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Home My Public Portal About2006 - Univ of MO Extension - Cole County Annual ReportUNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI i93EXtension Cole Countyzoo6 'AnnuAl .Tepoet Co Ce County Extension 2436 Tanner Bridge Road Jefferson City, MO. 65101 573/634-2824 fax 634-5463 Coleco@missouri.edu hftp://extension.missouri.edu/cole/ UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI � Extension Mayor John Landwehr City Hall 320 East McCarty Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 Dear Mayor Landwehr, COLE COUNTY 2436 Tanner Bridge Road Jefferson City, MO 65101 PHONE (573) 634-2824 FAX (573) 634-5463 E-MAIL coleco@missouri.edu WEBSITE http://extension.missouri.edu/cole/ January 19, 2007 Attached is the annual report of the University of Missouri Extension in Cole County. By law we are required to provide an annual report to the County Commissioners, however our events and programs also serve the City of Jefferson as well. We would like to take this opportunity to inform you what we are doing to make Jefferson City and Cole County a better place to live. Extension exists to improve people's lives and page 1 of the report summarizes how Extension fulfilled their mission in Cole County throughout 2006. The remainder of the report provides greater detail concerning the activities and impacts responsible for improving people's lives. If you have any questions about our activities during 2006 or plans for 2007 please contact Chris Thompson, the County Program Director at the Extension Center. Sincerely, Richard E. Crader Chair Cole County Extension Council University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Local Extension Councils Cooperating EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA INSTITUTIONS _.; What we do and why: Using science -based knowledge, University of Missouri Extension engages people to understand change, solve problems �i and make informed decisions. MU Extension makes accessible University education and knowledge for: 1) Economic } viability, 2) Empowered individuals, 3) Strong families and communities, 4) Healthy environments. University of Missouri Extension is a partnership with the University of Missouri campuses, the people of Missouri through j county extension councils, the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other partners and stakeholders. How We Improved People's Lives During 2006 — Cole County Highlights Family Nutrition Education Programs • 1,689 low-income participants were reached with nutrition education. Business Development Impact from this year's activities: • 465 new or retained jobs • $109,070 increase in sales • $19,534,863 in government contracts • 1 new business • $45,000 in loans and investments • 96% of program attendees willing to recommend the program to others Activities and clients for the year: • 116 existing or start-up businesses received assistance or information • 296 participants attended 31 training programs in 18 subject areas Master Gardeners (MGs) • 10,709 hours of donated labor valued at over $182,000 to local organizations • 51 new Master Gardeners graduated • 30 current MGs completed advanced training • Planted flowers in downtown Jefferson City Horticulture & Natural Resources • Responded to an average of 21 citizen contacts each week concerning natural resources issues such as identifying plant disease and insects • Planned and conducted educational tours for small farmers to improve their production and sales • Distributed the latest University agricultural research and information to over 370 citizens each month Livestock • 200 trained in the latest grazing management techniques, improving herd health and reducing pasture management costs • Swine producers discovered how to improve their herds • 21 youth livestock project participants learned their responsibilities in providing safe food F1 �r 4-H & Youth Development • 1 out of 7 youth in Cole County ages 5 - 18 (based on the 2000 Census) participated in at least 6 hours of 4-H supported educational programming. • Increased 4-H enrollment by 42% to 289 youths • 11 % increase in exhibitors at the county fair and a 39% increase in exhibits • 1,707 4-H projects prepared youths for the future by learning through doing, a 22% increase Human Development • Improving public safety by training of 140 inmates due to be released, thereby lessening their chances of being repeat offenders. • Trained 17 Cole County day-care workers to protect and improve childrens' health • 40 adults learned to improve their health through better eating habits. Safety • 1,118 enrollments in Extension's Fire and Rescue Training Institute were from Cole County • 73 enrollments in the Law Enforcement Training Institute were from Cole County • 174 medical professionals received continuing education through Extension programs • 187 youth decreased their chances of being injured outdoors by participating in Farm Safety Day Camp County Extension • "Touched" over 13,000, or 19%, of Cole County Citizens with programs or information • Responded, on average, to a customer contact every 16 minutes of every business day • Processed 508 soil tests • Provided a testing location for 42 students enrolled in college correspondence courses • Tested 10 private pesticide applicators as required by law; hosted commercial pesticide applicator testing monthly • Planned, prepared, and conducted the 30th Fall Festival with nearly 3,000 attending • Coordinated all youth development activities at the Cole County Fair UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI Extension January 5, 2007 Commissioners Cole County 301 East High Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 Cole County 2436 Tanner Bridge Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Phone: 573/634-2824 -Fax: 573/634=5463 i As required by Missouri Statue 262.617 the Annual Report for the Cole County Extension Center detailing the actions, activities, and results is respectfully submitted. For the Extension Council Secretary, Chris V. Thompson . County Program Director Cole County Extension Center University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Local Extension Councils Cooperating EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA INSTITUTIONS 2 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI IDExt e n si-on VICE PROVOST'S OFFICE 108 Whitten Hall Columbia, MO 65211 ! PHONE: (573) 882-7477 FAX: (573) 882-1955 Dear Members of the County Commission and Community: Thank you! Your financial support to our land-grant university partnership makes it possible for University of Missouri Extension to deliver high-quality educational programs where Missourians live, work and experience quality of life. More than 1 million Missourians annually turn to MU Extension for help in improving businesses, farms and communities and strengthening their families. Your partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the State of Missouri, and local organizations and businesses enhances the state's economy and brings unique opportunities to families and individuals. In fact, MU Extension partners with more than 100 entities across the state. Those partnerships enable us to extend our- educational ureducational reach without duplicating services. In FY2007, MU Extension will leverage $39 million in federal and state funding resources into more than $81 million in educational programming to serve Missourians. In 2006, dollars allocated by county commissions to support extension at the local level amounted to 17 percent of the j total dollars for extension funding statewide. These local dollars were leveraged to provide more programs to more people. Additionally, our local partners across the state (county commissioners and councils) provided significant in-kind contributions in the forms of office space and meeting space. Grants, fees and contract dollars account for almost 23 percent of extension funding. Combined with state and federal funds, every local tax dollar is matched with an average return of $10.37. We use these funds very efficiently. In FY2007, just four percent of the budget is going toward administration, compared with 12 percent for most non -profits and government agencies. The return on your investment in MU Extension for your community is great: • Businesses become and remain profitable -- creating and retaining jobs. -.Improved agricultural yields add to producers' bottom line, and citizens enjoy a safer environment. �� • Towns and cities use research -based resources to make better decisions about their future. Young people are more likely to stay in school and increase their lifetime earnings. • Professionals and other workers stay on the cutting edge of career requirements through continuing education. • Adults and young people live healthier lifestyles and suffer fewer medical costs. Your local extension faculty and staff, campus faculty, county extension council members, 4-H volunteers, Master Gardeners and other program supporters look forward to a continued fruitful partnership in 2007. If you have suggestions for how, University of Missouri Extension can better serve your needs, please contact me or your local extension center. Sincerely, chael D_ Ouart Vice Provost and Director cc: Brian Foster, Provost Beverly Coberly, Director, Off Campus Operations Extension Regional Directors Extension County Program Directors University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Local Extension Councils Cooperating EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA INSTITUTIONS University Extension Staff Serving Cole County *Chris Thompson........................................................ County Program Director & Business Development Specialist *Brocke Laws..........:.................................................4-H Youth Development Specialist *Julie Royse.............................................................Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP) Coordinator *Jamie Thompson................................................................Family Financial Education Specialist *James Quinn.............................................................Horticulture Specialist *Jane Kempker.......................................................... Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant — Council *Diane Ternmen......:.................................................Administrative Assistant/Receptionist— 47H *Debbie Wieberg .......................................................FNEP Administrative Assistant *Kerry Collins......................................................................FNEP Administrative Clerk Monica.Haaf............................................................Nutrition Education Assistant Mark Stillwell............................................................Regional Director Lynda Zimmerman .................................................... Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Kathy, Dothage ......................................................... Human Development Specialist Jim Jarman..............................................................Agronomy Specialist Mark Stewart ........................................................... Livestock Specialist Don Day..............................................................................Natural Resource Engineer *Denotes headquartered in Cole County Cole County University Extension Council and Officers Jeff Ahlers Sarah Beck Lisa Binkley — Vice Chair Debbie Borgmeyer Larry Brandhorst — Fall Festival Chairman Mike Broker Bill Case Dick Crader— Chairman Mike Forck Greg Gaffke Susan Green John Hagenhoff Tim Hagenhoff— Treasurer Rose Marie Hopkins — Secretary Tom Loethen Debbie Lueckenotte Mae Gehring Judy Rizner Palmer Scheperle . Steve Stacey Ellen Strobel Harry Thompson Becky Wise Special thanks go to the Cole County Commission and the United Way for their support to the Cole County Extension throughout the years. 2006 County. Commission United Way Bob Jones - Presiding Commissioner Linda McAnany— President Chris Wrigley -Western District Commissioner Mike Forck - Eastern District Commissioner 4 i Food Nutrition Education Program (FNEP) Julie Royse, FNEP Coordinator University of Missouri Extension Family Nutrition Education Programs (FNEP) reached 1,689 low-income participants with nutrition education in Cole County during 2006. FNEP provides information on nutrition, food safety, and physical activity for lifelong health and fitness. Nutrition education for youths provides information in kid -friendly terms and lessons with hands-on activities. Activities include opportunities for taste - testing healthy foods and practicing skills that lead to good health. Schools participating in the FNEP program in the past year included East, Thorpe Gordon and Blair Oaks R -II Elementary Schools and the Jefferson City Preschool Resource Center. The table below summarizes the state-wide positive impacts for youths who participated in FNEP activities: Student changes reported by teachers Student changes Teachers who reported that change occurring More aware of nutrition 95% Make healthier meal and/or snack choices 62% Eat breakfast more often 42% More willing to try new foods 66% Improved hand washing 82% Improved food safety other than hand washing 34% Increased physical activity 47% Two thousand nine hundred fifty-six (2,956) teachers state-wide participated in FNEP and they told us: • 97% want the program again • 97% said class response was excellent or good • Most enjoyable parts of the program: activities, games, and tasting food! • 99% (2,916 teachers) reported one or more changes in students.after FNEP training. Teachers' Changes self-reported) Teachers who made Teachers Teachers each type of change already model/talk practicing about behavior behavior to students 45% More aware of 50% 68% nutrition 38% Make healthier meal 53% 67% and/or snack choices 25% Eat breakfast more 59% 49% often 30% More willing to try 55% 56% new foods 25% Improved hand 71% 70% washing 27% Improved food 65% 44% safety other than hand washing 29% Increased physical 49% 54% activity 44% Make/offer healthier 36% food choices for students *Evaluation data was collected on students who participated in a variety of curricula from Pre - Kindergarten through Grade 12. Human Development Building Strong Families Curriculum Reaches Offenders at Algoa and -Other Locations Kathy Dothage, Human Development Specialist Jamie H. Thompson, Family Financial Education Specialist One of the most pressing and complex challenges facing state government in Missouri and across the nation today is the reintegration of adult offenders from prison back into society. Ninety-seven percent of all the men and women committed to prison will someday be released from incarceration. During 2004, 18,000 individuals were released from Missouri correctional institutions, returning to live in communities across the state. It is in everyone's best interest that released offenders live. as law-abiding, self-sufficient citizens once they reenter society. The recidivism rate for offenders is much lower if there are strong family ties and a supportive community. Building Strong Families is one part of the Missouri Reentry Process (MPR) program whose goals include: • Smarter transition practices • Increase public safety • Strengthen families • Stabilize neighborhoods • Release offenders to become contributing citizens • Maximize resources The Building Strong Families: Challenges and Choices is based on the simple philosophy that all individuals and families have strengths that can be enhanced if they are treated as partners in their own learning process. The program uses a 13 -module curriculum that can be adapted for families, settings, and situations of different types. Families identify their own strengths and learn skills to build on those strengths. Each two-hour module includes_ lecture and various activities. Over 40 offenders at the Algoa Correctional Center participated in the workshops conducted by Kathy Dothage. Jamie Thompson was involved in the programs conducted at the Tipton and Boonville Correctional Centers where approximately. 100 inmates participated in the program. Students in the Middle Kathy Dothage, Human Development Specialist Students in the Middle is a curriculum designed by a collaborative effort including the University of Missouri. The curriculum is for counselors who are trained to provide students in small groups with activities and information to strengthen their family relationships and give support to children and families coping with divorce and other family transitions. The curriculum was piloted and revised during 2006 and the training will be provided in the Central Missouri Region in the fall of 2007. Eating to Lower Your Blood Cholesterol. Lynda Zimmerman, Nutrition and ). Health Education Specialist High blood cholesterol is one of .the major risk factors for heart disease. It is also one of the risk factors that can be changed or controlled. Research has shown that lowering blood cholesterol will reduce the risk of heart -disease. Eighteen Cole County citizens participated in Eating to Lower Your -Blood Cholesterol. Across the entire central region this program was conducted at four locations with a total of 54 women and 11 men attending. Evaluations completed following the sessions showed that participants had learned new information. Examples of what was learned are: • Benefits of omega-3 • Value of eating fish • How to eat & choose the type of food to lower cholesterol • What should be eaten more and what should be eaten in moderation or cut out - R • What LDL & HDL are and what they mean. • The difference between good and bad fats • Using color to plan healthy meals As a result of what they had learned each participant listed at -least one goal for themselves including: • Have cholesterol tested • Eat more fish • Read labels more wisely and carefully. • Use unsaturated fats and cut down on fried foods • Eat fruits and vegetables in larger amounts • Trim fat off meats and change cooking habits • Buy more omega-3 foods Comments about the program included: • "This was an enjoyable way of learning about improving family meals." • "The session was beneficial and very informative. " • "I'm going to refer to the handouts often"' • "It's remarkable you could hold the audience's attention so well despite "mono & polyunsaturated fats" and such technicalities. " • "My husband decided that we needed to learn all we could -I'm glad he insisted that 1 sign up to come tonight!" • "The info on Omega-3 was very helpful and now 1 know what to look for. " • "Excellent presentation!" • "I would like to see more programs like this _ again!" Childcare Providers Learn to Plan Healthy Meals. - with MyPyramid for Kids - Lynda Zimmerman, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Supplying nutritious foods is an important priority for childcare providers. Young children obtain half to two-thirds of their nutritional daily intake while in childcare. Many childcare providers, however, have little if any nutrition training. To update childcare providers about the latest information regarding the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid, a training seminar was provided by. University of Missouri Extension. A total of 22 child care providers attended the seminar -in Jefferson City; of these, 17 were from Cole County. The majority of participants (90%)stated on post - session evaluations that the training had .been worthwhile. Additionally, 76% of participants felt the handouts from the program were helpful and could be shared with others (parents, co-workers, family members, etc.). All but two participants (95%) felt they had learned information that they could use at work and/or home. Some examples of what had been learned included: • "What I'm eating may not be best for me". • "Not all foods are categorized as just good or bad". • "One should really watch what they eat as well as the amount" • "Better eating habits for children and their - families. " • "The number of servings of various food groups to feed my children daily" • "How to use MyPyramid to plan my meals". i Sixty percent of participants identified something new they planned to try as a result of attending the programs such as: • "Be more aware of food selection for daily food schedule". • "Make healthier meal plans for children and i me". • "Help children make better food choices and to be more active". • "Use MyPyramid as a balanced guide to planning menus and feeding pre-school children": • "Getting myself and family on track eating j better and exercising! " • "Provide healthier foods at home & work to share what I have learned with others" j Comments from participants included: • "1 thought I had a good eating pattern until now. I consume too much of some and not enough of many" • "You did a good job explaining how much proportion of foods we should eat each day". • "This was a motivational training - a incorporating a really good/better balance of foods/nutrition for children, as well as me". • "You presented the information very well. • Very good class. " • "1 learned a lot of new information about the food groups and guidelines for feeding them to my children". Eat Well, Be Well with Diabetes Lynda Zimmerman, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Eat Well, Be Well with Diabetes is a 4 -session program designed to help people with type 2 diabetes and their families learn how to control blood sugar levels and delay or prevent the long-term complications associated with this disease. Thirty-two individuals (29 women and 3 men) participated in the program series held in Jefferson City, Fulton and Laurie during 2006. Of these 32, 12 were from Cole County. 7 After participating in the Eat Well, Be Well with Diabetes program series, participants indicated that "they felt more confident that they could prepare healthy meals for someone with diabetes", "keep their diabetes under control",* and "make healthy food choices when eating out." Additionally, 62% disagreed that preparing meals for someone with diabetes is a hassle. At the beginning of training only 12% felt that way. Additional comments included: • "I enjoyed the class very much - will recommend it!" • "Very interesting and it helped a lot" • "Time and money well spent" • "I understand better how to control my blood sugar': • "Good format and excellent presenter". Family Financial Education Programs Former Benton County Family Financial Education Specialist, Jamie H. Thompson, transferred to Cole County in September, 2006. Prior to joining the Cole County office, Jamie was involved in Building Strong Families program discussed earlier. She also conducted the Financial $uccess program. Financial $uccess This was a three-hour bankruptcy education program designed to meet the federal mandate established as part of the revised bankruptcy law. Attending such a program is a required to complete the bankruptcy process. In 2006 the program was offered twice a month. Four couples and 7 individuals attended the education program presented by Jamie Thompson. This program will not be continued for 2007 due to the low participation. Several other organizations will continue to offer the needed training. 2007 Family Financial Education Programs The following programs are planned for delivery in Cole County during 2007. Homebuyer Financial Education Bank of America supports a community commitment program in Missouri to increase homeownership. The program targets first-time homebuyers whose income is 80% or less of median county income. For those completing the six -hour program mortgage interest rates at less than market rates are offered. There is no private mortgage insurance required even though the program requires no down payment for traditional homes and only a 3% down payment for manufactured homes. Get CheckingTM Get CheckingTA° is an educational program designed to help consumers without a banking relationship gain access to basic financial services regardless of their history. The six -hour curriculum's focus is account management and good debit practices. Once a consumer successfully completes the program, meaning they have gone through the six hours of instruction, pass an exam at the course's conclusion, and pay restitution to all financial institutions they owe, they can go into any of the Get Checking's participating financial institutions, show their certificate of completion and open an account. Research has shown that 96% of Get Checking graduates will open an account with a participating financial institution within six months and 3% open an account within the year. Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate Everyone has property to transfer since everyone has personal belongings and many of these items have special meaning to family members. What happens to these sentimental belongings when someone dies? Who gets what? How can these decisions be made while the owner is still living? This is an issue that is so often ignored — until a crisis occurs. Making these decisions after a death can split a family apart! Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate deals with the sensitive issue of planning for the inevitable. Identity Theft: A loss that hurts! The public cannot live in constant fear of what may or may not happen. In all societies there are the few that will try to circumvent the system, other words, steal. It is important that everyone be aware of the "Identity Theft" threat and takes the necessary actions to protect themselves. Sometimes though, no matter how careful someone is their identity may be stolen. This program explains how the public can protect their identity and what to do if it is stolen. Business Development Chris Thompson, Business Development Specialist Extension's Business Development (BD) program economically and qualitatively improves people's lives through researched based business education designed to enhance the state's economic development. Program delivery occurs through a statewide network of services that includes educational programs, counseling, and referrals. Extension's business and economic impact in Cole County includes: • 465 new or retained jobs • $109,070 increase in sales • $19,534,863 in government contracts • 1 new business 8 • $45,000 in loans and investments • $16,000 in acquired assets L- • 343 participants in training programs conducted by the Cole County Business Development Specialist. • 32 clients or companies counseled • 84 clients were provided information or referrals Statewide the Business Development Program results are: • 6,054 new jobs • $168,908,759 in increased sales • $186,010,945 in government contracts awarded • 83 new businesses started • 570 jobs retained • $73,666,326 in loans and investments • 18 business failures prevented • $24,863,597 in acquired facilities, equipment and technology • $8,720,277 of government investment to commercialize new products • 3,540 people received in-depth, individualized counseling • 1,588 people received assistance by telephone, e-mail, group meetings, and printed material • 6,048 people participated in business training programs Business Counseling "Excellent resource. Very grateful to have available here! Thanks"! "Well rounded analysis of what bases should be covered before asking for a loan or making other major decisions. I will consult ...for further -- questions/advice" are samples of comments from clients who received counseling during 2006. Counseling includes any and all contact between the extension staff and customers where business- related information, advice, and assistance are provided. Means of contact include telephone calls, - e-mail, conversations, informal meetings, formal counseling sessions, and exchanging written or electronic documents. Help starting a new business accounted for approximately 43% of all assistance efforts. Improving the performance of existing businesses accounted for the remaining 57% of the specialist's business development activities. By year's end, 116 individual clients have been served during 2006. These clients generated 193 separate contacts. The majority of clients resided in the two counties served by the Cole County Business Specialist although individuals from 19 other counties contacted the Cole County Extension office. The most common assistance topics related to financing and business planning. Thirty-two clients received assistance that is reportable to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Any private, for-profit, small company receiving more than one hour of assistance is reported. Although only 28% of the clients can be classified as "reportable", they received 88% of the — assistance efforts. Non -reportable clients usually involve a single contact with the client receiving less than 1 hour of assistance. The 84 non -reportable clients received the remaining 12% (or 34 hours) of the counseling effort. Educational Programs Satisfaction with the training programs is measured immediately after the class. The 2006 results: - Satisfaction with the Cole County BD specialist's instruction was rated a 6.38 on a 7 point scale with 7 being "excellent". When adjusted to reflect only those attendees whose program attendance was voluntarily the satisfaction rating for the instructor increased to 6.7. The statewide average was 6.3. • Satisfaction with the program's content was rated a 6.10 on a 7 point. Again adjusting to reflect only those programs where attendance was voluntary the content satisfaction rating rose to 6.57. The statewide average was 6.21. • 96.4% of those whose attendance was voluntary would recommend the training program to others. Student comments from the after class satisfaction surveys included: "This class helped me focus" "Excellent session - the training materials are appropriate for the group. Chris did an excellent job explaining the information" "Excellent instructor! Very helpful! I will be utilizing everything that I've learned!" "Mr. Thompson was very helpful in applying the course material to my own purposes" The number and types of program offerings stabilized in 2006. In the past year 43 programs addressing 18 different subject areas were offered. Of these 31 programs in 15 subjects were conducted. During 2005, 41 programs addressing 13 different subjects were offered and 28 programs covering 11 were conducted. When the current BD specialist was hired the previous standard had been 6 programs addressing a single subject annually. Programs are only cancelled if no one registers. A table in the next column shows the breakout of the 2006 programs offered in Cole County. 0 2006 Program Summary — Cole County Offerings Only — Program Courses Courses Total Conducted Offered Attend- ance Starting a Small Business 6 6 36 — The First Steps DHSS Start & 3 3 141 Manage How to Write A 5 6 25 Business Plan Understanding Financial 3 4 5 Statements How to Control 1 4 2 Cash Flow Predicting Cash Needs 1 4 2 Quick Books for Beginners 1 1 15 Foundations of Marketing 0 2 0 Business Performance: Measure, 1 1 2 Manage, Succeed Pricing For Success 2 2 10 Metro Business College — How 2 2 39 To Start Introduction to Business Plans — Lincoln 1 1 8 University Listening to Your Business 0 1 0 Human Resources for 5 5 11 Small Business Totals 31 42 296 For the first time a QuickBooks program was offered in Cole County and the Monroe BD specialist was the instructor. Human Resources for Small Business was. conducted through interactive television (ITV) in the spring using a private consultant. Using ITV was the only way this program could be affordably offered in this area. A total of 5 BD specialists were involved in the coordination and delivery of this program. The relationship with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) continues. The Cole County BD specialist continues to manage and instruct the business portion for the In -Home Care Giver qualification course. Successful completion of the course is required for state certification. This course is conducted quarterly in Jefferson City for businesses throughout the state and is an excellent opportunity to expose businesses across the state to Extension's business development services. The Camden County specialist assisted with this program. State Fair Community College (SFCC) offered business programs as part of their evening outreach curriculum. The Cole County BD specialist conducted 7 programs in 5 subject areas during the past year at SFCC. More programs will be added to the State Fair Schedule in 2007. The Fast Trac New Venture business planning college curriculum was offered through the Hart Vo - Tech School in Mexico. The Cole County BD specialist, along with the Monroe County specialist delivered this program over an 8 week period beginning in August. Plans for 2007 Primary objectives for 2007 are to maintain the current intensity of.educational offerings in Cole County while providing regional coverage as. needed Forty-five programs in 17 subject areas are being planned for 2007. In some instances outside instructors will be used for these programs and efforts are underway to locate and qualify these instructors, as well as determining if they are affordable. Horticulture i James Quinn, Horticulture Specialist Extension assists commercial growers and homeowners in horticulture. Horticulture almost always brings to mind flowers, but _ t also includes vegetables, fruits, nursery plants (trees, bushes and other ornamentals), lawn/turf, viticulture.(grapes), and landscaping. County and adjoining area businesses depending heavily on horticulture are lawn &- landscaping services, garden centers, nurseries, wineries, golf courses, U -pick & Agritourism farms, greenhouses, and orchards. Early in 2006 the Extension Council made the decision to change the vacant "ag" specialist position from a natural resource engineer to horticulture and the position was filled in June. Although headquartered in Cole County a -total of 6 other counties are also served by Cole specialist. While a number of programs address horticulture, four are where most time and attention is given. Home Horticulture and the Environment Gardening is a popular hobby in the U.S and the benefits of gardening to quality of life can be realized by people of all ages and income levels. Access to unbiased, research -based information on selecting, planting, and maintaining fruit, vegetable and ornamental species around the home is a key to gardening success. University of Missouri Extension is one of the few available sources of unbiased information. With a full-time horticulture specialist on staff at Cole County, rapid and full service response is available to individuals that stop by or call in. Most requests fall into one of the following: pest identification, plant culture information, and soil testing. The majority of requests for assistance are from Cole or the adjoining counties. Horticulture outreach is augmented In counseling, more effort will be given to long term by the. Master Gardener program. — follow-up with past clients to fully document their Additional opportunities to reach .. continuing success: the public through newspaper. articles and TV have occurred i To improve advertising of the business programs in since June, and this type of activity should increase Cole County sponsorships were sought to support a with time. These occurrences usually involved the direct mail advertising campaign. The generosity of Master Gardener (MG) program, and MG_ volunteers four local businesses will allow quarterly mailings are given the opportunity to be the lead when and announcing upcoming programs. These mailings where possible. target existing businesses and those who have previously taken a business program. Master Gardener The Central Missouri Master. Gardeners (CMMG) is one of the largest and most active chapters in the state. In 2005, it ranked 4th in total volunteer hours, behind KC, St. Louis and Springfield, and last year 10 the volunteer hours doubled from 2005. It is one of the few chapters to offer Level I training two times a year, as well as offering the Advanced Level II classes. To our knowledge, it will be the first chapter in the state to own and operate its own greenhouse. The CMMG Chairperson's comprehensive review of the 2006 activities and highlights starts on page 12. Not mentioned in the CMMG report was the approval of a joint project with Jefferson City on urban water quality, which focuses on - Y* _ - — yard and landscape runoff. Jefferson City applied to the DNR mini -grant water quality program which, if received, will fund the project's expenses. There is a strong interest from Master Gardeners around the county in environmental issues, and this project is CMMG's first of this type. One tour was arranged in September through this office that catered to the interests of Master Gardeners. It started NW of Centralia at the Clark Produce Auction, which was having their annual Fall Craft and Pumpkin Sale. It concluded with a luncheon and garden tour at the AB Chance Foundation mansion and gardens, catered by the Centralia Historical Society. This will likely be an annual tour as it filled to capacity (40) and received excellent comments. Master Gardeners for Cole County participated in this event. Missouri Grown While the farm lifestyle is an important part of Missouri's social fabric, it is becoming increasingly difficult for families to remain on the farm. In order for small farms to remain economically viable, some producers are growing higher value crops. Targeted by this program are potential growers such as existing row crop and horticultural producers; they i receive information for success in growing and marketing high value crops such as tomatoes, melons and small fruits. Outreach is through workshops, newsletters, field days, grower conferences and farm tours. Farm tours in August and October were coordinated by the Cole County Specialist. The August tour had over 40 participants including several from Cole County. The farms toured were in Hartsburg and –j Columbia and these farms produced watermelons, small fruit and vegetables. The October tour, which included transportation and lunch, targeted growers selling at farmer's markets and visited two western St. Louis area farms. These farms are using techniques that extend the season for vegetable, fruit and flower production. 11 A presentation 'Choosing What to Grow' was given at the 'Fall Round -up' held in Columbia in November. This was a first time for this event and was open to all farmer market vendors selling in this area. An attendance of 40 makes it likely it will continue. The horticulture specialist also contributes articles to the Missouri Vegetable Growers Association quarterly newsletter and participated in area events to promote Missouri grown produce. These events included the Agroforestry Center's Chestnut Roast, Bradford Research and Extension Center's FFA Day and Tomato Fest. Community Food Systems Most agricultural production in Missouri is targeted to domestic and global commodity markets. At the same time, consumers are demanding high quality, great tasting food whose - t production is sustainable �+ ` • and supports local farmers. While the 1 r` ultimate goal of this r program is to increase -� the amount of sustainable food produced and consumed in Missouri communities, two aspects offer horticultural opportunities: • Building the knowledge of chefs, retailers, processors and distributors about the benefits of buying and selling locally grown food. • Expand the capacity of institutional food services (e.g. school and university cafeterias) to source locally produced food products through farm to cafeteria programs. Seven schools in the Central Missouri Region expressed interest in participating in a farm to cafeteria pilot project in 2007. It will be conducted through Cole County Extension Center and focus on green beans grown, harvested and eaten at the schools. Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) The horticulture specialist also serves as secretary for the Cole County SWCD Board. In addition to the normal operations of the SWCD, there are two significant projects awaiting word on funding. The DNR 319 Grays Creek Watershed Project requested $235,800 in funding, and was ranked very high on the applicant list. A Special Area Land Treatment (SALT) project, also named 'Grays Creek Watershed Project', is being submitted to the DNR. This project requests $853,798 in funding. Both projects will benefit Cole County landowners beyond the traditional benefits they currently receive through the SWCD programs. MASTER GARDENERS (MG) moved and new ones planted creating a Gail Cummins, Chairperson - Central Missouri Master more appealing view for walkers: The. Gardeners (CMMG) sprinkler system was also repaired. i What a group that continues.to grow and is willing to Several work parties helped to keep -the learn! -new MG ld grounds An Extension Centerboa aduat from the Level I old wood bulletin d and a wisteria plant yoJQ`MAsreA�g9o� s courses in 2006 and, 30 active were removed. Two very large blue rug • MGs completed the Advanced evergreens were also removed from the ° Level II Training. A total of entrance area. espy°cy 10,709 hours of volunteer labor Of Booneslick Walking Tour were contributed by Master The Hospice House grounds continue to be Gardeners to a number of organizations. The improved. Two large areas were completely volunteer hours consist of gardening and landscaping revamped with the removal of shrubs, ivy, old activities, savings those organizations thousands of plantings, etc. The landscape. was dollars. Needless to say, Master Gardeners are very redesigned using a tree, shrubs, bench, _ proud but most of all; very hard working and compost, mulch, etc. New window boxes are dedicated.. planned for 2007. Plant Sale Funds Community Support Projects The plant sale is our single fund raising event of the year. Revenue from the plant sale continues to increase. allowing us to carry on our community service projects. Our projects include: • Additions completed at the Demonstration Gardens were the Rivers EdgeBerm, the Medicine Wheel, trellis benches, shed, and the memorial bench and plantings. CMMG members share a picnic each June at this site and the pavilion, picnic tables, and fire pit make for a great outing. • Four home owners received awards through the Capitol City Area Garden Contest in 2006. Half -page coverage of these awards was provided by the local. • A CMMG dream of owning a greenhouse is coming true. The City of Jefferson has donated space to build the greenhouse at its Cedar City facility. The city will also provide classroom space, pay for the installation of all utilities and all water and electricity used. Public Relations: • A MG writes a gardening news article periodically for the newspaper. • A MG continues to answer gardening questions on a radio talk show each. month. • A JC -TV project recorded a DVD of all CMMG projects and this was shown to .two area organizations. A film was also made of Worm Composting presented by one MG. Community organizations asked CMMG for help: • City of Jefferson — CMMG designed and planted the downtown area tree wells • Cole County Residential Services — CMMG designed and built a handicapped accessible trail • Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.— CMMG designed and planted low maintenance plantings for the entrance. CMMG field trips included: • A review committee made revisions to the Bradford Research and Extension .Center current CMMG Policies and Procedures, By- Tomato Festival Laws, and Primer for Recording Volunteer Lilywood Farms - Hours. Each MG has a copy of these forms • Vintage Hill for their own reference. • Garden of the Month • Booneslick Walking Tour • A scholarship of $500 was awarded to a • Viticulture Field Day University of Missouri agriculture/ • Twilight Tour of Three Produce Growers management major. Clark Produce Auction • CMMG's Operation Outreach gave $500 to • - Show -Me Gardens. aid local military families. Day Lily Tour of CMMG Tours of Capitol City Area Contest winners' • The McKay Park sign area received a huge gardens. Several CMMG attended the State MG overhaul with added help from the Young Business Leaders. The area was weeded, Conference in Springfield and a report was sprayed, and mulched. Many plants were made at the monthly meeting. 12 j_ Agriculture - Livestock and Agronomy Missouri Show -Me Quality Assurance — Livestock Quality Assurance Instruction for Youth Mark Stewart, Livestock Specialist "Thanks again for the program. My son was still talking about it at breakfast this morning" one mother wrote after her son attended a Missouri Show --Me Quality Assurance class. Perceived safety, wholesomeness, and nutritional value of food products influence consumer buying decisions. If consumers are not confident that a product is of the highest quality they have come to expect, they will not purchase it. Many youth project members forget to think of the project animals as 'food' and have not understood the food safety issues that can arise. The results documented in an Audrain County livestock skill-a- thon confirmed that youth livestock project members _ do not fully understand food safety issues and how they, as livestock producers, fit in the food production process. To address this issue the Missouri Show - Me Quality Assurance program was developed for use with youth livestock project members of all food animal species. Twenty-one of the 167 youth attending one of the five Missouri Show -Me Quality Assurance (MSQA) sessions were from Cole County. Each participant took a pre and post-test, completed a worksheet on reading feed tags, learned about proper livestock identification, why livestock identification is important for food safety concerns, helped determine minimum space requirements for different livestock project animals and saw peers demonstrate animal handling principles involving flight zones and differences in eye sight. All 167 youth participants who completed the program were designated MSQA "Qualified to Show" for one year. Additionally, youth 14 and over who have a current Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) certification are also SMQA Certified. Comparison of the pre-test and post-test scores indicates an increase in subject matter knowledge. Pre-test scores averaged 61 % while the post-test average was 80%, a knowledge increase of 29%. Local Support for the National Animal Germplasm Program Mark Stewart, Livestock Specialist Twenty producers participated in a hands-on program titled Boar Semen Collection & Processing for Small Scale Farms. This program was designed by Dr. Tim Safranski, State Swine Extension Specialist, to assist producers in successfully implementing a farm semen collection and artificial insemination program for their small scale swine herds. There were seven Missouri producers, including three from Cole County, along with eleven other participants from IL, NE, KS, CA, MN, IA, IN, CO and CT: Most of the participants raise what are considered a `rare or minor' breed of swine. Learning how to collect and properly process semen not only allows these producers to efficiently breed more females to a given boar, it can also provide a secondary source of income through fresh semen sales. The National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) supported and provided this course and several producers of rare breeds brought boars with them. Program organizers worked with these producers to collect, process, and ship semen donations to the NAGP. Semen samples from Mulefoot, Tamworth and Red Wattle boar collections were added to the NAGP semen bank. Cole County producers supplied collections from Tamworth and Red Wattle boars. Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT) Jim Jarmin Agronomy Specialist Since 1978, anyone wanting to purchase, apply or supervise the application of agricultural chemicals labeled as Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP) must be trained and certified as a private pesticide applicator. This training teaches the safe and proper use of pesticides and will allow the participants to obtain a license for the first time or renew their current applicator's license, which must be done every 5 years. Some of the subjects covered are proper pesticide handling, personal protective equipment, pesticide regulations, storage considerations, worker protection, endangered species protection and application record keeping. Since 2003 the use of a standardized training program was mandated although delivery of this training could be accomplished by in -class training, videotape or self learning CD-ROM. Videotape or CD-ROM trainings may be scheduled at the applicators' convenience at Extension Centers. The program is supervised by Jim Jarman, Agronomy Specialist who also presents the in -class training. Individual Extension Center secretaries, office managers and County Program Directors schedule and supervise the use of the CD and video tape training. One producer stated `7 will use what Ilearned to -- hopefully increase the productivity of my operation _. Eleven individuals attended the in -class training in and decrease the inputs 1 need to succeed and be Cole County. Ten applicators completed the profitable." Others comments were: "Thought the — videotape or CD training. All private applicators are conference was excellent, the necropsy and dog and required to evaluate the training. The means of horse demos were great!; good job; the live delivery did not impact the learning outcomes. This demonstrations were a very good idea; and great program's benefits reported by the attendees include: location, keep it here" (Boone County Fairgrounds). - • Increased awareness and understanding of the laws and regulations, pesticide labeling, ground water.protection, pest identification, personal Farm Safety Day protective equipment, calibration, environmental Lisa Binkley; Cole.County concerns and pesticide handling. Extension Council Member . and Farm Safety Day (FSD) • Ability to purchase, apply and supervise the 2006 Coordinator application of pesticides requiring a greater level of safety, environmental awareness, or special The Cole County Progressive Farmer Farm Safety handling. Access to a wider variety of pesticides Day Camp 2006 was held on June 9. Camp - makes their farms more efficient and productive. participants learned how to prevent accidents and reduce.the extent of injuries through hands-on • Participants are receptive to enthusiastic about activities. The Cole County Farm Bureau, in this required program. "Thank you"; "you make it conjunction with the Cole County Extension Center, interesting" and "good stuff' are some of the locally sponsored the event. The volunteer planning comments we receive. committee is confident that the children attending the camp will maintain their new safety attitudes and safe Mid -Missouri Grazing Council behaviors throughout their lives. Some measures of Jim Jarmin, Agronomy Specialist the day's success include: • 187 children (ages 9-14) participated Started in 2001, the Mid -Missouri Grazing Council • Over 20 local businesses supported the (MMGC) operates as a -multi -agency project to camp through sponsorship or donations. promote grazing, educate farmers on advanced • More than 40 volunteers instructed sessions grazing techniques and provide an opportunity for or volunteered their time for the event. — those in mid -Missouri interested in grazing to meet. • 3 Cole County Summer School programs Members and support comes from USDA Natural (Eugene, Blair Oaks, Russellville) Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Soil and participated, sending 5th grade students to Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), University of the camp Missouri Extension (UME), Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and Missouri Department of 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Natural Resources (MDNR). Extension specialists Brocke Laws, 4-H Youth Specialist are represented by the Livestock and Agronomy Specialists. 4-H ... creating environments where MMGC holds its annual conference in March. Theyoung people are valued, contributing members of their 2006 conference was held in Columbia at the Boone community. County Fairgrounds and attracted approximately 200 attendees and 40 commercial exhibitors. Forage Learning life skills enable youth to — producers from Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, become self-directingand productive, lead satisfying p y g Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, Montgomery; Morgan, lives, contribute to society and function effectively in Miller, Osage, Pettis and Saline Countie� attended. a changing world. To learn skills for living young Numerous topics were covered including: Ideal Hay people, between the ages of 8 and 19, participate in individual and group learning experiences. Five- to for a Drought Year, Renovating Grass Sods with seven -year-olds learn life skills through Clover Kids Legumes Supplemental Feeds and Minerals, group activities. Predator Control for Small Ruminates, Genetic Managements for Small Beef Herds, Animal It is said, "It is better to build a child than to mend an Performance on Stockpiled Fescue, Ammonium adult." This, in a nutshell, is the main objective of the Nitrate Fertilizer Replacements, Steer and Lamb 4-H program. The 4-H program was established . Necropsy demonstrating results of improper injection around the model of "learning to do by doing." sites, Working Dog Demonstration, and Ranch Horses Working Cattle Demonstration. Today, new phrases like experiential learning or 14 authentic_ learning are used to describe that model. People learn best by being involved in the learning process. The "doing" method is usually more successful than "showing" or "telling". Of primary importance in this learn -by -doing approach is the 4-H project. A project is a set of activities centered on a specific subject. Each member or group selects one or more projects according to their interest and ability. Each project requires the member or group to establish goals, work toward those goals and evaluate their progress. Experiential learning occurs when youths participate in an activity, look back to reflect on the activity, draw conclusions or observations from the experience and relate the experience to other or future experiences in their lives. Through the experiential learning process, young people develop basic, transferable life skills useful today and in the future. Life skills may be categorized as three types: • Competency— developing skills and knowledge; strengthening and using decision-making skills; communicating with and relating to other people. • Coping — responding to life situations; developing a positive self-concept; establishing priorities consistent with one's values. • Contributory— sharing with others; developing leadership skills; responding to the needs of others and of the community. "Classic" 4-H Club Program This year 289 youth ages 8 - 18 were involved in the traditional 4-H community clubs. Clover Kids, the 4-H program for youth ages 5 to 7 grew by 14% to 32 members. One hundred and ninety nine adult volunteers served as club, project and county level leaders. National statistics indicate that the average 4-H volunteer contributes 220 hours per year towards the education of our community's youth. In Cole County that amounts to over $630,000 in volunteer time. Cole County was well represented at county, state and national events this year. This representation included six delegates and chaperones for the Interstate Teen Cultural Exchange and over thirty participants at 4-H Camp, including three camp counselors. Seventeen practiced their decision making skills at Achievement Night with nine being selected to give demonstrations at the Missouri State Fair. Seven showcased their fashion skills at Fashion Revue and four learned more about their role as club leaders at Officer Training. A camp counselor wrote, "While being a counselor I have learned major leadership skills". Another r 15 commented, "I learned how to help kids have fun and keep them safe at the same time". School Enrichment Programs In 2006 more than 2,000 youths received in school supplement instruction in the area of Incubation and Embryology - Biology Supplement. One teacher remarked, "This is my first experience at this - - I thought it was great for the kids" Another wrote "1 gained information that 1 didn't have about 4-H". Show Me Character Show Me Character is Cole County's 4-H character education initiative partnering with the National Character Counts Coalition. The program emphasizes the Six Pillars of Character: Responsibility, Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, and Trustworthiness. The Six Pillars of Character were also used in 4-H newsletters, camp activities, and the fair and judging classes. A 4-H participant commented "Every year I get a little more confidence." Work Force Preparation Young people need certain life skills and competencies to become effective workers in the future. 4-H projects in Beef, Swine, Sheep, Horses, Rabbits and Poultry emphasize work skills such as managing resources, record keeping and decision making. 4-H members learned about agribusiness through these projects. The Cole County Fair gives 4-H youth a chance to exhibit their projects and provides opportunities for young people to apply the knowledge and skills they've developed. The 2006 Cole County Fair was a huge success. • Exhibiters grew by 11 % from 247 in 2005 to 274 in 2006 • Exhibits increased by 460 or 39% to a total of 1628 • Shooting Sports ballooned from 12 participants in 2005 to 131 in 2006 • The 4-H Auction proceeds increased from a little over $78,000 in 2005 to almost $97,000 in 2006, a 24% increase • Livestock exhibits grew by 35% to 211 • The average steer price increased by 10¢ to $1.71 per pound • The average hog price increased from $1.98 to $2.11 per pound • Over 70 hams were sold for a record total of $16,400 A first year livestock project member commented "/ was very encouraged.....Thanks!!!! We need more things like this and sharing ideas. I think this will help my son for life." Leadership Skills Young people developing skills include: • Adam Kehl, Libby Beetem and Malissa Hoehn were Junior Leader officers. • Megan Anderson, Grace Young, Taylor Young, Libby Beetem, Kelsea Scott, Shawna Scott, Brenna Scott, Alexandria Trower, Sydney Cash and Kaylin Bubach gave State Fair Demonstrations. • Brenna, Kelsea and Shawna Scott, Rachel Versleus, Taylor and Grace Young -and Hillary Gibson showcased their apparel skills by participating in the State 4-H Fashion Revue. • Connor Granaman placed 10th in the State Shooting Sports Tournament in the .22 rifle class. • Tyler LePage won the State Shooting Sports Award for BB guns and was a member of the Missouri State Air Rife Team that traveled to South Dakota for the National Championship. • Tony and Molly Amos received several awards for their hogs at in the Ak-Sar-Ben Carcass Show. • Cole County was represented at the State Horse Bowl Contest by: ➢ Hannah Michitsch, Kendra Lackman and Coy Bond in the Jr -Jr. class ➢ Izabella Michitsch, Libby Beetem, Ashley Temmen and Erin Blochberger made up the State Hippology Junior team ➢ Mary Blochberger was on the Senior Hippology team. Community Service Service to others is a key part of the 4-H. Cole County clubs reported a wide variety of service activities. Cole 4-H members are reaching out to military youth before, during and after their parents are deployed. This outreach effort is called Operation: Military Kids. The Junior Leaders made the military kids at the Blue Armory a year long community service project. In addition to building public awareness about issues facing military families during mobilization.and deployment, Operation Military Kids provides Cole County 4-H members the opportunity to gain valuable leadership, organization, and public speaking skills. Weighted Blankets were made and donated to the Special Learning Center and two schools in the community. Adopt a. Highway, donating toys to the Fire Department, donating money to Kids Helping Kids, donating money, clothing, and toys to families in .need were some of the other service projects. completed this year. Clubs also made food baskets for the needy and for senior citizens. Many clubs work on recycling projects. Cole clubs donated items for the Special Learning Center, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, Homemaker Health Care and the JC Day Care Center. T A 4-H member commented "It really feels good to know you are helping someone else". Resource Development for Youth Programs The many local sponsors that help make the educational opportunities available for our youth need to be noted. In 2006 over $2,000 private dollars were contributed to help defray the costs of the various youth activities. The United Way provided $5,000 in program support for the Cole and Osage County 4-H Youth Development programs. Participation Summary In 2006, 1 out of 7 youth in Cole County ages 5 - 18 (based on the 2000 Census) participated in at.least 6 hours of 4-H supported educational programming. Over 2,400 youths total were involved in some aspect of the 4-H program. Nearly 26% of the minority audience potential in this age group was also reached by these same 4-H programs. Cole County Extension Center, What Happened In the Office Jane Kempker, Administrative T� AssistantiBookkeeper 0 a ° What happened in Z— 2006 - what can I say? I am sitting at my computer thinking, what happened this past year? Did anything exciting, new or anything out of the ordinary happen? Well - thinking about it - I can honestly say, we continue to grow and improve, as we have in past years. We never seem to have a dull momenta And we learn everyday –"well – I do:–) We have several. new faces in the office. James Quinn joined us in June as a Horticulture Specialist and Jamie Thompson started in September as our – new Family Financial Education Specialist. We also have a part-time work study student helping with the 4-H programs. Robin Loehner started -the summer of 2006, and we just didn't want to let her go - so she will be here a little longer. Good thing, this office stays busy. We also said good-bye to Jill Lucht, who was our part-time Family Financial Education Associate. .We wish her the best of luck with her future adventures. So what keeps us busy? • Being the first contact for anyone seeking our help. This past year we averaged 144 contacts each week or one contact every 16 minutes! • The Plan of Work process. This involved council members meeting to discuss county needs in each of the program areas and the specialists developing plans to meet these needs. • Council elections • Extension Council's Annual Dinner (a time to review and a chance to look towards the upcoming year as well as swear in the new council) • 4-H Camp (yippeel parents, you can send your kids away!) • County and State Fair (all of the cool stuff kids make) • 4-H Awards Night (a night to recognize what those kids did) • 4-H Trips and Programs (another chance to get those kids out of the house!) • Fall Festival Fundraiser — this marked our 30th anniversary. • All bookkeeping for the office, the council, and 4-H camp • Scheduling and renting the meeting rooms 297 times during the year, which averages 6 events or activities each week. • Explaining programs and taking registrations • Conducting correspondence examinations for 42 students enrolled in MU or other colleges • Processing 508 soil samples and 10 pesticide recertification applications • Testing 16 forage samples for nitrate poisoning. • Helping identify sick and odd looking plants, growths and bugs • Mailing paper or email versions "Ag Connections" to over 370 homes each month, the largest distribution in the region. • Preparing and distributing the weekly 4-H Update and 4-H Newsletter. • Keeping our website up-to-date for our 22,000 visitors each year For more information on our programs or services, visit us at our office (2436 Tanner Bridge Rd), call us (573/634-2824) visit the web http://extension.missouri.edu/cole/ or email us coleco@missouri.edu 17 _i Our 2006 Operating Budget Appropriations/Revenue County Appropriations 84,403 United Way 5,000 Council Contributions 2,742 Program Income 6;000 Total Appropriations/Revenue 98,145 Expenditures Salaries/Wages/Benefits 51,670 Area Staff Travel 9,575 Advertising 1,000 Misc. Expenditure 1,500 Telephone Service 3,100 Telephone Tolls 1,500 Supplies/Service 10,000 Contract Service/Janitorial 6,200 Council Operations 1,600 Equipment Repair and Maintenance 500 Equipment Lease/Purchases 6,000 Utilities 4,000 Insurance 1,500 Total Budgeted Expenditures 98,145