $109,972 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Boundary County: Joan Poppino, Jan Bayer, Shirley Anderson, Lauren Kuczka, Wally Cossairt, Kimberly Cushman, Laci Click and Tiffani Beggerly.

UI Extension Educators

Cody Beus

208-267-3235

cbeus@uidaho.edu

Amy Robertson

208-267-3235

amrobertson@uidaho.edu

Chris Schnepf

208-292-2525

cschnepf@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

UI Extension, Boundary County partnered with U of I faculty and two other rural Idaho counties to receive a three-year grant from the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund totaling $50,000. These funds will be used to implement a free multi-week parenting education program for families with youth age 5-11. In spring 2023 a nine-week session was implemented in Boundary County with four families completing the program. As part of the grant, the team is creating a parenting education curriculum designed to meet the needs of rural families in Idaho.

Thirty-one forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs in 2023, including the Thinning and Pruning Field Day. Currently, five Boundary County forest owners are certified UI Extension volunteers with the Idaho Master Forest Stewards, who provided over 509 hours of volunteer service to over 1,027 forest owners and others in the Idaho Panhandle in 2023.

Another successful program was the continuation of virtual food safety and food preservation classes that were implemented in 2021. Boundary County partnered with UI Extension, Owyhee County to offer monthly classes on a variety of food topics. In the live Zoom presentations from Nov. 2022-Oct. 2023, there were 353 participants attending 13 classes.

4-H in Boundary County

A total of 250 youth participated in the traditional 4-H program in Boundary County and exhibited their projects at the county fair.

Boundary County 4-H received almost $60,000 in grant funding from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to implement programming to help address learning loss due to COVID-19. This grant was used to hire a full-time robotics instructor and purchase robotics curriculum and materials. Four-week robotics sessions were provided to every K-5th grade class in the county, as well as several out-of-school and summer programs that also included many homeschooled youth.

During the summer 4-H offered six full-day camps and six half-day camps. The topics of these camps included cooking, art, mystery science, entomology, STEAM, natural resources, gardening and a youth farm tour.

4-H Friday Friends celebrated its' 16th year of all-day programming for elementary-age children on Fridays during the school year. This program saw lots of participation from community visitors including the library, sheriff’s office, and many others. This program received $6,000 in grants in 2023, allowing enrollment rates to stay affordable for Boundary County families who had children participating in the program.

On the Horizon

In 2024 UI Extension, Boundary County will again offer the Idaho Master Gardener class and continue to recruit into the active Advanced Master Gardener group. Funding and research will be sought and directed to the unique agricultural pursuits in Boundary County such as the nursery, niche production, and specialty crops industries. UI Extension will continue to provide support to new and beginning farmers who seek to expand and explore markets through connecting partners and dissemination of information.

UI Extension will move into the second year of the three-year grant from the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund. These funds will be used to implement another free parenting education program for families with youth age 5-11. They will continue creating a parenting education curriculum designed to meet the needs of rural families in Idaho.

EXTENSION TRENDS: BUTTE COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 990 direct contacts

• 613 youth participants

• 14 volunteers

• 1,500 volunteer hours

• $62,150 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Butte County: Randy Purser, Michelle Purser, Ty Pancheri, Bryton Pancheri, Wayne Ouellettee, Wylee Nalley, Allen Carter, Joni Pitcher, Melinda Shodin, Colleen Maderieta, Kole Hansen, Eve Wilson, Tiffanie Jones, Brian Harrell, Kirby Jensen, Jay Jensen and DeAnn Jensen.

UI Extension Educator

David Callister

208-527-8587

dcallister@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Classes and workshops were held in the areas of forage production, small grains, pasture, pest management and stress management allowing farmers the opportunities to improve their skills and maintain their licenses.

A tillage demonstration trial continues in Howe in conjunction with the Butte/South Custer Soil and Water Conservation District.

Community development work is focused on UI Extension Educator David Callister teaching youth about the importance of training after high school, how to pay for college and the acquisition of job skills.

The advisory committee met in October and offered an array of topics for classes in 2024. Water management ranked as the highest priority agriculture topic. Self-reliance was the highest priority for community development.

4-H in Butte County

The 4-H program in Butte County had active beef, cat, chicken, goat, horse, rabbit, sheep, shooting sports, swine and robotics clubs in 2023. Most youth participated in the Butte County Fair in August. The 4-H market animal sale exceeded previous years' prices and several youth competed in the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

Shooting sports was added this year with a new club serving the youth of both Butte and Custer counties. Twenty-two youth participated in 42 different projects in the areas of archery, hunting and shotgun.

Callister and 4-H Coordinator Shaylee Pancheri introduced livestock skill-a-thon to youth attending 4-H livestock day camp. AmeriCorps members serving in Butte County reached new audiences by conducting weekly day camps in three locations. Over 40 youth participated in the day camps with the majority of participants experiencing 4-H for the first time.

On the Horizon

The tillage demonstration trial continues in Howe. Plans are in place to host an AmeriCorps volunteer to help with 4-H positive youth development for the summer of 2024. Seven more 4-H volunteer leaders have become certified in other aspects of shooting sports. With the addition of rifle and pistol projects available to 4-H youth, another year of club growth is expected.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CAMAS COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Camas County

2023 By the Numbers

• 5,806 direct contacts

• 730 youth participants

• 14 volunteers

• 612 volunteer hours

• $125,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Camas County: Kristie Olsen, Ed Reagan, Randy Jewett, Janet Williamson, Roxanne Bell, Amy Botz, Angela Thompson, Cornelia Williamson, Donna Koch, Glenn Koch, Harold Lefler, Travis Martin, Clare Olsen, Steve Miller, Mike Rice, Cecil Swenson, Megan Tews, Danyon Fontenot and Logan Patton.

UI Extension Educator

Cindy Kinder

208-764-2230

ckinder@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Out-of-school time activities were designed to develop skills in science, technology, art and engineering through Outdoor Exploration and Safety as described as a need by advisory groups. Programs were developed, conducted and supported through external funding. Program efforts conducted during the spring included plant identification and safety, plus understanding of waterway ecosystems. Summer education events included bicycle safety, with break checks, bike maintenance and road safety. Fall education efforts included stargazing, orienteering, telescopes and constellations mapping. Winter education included learning about lifetime sports of skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. An overnight event in a yurt was conducted in partnership with Idaho Fish and Game, Solider Mountain Ski Patrol and a local 4-H volunteer teaching about outdoor winter survival, safety and animal ecosystems. The summer non-traditional programming and activities saw 487 youth contacts.

4-H in Camas County

In Camas County 4-H was able to expand the shooting sports program efforts to include shotgun and pistol. This is a 200% increase in topics provided. An external grant supported volunteers and county efforts of providing safety and firearm education. Volunteers were able to purchase much needed equipment and storage items. At the All Things Wild 4-H Summer Camp lifetime sports of archery, hunting and rifles were taught. The program reached 57 youth from across the Magic Valley. Youth learned hunting skills and hunter decisions skills and can put them into practice in the future. Youth also participated in map reading and observations, gravity and trajectory, air rifle safety, hiking, campfire, songs, skits, and being a camp counselor. In-school, after-school, homeschool, and out-of-school activities were offered through 4-H and continued community partnerships with the Camas County Public Library and Camas County Schools. Camas County had 13 traditional 4-H clubs with 38 youth enrolled, 20 projects including newly added sewing, knitting, and astronomy, and four new volunteers joined the 4-H family. Camas County welcomed its third summer intern in 2023 with funding from an endowment set up specifically for summer interns to gain experience and insight into running programs and activities, grant writing, and organizing events. The intern ran two Education Days – Woodworking/Pinewood Derby and Bike Safety –organized the Livestock Jamboree and helped write a grant.

On the Horizon

In 2024, the UI Extension, Camas County office hopes to continue shooting sports and outdoor/safety programs including a focus on public speaking skills as requested by advisory groups. The Extension office plans to provide job skills and opportunities to a 2024 summer intern and expand into school 4-H Fun Fridays and Cloverbud efforts.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CANYON COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Canyon County • www.uidaho.edu/canyon

2023 By the Numbers

• 21,504 direct contacts

• 12,390 youth participants

• 288 volunteers

• 4,853 volunteer hours

• $1,199,419 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Canyon County: Bryan Kida, Daniel Adams, Jen Wallin-Ruschman, Don Benson, Julie Eldredge, Kathy Harris, Maria Held, Laura Hayman, Cindy Tekus, Debbie Lowber and Paul Webster.

UI Extension Educators

Tasha Howard

208-459-6003

thoward@uidaho.edu

Carrie Clarich

208-459-6003

carriej@uidaho.edu

Cheyanne Myers

208-459-6003

cheyannem@uidaho.edu

Brad Stokes

208-459-6003

bstokes@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Tasha Howard continues to offer the Diabetes Prevention Program and implemented a new program, Dementia Friends. Canyon County has one of the higher rates of diabetes diagnoses with just over 10% of adults diagnosed in recent years. One of the top five concerns in the Community Health Needs Assessment includes aging health. Dementia Friends builds understanding and invites participants to choose an action which can improve the friendliness of their community to an aging population. Howard also participates in the Caldwell Health Coalition, Extension Poverty Task Force, and the Western Region Stress Assistance Program.

Plant Clinic occurred for 22 consecutive weeks from May-Sept. with 333 direct contacts. A total of 576 volunteer hours were donated to the community, adding a value of more than $55,000 worth of practical horticulture knowledge. The Plant Sale recorded nearly $3,000 in sales and raffle items, nearly double the income from the previous year. Master Gardeners volunteer countless hours, as well as supplies/seeds for the Plant Sale to help support the horticulture program in Canyon County.

Educator Cheyanne Myers held a 10-week program designed to help landowners increase their stewardship. New citizens are moving into the community who have never owned land before. This class helps them learn new techniques and who to contact when they have questions.

4-H in Canyon County

UI Extension, Canyon County offers traditional 4-H programs and a series of spring and summer day camps, Short Term Enrollment Programs, in-school and after-school programs, and community events. With over 660 members in 50 clubs, Canyon County is home to one of the largest 4-H programs in Idaho. To address the impacts on social, emotional, and educational needs of youth effected by the pandemic, Educator Carrie Clarich and colleagues received an Idaho Department of Health and Welfare grant to launch the Creating a Spark in Treasure Valley Youth program, which expanded 4-H programming to reach 13,885 youth in 2023.

Howard worked with 4-H youth to provide mental health education using Building Fences, a new program that teaches youth how to manage stress, provide insight for their friends who may be struggling, and become aware of resources that can help others. The Junior Master Gardener team held a multitude of educational activities and Educator Brad Stokes visited multiple schools, ran a 4-H day camp and mentored youth. Myers is a member of the Treasure Valley Dairy Replacement Heifer Program which teaches youth hands-on experience with the dairy industry. She also holds nutrition workshops to help youth who plan on showing animals at fair, to teach them about proper feeding and nutrition of animals.

On the Horizon

The EXCITE (Extension Collaborative on Immunization and Teaching Engagement) project will continue to provide poverty informed education across the county and state. Partnering with health districts, this program will train health workers on poverty and help them implement poverty informed practices into their work. Dementia Friends will continue providing education for community members on how to become dementia friendly communities. Information sessions will be held across the state and Howard will become a Dementia Master Trainer to provide more training and increase the number of trainers over the next year.

The Master Gardener and horticulture program has strong community partners including the Nampa Library, Caldwell Library, Middleton Library and Homedale Library, as well as several county schools for outreach to youth. Two local community gardens are led by Canyon County Master Gardeners (Trinity Community Garden and Canyon Springs Community Garden). The combined gardens have donated more than 7,000 pounds of local fresh produce to the community.

Myers will host a new pasture management course instead of Living on the Land, based on the needs of clientele.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CARIBOU COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,251 direct contacts

• 242 youth participants

• 18 volunteers

• 763 volunteer hours

• $62,300 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Caribou County: Brett Torgeson, Scott Brown, Kyle Wangeman, Eric Simonson, Blair Rindlibaker, Jake Osbourn, Dan Lakey and Cody Cole.

UI Extension Educator

Justin Hatch

208-547-3205

jlhatch@uidaho.edu

Kari Ure

208-847-0344

kure@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Cereal grain crops are extremely important to the Idaho economy. To support cereal grain production in Caribou and surrounding counties, University of Idaho holds Cereal Schools. These schools are designed to bring research-based information from the university to growers. In 2023, there were 241 participants across all locations (Burley, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, St. Anthony, Grace and Preston). Of those who completed the survey, 32 were farmers who collectively manage a total of 66,489 acres and who estimated they would save $229,425 as they implement what they learned while attending Cereal Schools.

In 2023, 20 War on Weeds articles were published in the local newspaper and in regional papers. The weekly War on Weeds articles are designed to educate the public about important weeds of concern. Some articles focus on weeds already found in Caribou County and others warn about weeds that we are trying to keep out of the county and surrounding areas.

A new 4-H and family and consumer sciences educator was hired in 2023 to cover Bear Lake and Caribou counties.

4-H in Caribou County

UI Extension, Caribou County offered an array of programs for youth to develop life skills. Some programs included working ranch horse, horse, market animal, sewing, tree identification, plant identification, water education, farm to table, shooting sports, fishing, and many other craft/STEAM day camps. With the help of volunteers, UI Extension was able to offer dog 4-H which is a new program in Caribou County. 4-H programs continue to grow, with more and more youth and leaders getting involved.

On the Horizon

UI Extension strives to meet the needs of the community by offering relevant programs and conducting local research. Plans are underway to continue assisting with the UI Extension cereal variety trials, the Aphid monitoring network, Barley Liming trials, hay and forage research, and other projects that will benefit local producers. There is great excitement about the future of Extension and 4-H in Caribou County.

Needs assessments are being conducted for FCS and 4-H with hopes to begin implementing programs and classes early in 2024.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CASSIA COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Cassia County

2023 By the Numbers

• 10,016 direct contacts

• 1,173 youth participants

• 73 volunteers

• 3,350 volunteer hours

• $6,500 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Cassia County: Brandon Brakenbury, Bob Kunau, Michael Ottley, Leonard Beck, Jodi Hepworth, Tamara Garcia, Beverly Searle, David Mabey, Jeanne Allen, Peene Main, Stephanie Curtis, Mike Allen, Amy Christopherson, Debi Barnes, Al Barrus, Kent Searle, Dixie Tate and Sharon Hardy.

UI Extension Educator

Joel Packham

208-878-9461

jpackham@uidaho.edu

Grace Wittman

208-878-9461

gwittman@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Twelve Master Food Safety Advisors provide assistance with teaching classes, testing canning equipment and answering critical food safety/food preservation questions in Cassia County. These volunteers contributed approximately 200 hours to assisting UI Extension with food safety/food preservation related issues.

Healthy Meals for Busy People continued this year with the hopes of encouraging more homes to cook healthy meals at home. The program received an Innovative Project Grant that allowed presenters to provide the classes for free to underserved audiences. Eighty-two people participated in this program focused on the importance of meal planning, healthy sheet pan meals and healthy air fryer cooking.

Each year UI Extension, Cassia County is asked to participate in the 4th grade Idaho History Day. This year educators and 4-H staff taught cheese making and the history of dairy and butter making to over 200 youth in the county.

A six-week Farm Succession class was held with 11 attendees and another half day class for Dairy West members. Educator Joel Packham also taught a six-week farm business management classes. Packham and Jerome County colleagues began a new cover crop related project looking at using a grain drill to plant cover crops into growing corn. The use of a drill will allow better seed to soil contact and a more efficient method of plant over broadcasting seed by airplane.

4-H in Cassia County

Cassia County enjoyed a great 2023 4-H year. The livestock youth/ project numbers stayed high with great support from community members and the Cassia County 4-H/FFA Market Animal Sale Committee. Excellent 4-H livestock volunteers show youth how to properly train, feed, groom and care for livestock projects varying from small livestock to the traditional large animal projects. The 4-H program assistant stayed busy throughout the 2022-23 school year with afterschool STEAM project materials. They also spent the end of the school year bringing STEM programs to classroom programs throughout Cassia County. During summer programming, AmeriCorps volunteers presented 4-H programs in partnership with the College of Southern Idaho, Burley Public Library, Cassia County School District and Cassia Regional Hospital.

On the Horizon

This year 4-H will continue to focus on providing STEAM curriculum to afterschool programming in the county. Education will also be directed toward homeschool communities.

Farm succession planning courses as well as other agriculture related programs will be promoted. The Family and Consumer Sciences program will continue working with Master Food Safety Advisors to bring up-to-date information to the community related to food preservation and food safety. Classes directed to senior citizens related to healthy eating habits will also be provided.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CLARK COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 229 direct contacts

• 16 youth participants

• 5 volunteers

• 48 volunteer hours

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Clark County: Jill Grover and Katie Wilson.

UI Extension Educator

Joseph Sagers 208-374-5405

jsagers@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

University of Idaho Extension helped agricultural producers through personal contacts, as well as programing such as beef school and online pesticide applicator training to obtain licensing credits.

4-H in Clark County

The 4-H program is growing in Clark County. This year many day camps were offered that taught youth about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) such as Lego robotics and Outside the Box kits where they could learn about plant science, soil science, model rockets, cooking, art, and much more. Animal projects remain a popular project that is ongoing every year.

On the Horizon

UI Extension, Clark County welcomed a new 4-H coordinator, Brittany Park, to lead 4-H in the county. She has recently become certified to teach 4-H shooting sports and will begin to offer that programming to rural youth in the coming year.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CLEARWATER COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,295 direct contacts

• 230 youth participants

• 25 volunteers

• 950 volunteer hours

• $56,950 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Clearwater County: Chris Goetz, Eileen Rowan, Paula Colwell, Marie Armitage, Polly Henderson and Colleen Sholar. UI

2023 Impact

The UI Extension, Clearwater County 4-H program reached over 230 youth and 25 volunteers in 2023. Youth attended the Sixth Grade Forestry Tour, CL2N 4-H Camp, Know Your Government and the First Lego League World Championship. 4-H members impact their neighbors by performing community service throughout the year. The swine pens and beef section of the fair barn were replaced with safe and sanitary animal housing before the Clearwater County Fair. Robotics teams and STEM programming continue to see growth with the junior team representing Idaho at the world championship.

4-H in Clearwater County

The Sixth Grade Forestry Tour celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023. All Clearwater County sixth graders are introduced to natural resources and career opportunities at the two-day event. One of the First Lego League robotics teams competed at the World Championship in California. Clearwater County Commissioners funded fair barn upgrades which replaced all the swine pens, enhanced safety in the beef section and updated doors in the amount of $15,000. These upgrades were installed by 4-H families.

On the Horizon

The 4-H program is excited to add an Americorp employee this summer to expand summer programming to include project camps, Farmers Market activities, 4-H Camp classes and more. Clearwater County 4-H will also continue to work with area organizations and schools to provide Sixth Grade Forestry Tour.

EXTENSION TRENDS: CUSTER COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 4,733 direct contacts

• 103 youth participants

• 36 volunteers

• $8,250 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Custer County.

UI Extension Educator

Sarah Baker

208-879-2344

sdbaker@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Sarah Baker empowered young beef producers to become profitable and successful through the Idaho Young Cattle Producers Conference, presenting an end-product quality beef presentation and a beef cutting demonstration at the annual statewide event.

She taught adults about cost-saving ways to fuel their families with healthy, nutritious and affordable beef through beef cutting demonstration workshops including Beef Up Your Fall and Beef Up Your New Year workshops. Meat cutting demonstrations were also conducted to educate clientele about the importance of end-product quality locally and regionally, including breaking down a beef carcass at a regional Beef Quality Assurance program.

Baker improved consumer perceptions and increased marketing opportunities for beef producers through the Beef Quality Assurance certification and training program by serving as the state cocoordinator and a certified trainer. She also provided up-to-date information for livestock producers within the county by hosting and presenting information at local beef schools. She promoted and conducted agriculture education in every classroom through Ag Week programming, including the local Homeschool Association.

4-H in Custer County

Three new certified volunteer leaders joined a group of veteran leaders to provide hands-on learning opportunities and empower youth to become responsible, productive citizens though the rural 4-H program. Two new non-livestock projects were introduced to the county, which brought 20 new youth to the program. They exhibited their 4-H photography and leatherwork projects at both the local county fair and Eastern Idaho State Fair.

Local teens participated and provided leadership for a District Leadership Club by holding a teen social event to discuss statewide events and opportunities and hosting a 4-H rocket workshop for youth at the local county fair. They also attended and participated in a District Teen Leadership Club Opening Social and a Teen Spring Retreat which focused on public speaking. One local member served his second year on the STAC planning committee, served as a runner during the Jr. Livestock Sale at the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and was part of a group of teens who gave the keynote workshop at I-LEADS this fall.

Livestock numbers continued to grow in 2023 with 16 new market livestock projects. This also included a new 4-H Poultry Club and 4-H Poultry Show at the Custer County Fair.

On the Horizon

Serving the third largest Idaho county (in land mass) has its challenges traveling large distances to reach clientele in rural communities in Challis, Mackay, Stanley, Clayton and all acres in between. However, partnerships with local businesses, agriculture groups, volunteers and county leaders enables UI Extension to stretch limited funds and staff to offer educational programming and resources to community members. The UI Extension, Custer County office is excited to continue to offer research-based education and bring the University of Idaho to local citizens in 2024.

EXTENSION TRENDS: ELMORE COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Elmore County • www.uidaho.edu/elmore

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,369 direct contacts

• 1,068 youth participants

• 45 volunteers

• 83 volunteer hours

• $218,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Elmore County.

2023 Impact

In 2023 time was spent building connections with the Elmore County Health Coalition and addressing the health concerns of the community, including bridging the gap between resources such as Harvest Heroes and Farmer Veterans' Coalition. These two programs aid in building community gardens and providing assistance to veteran farmers. With these programs the food insecurity in Elmore County will hopefully be reduced.

Two half day pesticide applicator continuing education seminars were established in order for pesticide applicators to gain the credits needed for their license. At the end of the seminars the private applicator has the opportunity to gain all the credits needed for their license, while the commercial applicator will have the opportunity to have half of their credits fulfilled.

4-H in Elmore County

Enrolled members in Elmore County 4-H remains steady. Outreach efforts in the community are increasing and activities are offered in three different schools and and the Mountain Home Air Force Base. The 4-H table is always a big hit at Glenns Ferrys Schools STEAM & Literacy Nights.

Archery is the largest shooting sport project in Elmore County, with just over 30 members participating and new members joining each year. The archery shoot at the county fair always draws a crowd.

The 4-H assistant has started a 4-H At Home Club for members who want to do projects not offered in a club and have an adult to work with them, and a 4-H Lego Club that meets once a month.

At the 2023 Fair, Elmore County had 193 exhibitors in 35 different project areas with 603 fair entries.

To meet the needs of Cloverbuds, the future of the 4-H program, Cloverbud Activity Days were implemented. A different activity is planned for this audience once a month, Jan.-May.

On the Horizon

An Idaho Master Gardener course will be provided in 2024, which will give community members the opportunity to learn valuable horticulture skills. The course will also have field trips to local horticulture gardens and greenhouses.

UI Extension, Elmore County is also hoping to expand community gardens through the Master Gardener courses and other volunteer groups within the community.

In addition, the Extension office is in the process of setting up field trips to local farms and other agricultural commodity groups to allow the community the opportunity to learn about their local agricultural production practices.

EXTENSION TRENDS: FORT HALL RESERVATION

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,113 direct contacts

• 1,013 youth participants

• 13 volunteers

• 730 volunteer hours

• $125,500 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help develop programming and disseminate the work we do for UI Extension, Fort Hall Reservation through our five advisory boards in beef, range, general agriculture, horticulture and 4-H/youth development.

UI Extension Educator

Danielle Gunn 208-236-1046 dgunn@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The Fort Hall Reservation had a fantastic year in 2023 with a new pet health program where community members learned about pet health care and how to manage feral dogs and cats. The goal of the program is to reduce abandoned pets and the incidence of negative encounters with dogs. In relation to bull quality and reproductive health, UI Extension, Fort Hall Reservation maintained a trichomoniasis program for 50 cattle producers and 8,000 range cattle. All producers running cattle on tribal lands utilize an approved trichomoniasis protocol, so animal health damages were minimized when trichomoniasis was discovered in bulls near the Fort Hall Reservation in 2022. As a result of outreach and education efforts, there were no positive bulls in 2023. A beef marketing program for producers was continued to improve price options on calves. Four producers were assisted and able to market and sell hundreds of calves at an increased price as a result. These producers also gained knowledge regarding how to use online beef marketing tools. As a long-term impact, they have implemented these skills for four years to improve ranch profitability and sustainability. A successful beef school was implemented where 38 producers learned how to utilize expected progeny difference data more efficiently. Over 75% of participants have been observed utilizing these skills.

Fort Hall Reservation 4-H

Educator Danielle Gunn collaborated with Tribal 4-H Program Director Nola Cates to provide 4-H programming for tribal youth to three tribal departments including a local school. Total programming efforts reached 1,013 youth, 99 fall and spring classes and 20 summer classes were offered, over 400 projects were submitted to the Bingham County Fair, and 236 projects were submitted to the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Fourteen Tribal Youth in Ag classes were developed, taught and evaluated. Sixteen livestock projects were successfully completed. Twenty-six tribal youth, seven teen camp counselors, and four adult volunteers attended 4-H camp. As a result, 100% of these youth stated they gained invaluable skills in responsibility, leadership and project management.

On the Horizon

New programming for 2024-25 involves the continued pursuit of education and training for a Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) on the Fort Hall Reservation. Education, training and the development of an RFPA will give producers the training and tools necessary to help control range fires when they are first observed. Having trained people in the field can help mitigate the catastrophic range fires currently faced in changing landscapes and climates.

EXTENSION TRENDS: FRANKLIN COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,835 direct contacts

• 1,397 youth participants

• 43 volunteers

• 258 volunteer hours

• $123,718 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Franklin County: Julie Nash, Darrin Dransfield, Jennifer Harris and Kelly Adamson.

UI Extension Educators

Bracken Henderson

208-852-1097

brackenh@uidaho.edu

Laura Sant

208-852-1097

lsant@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Laura Sant taught two six-week sessions of Preserve@Home with Extension educators from Idaho and Wyoming. Of the 46 students who completed the class, 87% had a grade of 70% or better showing increased knowledge of safe home food preservation methods. A post survey was given after the end of the Preserve@Home class with 26 surveys completed. Participants were asked what research-based skills/behaviors they learned and planned to do in the future. At least 69% of those indicated learning about safe food preservation skills or behaviors and 100% indicated that they planned to do all the safe food preservation skills and behaviors in the future.

Educator Bracken Henderson has been working with UI Extension colleagues throughout Idaho to combat mental health issues plaguing rural farming communities. The team worked with 15 communities in 2023, facilitating at least six meetings in each community.

4-H in Franklin County

There were 43 volunteers and 378 4-H members enrolled in 784 projects in Franklin County in 2023, completing 697 projects. Sant taught/co-taught six clubs/day camps (25 classes). Additionally, she assisted in teaching four school enrichment programs (11 classes), including Bread in the Bag (5); Recruitment (4), and Tobacco and Vaping Prevention (2). Sant also co-taught one District Sewing Volunteer Training Workshop. She helped to plan and conduct Alpine 4-H Camp for Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, and Power counties. Sant assisted with planning and presenting 4-H projects, contests, and activities at the Franklin County Fair and Eastern Idaho State Fair. She also covered EISF 4-H/FFA results and premiums.

A total of 129 4th and 5th grade students at Harold B. Lee Elementary School participated in a 30-minute Tobacco and Vaping Prevention lesson designed to increase knowledge about the dangers of tobacco and vaping and prevent children from starting. Eighty students completed post surveys and indicated that at least 95% of those returning the survey learned new knowledge about the risks of using tobacco or vaping products.

The Franklin County 4-H shooting sports program acquired eight new air rifles, three new bows, and other additional equipment to support the program. This allowed for 30 additional youth to get involved in the program. An AmeriCorps volunteer helped deliver the shooting sports programs and supported other 4-H classes throughout the summer.

On the Horizon

Sant plans to continue offering Mental Health First Aid classes to community members and others in the state of Idaho.

The maple syrup grant was successful despite abnormally high amounts of snow in 2023 which delayed and shortened the maple tapping season. More tubing will be installed in 2024 to service more taps and test the marketability of the product. Tapping classes were taught in five communities in 2023, with 68 total participants. Throughout summer 2023, Henderson collected data on field bindweed treatments applied in fall 2022. A U of I grant allowed him to purchase supplies and complete two more treatments in 2023. Data will be collected on these treatments in 2024 and results will be compiled and published.

EXTENSION TRENDS: FREMONT COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Fremont County

2023 By the Numbers

• 8,018 direct contacts

• 3,851 youth participants

• 30 volunteers

• 988 volunteer hours

• $170,926 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Fremont County: Blair Dance, Scot Kamachi, Rick Hill, Corbet Peebles, Rebecca Anderson, Natalie Loveland, Anna Rankin, Monika Boyce, Kristen Davis, Wade Trost, Clint Washburn, Bryan Miller, Randy Hillman, Kenny Dalling, Irene Tavarez, Frank Tavarez, Jamie Little, Sam Lusk, Nalder Boyce and Brandon Little.

UI Extension Educator

Tom Jacobsen

208-624-3102

tjacobsen@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The Land SMART workshop debuted in 2023, teaching small acreage landowners principles of land management to improve soil health, reduce noxious weeds and proper grazing management. Idaho Master Gardener classes were offered online with hands-on labs during the growing season. Two Master Gardeners participated in 2023. The Regional Master Gardener Convention returned to Rexburg after a three-year hiatus, offering hands-on classes for gardeners across eastern Idaho. 50 individuals participated in nine classes. Cereal School and Forage School were offered this year with 30 participants who earned pesticide applicator credits and certified crop advisor credits for attending. Nine people attended the Forestry Field Day held for the first time in Island Park and nine participants attended the Cereal Grain Field Day held in Tetonia.

Twenty-five In the Garden articles were published in the East Idaho News. These weekly articles provide timely research-based information for the public about gardening. In addition, 24 War on Weeds articles were published in three local newspapers. These articles educate the public about important weeds of concern.

4-H in Fremont County

Fremont County 4-H reached every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade class across five elementary schools. Nearly 400 kids were taught a STEM class in school from art and leadership to gardening. First graders learned about the changing leaves, how snowflakes form and mixing colors. Fremont 4-H has reached new goals with the largest number of youth enrolled – 425 youth. Sixty-eight youth participated in 4-H camp and 15 teens completed leadership training. Thirty-five youth were involved in shooting sports and Fremont County hosted the state shooting sports event in June with 125 youth participants from around the state. One participant attended the national shooting sports competition in Nebraska. A total of 120 youth sold animals at the Fremont County Market Sale and 21 displayed projects at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Fremont 4-H had 30 volunteers serve as leaders who taught livestock, small animals, shooting sports, robotics, cooking, hiking and more.

On the Horizon

The Experiential Agritech Program will be offered to Idaho youth in 2024, bringing precision agricultural technology and robotics to schools. Curriculum and equipment will be provided for students to build their own CNC robotic gardens. Students will learn how to program their robotic gardens and conduct experiments. Funding from the INL has jump started this program.

Research on amending the pH of soil with lime continues to progress and expand. In addition, work on terminal alfalfa varieties continues to progress in its second year.

A new 4-H STEM club is up and running in Ashton bringing in new members and volunteers. The state shooting sports event will be hosted in Fremont County again this June.

EXTENSION TRENDS: GEM/BOISE COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Gem and Boise County

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,961 direct contacts

• 1,138 youth participants

• 58 volunteers

• 1,460 volunteer hours

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Gem and Boise counties.

UI Extension Educator

Rebecca Mills

208-365-6363

rmills@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Providing support to area home gardeners has been a challenge in recent years. Declining Master Gardener volunteer numbers and an overall lack of horticulture program area support led UI Extension to become more creative to meet the needs of clientele. In recent years, two staff members have become certified Idaho Master Gardeners and, because of their commitment to the program area, UI Extension, Gem County has been able to continue to accept questions and get them answered. In 2023, office staff spent 160 hours answering home gardening/pest related questions working with horticulture faculty and specialists from around the state to make sure the questions of clientele were answered.

4-H in Gem/Boise County

In 2023, the 4-H program in Gem and Boise counties had 55 certified volunteers and 18 chartered clubs serving approximately 350 youth.

In 2023 yaks were added as a fair exhibit in the beef breeding area. One family in the program has been working to get this approved for a couple years. The yaks were different than any other animals on display and created lots of conversation for 4-H and community members alike.

A group of youth and adults traveled to Michigan for seven days in June as part of a State-to-State Exchange program. Participants toured the state and stayed with 4-H families. A new beef award sought to highlight local ranching traditions. An exhibition class sponsored by a local long-time ranching family created a new type of recognition for youth who are raising and showing cattle that would otherwise be destined for the commercial meat market as opposed to cattle that are bred for the show ring.

On the Horizon

At the beginning of the 4-H year volunteer interviews were conducted to meet with each 4-H volunteer about their volunteer experience. A report of what staff learned from those interviews will be presented back to the program later in the year.

Typically, UI Extension small acreage focused faculty members in the Southern District hold a 10–14-week small acreage management series early in the year. This year the series will focus on pasture management rather than several general topics like in previous years.

The UI Extension, Gem County office is partnering with UI Extension in Payette and Washington counties to host an Idaho Master Gardener volunteer training course early in 2024 to recruit more Master Gardener volunteer support.

EXTENSION TRENDS: GOODING COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 9,457 direct contacts

• 2,415 youth participants

• 35 volunteers

• 405 volunteer hours

• $95,000 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Gooding County: Cindy Bigler, Mark Bolduc, Cooper Brossy, Ricky Fritz, Kay Hults, Donna Jensen, Carol Johnson, Daniel Knapp, Rebecca Larsen, Judi Lethlean, Marsha Neibling, Jamie Price, Chris Pruett, Priscilla Ruiz, Arlene Shaw, Larry Walton, Karen Wisniewski and John Wright.

UI Extension Educators

Mario de Haro Martí 208-934-4417

mdeharo@uidaho.edu

Cindy Kinder 208-934-4417

ckinder@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The UI Extension, Gooding County STEAM program provides enrichment programs throughout the community with K-5 students participating in afterschool activities and K-12 students participating in camps and extracurricular activities. In addition, working with elementary and middle school teachers, UI Extension offers in-class enrichment programs to integrate STEM activities in the classroom and offer support as the teachers present complementary topics. The in-classroom program and the after-school activities offer students the possibility of engaging in creative and topicspecific STEAM activities. These help to develop interests for the students as well as to help reinforce topics that need additional attention.

A third element is a community STEM program that offers a series of independent and topical areas of interest, classes and science camps open to the whole community. Age groups and topics determine most activities, but in some communal activities adults and older teens are encouraged to participate in helping and mentoring younger participants. These community STEM activities are offered at diverse locations within the county, including the UI Extension office and many of the partners' locations.

4-H in Gooding County

4-H Youth Leadership programs were planned and conducted at various education platforms. The program included the Elevate Teen Retreat, 4-H Summer Camp Counselor program and youth/adult volunteer leadership efforts.

A total of 37 youth from across the state attended the Elevate Teen Retreat. This event focused on understanding and working with a variety of personalities and speaking with confidence. Surveys were conducted and 78% of youth stated they learned something new about the colors workshop. Sixty-five percent of youth stated they plan to use something from the colors workshop in the future; 59% said they learned something new about the speak up with confidence workshop; and 83% stated they plan to use something from the speak up with confidence workshop in the future.

Counselors are selected from applications to attend the Summer Camp Counselor program and receive leadership and camp training. Topics covered included camp is for the campers, hard to handle campers, flag ceremonies and campfire.

Throughout the year, UI Extension staff were mentoring Leaders Council, working committees and sale committee along with teens to provide and conduct leadership for county wide program efforts of Know Your Government, spring break, nine special education events, fair, summer interns and awards night. Near-Peer STEM mentoring helped teens serve as role models to younger youth. Mentors share their love for math and science with others while learning about leadership, supporting their communities through community service, and making good life choices.

On the Horizon

In 2024 UI Extension, Gooding County hopes to expand the shooting sports program with more volunteers with varying certifications. 4-H Educator Cindy Kinder will be conducting year three of the evaluation of the youth livestock program. UI Extension plans to develop strong working partnerships with the schools and community by filling long-time open positions.

EXTENSION TRENDS: IDAHO COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 10,845 direct contacts

• 906 youth participants

• 144 volunteers

• 6,640 volunteer hours

• $14,482 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Idaho County: Agriculture Advisory Board: Helen Rowland, Gary Crea, Tia Schumacher, James Boggan, Julia McCarthy, Sarah Park, Rick Turner, Ron Van Buren and Casey Cochran; 4-H Advisory Board: Tesse Pineda, Heather Kestner, Leslie McIntire and Sarah Walters; Healthy Lifestyle Advisory Board: Katrena Hauger, Andrea Solberg, Dustin Elliot, Eve McColloch, Lance McColloch, Kristi Brooks and Teri Wassmuth.

UI Extension Educator

Kirstin Jensen 208-983-2667

kdjensen@uidaho.edu

Meranda Small 208-983-2667

2023 Impact

Educator Meranda Small organized and hosted regional Beef Schools in Lewiston, Cottonwood and Sandpoint, which also included beef quality assurance training and certification. Quality assurance education was provided to youth participating in livestock projects during 2023 4-H Field Days. The Three Rivers Grazing Conference was hosted in partnership with UI Extension, Lewis County with support from local soil conservation districts after a two-year hiatus. The Idaho Young Cattle Producer Conference completed its seventh year with 18 producers attending. Small contributed to the organization and hosting of a National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Stockman and Stewardship event.

Educator Kirstin Jensen and co-authors presented the Five for Five physical activity curriculum to local school districts, UI Extension educators, U of I students, Idaho Department of Education’s Career Technical Education conferences, two national conferences, and the UI Extension Advisory Board and leadership team. Jensen offered six Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses, certifying 80 adult participants, was certified in MHFA for youth, and co-presented on MHFA at two national conferences. She also planned and conducted six healthy lifestyle events for PICH Extreme Adventure Club, including the first-annual 208 Kids Triathlon reaching 145 participants. Jensen also partnered with fellow educators to facilitate four Dementia Friends information sessions.

A canning class was offered in the fall featuring salsa and sauerkraut in partnership with the Grangeville Elks Lodge. Participants from the surrounding community were given information on water bath canning safety plus tips and tricks.

4-H in Idaho County

Idaho County has 18 4-H clubs and at least one club in each of the county’s seven communities. Over 400 youth participated in 4-H clubs in 2023, with over 100 adult volunteers. The 4-H program has two teen leadership development groups. The Ambassador Program is for teens in 9-12 grades. Participants attend monthly meetings to develop leadership, public speaking and organizational skills. The M.O.D. Squad (Members of Distinction) is for teens in 7-8 grades. This group is designed for those who are ready to expand their leadership skills outside of club activities. Members have a leadership role in county activities held throughout the year. Fifteen teens participated in 2023. In addition to overnight camp, two separate day camps were offered, Sewing Day and 4-H Day Camp, which are free of charge. The Farm and Forest Fair is offered to area schools as an educational event promoting the importance of natural resources. Eleven area schools attended with 249 youth.

On the Horizon

Continued distribution and presentation of the Five for Five curriculum is taking place, including designing a website. MHFA for Youth classes will be offered to afterschool programs. BQA content will be updated in 2024, incorporating audit results from 2022. Small is working with a team to deliver Beginning Rancher Development programming as well as involved with neighboring institutions to provide Secure Beef Supply programming. Victory Garden classes will be offered starting in February 2024. This six-week class will cover a variety of topics such as soil preparation, gardening techniques, common pests, weed control, pollinators and beneficial insects, harvest and storage, and seed saving.

EXTENSION TRENDS: JEFFERSON COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 11,367 direct contacts

• 590 youth participants

• 81 volunteers

• 950 volunteer hours

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Jefferson County: Leland Smith, Marcia McManus, Alicia Nef, Holly Handcock, Allan Clark and Gabriel Arteaga.

UI Extension Educator

Joseph Sagers

208-745-6685

jsagers@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

UI Extension, Jefferson County has been busy educating the public with classes and workshops throughout the year. Workshops were held on forages, pesticide applicator training, farm succession and estate planning, and a large workshop on how to get people started growing their own vegetables in high tunnels.

4-H in Jefferson County

The 4-H program in Jefferson County continues to grow. In addition to the livestock and horse programs, the shooting sports program continues to grow. Seventy youth from Jefferson County participated in the shooting sports program in 2023. Jefferson County 4-H has increased involvement in the local public schools in rural areas such as Ririe and Terreton where STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities like Lego robotics, nutrition and geocaching are offered.

On the Horizon

This year UI Extension, Jefferson County said goodbye to esteemed colleague, Lorie Dye, who has worked for UI Extension since 1994. A new part-time position was filled by Mindy Raymond who helps with in-school programming and other nonmarket animal projects. The Extension office looks forward to continued growth as programming is increased.

EXTENSION TRENDS: JEROME COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Jerome County •

2023 By the Numbers

• 8,033 direct contacts

• 713 youth participants

• 34 volunteers

• 285 volunteer hours

• $88,360 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Jerome County: Jim Meeks, Diane Meeks, Jose Martinez, Oscar Martinez, Roger Wells, Tianna Fife, Doug Huettig, Ben Crouch, Charlie Howell, Art Watkins, Ron Taylor, Lydia Jackson, Bryant Nelson, Andrea Wiesenmeyer, Debbie Hartley and Kim Lickley.

UI Extension Educators

Steven Hines

208-324-7578

shines@uidaho.edu

Gretchen Manker

208-324-7578

gretchenm@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Growers in the Magic Valley continue to increase cover crop acreage, but the crop mix and harvest dates make cover crop adoption a challenge. Most crops are harvested too late for cover cropping practices to be implemented. Educator Steven Hines has been researching methods to grow cover crops in silage corn by planting when corn plants are small in the early summer. One method being adopted is planting silage corn on wider than normal rows which allows more sunlight to reach the cover crop under the corn. It appears that corn yields can be maintained and when harvested, there is a well-established cover crop to provide for grazing, or to help hold soil in place through the winter and spring winds. Programs on preserving and processing foods safely at home is a focus for Educator Gretchen Manker. Along with safe home food preservation methods, Manker and fellow FCS educators focus programs on menu planning from foods on hand, freezing and storing meals safely, and eating a variety of foods to balance out nutrient intake.

Twelve youth and two counselors attended 4-H summer camp. An increase in beef projects resulted in the need to find solutions to safely house the animals during fair. Space that is not normally used was converted and remodeled to fit all the animals.

4-H in Jerome County

The 4-H program gained 35 new families and eight new leaders, resulting in a family night for all 4-H families to learn more about 4-H. The Jerome County Fair received a $50,000 grant from AgWest Farm Credit which resulted in an update to the pig barn with brand new pens and watering system. The Jerome County Senior Livestock Skill-athon team won the state contest and competed in the North American International Livestock Exposition in Kentucky. One youth placed 4th high individual in evaluation on hay and wool judging, and overall the team placed 19th in the competition.

Two summer day camps were offered, one on food and kitchen safety using an air fryer and the other on food and kitchen safety while learning about cake decorating. Eight non-4-H youth attended each of the camps. Juntos 4-H supports Latinx youth in 8-12 grades to graduate from high school and go-on to post-secondary education. Juntos 4-H served 49 youth in 2023 with 94% of Juntos seniors graduating from high school.

On the Horizon

Hines is a co-lead on the $55 million U of I Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership grant which should roll out in spring 2024. A group of UI Extension colleagues continue to conduct farm succession programming and Hines is working with colleagues from Utah State Extension to develop training for U of I educators to help streamline the program for Idaho. Farm succession was identified on the statewide needs assessment survey as a vital issue for Idaho's ag community.

Manker is looking forward to working with Head Start preschool youth on a series of 4-H Cloverbud lessons and 4-H Cooking 101 with summer school students.

Jerome County 4-H will host a Winter Carnival and provide educational AG/STEM activities to youth and adults in the community. Spring break workshops for youth aged 5 or older will be held, for both 4-H and non4-H participants.

EXTENSION TRENDS: KOOTENAI COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Kootenai County • www.uidaho.edu/kootenai

2023 By the Numbers

• 16,705 direct contacts

• 12,967 youth participants

• 52 volunteers

• 3,416 volunteer hours

• $464,387 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Kootenai County.

UI Extension Educators

Shelly Johnson

208-292-2525 sjohnson@uidaho.edu

Chris Schnepf

208-292-2525 cschnepf@uidaho.edu

Teresa Balderrama

208-292-2525 teresagb@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

FCS programs focus on nutrition, wellness and obesity prevention programs, strategies, and environmental changes. Eat Smart Idaho is a major program managed by UI Extension in Kootenai County and focuses efforts on access to healthier foods for low-income families. Programming includes direct education to low-income families and youth and policy, systems, and environmental change strategies centered around school cafeterias, healthy food pantries, healthy food drives, novel food exposure, and small space gardening. In 2023, FCS programs helped over 8,639 youth and adults establish healthy eating habits and a physically active lifestyle. Participates showed improvement in dietary knowledge and practices, food resource management, food safety, physical activity, and an improved sense of food security.

The Idaho Master Gardener Program provides horticulture education along with horticulture-based volunteer development. A total of 23 Idaho Master Gardener volunteers committed 2,686 total hours serving citizens through a Q&A hotline, demonstration garden, and teaching classes such as resilient landscapes, efficient and clean water, increasing the value of their property, and creating a healthy relationship with nature and our community. It is impossible to place a true dollar amount on the immeasurable contributions of the Idaho Master Gardener program. In 2023, the return on investment of the local program equates to $85,415 through in-kind service.

There was a 50% increase in visits to the mobile Plant Clinic booth and online client questionnaire forms, allowing UI Extension to reach a wider audience that may not be able to visit the office during the week. Demand was met by expanding the Ask a Master Gardener booth into the community and by expanding class offerings in 2024.

With over 802 members in 32 clubs, youth participated in projects like livestock, pets, civic engagement, leadership, art, shooting sports, and more. With 171 adult volunteers and two AmeriCorps volunteers UI Extension was able to engage 10,513 youth in Kootenai and Shoshone counties.

A total of 324 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters attended UI Extension forestry programs held in Kootenai County in 2022-2023, including the Forestry Shortcourse, Current Topics in Forest Health, the Family Foresters Workshop, Backyard Forests, Landscaping for Fire Prevention, Logger Education to Advance Professionalism, and Identifying Idaho Trees. Many Kootenai County forest owners, loggers and foresters also attended programs held in adjacent panhandle counties. Thirteen Kootenai County forest owners are currently certified UI Extension volunteers with the Idaho Master Forest Stewards, who provided over 509 hours of volunteer service to over 1,027 forest owners and others in the Idaho Panhandle in 2022-2023.

4-H in Kootenai County

In 2023, UI Extension, Kootenai/Shoshone 4-H launched the 4-H STEM Learning Center. The center provides youth a maker’s space with STEM enrichment programs using 4-H curriculum. This increased enrollment last year, reaching youth in more urban communities around the county. This has become an enrichment program for home-schooled kids in the community. Traditional youth programing was delivered to 4-H

club members throughout Kootenai and Shoshone County participating at the North Idaho State Fair. During the fair, 4-H members gave demonstrations for robotics and hosted games with the robots that the visiting public could participate in. Two judging teams attended the Idaho 4-H Dairy Contest in Nampa where both teams placed in the top five. 4-H members in also participated in national contests in horse bowl, public speaking and shooting sports.

A total of 84 youth participated in the weeklong Bee City USA camp through 4-H STEM Camp. Multigenerational Master Gardeners continued guiding youth in surveying bumble bee habitats, evaluating species present and in peril, safely capturing bees to photograph for identification, plant identification for nectar sources, and entering and comparing multi-year data in the final year of the PNW Bumble Bee Atlas Project.

In-person, hands-on labs were developed by volunteers with UI Extension oversight to strengthen volunteers’ diagnostic skills and offer hands-on classes to the public. Thirteen topics were created by the team then taught to a focus group and Master Gardeners obtaining CEU credits. These lab activities have become part of the 4-H STEM Learning Center curriculum, allowing Master Gardeners or STEM Center staff to instruct classes for youth and accompanying adults in new and engaging ways. All volunteers were reinvigorated through these activities.

On the Horizon

In 2023 the 4-H program piloted an overnight STEM camp offered to youth ages 8-13. Plans are in place to host this camp again in 2024 with emphasis in STEM activities and STEM based careers in agriculture.

Low-income children in Idaho are affected with high rates of food insecurity and obesity placing them at risk for poor health outcomes. Diets that are rich in fruit and vegetable intake are associated with many health benefits, including obesity. However, Idaho youth do not consume the nationally recommended amounts of fruits or vegetables each day. Research shows consumption is low because children often will not try foods they are unfamiliar with, in particular vegetables. Additionally, low-income families will not spend their limited food dollars on foods they are unsure their children will eat. One way to increase fruit and vegetable

purchases by low-income households is to introduce fruits and vegetables to youth during the school day with taste tests. The Eat Smart Idaho team has offered fruit/vegetable exposures during the school day in the elementary school setting since 2022, focused on the middle school setting in 2023, and plans on introducing students in the alternative high school setting next. The team will publish the protocol of how to successfully offer this concept to school age children and will pursue a scholarly journal article on novel food exposure.

Native beekeeping, native pollinators and techniques beyond organic practices have been the most popular outreach subjects in 2023 and will expand in 2024.

To align with the 50% increase in Plant Clinic visits and online questionnaires, UI Extension developed an asynchronous plan in collaboration with North Carolina State University and Top Hat to certify volunteers and provide an advanced certification course to professionals and the public as a pilot in 2021-22. This new Master Gardener/Extension Gardener curriculum delivery uses an engaging platform and could create a revenue stream for the program in Kootenai County. Work spent refining the course prior to a full release will allow future certification years to accept professionals in the green industry to take the course to further develop their skills in horticulture alongside UI Extension and acquire a professional Green Certificate in the process. This strategy could address public demand for certification, increase accessibility to a wider audience, and decrease demand on staff and faculty across the northern part of the state.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LATAH COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Latah County

2023 By the Numbers

• 11,429 direct contacts

• 1,083 youth participants

• 214 volunteers

• 3,979 volunteer hours

• $730,943 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who inform the work we do for UI Extension in Latah County: Jodi McClory, Jenny Parker, Paul Brandenstein, Jen Elliot, Robin Ohlgren, Lovina Englund, Tina Bass, Michelle Reynolds, Mauri Knott, Edie Simons, Joe Stanley, Jennifer Wallace, BJ Swanson, Kim Vogel, Marlys Wilson, Erika Odenborg, Jenny Ford, Rhonda Comstock and Kathie LaFortune.

UI Extension Educators

Iris Mayes 208-883-2267

imayes@uidaho.edu

Karen Richel 208-883-2241

krichel@uidaho.edu

Jessie Van Buren 208-883-2289

jvanburen@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Twenty-seven ‘fun’ancial education programs created core memories for 496 elementary students with age-appropriate, creative activities and real-world scenarios that fostered a deeper understanding of financial concepts. A year-long declutter challenge brought 258 participants that send weekly check-ins and have donated more the $77,000 worth of items. Also offered was the fourth annual Our Financial Conference which drew more than 213 community members to meet local financial businesses and resources to learn ways to enjoy financial wellness.

The Pollinator Summit co-hosted the CALS Distinguished Speaker, Neil Williams from UC Davis with over 150 attendees for the two-day event. The summit brings together gardening and farming audiences to hear the latest research from U of I and other institutions. Due to increased advertising for the Tuesday Market, the collective gross income has risen from $16,936 in 2022 to $47,258 in 2023. Four beginning farmers started selling produce at the Tuesday Market this year. Over 50 participants attended farm and garden classes that were offered in person and online.

Weekly visits to the local food banks brought nutritional information and recipes. The Tuesday Market and the Summer Meals Program at Lena Whitmore Elementary saw 5 to 65 individuals that learned about nutrition and tried fun recipes.

4-H in Latah County

Latah County 4-H reached over 309 youth and 51 volunteers with the completion of 354 projects. Leaders hosted county-wide project meetings for goat and beef covering information regarding health, reproduction, nutrition, meat science and more. Also offered was Fair Fun Fridays where a clinician taught showmanship followed by a practice show. At the Latah County Fair, 45 general projects were displayed, and 287 animals were shown. Work continues with the Moscow Middle School Earth Club in the school garden as well as teaching curriculum focused on healthy eating, exercise and life skills.

On the Horizon

The Money Mastery Mentor program will be introduced during the spring semester. This is a three-semester program that introduces students to Extension and financial programming, helps them claim volunteer hours, and prepares them to teach Extension programming. The fifth annual Our Financial Conference will bring new speakers, sponsors, and timely financial information to the community. Financial programming for elementary students will continue into the spring semester.

The Tuesday Market outreach and advertising campaign will move into year two. The fifth annual Pollinator Summit will be held. Farm and garden classes will continue, and the Idaho Master Gardener program will start with hopes of new certified volunteers to maintain local gardens and assist the community with plant problems through the weekly Plant Clinic.

Youth Livestock Field Days will continue, covering nutrition, health, training at home, and evaluation of beef, swine, sheep, and goats followed by an afternoon of various hands-on stations. Leaders are implementing monthly county-wide swine project meetings. These meetings will utilize knowledgeable professors and students at U of I to teach youth breeding, selection, nutrition and handling.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LEMHI COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 5,782 direct contacts

• 2,269 youth participants

• 63 volunteers

• 1,920 volunteer hours

• $9,441 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who inform the work we do for UI Extension in Lemhi County: Chris Kirby, Lynn Bowerman, Bobbi Eby, Kim Kesl, Mike Kossler, Leah Madsen, Frances Mueller, Tori O’Neal, Kevin Ramsey, Kate Yeater, Jake Zollinger, Curtis Beyeler, Kaelie Pena, Suzy Avey, Jeff Burch, Sara Chaplin, Amy Fealko, Kim Murphy, Rene Meyer, Amber Pace, Jill Patton, Maggie Seaberg, Katie Slavin, Caleb & Brittany Wallace, Carrie & Tom Whitson, Mallori Wing, Ruth Young, Brigham Peters, Erin Barrett, Merril Beyeler, Kim Browne, Katie & Keelan Cooper, Sherry Elrod Paul Fisher, Melody Kauer, Shane Matson, Sherri Miller, Myriam Mualem, Bruce Mulkey, Ed Palmer, Rosana Reith, Marnie Spencer, Jeff & Marii Stratter, Shawna Troughton and Charli Williams.

UI Extension Educators

Shannon Williams

208-742-1696

shannonw@uidaho.edu

Katie McFarland

208-742-1698

khoffman@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

At the spring meeting for the NRCS Working Group, there was a discussion about reaching small landowners and helping them to understand the need to care for their soil. The decision was made to host the four-week program Land SMART. The first week focused on soil followed by water, plants and livestock. Fremont, Jefferson and Madison counties also participated and 57% of participants felt the class met their expectations. Seventy-one percent thought attending the workshops would help them reach their land goals and everyone said they would recommend the workshop to a friend.

In its 7th year of operation, the community dinner remains a vibrant and viable source for the development of social capital in the community. Serving nearly 200-300 participants each month, the dinners have become an important part of the fight against food insecurity and developing community inclusiveness. Since 2017, the percentage of people with a moderate need for meals increased from 8% to 17% and 9% expressed a strong need for the meal. The percentage of participants that attend the dinners for a sense of community increased from 29% to 44% between 2017 and 2023.

4-H in Lemhi County

Lemhi County 4-H attended Alpine 4-H Camp with 21 youth and four adults. This year, youth also attended Dirt Camp where they learned about different insects, how different animals use dirt and mud to create their homes, and many other activities to learn about the world. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the outdoors, go on a hike, participate in shooting sports, and spend time with other youth. Youth love to explore camps and develop relationships with other kids from both Lemhi and Jefferson Counties. Alpine 4-H Camp also draws in youth that do not usually participate in 4-H activities. Many will attend camp and then become interested in other activities.

On the Horizon

One of the current challenges is reaching new audiences with Extension programming. Determining the best day/night of the week, the time and how often are questions that must be asked each time a workshop or class is offered. One of the challenges is the target audience usually has school age children. If both parents attend, then there is a need to find a babysitter, adding a cost to attending the course. If the course is offered virtually, then Extension loses the person-to-person contact and the opportunity to begin to build a relationship with clientele. A new idea is to piggyback a 4-H project camp with Extension workshops. Citizens could sign up for the adult class, youth could participate in the 4-H project camp, or the entire family could sign up for both. Thursday nights will be used to test the idea as there is no school on Friday.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LEWIS COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Lewis County

2023 By the Numbers

• 7,979 direct contacts

• 195 youth participants

• 41 volunteers

• 3,380 volunteer hours

• $10,500 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Lewis County: Justin McLeod, Cole Riggers, Tara Cloninger, Shandrie Stigum, Greg Johnson and Eric Hasselstrom.

2023 Impact

Crop programs provided by UI Extension, Lewis County help farmers receive annual information on variety trials and other crop research through cereal schools, crop tours and educational certification for pesticide applicator's licensing. This year saw a large increase in the number of local farmers who participated in the 2023 Greencreek Cereal School. In partnership with the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission, University of Idaho educators and industry partners gave participants updates on local crop and chemical trials, best management practices for area weeds, and the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership that highlights climate-smart ag practices. Nearly 75 local producers were in attendance.

Additionally, the annual Area Crop and Conservation Tour was held which included stops at winter canola, winter wheat, spring barley and pea varieties on the Camas Prairie. Thanks to a strong partnership with Lewis County companies, the tour was free for the 25 participants in attendance.

4-H in Lewis County

4-H participation is a long-standing tradition for many generations of Lewis County residents. Nearly half of all eligible youth participate in 4-H, with 195 members enrolling in 2023. The 4-H program also serves as a good precursor for youth to join one of the county’s FFA chapters when they meet age eligibility. Lewis County staff and leaders hosted multiple opportunities for members to engage in new curricula and learn new skills. Topics included cookie and cake decorating, art, robotics, dance, vet science, beekeeping, youth leadership development, and more. In addition, 180 youth participated in the CL2N 4-H Camp at Camp Sanders, and 255 youth attended the North Central Idaho Farm and Forest Fair.

On the Horizon

UI Extension, Lewis County has a variety of offerings planned for the upcoming year that include both new and existing events covering topics such as utilizing climate-smart ag practices, farm business management and succession, regenerative agriculture, forestry, exploring new curriculum in 4-H youth development, and more. Lewis County will also offer the long-standing Prairie Area Crop and Conservation Tour and Cereal School next year.

Additionally, Lewis County is excited to advertise for and hire a new Extension Educator in the coming year. Previous educator, Audra Cochran, took an Extension position in a neighboring county.

EXTENSION TRENDS: LINCOLN COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,500 direct contacts

• 150 youth participants

• 20 volunteers

• 500 volunteer hours

• $10,500 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Lincoln County.

2023 Impact

Reaching out to local community members for programs.

4-H in Lincoln County

The UI Extension, Lincoln County 4-H program held a districtwide sheep and goat education day and a county dairy education day was added. An AmeriCorps volunteer helped with summer programs for Cloverbuds and 4-H youth in 2023. An NRA grant to get more youth involved in shooting sports for rifle and archery was received.

On the Horizon

A LEGO Spikes project and shooting sports projects will begin in 2024.

EXTENSION TRENDS: MADISON COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Madison County • www.uidaho.edu/madison

2023 By the Numbers

• 6,105 direct contacts

• 2,091 youth participants

• 55 volunteers

• 925 volunteer hours

• $2,044,408 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Madison County: Steve Dennis, Shaun Blaser, Gale Harding, Cheryl Empey, Tiffany Nielson, Chris Johnson and Maren Nichols.

UI Extension Educators

Lance Hansen

208-359-6297

lancehansen@uidaho.edu

Jared Gibbons

208-359-6215

jaredg@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

UI Extension, Madison County has been increasing its agricultural and horticultural presence in the community. In March, Madison and Jefferson counties hosted a high tunnel workshop that over 100 participants attended, learning how to manage high tunnels effectively. The climate of eastern Idaho and the Upper Snake River Plain is highly variable at the beginning and end of the growing season. Many marginal crops can be successfully and economically grown if provided with moderate season extension or frost protection. Participants learned how to use these simple greenhouses to manage soil, temperature and site conditions to optimize the production of warm-season vegetables, berries and cut flowers. They also learned about marketing and financing such smallscale specialty crops.

The youth financial literacy program Employment Feud started in Madison County, earning national recognition with a third-place award as an innovative youth program. This program is taught at Madison and Sugar City Jr High Schools and teaches youth what they need to know to find and interview for employment. One of the main focuses in Madison County is to offer financial programs to youth and adults in the community.

4-H in Madison County

The 4-H program continues to grow as new families move to the area and new volunteers share their ideas and create new 4-H clubs. Educator Jared Gibbons helped Madison Middle School implement their school garden project and taught kids about the science and wonders of soil chemistry and microbiology. All day camps were well attended and supported by community members, including a new holiday day camp in December. Over 30 youth attend this camp, learning how to make holiday ornaments and decorate holiday cookies. The county fair was well supported, livestock shows were competitive, and participants did an admirable job with their animals. Livestock sales for 4-H youth were a success due to the generosity and support of the great residents of Madison County.

On the Horizon

Educator Jared Gibbons is implementing a study examining the effects of biological inoculants on winter wheat seedlings for improved vigor and establishment and reduced fertilizer need. In 2024, he will use drones that Extension already uses for 4-H programming, updating the optics and looking for differences in water use efficiency in the wheat and barley varieties planted at U of I field trials in southeastern Idaho. 4-H Coordinator Kandee Boice is working with local schools to introduce robotics and support their efforts by sharing her knowledge and allowing use of Lego robotics kits. Boice is dedicated to ensuring that UI Extension keeps up with new STEM educational programs available through 4-H. Educator Lance Hansen is working with the U of I Farm Stress team to help bring awareness to the issues associated with mental health among farmers and ranchers. Administrative Assistant Shay Muir is working to improve the operation of the local office, including an improved online presence using social media.

EXTENSION TRENDS: MINIDOKA COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Minidoka County • www.uidaho.edu/minidoka

2023 By the Numbers

• 13,395 direct contacts

• 5,077 youth participants

• 107 volunteers

• 5,300 volunteer hours

• $3,517 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Minidoka County: Sophie Cowgill, Troy Draper, Kris Faux, Tiffany Grischkowsky, Justin Studer, Tawnya Tracy, Adrian Vergara, Salvador Moreno, Jeff Miller, Doug Hansen and Brian Kossman.

UI Extension Educator

Jason Thomas 208-436-7184

jasont@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

In terms of agricultural education, Educator Jason Thomas continues to work with the Pest Friends board game which is being used in the county and nationwide. This curriculum was the national winner of the communications award for publications with the National Association of County Agriculture Agents. The board game is an educational simulation teaching farmers, homeowners and high schoolers about the importance of integrated pest management. Thomas has held trainings across the nation about this important curriculum and continues to develop it. He also reached thousands of youth through his work with insects and spiders allowing youth to hold them and interact with them. He continues to coordinate with educators across the state to ensure county residents receive important training at venues like pesticide recertification classes, the Idaho Potato Conference and Cereal School.

4-H in Minidoka County

Minidoka County has a well-established traditional 4-H club program with 365 youth and 106 adult volunteers in 20 clubs. Teen leadership is strong in the county. Members of the 4-H Teen Association frequently teach youth classes, serve as counselors at overnight and day camps, and attend state and national events. Two teens applied and were selected for the Idaho Pollinator program and attended the IGNITE 4-H Summit in Washington D.C. to gain valuable information to teach others about the importance of pollinators in the world. 4-H Coordinator Jeni Bywater also coached a varsity 4-H LifeSmarts team who qualified for the national competition in Cincinnati, Ohio. LifeSmarts teaches teens about technology, the environment, consumer rights and responsibilities, personal finance, and health and safety. The team placed fifth nationally. Ten members of the 4-H Teen Association traveled to Missouri for their state-to-state exchange in June. They learned about the Missouri 4-H program and were able to visit many sites. Minidoka County has consistently done state-to-state exchanges since 1997.

On the Horizon

Minidoka County 4-H will continue to host district overnight horse and poultry camps. The dog program saw significant growth in 2023 and should continue to grow. With the addition of a volunteer who has an interest in cats, 4-H will offer camps and classes for youth with cats in order to gain more opportunities for learning and growth in this project area. If everything goes as planned, the Minidoka County Fair will have its first 4-H cat show in 2024.

Thomas is investigating the usage of virtual reality for educational programs. He also continues to work with the Pest Friends board game and has created an events expansion and is working on a weed scenario with Albert Adjesiwor, UI Extension weed specialist.

EXTENSION TRENDS: NEZ PERCE COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,026 direct contacts

• 617 youth participants

• 91 volunteers

• 372 volunteer hours

• $74,638 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Nez Perce County: Tom Conklin, Clint Zenner, Steve Riggers, Maria Garvey, Barb Matteson, Shawn Smith, Carol Thompson, Janis Forsmann, Betty Peters, Lynn Johnson, Kerry Sanford and Angie Beck.

UI Extension Educators

Kathee Tifft

208-799-3096

ktifft@uidaho.edu

Doug Finkelnburg

208-799-3096

dougf@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

UI Extension, Nez Perce County continues to work with Lewiston Library Youth Services to provide 4-H’s Out of the Box learning labs for homeschool youth and youth in their afterschool program. Faculty and staff partnered to teach two sessions of Skillet Creations cooking classes and a Jr. Master Gardener learning lab.

Educator Kathee Tifft is a member of UI Extension’s Dementia Friends team and delivered dementia information sessions in Lewiston, Winchester, Cottonwood and Sandpoint. Participants agreed they felt more confident and equipped as community members to recognize the signs and offer support to the needs of a person living with dementia.

Nine Advanced Master Gardeners contributed 372 volunteer hours to deliver 17 diagnostic plant clinics and manned a booth at the Nez Perce County Fair. Horticulture Associate Danielle Evans provided classes on houseplants, native versus invasive plants, and growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables, and participated in several community health fairs.

Administrative Associate/Advanced Master Food Safety Advisor Shawna Hobson taught online and in-person classes on fermentation, dehydration and the preparation of sauerkraut and salsa. She tested more than 70 pressure canners for proper functioning and responded to 399 client questions about approved methods and techniques for safe food preservation.

Educator Doug Finkelnburg co-authored one peer-reviewed publication, gave 12 presentations and facilitated nine engagement activities reaching 747 contacts. He served on 11 committees and participated in the implementation of the Pacific Northwest Herbicide Resistance Initiative to address herbicide resistant weeds. He continues to serve a leading role in the Extension component of the Innovative Agricultural Marketing Partnership (IAMP) grant.

4-H in Nez Perce County

New 4-H Coordinator Mary Kate Myers stepped in to lead a very productive 4-H program through their annual calendar of activities. In 2023, the Nez Perce County 4-H program had 415 active members enrolled in 550 projects. Eighty-two volunteers provided leadership and resources for 23 4-H clubs whose members completed and showed approximately 495 projects at the county fair. With support from the Idaho Forest Group, an online auction component was held for the market animal sale and livestream of 4-H youth showing their animals.

On the Horizon

Tifft is developing a series of healthy pro-aging classes with FCS educators statewide. Aging with Intent and Meaning (AIM) is focused on informed decision-making and pre-planning regarding contemporary topics related to aging. She will also complete the training to become a certified Poverty Coach and member of the UI Extension Poverty-Informed Task Force by completing a poverty competency assessment.

Finkelnburg will continue to emphasize crop rotation and diversification strategies to minimize risks and maximize cash crop production potential. He will collaborate with local soil-water conservation districts to evaluate post-harvest weed seed control strategies and host continuing education events for crop producers and agricultural professionals as well as supporting Master Gardener education efforts and ISDA Pesticide License recertification events.

EXTENSION TRENDS: NIMIIPUU RESERVATION

University of Idaho Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation • www.uidaho.edu/nezpercereservation

2023 Impact

2023 By the Numbers

• 4,350 direct contacts

• 2,992 youth participants

• 442 volunteers

• 486 volunteer hours

• $700,945 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation: Ryan Oatman, Ann McCormack, Kim Cannon, Kathee Tifft and Abraham Broncheau.

UI Extension Educator

Danielle Scott 208-621-3514 or 208-791-4087

dnscott@uidaho.edu

The UI Extension, Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Reservation program focuses on the Tribe’s rich culture, language, history and tradition in all program areas. Topic areas include 4-H life skills, agriculture and community development. The mission of all programs is to provide positive youth development, educational opportunities and leadership with a strong focus on intergenerational learning. All topic areas include educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).

To address community needs, the UI Extension, Nimiipuu Reservation program provided 153 events over 12 months, with 4,024 people participating in programs. Many of these events included intergenerational learning (80%) with adult volunteers providing support and encouragement to youth during and after the event. The outcome of the intergenerational learning environment was the extended knowledge that went home with youth as well as strengthening the bond within the family unit.

Opportunities for adult learning also included mental health, food sovereignty, food systems, healthy living and community development. The 6th Annual Food Summit was held in 2023 and funding was secured to expand the event in 2024. The 2nd Annual Youth Art Conference and the Culture is Prevention Healthy Movement events were also held.

Nez Perce Reservation 4-H

In 2023 the Nimiipuu Reservation 4-H program expanded in the areas of Culture is Prevention, LEGO and Robotics, Outdoor Survival Skills, and STEAM, impacting nearly 3,000 students. The expansion in these program areas was in large part due to the second-year funding of the America Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) in partnership with the UI Extension, Schitsu’umsh Reservation program.

Culture is Prevention was expanded to include Culture is Connection. At these hands-on workshops, youth were engaged in Native American arts and crafts with skilled adults and elders who taught them skills that connected them with their roots. Some workshops included gaff hook making and fishnet making so youth can connect with the old ways of fishing. Youth were also taught flint knapping to learn how to make arrowheads and how to make their own tipi, including how to gather and prepare the poles. These skills taught youth how to survive and the importance of respecting the land. These intergenerational workshops also included STEAM lessons and how to make money selling these items for a business to make a living or as a side hustle.

On the Horizon

The new 4-H Youth Salmon Protectors Group will be offered to youth ages 13-18 in 2024. This group is being developed in response to youth asking how they can help save the wild salmon in the area. It is well known and frequently discussed that salmon need help to survive and bring them back from near extinction. The Nez Perce Tribe has invested a lot of time and money into trying to save their number one traditional food. According to Nimiipuu creation stories, Creator asked who would give their life to feed the people, salmon was the first to stand up offering his life. In the Salmon Protectors curriculum, stories and language of the Nimiipuu will be included as well as STEAM activities. To enrich the curriculum, several partners are collaborating, including the Idaho Conservation Corps, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Nez Perce Fish and Wildlife, and the Nez Perce Tribe Fish Hatchery. Education on the life cycle of the salmon, water stewardship, responsible fishing, fish hatcheries and hands on fish processing will be offered.

EXTENSION TRENDS: ONEIDA COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,500 direct contacts

• 189 youth participants

• 31 volunteers

• 350 volunteer hours

• $6,100 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Oneida County: Bill Lewis, Stacy Trip, John Abrams, John Williams, Phillp Firth, Lexi Evans and Luke Waldron.

UI Extension Educator

Sawyer Fonnesbeck

208-766-2243

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The UI Extension, Oneida County office had a great impact on the community providing classes from livestock to FCS education. The Extension office teamed up with other community service organizations to provide education classes that were a huge success with plans for more. Educator Sawyer Fonnesbeck traveled to many other locations to help give presentations on his research and uses of rained on hay in feeding bulk feed to cattle.

4-H in Oneida County

The UI Extension, Oneida County 4-H program saw a great growth in 2023, including finding leaders for 4-H club projects that haven't been available for a few years, such as art projects. Grant money was received to help provide materials for those projects. The Working Ranch Horse program was held for the first time in 10 years, which was a wonderful addition to the fair this year. There were a record number of 140 miscellaneous projects entered at fair, ranging from sewing to cooking.

On the Horizon

Fonnesbeck will continue his research in long term hay nutrition stored in different ways. There are also plans for more FCS education in the upcoming months. The UI Extension office will also work with the local water department to educate citizens about valley water adjudications and what it means for the community.

EXTENSION TRENDS: OWYHEE COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 6,415 direct contacts

• 2,352 youth participants

• 71 volunteers

• 950 volunteer hours

• $26,500 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Owyhee County: Scott Bunderson, Lath Calloway, Amy Carson, David Carson, Deidre Erwin, Melanie Harper, Jerry Hoagland, Rex Hoagland, Mary Huff, Rosa Jacabo, Sharla Jensen, Ginger Loucks, Hannah Mamer, Brad McIntyre, Joe Merrick, Janet Miller, Jody Moos, Chad Nettleton, Heather Packer, Ken Price, Doug Rutan, Wendy Steinberg, Norm Stewart, Moss Strong, Hailee Tilton, Olga Valero and Shane Wetzel.

UI Extension Educators

K. Scott Jensen

208-896-4104

scottj@uidaho.edu

Surine Greenway

208-896-4104

surineg@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The UI Extension, Owyhee County Master Food Safety Advisor program recruited and trained 11 first-year volunteers in 2023. In addition, 10 Advanced Master Food Safety Advisors were retained and educated through ongoing training. More than 524 hours were donated to the program, valued at more than $14,561.96 reaching consumers with food safety education. These experiences contribute to food quality, food safety and preservation education for clientele. Expanding Extension’s outreach to consumers includes food preservation and food handling practices that contribute to healthier individuals and families. The Owyhee County Master Food Safety Advisors led 213 adult participants through 12 hands-on food preservation classes in 2023.

Twenty-nine individuals completed artificial insemination training in the Treasure Valley, including 16 who were from outside of Idaho. Additionally, six individuals completed AI training held in the Magic Valley. Six of the program participants requested to take the Idaho State AI license exam and completed it successfully. Twenty-eight students have an interest in beef cattle and artificial insemination will give them access to the best genetics available around the world. It also provides a cost savings of up to $75/insemination versus hiring a technician to do the arm service. The wage for an inseminator on a dairy is typically 2530% higher than that of milkers and general dairy laborers.

4-H in Owyhee County

Owyhee County 4-H recruited and trained eight new certified 4-H volunteers. In addition, 42 certified 4-H volunteers were retained from previous years of service. A total of 293 youth were enrolled in Owyhee County 4-H with market swine and market sheep projects continuing to lead in enrollment numbers, followed closely by Cloverbuds. Leathercraft and horse projects surpassed market goats and market beef in enrollment numbers in 2023. 4-H members also participated in baking and cake decorating, sewing and quilting, shooting sports, breeding livestock, small animals, cooking, photography, Know Your Government, gardening, and woodworking projects. Shooting sports, communications and expressive arts project area enrollments and exhibit numbers are on the rise and prove to be a draw. Of the 317 4-H and FFA youth that exhibited at the Owyhee County Fair in 2023, 248 sold a market animal in the Owyhee County Junior Livestock Sale, which totaled $610,781 (before add-ons).

On the Horizon

Get the Dish!: A Virtual Cooking Series began in 2023 with partners from Extension in Idaho, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Adults are educated regarding food-focused preparation and safety content. In live Zoom presentations, 296 participants have attended. Based on the success of this program, the team will continue implementation in 2024, with classes already being designed.

Work is ongoing on a range project using dormant season grazing to reduce fine fuels and fire risk. Following five years of grazing treatments, data shows a positive effect on perennial grasses.

Implementation of the new 4-H Fridays day camp series will begin in the 2023-24 4-H year, along with a focus to develop stronger livestock contest (livestock skill-a-thon, livestock quiz bowl and livestock judging) and STEM programs in Owyhee County.

EXTENSION TRENDS: PAYETTE COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 3,972 direct contacts

• 416 youth participants

• 72 volunteers

• 8,640 volunteer hours

• $658,018 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Payette County: Barbara Brody, Danny Gabiola, Mike Partin, Gayle Van Weerdhuizen and Tom Allmaras.

UI Extension Educator

Joey Peutz

208-642-6022

joeyp@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Joey Peutz provides leadership and support for four major Extension programs: Eat Smart Idaho, Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE), 4-H Youth Development and Well Connected Communities. For these programs she conducted 27 workshops/conferences/courses, one synchronous and 10 asynchronous webinars, and made 23 teaching presentations. Over 260 adults and 1,092 youth completed the six-week Eat Smart Idaho class with >88% showing improvement in at least one dietary indicator. She continues to provide leadership and support for the community health coalition working group PCHAT (Payette County Health Action Team). For EXCITE Activity 2 and Implementation 3, 20 mobile vaccine clinics were conducted following Extension's innovative 3-step educational model, and four 8-hour Poverty Competency trainings were taught to 38 staff from eight departments and service sectors.

Peutz develops print resources and uses technology in outreach efforts. The Market Fresh in a SNAP!, a colorful no-cook recipe book for in-season Idaho produce, was developed and distributed at farmers markets and Extension programs. A final 2023 highlight was an increase of new volunteers, including 4-H organizational leaders, 4-H project leaders and community volunteers. The additional help means that county programs can continue to grow.

4-H in Payette County

One of the highlights of the Payette County 4-H program in 2023 was the addition of FaithAnn Hynek as the new 4-H Youth Development Coordinator in May. She has been a great addition to the team and has many ideas, some of which she has already put into motion. In June Payette County hosted a 4-H fun day program. Youth from around the county joined together to learn about cake decorating, animal feed rations, preparing for fair and doing a science experiment (DNA of a strawberry). The day ended with a live auction where youth got to experience what it was like to bid on various STEM, animal and creative items.

Another highlight of the year was a robotics day camp that was held in July. An older 4-H member helped plan and execute this camp as his leadership project for the year. There was an outstanding impact among the attendees as most of the youth had never done any coding on the computer before, so it was worthwhile to expose them to experiential learning they may not get elsewhere. It was also great to watch an older member step out of their comfort zone and share something they are passionate about with others. Payette County also held a fall festival in October. This event was used both as a recruiting event for the community as well as a leadership opportunity for many of the members.

On the Horizon

The UI Extension, Payette County office will be hosting the first TriCounty Master Gardener training with representation from Payette, Washington and Gem counties.

EXTENSION TRENDS: POWER COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 1,729 direct contacts

• 1,193 youth participants

• 42 volunteers

• 600 volunteer hours

• $562,555 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Power County: Ken Koompin, David Zimmerman, Jerome Clinger, Kim West and Shawn Tischendorf.

UI Extension Educator

Scott Nash

208-317-4375

snash@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Youth enrolled in animal science projects were successful at the Eastern Idaho State Fair in 2023. One member enrolled in the market lamb project exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb and two members enrolled in the beef project exhibited the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Steers. The Power County 4-H Livestock Judging team placed first in the junior division at the State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

4-H in Power County

The UI Extension, Power County 4-H program had a fantastic year in 2023. With over 20 4-H clubs learning life skills in projects from livestock, sewing, crochet, rabbit and dog to the first gardening project. The gardening club worked with the USDA NRCS urban conservationist in creating a people's garden. The 4-H program manager collaborated with the Power County weed administrator to conduct Fantastic 4-H Fridays filled with projects for youth such as Christmas crafts, quilting and Spike Lego Robotics to keep members engaged. For 26 years, the Power County 4-H program has partnered with William Thomas Middle School in the Life Skills program. Power County 4-H also taught archery to 4th grade students.

On the Horizon

UI Extension, Power County is excited to welcome a new Extension Educator in 2024

EXTENSION TRENDS: TETON COUNTY

University of Idaho Extension, Teton County

2023 By the Numbers

• 6,117 direct contacts

• 1,366 youth participants

• 49 volunteers

• 1,500 volunteer hours

• $848,191 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Teton County: Cindy Riegel, Bob Heneage, Michael Whitfield, Rebeca Nolan, Hallie Poirier, Wyatt Penfold and Hayes Swinney.

UI Extension Educator

Jennifer Werlin

208-776-8235

jwerlin@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Using curriculum developed as part of a Cultivating Success USDA-NIFA grant, UI Extension, Teton County contributed to grant deliverables and evaluation of the statewide project, hosting three hands-on small farm and horticulture classes. A summary of the multiyear project was reported at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting. UI Extension, Teton County hosted community food system programs including the six-week High Altitude Victory Garden course and edible and permaculture design lessons at the Eastern Idaho Master Gardener Convention, reaching 50 clients. A two-part workshop series on HighAltitude Beekeeping was created reaching 40 new beekeepers, with a hands-on apiary inspection offered to participants and Teton Valley Beekeeping Association members. Course evaluations were positive with participants stating they would like to continue learning more in-depth about beekeeping in future classes.

Support for the Teton Food and Farm Coalition continued with meeting facilitation and outreach, as well as work on the Agritourism in the Tetons project with continued development of the GIS-based online agritourism directory at tetonfoodfarmcoalition.org.

4-H in Teton County

Teton County 4-H continues to adapt and grow, reaching a broader audience annually, with over 200 youth participants (over 10% increase from 2022). To address income inequality in Teton County, 99 enrollment scholarships totaling $2,100 were awarded. There are over 40 4-H clubs led by community volunteers, with a large emphasis on STEAM. An Idaho Health and Welfare grant supported a full-time 4-H coordinator and part-time 4-H assistant through September 2023. In October 2023, a 4-H AmeriCorps instructor was hired to help with county youth development.

The 4-H STEAM club had a 142% increase in enrollment, necessitating a second club for homeschool youth. Teton County 4-H executed eight 4-H Friday STEAM Summer Day Camps, reaching over 40 youth. STEAM programming was also taught weekly and across the county to over 200 youth in afterschool programs (70% of participating youth are considered at-risk and 50% are underserved). Volunteer development and continued partnerships with community organizations such as the Above and Beyond in the Classroom (ABC) program were nurtured. These partnerships are helping 4-H reach more at-risk minority students in the community and improve access to participation.

On the Horizon

In 2024, UI Extension, Teton County will offer the Idaho Master Gardener Course (Feb.-Sept.) and co-host a statewide six-week Annie’s Project course. Annie’s Project helps support women in agriculture by fostering problem solving, record keeping and decision-making skills around five areas of agricultural risk management: production, legal, market, human and financial.

The 4-H youth development program also continues to grow rapidly with new clubs and program participation. There is a recognized need for program expansion for Cloverbud members (ages 5-7) so new clubs and leaders will be added to meet increased demand. Teton County 4-H Leader Council meetings are held monthly at the Extension office, cultivating new leadership opportunities for adult volunteers.

2023 By the Numbers

• 15,476 direct contacts

• 11,860 youth participants

• 267 volunteers

• 790 volunteer hours

• $3,233,789extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Twin Falls County: Abby Greenfield, Cooper Smith, Cammie Jayo, Kim Spiers, Kyli Gough, Liz Mandelkow, Sarah Brown, Kelly Herrgesell, Susie Beem, Jaysa Fillmore, Karrie Ricketts, Josselyn Smith, Chance Munns, Tom Schwartz, LaMar Orton, James Reed, Kali Sherill, Kirk Tubbs, Earl Olsen, Robin Rausch, Andrew and Stephanie Pospichal, Leon Overton, Dale Ducommun, Tonya Corle, Sherry Olsen-Frank, Don Hall, Jack Johnson and Brett Reinke.

UI Extension Educators

Siew Guan Lee

208-734-9590

siewguanl@uidaho.edu

Tina Miller

208-734-9590

tdickard@uidaho.edu

Andres West

208-734-9590

andywest@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educators Siew Guan Lee and Andres West provide leadership for the indoor container garden SEED program to help youth learn about growing and trying new foods, learning healthy behaviors, and building environmental awareness. Nineteen herb gardens were established in classrooms, reaching 392 students. Overall the program has reached 70+ classrooms and 1,800+ K-5 youth. The Eat Smart Idaho team facilitated taste test activities with herbs students grew, with 96% trying the food and 91% reporting they liked it. Teacher's were 100% satisfied with the program and 100% would recommend to others.

Lee partnered with colleagues to expand the Healthy Meals for Busy Families program, conducting five classes at senior centers and lowincome housing in Jerome, Kimberly, Twin Falls, and Burley, reaching 82 participants, 71% of which were 60+ years old. Self-assessments showed 77% thought the program was useful for meal planning; 87% reporting improved pre-meal preparations; and 74% planning to cook more per week at home. Reducing the number of times citizens eat out can potentially result in savings of $1,327.68 per person each year.

West conducted presentations to 2,000+ individuals unfamiliar with Extension programs to expand and reach new clientele, including under-served populations that have been hard to contact. He also coordinated the 2023 Idaho Horticulture and Small Farms In-service. 4-H provided programs in seven schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and libraries to showcase STEAM activities, including robotics, coding, electricity, agriculture, engineering and mechanics. JUNTOS is in the South Hills Middle School for the second year with 23 eighth graders.

4-H in Twin Falls County

Traditional 4-H strong with 43 clubs, 641 youth and 202 volunteers. Educator Tina Miller continues to work on livestock education, quality assurance and management. Static projects are diverse with the largest enrollments in the shooting sports program. Lee continues to collaborate on the Kids in the Kitchen Virtual Cooking Club that teaches youth and families about nutrition, food safety and cooking skills from the comfort of their home. From Dec. 2022-Oct. 2023, 346 youth and adults were reached from 30 cities across four states. West continues to provide horticulture science programming to homeschool groups and charter schools, educating 111 youth in K-12 grade. This program provides a broader aspect of science than most individuals this age receive.

On the Horizon

Lee and West are co-authors of an Extension Bulletin on implementing indoor container gardens. The program will expand statewide through Eat Smart Idaho to reach additional participants. Lee and Miller will partner to enhance the project with science. Lee will also continue to offer Kids in the Kitchen Virtual Cooking Club. Miller will also begin new programs with youth in grades 5-12 on leadership and skills needed to be a good leader. West will be putting together a Horticulture Sustainability Symposium to address the need of individuals who want to maximize the use of their property in a sustainable way.

EXTENSION TRENDS: VALLEY COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,705 direct contacts

• 1,725 youth participants

• 103 volunteers

• 4,310 volunteers hours

• $4,400 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Valley County: Sandy Dingman, Steve Anderson, Shauna Arnold, Delta James, Sherry Maupin, Karla Eitel and Lindsey Harris.

UI Extension Educator

Melissa Hamilton 208-382-7190

mbhamilton@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

A McCall Community Garden committee was convened in 2023 and a document outlining community projects was created. The Bienviendo Community Garden was established in McCall and Extension Educator Melissa Hamilton recruited, organized, and provided leadership for classes, workdays, and volunteerism in this space throughout the summer including five families, five raised beds, and 150 hours of community service from 60 direct contacts at seven programs throughout the summer. The Idaho Master Gardener program provided leadership in maintaining and establishing an herb garden at the McCall High School Garden and provided a four partpollinator class to 150 middle school students. The Advanced Idaho Master Gardeners conducted applied research projects investigating native bees and mushroom cultivation.

4-H in Valley County

4-H continues to grow along with increasing demand for agriculture education and club programs. 4-H programs provide support for rural ranchers, horsemen, and other dedicated youth development volunteers. 4-H Coordinator Alysson Statz, along with newly hired part-time 4-H Assistant Cadey Mead, increased programs delivered by UI Extension by 37%, with a 65% increase of Cloverbud programming (youth aged 5-7). Statz obtained a seasonal 4-H AmeriCorps that delivered multiple STEM programs in Cascade, Donnelly and McCall. In addition to the increased human capital to provide programs, a STEM travel trailer was secured from the UI Extension 4-H state office to support programming needs. The STEM trailer served the region through a train-the-trainer STEM workshop and a trailer loaner program with community partners. The trailer provided resources for the successful implementation of multiple after-school programs, day camps, and summer STEM activities. A grant from the Idaho Horse Board helped to provide three summer 4-H horse clinics with professional clinicians at no cost to youth and families enrolled in 4-H. Expanding 4-H offerings has shown significant results as the program continues to grow incrementally 33% from 2019-20, 32% from 2020-21 and 37% from 2022-23.

On the Horizon

In 2024, UI Extension will focus on continued support to maintain existing projects and commitments in all program areas, including applying for grants and human capital opportunities to maintain programs. Hamilton will continue to serve and support community committees including the WCM Creative District, WCM Food Coalition, WCM Economic Development Council, Cascade Arts Walk, Cascade Mobility Team, Community Garden committees, Community Educators Alliance, and the WCM Trails Coalition. Statz will continue to lead the local 4-H program and serve and support committees including the 4-H Leaders Council, Animal Market Sale Committee, Fair Board, Youth Advocacy Council, FFA, and Planet Youth programs.

UI Extension will continue to strengthen the local food system by offering 4-H clubs and community programs. The WCM Food Coalition will continue to support local farmers through the maintenance of the coalition webpage, story map, educational events including a Farm to Table dinner planned in 2024. The Master Gardener program will be offered in a hybrid format (online and in-person). In addition to this new format, UI Extension, Valley County will partner with UI Extension offices in Teton and Blaine counties for a virtual lunch and learn throughout the Master Gardener course for enhanced learning.

EXTENSION TRENDS: WASHINGTON COUNTY

2023 By the Numbers

• 544 direct contacts

• 251 youth participants

• 43 volunteers

• 2,240 volunteers hours

• $14,204 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Washington County: Justin Mink, Royce Schwenkfelder, Gordon Wilkerson, Nate Marvin, Mark Moura, Shannon Sprinkel, Eddie Sprinkel and Brooke Mink.

UI Extension Educator

Tyler O'Donnell

208-414-0415

tylero@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Educator Tyler O’Donnell is responsible for 4-H programming and Weiser River Beef programming. In 2023 he worked with a team to put on a calving class that met producer needs in both Washington County and Canyon County. This event was well attended and worthwhile for producers who attended, according to a post-class survey. Topics covered included calving tools, dystocia, stages of parturition, and culminating in a necropsy and tube feeding practice. O’Donnell also participated in a collaborative effort to put on a Living on the Land series for small acreage producers. In addition, he organized a class on heifer selection to assist producers in selecting replacement females that fit their operation goals, with an emphasis on longevity and structure.

4-H in Washington County

The Washington County 4-H program has 251 enrollees including Cloverbuds, spread across eight clubs. County projects are mainly focused on livestock projects, but there is a contingency of 38 participants who enrolled in general projects as well. New this year was a series of animal science clinics, which had a regular attendance of over 40 members at three clinics. The county livestock sale at the county fair brought in $464,350 for youth participants.

On the Horizon

UI Extension, Washington County is offering another collaborative class on beef management, as a continuation of last year’s class. O’Donnell is leading another series of animal science clinics, as well as a pasture management class. These classes were all highly successful last year, and he hopes to build on them and continue their success, as well as jumping in on other classes and collaborative opportunities. He is also part of a team to bring the Idaho Master Gardener program to Washington County and using these volunteers to help with plant questions that come into the office.

EXTENSION TRENDS: AREA EDUCATORS

NORTHERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS

www.uidaho.edu/extension/small-farms

2023 By the Numbers

• 3,412 direct contacts

• $3,870,974 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension: Diane Green, Luke Black, Susan Jacobson, George Skandalos and Melinda Schab.

UI Extension

Area Educator

Colette DePhelps

208-885-4003

cdephelps@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

The Northern District Community Food Systems program supports the expansion of markets for local food, agricultural and value-added products produced by small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers across Idaho. DePhelps offers a variety of community food systems and small farms education programs through Idaho Food Works, Cultivating Success, Idaho Women in Ag, and Inland Northwest Artisan Grains Extension programs. In 2023, DePhelps’ led the development of Cultivating Your Business, a new legal guide for Idaho’s small and direct marketing farms. Available in print and online, the guide provides essential information on the rules and regulations for starting and operating a farm or ranch business, direct marketing strategies, selling specific products, food safety, marketing, and voluntary labels. DePhelps also hosts the Inland Northwest Artisan Grains Podcast supporting the development of artisan grains value-based supply chains from “Grain to Glass” and “Field to Flour.” In the past year, the podcast has reached listeners across 728 US cities and 34 countries. Her program offers monthly digital outreach to small acreage producers, women farmers and ranchers and local food system practitioners through two monthly e-newsletters and the Idaho Cultivating Success YouTube channel.

On the Horizon

Growing markets, developing local food supply chains and increasing the prosperity of Idaho’s farmers, ranchers and food businesses are ongoing priorities. In 2023, DePhelps was instrumental in securing funding for the development of the USDA Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center which serves the six-state region of Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. University of Idaho is a key partner in the new center. Over the next five years, the center will provide coordination, technical assistance, and business builder grants to help small and mid-size farmers and food business across Idaho access new markets, scale their businesses and increase their profitability. Leadership in the center will expand UI Extension’s ability to reach diverse audiences and support rural farmers and entrepreneurs. DePhelps is also leading a new USDA-funded project aimed at increasing the profitability of Idaho women farmers and ranchers through business education and enterprise diversification. Connecting with and providing research-based education to clientele is an ongoing priority for DePhelps. Stay up-to-date by signing up to receive the Idaho Food Works and the Idaho Small Farm and Direct Marketing e-newsletters.

EXTENSION TRENDS: AREA EDUCATORS

UI EXTENSION WATER OUTREACH

www.uidaho.edu/idah2o

2023 By the Numbers

• 5,390 direct contacts

• 2,805 youth participants

• 20 volunteers

• 100 volunteer hours

• $20,660 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension: Sharon Bosley, Kristin Kieth, Laura Laumatia, Jamie Brunner, Jamie Esler and Shelley Austin.

UI Extension

Area Educator

Jim Ekins

208-292-1287

jekins@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

Idaho landowners who have a stream often want it to be as stable and healthy as possible. Streams can be restored to improve fish/ wildlife habitat and replenish groundwater critical for wells and crops. Starting in 2015, UI Extension forestry and water outreach programs teamed up with experts on restoring streams and protecting property from erosion. UI Extension has provided the workshop to all of Idaho’s five panhandle counties, plus Latah County, reaching 172 participants. As a result of the program, participants’ knowledge about stream restoration increased from an average of 2.1 to 3.7 on a scale of 1-5. Eighty-six percent of the participants indicated they would regularly monitor or assess their stream for problems. Seventy-eight percent indicated they would improve the health of one or more of their streams and 71% indicated they would work with professionals to help with enhancing their stream. These practices include adding stream bank stabilization or habitat improvements learned in the workshop.

Jim Ekins, UI Extension water outreach area educator, and Marcie Galbreath-Rawls, Nex-Gen Learning Institute, co-developed a national 4-H curriculum and volunteer guide, Wildlife and Water Habitat. It is an integrated activity-based, hands-on, and placebased curriculum, written for a middle school-aged audience, and provides appropriate guidance for club leaders and other adults. The curriculum has earned two national awards (from ANREP and NACDEP in 2023).

The authors developed the curriculum based on existing activities both authors have extensively used with youth. The water habitat section is adapted from the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards curriculum and is organized to flow in bite-sized lessons. The pacing, scope and sequence can be used individually, though is intended to be a complete, three-year-long package for 4-H natural resources or 4-H science clubs.

The first portion is focused on wildlife habitat and learning about complex systems. Youth will look at the types of habitats, different nooks and crannies, different animals that might inhabit the habitat types, where would food come from, is this good shelter, describe the habitat in specific terms, then make a model of the habitat. The second section is focused on water habitat and learning about watershed processes, using hands-on physical/chemical, habitat, and biological stream and pond assessments. Youth will learn about streams and lakes from a whole-watershed perspective, watershed functions, water quantity and wise water use, water quality criteria measurement, and stream and pond structure.

On the Horizon

Idaho's Source Water Protection Program ( protectthesource.org) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality have provided funding to produce a series of educational videos about protecting groundwater, springs, aquifers and drinking water wells. Ekins will be writing and organizing the content over the coming months.

PANHANDLE AREA FORESTRY

www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/panhandle

2023 By the Numbers

• 2,576 direct contacts

• 7 youth participants

• 33 volunteers

• 509 volunteer hours

• $18,800 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to Idaho Master Forest Stewards who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension.

UI Extension Area Educator

Chris Schnepf

208-292-2525

cschnepf@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

A total of 628 owners of 33,594 family forest acres attended UI Extension educational activities in the Idaho Panhandle. Outcomes include 312 forest owners favoring tree species that resist insects and disease; 278 monitoring for insect and disease issues; 124 thinning forests; 78 reducing fuels in home ignition zones; 59 creating biochar; 48 completing a forest management plan; and 44 applying biochar in forests.

Since 1994, 1,184 loggers have attended the 49 LEAP (Logger Education to Advance Professionalism) sessions offered in the Idaho Panhandle. The 2023 LEAP Update session outcomes include 148 loggers communicating forest practice rule changes; 139 improving forest road maintenance; 137 better understanding steep slope logging; 118 communicating forest health issues; and 54 communicating about forest carbon markets.

A total of 162 foresters and similar natural resource professionals attended Idaho panhandle UI Extension programs. Family Forester’s workshop participants indicated percentage knowledge increases ranging from 7% to 92% on stand density; post-disturbance reforestation; watershed conservation; lynx reintroduction; forest safety/security; and family forest economics/policy.

The improved management practices family forest owners, loggers and foresters implement with knowledge and skills gained in UI Extension programs will improve forest growth and health, support Idaho’s economy, maintain water quality, and reduce catastrophic fire risk.

On the Horizon

Idaho Master Forest Stewards are continuing to help reach more family forest owners. They also inform the forestry community about family forest owners' needs and help guide UI Extension and research programs and technical assistance efforts of public and privately employed foresters. The Idaho Master Forest Stewards continue to grow both as a group of forestry education volunteers and as a peer-to-peer learning community. In addition to the UI Extension forestry programs offered every year, new extension programming on forest habitat typing (a method of classifying a forest sites by their ecology) are being planned for 2025.

BEEF SPECIALIST JIM SPRINKLE

www.uidaho.edu/cals/nmcreec

2023 By the Numbers

• 813 direct contacts

• 84 youth participants

• $1,004,286 extramural funding

Our Advisory Council

Special thanks to volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do at the Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center.

UI Extension Specialist

Jim Sprinkle 208-756-2749 sprinkle@uidaho.edu

2023 Impact

A Ph.D. project by Landon Sullivan and others, Maternal Influences Upon Calf Adaptability to Rangeland, is examining the influence of both genetics and learned behavior for calves grazing rugged rangeland pastures. Efficient and inefficient mothers were exposed to an injectable trace mineral (ITM) or no ITM at strategic time points to evaluate physiological responses to heat stress. Seventy percent of the data for this very large cow and calf behavior data set has been analyzed. Preliminary findings include:

• When considering calves from efficient or inefficient cows on range during the summer months (July 2021 and July 2022), calves from efficient dams utilized more southern-facing slopes than calves from inefficient dams, indicating more heat tolerance.

• Calves from inefficient dams tended to start grazing earlier in the morning than calves from efficient cows in the summer, indicating more appetite for inefficient cows.

• May 2021 data analysis for calves revealed that calves from cows receiving an ITM shot climbed higher on slopes than calves from control cows, indicating lowered stress for ITM cows.

• Calves from efficient cows also had more elevation gain in May 2021 than did calves from inefficient cows, indicating lower stress for efficient cows.

On the Horizon

Ongoing research projects include:

Grazing Behavior for Cattle Engaged in Targeted grazing of Cheatgrass, 2020-24, U.S. Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This project examines how cattle access and graze areas with a preponderance of invasive annual grasses during the dormant season. Location is determined with GPS and 24-hour grazing behavior with accelerometers. The goal is to determine if cattle favor south and west facing slopes with an abundance of cheatgrass during forage dormancy and late fall climatic conditions. All GPS data has been analyzed and the team is currently working on accelerometer data. Preliminary findings include:

• 2021 was warmer (42°F >) and wetter (2-fold >) than 2022. As a consequence, cattle spent more time on north slopes but at lower elevations in 2022, compared to 2021 where they spent more time on south slopes but at higher elevations.

In 2024, new research (if funded) will involve selecting replacements on DNA markers for using rugged terrain (those that have markers vs those that don’t) and seeing how they perform on rangeland for using rugged terrain. U of I and Montana State University have applied for a $1 million USDA grant to evaluate a total of 1,640 cows within Idaho and Montana.