Quarterly Report. To: Board of County Commissioners. Welcome New Staff. Tree Selection and Care Workshop

Transcription

1 October December 2012 COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SOUTHEAST AREA Quarterly Report Your front door to research, information, and expertise of your land-grant university. Inside this issue: Agriculture &Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development Family & Consumer Science Director s Note To: Board of County Commissioners This quarterly report summarizes major educational programming in the fourth quarter of 2012 from Southeast Area Extension. The mission of CSU Extension is to provide information and education, and encourage the application of research-based knowledge in response to local, state, and national issues affecting individuals, youth, families, agricultural enterprises, and communities of Colorado. We are grateful for the continued support of the Counties. If you have any questions, suggestions or would like more specific information about these or other Extension programs, feel free to meet with any member of our staff. Welcome New Staff Name: Barry Acton Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture/Livestock and 4-H youth Development Location: Baca County, Springfield Personal Information: I was born in Florence, CO and raised in Canon City, CO. I am married and have three girls. My family and I have been involved in 4-H for the past 13 years in Fremont County, CO. I enjoy leather craft, fishing, and spending time with my family. Job Experience: Prior to working in Colorado Extension I worked in the automotive field, managed a grocery store, and operated an insurance agency. Education: February 2012 B.A. Psychology, Ashford University, Clinton, IA August 2013 M.A. Education w/specialization in Family and Community Services Tree Selection and Care Workshop Last December, Brett Burgess, CSU Extension s SEA Rangeland and Livestock Agent, Shelly Simmons, Colorado State Forest Service Assistant District Forester, and Wilma Trujillo, CSU Extension s SEA Agronomist, conducted a workshop on tree selection and care in Rocky Ford, Colorado. The workshop was attended by 7 people. The educational program provided information on tree species adapted to the soils and climatic condition of southeastern Colorado, planting techniques, when and how to prune and fertilize trees, and the benefit of windbreaks for livestock and wildlife.

2 Quarterly Report Page 2 Agriculture and Natural Resources Agriculture Risk Management Training Southeast Area Livestock and Range agents attended training in Pueblo, December 11 through 13, updating them on the decision tools available to aid producers in making management decisions. The training was offered by the Colorado State University Agriculture and Business Management team and a grant from the USDA Risk Management Agency. Agents received instruction to aid producers in identifying and defining risk areas of their operations and assessing the feasibility of adding alternative enterprises to existing operations. Information on Food Safety issues, Generational Transfers of Estates, and an Economic and Commodity Outlook was also presented. Decision tools are available from the ABM website directly at: or by visiting the Southeast Area Agriculture Programs website at: kiowacounty.colostate.edu/ag.html and the Agriculture and Business Management link. Another decision tool presented concerned USDA Pasture and Rangeland Forage (PRF) insurance. This tool may be found at: kiowacounty.colostate.edu/ag.html. Looking at the longer range weather and economic forecasts, these decision and risk management tools will become more of a priority for agriculture producers in Southeast Colorado. Colorado Corn and Sorghum Field Day The 2012 Corn and Sorghum Field Day was held on September 27 at two different locations (Brandon and Walsh) in southeast Colorado. The field day was jointly hosted by The National Sorghum Producers Association (Sorghum Checkoff Program), Colorado State University Extension, and Colorado Agricultural Experimental Station, Plainsman Research Center. Forty producers attended the field day in the Southeast Area. Dr. Jerry Johnson, CSU Extension Specialist, and Kevin Larson, Research Scientist at Plainsman Research Center, reviewed the performance of various corn, grain sorghum and forage sorghum hybrids in the different trials. Also, Dr. Courtney Jahn, CSU Assistant Professor, discussed the on-going research on bioenergy production from sorghum in Southeastern Colorado. Kevin Larson also presented information on the recently approved herbicide, Huskie, for weed control in grain sorghum. Several limited and full irrigation trials on corn and sorghum were discussed.

3 October December 2012 Page 3 Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Credit Workshop and How to Apply Ecologically-Based Invasive Plant Management In the state of Colorado, pesticide application is regulated by a very strict set of laws enforced by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). Some of the regulations include the licensing of private, commercial, limited-commercial, and public pesticide applicators. Pesticide Applicator licenses are valid for a three-year period, expiring on the applicators birth date. Under the Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act, applicators must re-certify either by re-examination or by attending pesticide education programs. Therefore, during the three-year period, applicators are required to earn continuing education credits (CEC s) to be eligible to renew their license without having to retest. By attending education programs, applicators acquire CEC s in core subjects and one or two CEC(s) in each of the categories in which commercial applicators are currently licensed. Colorado State University Extension, in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and cooperating Colorado counties hosted a Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Credits Workshops in Ordway and Cheyenne Wells in December. Forty-two pesticide applicators attended the educational program that provided all seven credits required for both private and commercial applicators to be re-certified and renew their license. Presenters included Wilma Trujillo, SEA Agronomist, Thia Walker, Extension Specialist-Pesticide Education, and Brett Burgess, CSU Area Range and Livestock Specialist. The Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education credit sessions included the following topics: agriculture pest control, health and environmental safety, pest management technology and changes in pesticide laws and regulation. In addition, commercial applicators earned continuing education credits in the following categories: Agricultural Insects, Agricultural Plant Diseases, Agricultural Weeds and Rangeland and Weed Control. Ordway applicators also learned rangeland weed management from Burgess. Burgess s presentation focused on applying ecologically-based invasive plant management, as part of the integrated approach to invasive plant management. Participants learned how to complete a rangeland health assessment, how to identify causes of invasion and processes not functioning, how to use appropriate principles to guide decision making, how to choose appropriate tools and strategies, and how to design and execute a plan that is adaptive in its approach. The discussion also covered the importance of formulating questions, and testing a question through experimental design. Those in attendance came away with a better understanding of how implementing ecological principles can enhance a manager s success against invasive species. Colorado State University Extension in the Southeast Area is committed to continue working with farmers and ranchers to make pesticide application safer, not only for the applicators, but for the general public and the environment.

4 Quarterly Report Page 4 4-H 4-H Achievements Celebrated County 4-H programs closed the end of the year by holding their annual 4-H achievement banquets in October and November. These banquets are held annually to recognize the excellence individual 4-H members and their clubs demonstrate throughout the year. The banquets also provide an opportunity to recognize leaders, sponsors, and supporters. Whether they have donated time, money, or labor, without their generosity we could not have the outstanding programs and achievements that allow us to strive for our motto Making the Best Better. The following people were honored by their county 4-H programs as outstanding supporters, friends of 4-H, or meritorious service: Kiowa County 4-H Council Officers (L-R) Shawn Roberson, Leader Advisor, Lakota Roberson, Vice- President and Treasurer, Brooklynn Jones, Secretary, Cassidy Jagers, Reporter, and Alicia James, President Baca Bill Carwin Family Bent Tom and Virgie Robb, McClave State Bank Cheyenne Cargill Crowley Clyde Grantham Kiowa Keith & Jennifer Crow Otero Bill Maier Prowers Lori Peterson Payne, Lamar Thriftway The Southeast Area wants to thank these people for their time and commitment to 4-H and everyone who benefited from their generosity. District VI Senate 4-H members representing Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers Counties gathered at the Bent County Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 2, 2012 for the District VI 4-H Senate Meeting. Before the meeting began, Amy Kelley, Extension Agent from Cheyenne and Kiowa Counties, led the delegates in a series of ice breaker activities. During their business meeting the senate discussed upcoming 4-H events, planned district activities for 2013, and organized their spring meeting. Brooke Matthew, Extension Agent from Otero and Crowley Counties, introduced the idea of incorporating STEM activities into club meetings by having the delegates participate in an Eco-Bot Challenge. Participants were broken into teams of two, each team was given the head of a toothbrush, a motor, foam mounting tape, and a button cell battery, and was challenged to build a working robot. They then ran their robot through a course of rice. With the amount of laughter and statements of this is fun made during the STEM activity, it could definitely be declared a success. The next District VI 4-H Senate Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the Bent County Fairgrounds.

5 October December 2012 Page 5 Otero County 4-Hers Help One of Their Own The holiday season is the time of giving and that is exactly what Otero County 4-H members and families did this year. Otero 4-H families put their hands and hearts together and gave a helping hand to the Dora Hall Family. Mid November the 4-H family suffered a total loss of their home and all their items inside the house due to a house fire. Otero County Council members discussed at their December meeting and wanted to do something to help the family. They notified clubs and families in the county and asked for their help. The giving hearts of the 4-H community came to help with no hesitation. Everyone jumped in and helped. Items were gathered at the Extension Office were everything from new household items, yard and animal gear, a couch, washing machine, toys for the boys and gift cards for the family were collected. Council members met on December 21, 2012, to wrap gifts and deliver to the family. This made a very special Christmas and New Year for a family that was struggling. Dare To Be You Camp Over 30 4-H members from Crowley, Prowers, Bent and Otero counties participated in the November Dare to Be You Camp in Pueblo, Colorado. The camp hosted by the South Central 4-H District (SCD) is designed for youth age Campers attended five workshops where they learned to improve their orienteering, dancing, Cowboy Ethics, water management and community service. Workshops were designed by a youth leadership team with members from the San Luis Valley to Prowers County. "This was the most campers we have ever sent and we were the second largest district represented. Our campers and counselors greatly benefited from this camp by leading hands-on activities that they can take back to their counties and clubs, Lacey Mann, CSU Extension Agent said. 4-H Online Training Technology changes and the administrative support and Extension agents continue to learn or renew technology skills with the 4-H Online program. The program is used to enroll 4-H members and all record keeping of the program. With many new staff in the SE Area, training was scheduled for Extension agents and administrative support. CSU staff conducted the training. Not only staff from the SE Area attended but also staff from Lincoln, Las Animas and Fremont Counties and San Luis Valley Area.

6 Quarterly Report Page 6 Head Start Resource Nights The Bent and Prowers County Extension offices participated in the Head Start Resource Nights in Lamar. This resource night serves as an opportunity for community families to meet and interact with local youth development agencies. Extension joined the Welcome Home Center, Prowers County Workforce, Lamar Public Library and many others to showcase their youth programs. This year youth were able to build straw rockets, make pumpkin pie in a bag and taste pumpkin seeds. "It was the perfect combination of tasty treats and rocket launching. We are fortunate enough to partner with HeadStart and the other youth organizations to showcase engaging and educational activities such as these each year," Lacey Mann, CSU Extension Agent said. Family & Consumer Science Youth Development Collaboration CSU Extension in Otero County in collaboration with Sixteenth District Juvenile Probation, Otero County Health Department and Tri-County Family Care Center is offering the SKILLS program for youth on probation and truancy. Spring 2012 a trial program was established for youth in which life skills along with study skills were held twice a week. Starting in the fall 2012 classes are held three days a week and are scheduled for the school year. CSU Extension staff are responsible for one day a week. Subjects that Extension staff are focusing on are problem solving, positive attitude, goal setting, critical thinking and nutrition. New youth are being added so the agents continue to review subjects as they continue on with new material being presented. Food Safety Works Thirty-seven people completed Food Safety Works, scoring above 70%, in November and December. The two-hour class teaches the basics of food safety to decrease the incidence of food borne illness. All employees at Prairie Pines Assisted Living in Eads completed the class. Las Animas High School greenhouse classes were a new audience for this program. The greenhouse classes were beginning a culinary arts section of their class. Kasza enjoyed teaching Food Safety Works to a group involved in food production from farm to table. Four classes for Retail Food Establishments are scheduled in 2013 in Baca, Bent, Kiowa and Prowers Counties.

7 October December 2012 Page 7 Cooking Matters with Diabetes Cooking Matters with Diabetes was taught in Las Animas and Rocky Ford in October by Kasza and Wells. The five-session class taught low-income adults how to prepare and shop sensibly for healthy meals on a limited budget, offering specialized information for adults living with diabetes. Sponsorship by Share our Strength paid for all groceries for the hands-on cooking lessons. Evaluations were very positive with a majority reporting they had increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Forty percent indicated they had increased physical activity. One participant in the SE Area Cooking Matters with Diabetes class stated: "Made me take a better and more healthy approach for me and my family to take on a daily basis and still maintain balance with portions, money, and healthiness". Another stated, "I look at serving size, buy low fat/fat free items, watch my portion size." "The class was great! I've shared so much of what I learned with others in my family. Thank you!" Many participants were unfamiliar with CSU Extension so the class was effective in gaining new audiences for Extension. Meat Canning Class Twelve people learned to can meat safely at a SE Area Extension workshop in October. The 12 participants canned 24 pints of beef roast, sampled canned Beef in Wine Sauce over barley, tested pressure canner gauges, and learned safe methods for preserving low-acid foods like meat and vegetables. The class included people from Cheyenne, El Paso, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers Counties. All reported they had learned something in the class, and planned to make changes in their pressure canning practices. Early Childhood Conferences Over the past three months 86 childcare providers have learned about children s eating, high allergy foods, foods that may choke a child, and healthy snacks. Two different presentations have been conducted, one for the Bent, Otero, Crowley County Early Childhood Council and one for the Childcare Center in Springfield. Childcare providers are responsible for the safe care of children. Meals and snacks are an integral part of the health of children and a time in which children start to learn healthy eating habits.

8 A note from the Area Director Jennifer Wells A busy year has come to an end. New staff was hired and I am happy to announce that we are fully staffed in the SE Area. These individuals bring new ideas and energy to the SE Area Extension team. We all look forward to serving our communities. I would like to welcome Barry Acton to CSU Baca County. Barry filled the position in Baca County when it was vacated the end of November. Barry s start date was January 2, what a great way to start a new year. We re on the Web: Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Colorado State University is implied. The Southeast Area Extension offices have welcomed four new administrative support over the past six months. Val Millican joined Baca County in June; Mary Beth Tucker joined Crowley County in September; Heather Smith joined Kiowa County in October; and Nancy Frieden joined Bent County in November. The other administrative support in the SE Area are Melanie Haslam in Prowers County, Vickie Nester in Cheyenne County and Vicki Harris and Janet Golden in Otero County. Agents would not be able to accomplish all that they do if it were not for the support staff. They are appreciated for all the assistance they give the agents and communities in which they serve. As 2013 begins stop in to your local Extension office and visit with the staff. Talk about your community and the needs that you see and how Extension can serve the clientele in the county. Colorado State University Extension Southeast Area Office P. O. Box North 10 th Street Rocky Ford, CO jennifer.wells@colostate.edu u/sea County Extension Offices Baca County 700 Colorado Street Springfield, CO coopext_baca@mail.colostat e.edu bacaext.colostate.edu Bent County 1499 Ambassador Thompson Las Animas, CO coopext_bent@mail.colostate.edu bent.colostate.edu/ Cheyenne County Box 395 Cheyenne Wells, CO coopext_cheyenne@mail.col ostate.edu cheyenne.colostate.edu/ Crowley County 603 Main Street Courthouse Annex Ordway, CO coopext_crowley@mail.colos tate.edu u/sea/crowley/ index.shtml Kiowa County Box 97 Eads, CO coopext_kiowa@mail.colost ate.edu kiowacounty.colostate.edu/ Otero County Box 190 Rocky Ford, CO coopext_ otero@mail.colostate.edu du/sea/otero/4- H/4H.shtml Prowers County 1001 South Main Lamar, CO coopext_prowers@mail.co lostate.edu prowers.colostate.edu/