October 2013 "Reaching Out Report"

“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter

2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807

Email: [email protected] * Tel: (417) 881-8909

October 2013 * Vol. 5, Issue 10

Upcoming events …

page 2

Master Gardeners …

pages 3

Master Naturalists …

page 4

Pam Duitsman…

page 5-6

ACA programming …

pages 7

Nutrition …

pages 8

David Burton …

pages 9-10

Agriculture programs …

pages 11-13

4-H Report …

page 14

Patrick Byers …

pages 15-17

Friends Kickoff …

pages 18

Updated Friends list …

page 17&19

Sponsors & Partners

page 20

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all

employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on

the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Online Event Calendar The most up-to-date list of re-

ported upcoming MU Extension

programs in Greene County is

available online at

extension.missouri.edu/greene

Calendar is visible on right

side of page.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Forecasting with Persimmon Seeds This coming winter is going to be colder than average with an average snow

fall according to persimmon seeds. “It’s a cherished bit of Ozarks folklore that

the shape of the tiny seedling inside a persimmon seed can predict conditions

in the upcoming winter,” said Patrick Byers, extension horticulture specialist.

“It is not a research-based way to forecast the weather but once a year it is a

fun tongue-in-check project and a way to educate people about this unique

native Ozark fruit tree.” According to Ozarks folklore, a spoon shape on the

seed indicates above average snowfall, a knife shape signals colder than nor-

mal temperatures and a fork shape means warmer than average temperatures.

See Patrick’s video on http://www.youtube.com/MUExtension417.

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County

Business Development Classes Regular business classes are held at the Small

Business Development and Technology Center,

405 North Jefferson Ave., Springfield. Register by

calling 417-836-5685 or checking online

www.ws.missouristate.edu/sbdc.

Garden Inspired Writing Retreat Experience nature and be creatively inspired by the

beauty of the gardens. Let David Burton, MU Ex-

tension specialist, journalist, and published author,

guide your journey into the natural world with cre-

ative writing exercises in the gardens. This retreat

is for anyone who wants to be more creative

whether you like journal writing, poetry, fiction,

non-fiction or news writing. Bring your own writ-

ing tools. Meet in the Botanical Center Atrium.

Sessions available in 2013: Nov. 7, Dec. 5; and

sessions available in 2014: Feb. 6, March 6, April

3 and May 1

Time: 9 a.m. to noon

Fee: $20 per person, per session

Registration available online. Age: All ages

Low Cost, No Cost Energy Savers When: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, 9

a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: OACAC Greene County

Neighborhood Center, 560 N

Stewart Ave, Springfield

Description: Low Cost, No Cost

Energy Savers helps participants

identify home weatherization is-

sues and wasteful home energy

consumption, while offering inex-

pensive solutions that they can pursue immediate-

ly. Emphasis is placed on determining the aspects

that the can have the greatest impact for the least

investment and effort. This is a Life Skills program

offering for OACAC clients. In this session, MU

Extension handouts, presentation and demonstra-

tions are combined with two video segments from

the film "Kilowatt Ours" to teach weatherization

and home energy conservation.

Registration: Limited to OACAC clients.

Facilitator: Jeff Barber, 417/881-8909

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy This program is designed to help older adults Improve

strength, flexibility and balance which will reduce falls

and lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle. These

exercises are low-impact/low eight. All needed equip-

ment is provided during the class. Pre-registration by

Jan. 29 is required and class size is limited. East meeting room of Botanical Center, taught by

Greene County Extension 881-8909

Age: Adults 50 and up

Date: Every Mon.: Feb. 3 - April 14

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person

Coming to Greene County …

Annie’s Project

Greene County Extension will host an Annie’s

Project program during early 2014. The course

provides mentoring for farm women with varying

levels of business skills.

The goal is to empower farm women and help

them make better management decisions

through networking and by using critical fi-

nancial information. The course is to provide

mentoring for farm women with varying levels of

business skills.

The course will be

taught by MU Exten-

sion specialists and

special guest speakers

over the course of six

different sessions. Pro-

gram facilitators will be

David Burton and Gor-

don Carriker.

Program Calendar Online

The most up-to-date list of reported

upcoming MU Extension programs in

Greene County is available online at

http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Calendar visible on right side of page.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report Last Updated October 30, 2013

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu Page 3


about the program policies and 13 detailed

guides on a variety of horticultural topics.

As a benefit of continued service, Extension

Master Gardeners may attend advanced horticul-

tural training and most educational programs free

of charge.

2014 MG Training – Greene County is

February 18 – April, 2014 (six weeks), evenings,

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 pm

Odd Numbered Years – 2015 MG Train-

ing – Greene County. February – April

Afternoons, Tues-

days & Thursdays,

1-4 pm

Become a Master Gardener –

2014 Training in Greene County

Master Gardeners of Greene County Chapter

February 18 – April, 2014 (six weeks)

Evenings, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9 pm

For more information about becoming a

member of the Master Gardener organization, or

to be added to the list for the next training, email

us with your first and last name, email, and phone

number at [email protected] with

“Training” in the subject heading.

You will be notified of orientation dates once

they are announced in late January. Attendance to

orientation is mandatory in order to register for

training.

Just as

plants need

nutrients, sun

and oxygen

to grow, Ex-

tension Mas-

ter Gardeners

need enthusi-

astic volun-

teers to

thrive. Com-

munity service is at the core of the Master Gar-

dener program in Springfield, MO and each year

brings a new opportunity for area plant and gar-

den enthusiasts to take our Master Gardener train-

ing and join our family of volunteers.

You don’t have to be an expert gardener to

become a member. Participants receive 30 hours

of classroom training, and as an intern, pledge to

contribute 30 hours of volunteer service during

the first year. When achieved, you have earned

the title of Certified Master Gardener and 20

hours annually are required to maintain member

status.

Training typically beings each year in Febru-

ary and alternates day or evening classes every

other year. There is a fee for the training which

includes the Missouri Master Gardener Core

Manual which contains 14 guides: one guide

Master Gardeners of Greene County

The Master Gardener Program is a popular and

successful statewide volunteer community-

service organization administered through Uni-

versity of Missouri Extension. The organization’s

goal is to train gardeners who are willing to share

their knowledge with others. Master Gardeners

become volunteers of University of Missouri

Extension and donate hours for community edu-

cational projects in horticulture. Volunteer activi-

ties include working with non-profit organiza-

tions, maintaining community gardens, conduct-

ing workshops, participating in a Master Garden-

er speakers’ bureau and staffing the Master Gar-

dener “Hotline.” The Master Gardeners of

Greene County can boast of over 300 members.

mailto:[email protected]



Master Naturalists

The Missouri Master Naturalist Program results

from a partnership created in 2004 between the

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and

MU Extension (MUE). These two organizations are

the sponsors of the program at the state level. The

Missouri Master Naturalist Program is recognized

as a “named and branded” educational program

within MU Extension. The MU School of Natural

Resources is the academic home for the Program.

Learn more www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com.

Springfield Plateau Missouri

Master Naturalists Chapter:

Ranks to Swell to Nearly 100

The Springfield Plateau Chapter of

Missouri Master Naturalists of 60+ mem-

bers will be joined Oct. 29 with 30 new

intern members as they complete their

formal training and graduate to Master

Naturalists in Training. Over the course

of the next 12 months, these newbies will

complete required volunteer hours and

additional training hours to become certi-

fied Master Naturalists.

Last year, the chapter’s members

turned in more than 7,000 hours of ser-

vice and education to retain the chapter’s

hold on most-average hours-per-person in

the state. Members are well on their way

to significantly surpassing the 2012 total.

Master Naturalists typically don’t cre-

ate their own projects. Instead they step

up as volunteers for worthy “naturalist”

needs in the area or for projects of partner

organizations. For example, earlier this

year, members volunteered for James

River Basin Partnership

and Friends of the Gar-

den projects.

This fall, members

have planted native

plants at Hickory Hills

Middle School, planted

rain gardens with Wa-

tershed Committee of

the Ozarks at Campbell

Ave. and Mt. Vernon in

Springfield, counted

quail coveys with Great-

er Ozarks Audubon So-

ciety, monitored water

quality in several area streams, staffed an

information table at Bass Pro’s Outdoor Days and

assisted the Watershed Committee with school

field trips at Valley Water Mill Park. Springfield

and Nixa Public Schools and Girl Scouts also

have invited Master Naturalists into classrooms

and meetings for presentations on bison, fur-

bearing animals, insects and other critters.

Looking ahead, the chapter plans to host the

2015 Missouri Master Naturalists Conference,

which will bring hundreds of

members from the state’s 12

chapters to Springfield. As one

member said, “That will create

some cash flow in Greene County

and give the Springfield Plateau

Chapter the kind of positive, high

-profile publicity that the Greene

County Master Gardeners re-

ceived in September when it host-

ed that organization’s state con-

ference.”

Looking ahead, the

chapter plans to host

the 2015 Missouri

Master Naturalists

Conference, which

will bring hundreds of

members from the

state’s 12 chapters to

Springfield.

Nutrition Specialist



grow, and spread beyond the

Springfield area. A recent study

published in the Journal of Aging

and Health reported on six-month

outcome findings for this program.

Some hallmark findings, con-

sistent with surveys in the Spring-

field classes, include:

Improvement of health out-

comes and reduction of health care utilization

Decreased activity limitations and depression

symptoms

Improved communication with health care pro-

vider

Improvements in self-assessed health, quality

of life, fatigue, and sleep problems

Improvements in pain and shortness of breath

A significant improvement in ER visits and

hospitalization

Findings indicate significant savings of health

care costs

Findings stress importance of encouraging in-

creased patient referrals to this program

Marketing and business plan: In October, com-

munity partners (including those from Cox and

Mercy) met to discuss program outcomes, market-

ing ideas, and to review program updates.

Next Page

Health Insurance Education Initiative

Two classes were held in Springfield in October,

educating 65 individuals.

Pam is providing education to increase

knowledge and skills needed to make in-

formed health insurance decisions.

The MU Extension Education Initiative pro-

gram offers: Awareness – who is eligible for

what, how to obtain insurance, etc.; General

health insurance literacy information; Unbi-

ased pre-enrollment education for informed

health insurance decision-making; Education

on how to use the plan purchased; and Con-

nect Missourians with resources

Pam is working with the SW MO partnership

to provide coordinated programing to reach

audiences in Greene and other counties.

Chronic Disease Self-Management

A six-week series was held in Springfield in

October. Subjects covered include: techniques to

deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue,

pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for main-

taining and improving strength, flexibility, and

endurance; appropriate use of medications; com-

municating effectively with health professionals;

nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.

The popularity of this class continues to

Duitsman

In photo at right: Pam Duitsman and Becky Lafferty from Jordan Valley Health Center facilitate a Chronic Dis-

ease Self-Management class. In photo at left: one of the discussion pieces used in the CDSM class.

Nutrition Specialist—Continued



tion and art, economic and philanthropic ef-

forts. The information gathered through this as-

sessment will be used to guide future community

health planning.

Other Programming and Grant work during

October:

Meetings with State Department of Health to part-

ner on providing Mental Health programming

to county constituents.

Meetings with Lincoln University to partner on

programs focused on Aging Successfully.

Healthy Lifestyle Initiative, Christian County

Chronic Disease Self-Management, Webster

County

AFRI grant work: This grant pays for a significant

amount of Pam’s salary, and is the focus of

much of her work. In October, ten meetings

were held, and multiple work projects were

developed to assist successful formation and

development of Food Policy Councils in the

State of Missouri. Goal of the grant: increase

community food security.

One-on-one community contacts and communica-

tion in October: Telephone; e-mail; office vis-

its for consultation and advisement: 37

Stay Strong Stay Healthy 11-week course –

The current Springfield course runs from Aug.

26 through Nov. 18. This strength training class

focuses on improving strength, flexibility and

balance for middle-aged to senior adults. The

class has been shown to promote a healthier,

more active lifestyle, and increase bone density,

reduce falls, improve arthritis symptoms, and

increase flexibility in middle-aged and older

adults. The next Springfield class begins Feb.

24, 2014.

Local Food and Farm Guide Committee –

Pam is working with a Greene County committee

to develop a resource to help connect the com-

munity to local producers. This work is a joint

project of the Ozarks Regional Food Policy

Council; Food CORE; HLA (Healthy Living Al-

liance) and MU Extension.

Food Day Event, Greene County – Nutrition

Education events held over the last four months

culminated at the Food Day Harvest Party, held

at Founder’s Park in Springfield.

Springfield-Greene County Health Depart-

ment MAPP to Health (Mobilizing for Action

through Planning and Partnerships) developed by

the National Associ-

ation of County and

City Health Offi-

cials. Pam repre-

sents MU Extension

in this effort, which

will include an as-

sessment evaluating

all areas of the pub-

lic health system,

which includes

healthcare providers,

public safety agen-

cies, environmental

agencies, and organ-

izations that focus

on human service

and charity, educa-

tion and youth de-

velopment, recrea-

Community partners meet to discuss marketing and business plan for Chronic

Disease Self-Management program.

Affordable Care Act



and surrounding counties. An updated list of classes

that are already scheduled can

be found online at http://

extension.missouri.edu/insure/

families.aspx. Additional pro-

grams in Springfield and Greene

County are being planned.

MU Extension is provid-

ing this information to help

Missouri residents make in-

formed health insurance deci-

sions by understanding op-

tions and responsibilities out-

lined in the Affordable Care

Act. MU Extension pro-

vides factual information on

public policies such as the

ACA.

Extension Specialists Helping to

Educate Public about ACA

Janet LaFon and Nellie Lamers teamed

up to teach a Health Insurance Education Ini-

tiative presentation in Springfield on Oct

1. The audience was primarily Mercy Hos-

pital employees from around the area, in-

cluding some from Kansas and Arkan-

sas. There were a few general public partici-

pants. 54 participants signed in, some at-

tendees did not sign in.

The session covered information on the

Affordable Care Act and consumers rights

and responsibilities under the ACA as well

as some health insurance basics. Questions

were taken at the end of the session.

More sessions are planned in Springfield

Nellie Lamers

Janet LaFon

http://extension.missouri.edu/insure/families.aspx





prepare for the resumption of normal operations

when and if the budget situation is resolved.

These dedicated 100-plus MU Extension em-

ployees work in more than 1,150 Missouri sites,

including nearly 800 schools. They reach nearly

260,000 students and 78,000 adults in the state

with nutrition and health information.

It is also important to realize that there is the

potential of similar impacts on our Business De-

velopment Program, which also has significant

federal funding. At this time, we do not have any

information to indicate a need for similar action.

As of Oct. 21, 2013, nutrition

programming in the region

has been restarted following

a two week stoppage.

Wood

Becky Roark

Sherri Hull

Jenni Nevatt

Marty Wood No programming for this

month. See announcement

for explanation.

Announcement made Oct. 3, 2013

From Dr. Ouart, MU Extension

It is with great difficulty that I inform you of

the severe impact caused by the shutdown of the

federal government to University of Missouri

Extension. The Missouri Department of Social

Services advised us to consider suspending all

programming that is funded through federal

SNAP-Ed grants. The state is concerned that

with the uncertainty surrounding the shutdown,

they might not receive funds designated for MU

Extension’s Family Nutrition Program.

This funding directly affects more than 100

of our FNP employees. When evaluating the sig-

nificant financial repercussions that would follow

a suspension of the program, subsequent layoffs,

and the challenge of restarting the program if the

funding loss is temporary, we are being cautious-

ly optimistic. We greatly value each employee’s

contribution to our mission, and we will do eve-

rything in our power to minimize the effect of

this shutdown. Instead of immediately laying off

these 100-plus employees, MU Extension is

providing funding for their sala-

ries through Oct. 21, 2013. If

there is not a federal budget res-

olution in place by this date, we

will, unfortunately, have to

begin layoffs.

Effective at 5 p.m. today,

we are suspending all teaching

and training activities that re-

ceive federal SNAP-Ed funding.

Expenditures will be kept to an

absolute minimum. Employees

who deliver FNP education will

use the coming weeks to com-

municate cancellations to

schools and constituents and

Family Nutrition Education Program

Edmondson DeFord Williams

Family Nutrition Education Program 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200

Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo.

Tel: 417-886-2059 Call the office to inquire about nutrition education.

Roark

Fossett

Hull Nevatt



Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director

BOOKS FOR SALE

The sale of my two

books: “History of Rural

Schools in Greene Coun-

ty” and “Driving Tour of

One-Room Schools in the

Ozarks” has generated

over $100 for the local

office.

Also launched a new

book about using social

media in disaster recovery

and it also will benefit the

local county office.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (September 2013)

These numbers represent the reach during that

headline time period only via all of the regional

extension social media tools: 167,892.

MO HISTORIC SCHOOLS ALLIANCE

Preparing to kick off the 2014 membership drive

for the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance. Hope

to expand this project with a local tour and signs

for historic schools as part of this community

development effort. I am also helping to plan and

host the 2014 national conference of the Country

School Association of America in St. Joe, Mo.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Display featured, Friends campaign honored

Attended the Annual MU Extension Conference

at the end of the month. Was asked to showcase

our “Day in the Life of Extension” display during

the conference as an example for other regions

and counties. This display is available for other

venues as well and shows the impact Extension

has on just one selected day of the year. David

Burton was also honored with a UMEA award

and the “Friends of Greene County Extension”

was recognized as a top program effort in 2013.

BUSINESS PLAN

I helped to lead and teach an online class Oct. 25

for county program directors statewide about de-

veloping a council business plan. The Greene

County plan was used as a model.

BY THE NUMBERS (for the month)

News Service Subscribers: 9,398 weekly

Requests for advisement: 18

Regular weekly news columns: 16

TV/Radio Interviews – 3

Total articles written this month – 38

TEAM WORK / PROGRAMS / GRANTS

Edited monthly “Reaching Out Report”

Updates to Greene County extension website

State community development meeting

COUNTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR DUTIES

Financial review and oversight, travel authori-

zations, and budget work.

Attending relevant Park Board and Greene

County Commission monthly meetings.

Council budget committee meeting

PROGRAMS

Pesticide certification in Oct. 17

Working on a new curriculum for a business

writing class that will be offered in 2014.

FUNDRAISING

New campaign will kick off with a fall mailing

to past contributors and partners.

Have three grant applications downloaded for

review and possible submission in 2013.

David Burton Civic communication

[email protected]

David wrote curriculum for writing retreat in

the garden held Oct. 3 with 4 attendees. Next

program is Nov. 7, weather permitting.



Now Available for Purchase Now on Amazon

Online cost: $4.99 plus shipping or purchase a copy at

Greene County Extension office inside the Botanical

Center, $5.

Authors: David Burton, Rebecca Williams and Gene-

vieve Williams

Paperback: 28 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (Sept. 26, 2013)

ISBN-10: 149106417X

ISBN-13: 978-1491064177

Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

About this book: Learn how Joplin Tornado Info

started a national revolution in the use of social media

during disaster recovery. It used to be that in the event

of a natural disaster, people would tune in their radios.

That may still hold true, but a newer form of technolo-

gy proved a fruitful means of disseminating infor-

mation after an EF-5 tornado hit Joplin, Mo. in May of

2011 and an EF-2 tornado skated across Branson on

Feb. 29, 2012. Both events had something in common:

a volunteer led effort to use social media to inform

members of the public connect with needed resources

and to help volunteers stay out of the way.

Greene County Extension Councils Approves...

RESOLUTION ON USE TAX

BE IT RESOLVED

We the elected members of the Greene County Extension Council approve this resolution in support of the pro-

posed Use Tax for Greene County, Mo.

Missouri State Law establishes Extension Councils and recognizes them as part of county government. As a result

of the 2008 economic downturn, Greene County Extension has been underfunded similar to other county programs.

This council recognizes that Greene County needs additional funds to meets its obligations and responsibilities to

county residents.

A use tax offers one opportunity to generate these much needed funds in a way that is fair and similar to what other

local governments do. It is for that reason our council urges its members and Extension supporters to vote in favor

of the Greene County use tax on the Nov. 5, 2013, ballot.

Approved: October 28, 2013

Signed:

Carl Allison, chairman of the Greene County Extension Council



Agriculture in Greene County

Private Pesticide Applicator

Training held Oct. 17

A private pesticide applicator training was

offered Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, at the

Greene County Extension office. A total of 15

people attended this fall class. The program is

normally offered in late winter also and typi-

cally draws bigger crowds.

Under Missouri law, this training provides

certification to obtain a Private Pesticide Ap-

plicators License for Missouri agricultural

producers and will also count for recertifica-

tion requirements by the state. The training

will not certify for commercial application

licenses.

“This three hour training program allows

individuals to recertify or receive initial train-

ing to be licensed to purchase or use restricted

-use pesticides for five years,” said Tim

Schnakenberg, an agronomy specialist with

University of Missouri Extension and instruc-

tor for the class.

This training was open to producers of

agricultural commodities, 18 years of age or

older.

Participants will be required to purchase

the Private Pesticide Applicator Reference

Manual for $12 and pay a small materials fee

for a total class fee of $15.

Performance Evaluated Bulls to Sell Oct. 28 in Springfield;

Event Includes Extension Program at 5:30 p.m.

The Southwest Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association’s tested bull sale begins at 7 p.m.,

Oct. 28 at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield. This sale was first held in 1973 to

allow purebred cattle breeders to pool their on-

farm tested bulls together for marketing.

This fall sale marks the 82nd sale and will

consist of 34 Angus and 2 Polled Herefords.

A 30-minute program on understanding

EPDs and other bull buying thoughts will be

given by extension specialists at 5:30 p.m. on

the 28th in the sale ring at the yards.

Catalogs are available by contacting Pam

Naylor, sale manager at 417-345-8330 or by

calling your University of Missouri Extension

regional livestock specialist. The catalog is

also available online at www.swmobcia.com.

Tim Schankenberg (left) had plenty of questions

after the three-hour training also. He is now the

agronomy specialist that covers Greene County.

http://www.swmobcia.com




Extension Booth at Farm Fest The following Extension specialists were in-

volved in the Ozarks Fall Farm Fest in Springfield

Oct. 4-6: Eldon Cole, Jill Scheidt, Jodie Pennington,

Bob Schultheis, John Hobbs, Andy McCorkill, Tim

Schnakenberg, Logan Wallace, and Ted Probert. The

counties where these specialists are housed absorbed

the travel costs. There was no cost to Greene County.

The three-day event attracted some 40,000 visi-

tors (both full-time and hobby farmers) from Missouri,

Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Illinois. Many

sought advice from the Extension specialists at their

booth, which displayed information on pasture weeds

and control options, cattle theft and branding options,

the Lawrence County 4-H Steer Project, getting peak

quality from baleage, and comparisons of hay savings

from big bale feeders.

“This event brought a lot of visitor

income to the county, so it was with re-

luctance and some embarrassment that

we had to tell attendees from Greene

County that we are not able to provide

full service to county residents because

of the limited county funding for MU

Extension,” said Bob Schultheis, Natu-

ral Resource Engineering Specialist in

Webster County.

The Extension booth this year (shown below) fea-

tured information on preventing cattle theft and deal-

ing with pesky field weeds.

Schultheis

Field display: knapweed, thistle and more.

Display: protecting against cattle theft.

Tim Schnakenberg (left) helping a visitor.




Management-

intensive Grazing

School Held in Bois

D’Arc for Area

Landowners

The last Management-

intensive Grazing (MiG) School in

southwest Missouri during 2013

took place Oct. 22-24 in Bois

D’Arc at the Andy Dalton Shoot-

ing Range classroom and nearby

farmland.

Producers who follow the MiG

system manage for both the benefit

of livestock and forage. Livestock

graze in each pasture long enough

to harvest the forage but are

moved before eating too much of

the leaf area. The result is lower

feed costs and improved forage

production. That means more

money in the pocket of the beef

cattle producer.

Grazing schools started in

1995. Since that time, the schools

have been held at various loca-

tions, dates and in different for-

mats to meet the diverse needs of

livestock producers.

To date, literally thousands of

individuals have attended the

schools to learn about the basic

principles and practices of MiG.

University of Missouri Extension

specialists from southwest Mis-

souri — like Agronomy Specialist

Tim Schnakenberg — taught many

of the sessions during the school.

As seen in the pictures at right,

the MiG school involves teaching

in a variety of settings: traditional

classroom, farm fields, and barn

lots.



4-H Report for Greene County

More About 4-H As the largest out-of-school youth organi-

zation in the world, 4-H is open to all

boys and girls, ages 5 to18. Children who

are five to seven years old are eligible for

4-H Clover Kids, an introductory program. Youths who

are 8 to 18 years of age can select from a variety of 4-H

projects and activities that stress social and life skills in

areas such as decision making, communication, social

interaction, civic responsibility and physical skills. Chil-

dren not have to live on a farm to join 4-H. Project op-

portunities include computers, robotics, foods and nutri-

tion, horticulture, large and small animals and more.

Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension's youth

development program.

MU Extension's 4-H youth development

program touches the lives of about 250

young people in Greene County, empow-

ering them to reach their full potential.

Searching for 4-H Alumni If you are a past member or volunteer with

Greene County 4-H, we want to hear from

you and know how to contact you. In ex-

change for sharing your contact infor-

mation, we will keep you updated on ex-

citing events and news impacting 4-H lo-

cally. Just contact our local office.

Current Clubs in the County

4-H Beach Club meets at the Hovey

House in northwest Springfield.

Bois D’Arc Braves 4-H Club meets at

6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the

month at the Bois D’Arc United Methodist

Church in Bois D'Arc.

Denim and Dust Family 4-H Club

Hare Raisers Family 4-H Club

High Mark 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m.

on the third Tuesday of each month at the

Strafford VFW in Strafford.

Horsin’ Around 4-H Club meets at 6:30

p.m. on the second Monday of the month

at the Republic Saddle Club or Mead-

owview Baptist Church, Republic, Mo.

Jot-Em-Down 4-H Club meets at 2 p.m.

on the first Sunday of each month at the

St. Elmo School, north of Republic.

Lucky Eleven 4-H Club meets on Sunday

afternoons at the Springfield Livestock

Center, north of Republic.

Neon 4-H Club meets at 4:30 p.m. on the sec-

ond Monday of the month in downtown Spring-

field.

Sac River Stablemates 4-H Club meets at 6:30

p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the

Sac River Stables northeast of Willard.

Sho-Me 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third

Tuesday of each month at the Fair Grove Lion’s

Club, Fair Grove.

Springfield Aggies 4-H Club meet at 6:30 p.m.

on the first Tuesday of each month at the Rutledge

-Wilson Farm Park, Springfield.

Stars ‘n Steeds 4-H Club meets at 7 p.m. on the

fourth Tuesday of each month at the Willard

Community Center.



Horticulture Specialist

Midwest Winter

Vegetable Production

tour (10/21/13)

Master Gardeners of

Greene County Hot-

line Development

meeting, (10/21/13)

Springfield Plateau

Master Naturalists

chapter meeting,

(10/21/13)

Horticulture soil test

reports for SW re-

gion – 53 reports

Participated in:

MU Extension Metropolitan Food Systems

Team meeting, Columbia (9/30/13)

Training for test writers, SW Regional Envi-

rothon, MDC Nature Center, (10/2/13)

Soil Health ISE, Columbia (10/8/13-10/9/13)

FOG garden committee and board meetings,

Springfield (10/10/13)

Upcoming programming

Planting party, Farmers Park demonstration

orchard project, Springfield (10/26/13)

“Commercial Potential for Tree Fruits in

Missouri,” Small Farm Today conference

and trade show, Columbia (11/1/13)

Regional Food Safety on the Farm Confer-

ence, Joplin (11/5-6/13)

“Local and Regional Marketing Opportuni-

ties,” Granjeros y Rancheros Latinos work-

shop series, Monett (11/10/13)

“Fireblight,” guest lecture for MSU Plant

Pathology class, Springfield (11/12/13)

“Making Wine at Home,” Master Gardeners

of Greene County meeting, (11/12/13)

Regional Envirothon competition, Spring-

field (11/13/13)

“Spotted Wing Drosophila - Cultural Man-

agement Options,” Jefferson City (11/20/13)

“Home Fruit Production,” Master Gardeners

training, Branson West and Ozark (11/21/13)

See NEXT PAGE

Community Contact:

TV and Radio

4 live interviews—KOLR10’s Chris Smith

4 radio interviews with Morris Westfall for

“Farm Page of the Air”

1 interview - Michelle Skalicky, KSMU radio

Print media

Contributed to several articles and interviews

Social Media

Cooperated with David Burton to produce the

video “Persimmons Predict Cold 2013 Win-

ter,” available on YouTube.

Requests for information

Telephone contacts – 40 for advisement

Email contacts – 38 contacts

Office visits, professional contacts – 1 for

consultation and advisement

Farm site visits – 8 for advisement

Programs Presented:

“Home Fruit Production,” Newton County

Master Gardener Training, Neosho (10/3/13)

“MU Extension in Greene County,” Rotary

Club monthly meeting, Springfield (10/10/13)

“Waterwise Gardening,” Cherry Court Gar-

den Club, Springfield (10/10/13)

“Plant Propagation,” Master Gardeners of the

Ozarks training, Branson West (10/17/13)

“Plant Propagation,” Christian County Master

Gardener core training, Ozark (10/17/13)

“All About Heirloom Tomatoes,” Springfield

Organic Gardening Club meeting, (10/24/13)

Coordinated:

Display and demonstration at the Earth Stew-

ardship Fair, Botanical Center, (10/3/13)

Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist training

field trip (10/5/13)

Master Gardeners of Greene County board

meeting (10/7/13)

Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter

meeting (10/8/13)

Springfield Plateau Master Naturalists board

meeting, Springfield (10/9/13)

Farmers Park demonstration orchard project,

Springfield (10/11/13, 10/24/13)

Pruning workshop for Drury University

grounds maintenance crew (10/16/13)

Patrick Byers Horticulture

[email protected]



Horticulture Specialist—Continued

mato production. The Midwest Winter Veg-

etable project is funded in part with a Mis-

souri Department of Agriculture Specialty

Crops block grant, and is a cooperative pro-

ject of MU Extension, Lincoln University,

and Webb City Farmers Market.

Human interest:

Regional – The Mid-

west Winter Vegetable

Production project con-

cluded with a tour on

Oct. 21 of 4 farmers

who are producing vege-

tables for fall and winter

markets. Greg Braker

farms near Oronogo,

and uses 2 high tunnels

to extend the growing

season for tomato and to

produce lettuces and

cole crops for winter

markets. Tim Green’s

farm is near Galena, KS,

and includes 3 high tunnels, one of which is

heated. Teng Yang, whose farm is near Gran-

by, produces a range of cold tolerant crops

with a high tunnel, low tunnels, and row co-

vers. Dennis Hatfield specializes in tomato

and strawberry on a farm near Pierce City; he

uses a heated greenhouse for late season to-

Hmong farmers visit Dennis Hatfield’s strawberry fields during the

Midwest Winter Vegetable Production farm tour.

Tour participants learn about protected winter vegetable production in a high tunnel .

Total Cash Raised: $2,528

2014 Contributors to

“Friends of Greene County

Extension”

Corporate Level

Patron Level Friends of the Garden

George Deatz

Sponsor Level

Contributor Level Carl Allison

Ann Hall

Friends Level Avis Holloway

Partner Level

Associate Level Mardell Bontrager

Local – Patrick Byers was invited by Mrs. Cath-

erine Gilpin, science teacher at Phelps Center for

Gifted Education in Springfield, to visit her clas-

ses and discuss soils and the niches that soils

have in southwest Missouri. Patrick prepared

curriculum for the 4 classes of 4-5th graders, and

the presentations were held on Sept.18 and Oct.

10, 14, and 15. The classes included demonstra-

tions of soil texture, soil pH, soil nutrient levels,

and soil physical properties. Discussion topics

included human/soil interactions, careers for

those interested in soils, soil chemistry, soil biol-

ogy, and soil physical properties. In particular

the students were interested in how human activ-

ity impacts soils. As a practical exercise the

class assessed the soil at a proposed site for a

monarch butterfly way station.

An equal opportunity/ADA institution

Donation period runs from October 1 to Sept. 30 Horticulture—Continued

Students at Phelps Center for Gifted Education in Springfield conducting a soil

texture analysis.

Total Cash Raised: $ * Total In-Kind Raised: $

2014 “Friends” Campaign Has Begun

By George Deatz

Thanks to the Master

Gardeners, Friends of

the Garden mem-

bers and many others

throughout the commu-

nity who invested in

our first success-

ful "Friends of Greene

County Extension" de-

velopment campaign

which ended Sept. 30.

We also want to

thank the Greene Coun-

ty taxpayers and the

Greene County Com-

missioners for provid-

ing excellent Exten-

sion office space in the

Botanical Center. This

location enables Exten-

sion to bring excellent

programing to the resi-

dents of Greene County

and the region. It al-

so provides a place for

the public to take ad-

vantage of many Ex-

tension services. What

a great partnership we

enjoy with the Spring-

field-Greene County

Park Board.

However Greene

County Extension has

had to develop the abil-

ity to generate much

of its needed operation-

al funds privately from

the community. The

amount of annual fund-

ing from the Greene

County budget process

is not enough to sustain

ongoing operations.

Over the last few years

we have seen Greene

County funding drop to

the state mandated min-

imum of $10,000.

This is not enough to

continue office opera-

tions. Because of that

over the last year we

have lost two excellent

regional specialists rep-

resenting Youth Devel-

opment 4-H and Human

Development. Both

were in demand in

Greene County. They are

now assigned to other

counties who do provide

adequate funding.

We are proud to say

one person who has

avoided transfer up to

this point is our Horti-

cultural Specialist, Pat-

rick Byers. Why? Be-

cause of what the many

Master Gardeners and

others have been able to

accomplish with private

fundraising.... a year

old concept to keep MU

Extension operating in

Greene County.

Rather than try to

thank each one in person

please look over the list

of 150 "Friends of

Greene County Exten-

sion" members (see list

link below). Thanks

again to each member

who invested in "Friends

of Greene County Exten-

sion" over the last 12

months, contributions

generated $27,662 in

cash, $11,776 in-kind.

October 1st was the

important kickoff

date for the 2014

"Friends of Greene

County Extension" fund-

raising campaign.

The 2014 goal is

$30,000 cash, less than

a 10% increase in cash

collections from 2013.

When combined with an

adequate share of the

Greene County budg-

et (around $27,000 mini-

mum is being requested)

should see the Greene

County Extension of-

fice operations through.

To start the contribu-

tion stream for the new

campaign, Lisa Baker-

ink, president of Friends

of the Garden, presented

the Council a contribu-

tion from Friends of the

Garden for $1,028 on

Sept. 30.

Including the initial

2014 contribution by

Friends of the Garden

plus other investments

we have started the

2014 fundraising cam-

paign off with

over $2,000.

Now it's your turn to

please pick up a

"Friends" flyer, take

out your check book

and help us reach our

2014 fundraising goal

with your tax-

deductible gift.

With continued

support like yours we

will not fail this com-

ing year!


Donation period for our “annual fund” year runs from October 1 to Sept. 30.

Friends of the Garden kicked off Greene Coun-

ty Extension’s 2014 campaign with a gift of

$1,028. Above, FOG president Lisa Bakerink

presents check to George Deatz, vice-president

of the Greene County Extension Council.

Give online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Total Cash Raised: $27,662 * Total In-Kind Raised: $11,576

2013 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension”

Corporate Level Sanford & Assoc. CPA

Master Gardeners of

Greene County

Meyer

Communications—

KWTO and KTXR

American Business

Systems

Sunshine Valley Farm

— Jan and

Michael Wooten

Benefactor Level Greene County Soil &

Water Conserva-

tion District Board

Patron Level Harold Bender

Major and Marthe

Close

Jack Crabb

George Deatz

Sharon DeRubis

Sponsor Level Anonymous

David & Stacey Burton

David & Nancy

Chambers

Home Pride Inc.

Jack Kaiser

Old Missouri Bank /

Billy Claiborn

Contributor Level Harold Bengsch

Joyce Brown

Marla Calico

Linda Deatz

Dalen & Pam Duitsman

Ann Hall

Main Street Feeds

Darrell & Danette

Proctor

Race Brothers Farm

Supply

Friends Level Carl Allison

Clydette Alsup Egbers

Judy Averett

Lisa & John Bakerink

The Beauty Shop

Mark & Renae

Bernskoetter

Judith Bradley

Ramona Burton

Donna Carney

Carr Stock Farms, LLC

Bob Childress

Robert & Brenda Cirtin

Debbie & Stephen

Collins

Charles Edmonson

Billie Sue Fuller

James Garton

Dr. Greenthumb of

Springfield LLC

David Hall

Marjorie Harris

Debi Hunget

Richard Jarvis

Joe Jenkins

Jeffrey Jones

Gaylen and Deborah

Jones

Dr. Douglas Jones

Mary Joplin

Ann Kynion

Peter Longley

Darlene Nave

Dellene Nelson

Larry Nelson

Nosegay Garden Club

— Yvette Platz

Larry & Nancy O'Reilly

Barbara Parker

Ryan & Kelly Patterson

Carolyn Schirmer

Howard Schwartz

Sheryl Shaefer

Jim Shelledy

Mike Sidebottom

Paula Vinson

David & Glenda Welde

Leslie Wilde

Gail Wright

Partner Level Anonymous

Dan Cardwell

Robert Crankshaw

Mr. and Mrs. Rex

Conway Fraley

Dayle Enderson

Rae Ann Feemster

Barbara Kipfer

James Mauldin

Frieda Morris

Albert & Nancy Niewald

Betty Shook

Patsy Spindler

Mr. & Mrs. Randy

Underwood

Paula Vinson

Rebecca Willis

Wannagetta Pizza

Associate Level Doris Adams

Marilyn Anderson

Ted Anderson

Cynthia Arrowood

Jennifer Baldwin

Diann Barth

Julia Boyce

Malia Bucher

Pat Buton

Wanda Bumgarner

Sherry Clifton

Steven Counts/DPI

Printing

Oscar Cross

Barbara Dickensheet

George Freeman

Patsy Fry

Rob & Brenda

Funkhouser

Cindy Garner

James Garton

Don & Sandy Garoutte

Dorothy Hilton

Avis Holloway

Roberta Jones

Kenny Knauer

Sandra Letson

Dewayne Long

Karen McDonald

Fred & Dorothy Miller

Lisa Munkatchy

Edie Nelson

Ruth Penaherrera-

Norton

Stephen & Tana Pulles

Crystal Ramos

Kathryn Redman

Reva Roberson

Wanda Simpkins

Mike & Dianne Six

Jeanie Skibiski

Kathryn Steinhoff

Carol Stephenson

Paul Taylor

Gene Thomas

Patricia Tursi

Charles Wallace

Alan & Pat Ware

John & Lorri Winters

A. Lee Worman

Circle B Ranch

Echigo Farm

Fassnight Creek Farm

Farm Road 168

Happy Mouth Foods

Katiemade Breads

Landers Meats

Mockingbird Gardens

Ozark Natural Foods

Quickley Produce

Farm

Sunny Lane Farms

Sassie Sharons

Terrell Creek Farm

Urban Roots Farm

Yang Family Farm

Williams Creek

Winery

Mother's Brewery


Donation period for our “annual fund” year runs from October 1 to Sept. 30.


Greene County Extension Office located inside the

Springfield-Greene County

Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave.,

Springfield, Mo. 65807

Tel: (417) 881-8909

Fax (417) 823-4818

Office hours:

Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Each “Reaching Out Report” is used by Greene

County Extension specialists to concisely communi-

cate activities, contacts and events to members of the

Greene County Extension Council and Greene Coun-

ty Commission. For more about this report contact

the editor, David Burton, at (417) 881-8909.

Videos on YouTube Learn more about MU Extension programs by

watching the videos posted to our channel at

www.youtube.com/MUExtension417.

On Facebook Become a fan of MUExtension417 and get regular

updates about programs and news from MU Exten-

sion in southwest Missouri. Find us at

facebook.com/MUExtension417.

Corporate Sponsors Sanford and Associates, CPA, Springfield,

Mo.: (417) 886-2220,

Master Gardeners of Greene County:

http://www.mggreene.org

Meyer Communications, KWTO 560 AM /

KTXR 101.3 FM: (417) 862-3751,

American Business Systems, Springfield,

Mo.: (417) 866-5083, www.ambussys.com

Sunshine Valley Farm, 8125 E State High-

way AD, Rogersville, ph (417) 753-2698

Springfield-Greene County Park Board,

1923 North Weller, Springfield, Mo. 65803,

Ph 417-864-1049, www.parkboard.org

Greene County Commission, 868-4112

Extension Partner Meetings County Commission meetings: 1st and 3rd

Mondays of month; confirm agenda and meeting

at http://www.greenecountymo.org/commission.

Meetings held in Historic Courthouse, Room 212,

940 Boonville, Springfield, at 9:30 a.m.

Park Board Meetings: The Board of Direc-

tors meet the second Friday of each month at 8:30

a.m., usually in the Parks Administrative Offices

Board Room, 1923 N. Weller, Springfield, MO

65803. Call 417-864-1049 in advance to confirm.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3rd Thurs-

day of each month (except July) from 7 p.m. to 9

p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S Day-

ton Ave, Springfield.

Master Gardeners of Greene County—

board meeting: First Monday of each month at

4:00 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Master Naturalists Board Meetings: The

board meets at 5:30pm at the MDC regional of-

fice, on the second Wednesday of the month.

Master Gardeners of Greene County--

membership meeting: Second Tuesday each

month at 6:00 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Can I Help? Lorri can help customers

with material needs, soil

tests or program registra-

tions. Contact her at the

Greene County Extension

Center, (417) 881-8909.

Lorri Winters joined Ex-

tension in 2005. Lorri Winters Office Manager

http://www.mggreene.org/

Documents

October 2013 "Reaching Out Report"