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OZARK COUNTY EXTENSION

ANNUAL REPORT

2014

Dear County Commissioners and Friends of MU Extension:

Over the past year, with a theme of Celebrating the Past and Building for the

Future, MU Extension marked a century of service to Missouri. While the

celebrations have come to an end, the focus on building for the future is

strong. The university’s commitment to the mission of bringing relevant,

reliable and responsive education to improve lives and local economies is

alive and well.

To maintain our position as a valued and trusted resource for Missourians, MU

Extension continues to strengthen existing programs, build relationships and

explore new opportunities to benefit Missourians. For example:

In the area of agriculture, the Show-Me Select Heifer Replacement

program continues to improve the breeding performance of heifers as

it helps participants realize record prices for their efforts. Producers

from 103 of Missouri’s 114 counties have enrolled heifers in the

program. In a record-setting sale, 168 bred replacement heifers sold

for an average of $3,033 at the Fruitland (Missouri) Livestock

Auction.

Strengthening communities through art, innovation and creativity,

Extension’s Community Arts Program is piloting an initiative in

Lexington to help the community enhance its image with art

businesses and opportunities that reflect the talent of regional artists

and benefit a nine-county tourism alliance. The Community Arts

Program is also at work in the St. Louis area, overseeing the Saint

Louis Storytelling Festival, which engages approximately 25,000

people each year.

Knowing the value of dialogue with those it serves, MU Extension has

made a concerted effort with the Mizzou Alumni Association to

introduce MU Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin to extension programs,

participants, key stakeholders and alumni from all corners of the

state. These tour events, which will continue into 2015, are designed

to foster understanding and support that lead to a stronger local

extension effort across the state.

These are just a few examples of MU Extension’s focus on building for the

future and continuing to making an impact in local communities.

I thank you for your support of MU Extension and our efforts in your

community. I look forward to our continuing partnership and welcome your

ideas for improving our partnership.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Ouart

Vice Provost and Director

Area Grazing Schools

Area Pasture Walks

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Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture in the Ozarks:

Agriculture in the Ozarks: Agriculture is a vital part of the Ozarks economy. When Agriculture profits decline, the economy suffers. Therefore, improving Agriculture's profitability or minimizing its losses is a major issue for University of Missouri Extension in Ozark County. Our Agriculture is based in large part on livestock production and its associated forage production abilities. Forages, used for livestock production, must be produced in an economic and productive manner, in order for our citizens to make a living. Economic efficiency of livestock production is completely interrelated with management methods that improve animal health and well-being, growth, carcass value, reproductive and feed efficiency and marketing decisions. Profit Focused Agriculture is our goal. This will be accomplished through high quality, research based, educational programs designed to increase producers knowledge, skills and abilities in making risk management and strategic planning decisions leading to increased profitability and improved quality of life. In an effort to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive in the Ozarks, research based information is provided to clientele in the county in organized classes as well as on a one-on-one basis.

Forage / Beef Conference

This conference was held on March 22, 2014 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Gainesville Livestock Auction Barn with about 27 ag producers in attendance. This conference supports farmers as they strive for profitability in today’s farm economy.

Craig Payne, Extension Veterinarian, University of Missouri Extension, informed attendees of the new antibiotic restrictions, and how to deal with various calving problems. Brant Mettler Range & Pasture/ Vegetation Management Specialist at Dow AgroSciences LLC discussed problematic weeds and how to control them. Logan Wallace Livestock Specialist with the University of Missouri did a presentation on hot and freeze branding and how theft could become an issue due to high cattle prices. Stacy Hambelton, Agriculture Business Specialist at University of Missouri Extension, talked about and discussed the cost of growing heifers and what farmers can afford to pay.

Pesticide Applicator Training: Because certain pesticides can pose a hazard to human health and/or the environment even when used in accordance with label directions, the EPA has determined these products be labeled as Restricted Use Pesticides. The "Restricted Use" classification restricts a product, or its uses, to certificated pesticide applicators or individuals under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. The Missouri Department of Agriculture requires a license to purchase these chemicals. The Private Pesticide Applicator Program trains farmers on the safe and proper use of pesticides. Private applicator training is available through our local extension office. This year we had a Private Pesticide Applicator Training in Ozark County at the Gainesville Lions Club Building, 23 people attended . In addition to the 23 persons attending the provided class, there were 11 in office pesticide certifications for a total of 34 pesticide applicator certifications.

Fertility Management:

The basic soil fertility management tool for producers is soil testing. Fertility management is of utmost importance to the production of quality forages, at the least, testing. The economics of forage production is based on soil type, soil fertility, forage species, forage

quality, and forage utilization. The bottom line to be answered is; will dollars spent on fertility decrease the cost of production below purchased feed costs; will it increase forage viability?

Many producers have fertilized according to tradition rather than soil testing. Through soil testing, many of those fertilizing by traditional triple analysis (17-17-17) have saved $5-$15 dollars per acre by not applying unneeded nutrients. These savings amount to thousands of dollars each year to producers.

Ozark Co did 227 soil tests in 2014.

Weed and Brush Control: Producing quality forages and maintaining viable productive stands of the desired species economically is a constant uphill battle. Producers can't control the weather, but they can give their forages the opportunity to be most productive by decreasing brush and weeds. Educational programs, with the main emphasis on brush and weed control, have and will continue to be presented to producers. These programs include: meetings, field days, demonstrations, farm visits, radio programs, personal consultations and phone consultations.

Grazing School Report:

Better utilization of forage and improved livestock operations through enhanced grazing management is the focus of our Grazing Schools. Classroom sessions and on-farm tours are used to demonstrate the principles and variations of designing a grazing system. The schools last for approximately 2 ½ days. Topics taught during grazing school are; Soil Fertility Management, Designing Fence and Water Systems, Farm Resource Inventory, Wildlife Habitat in Grazing Systems, Pasture Condition Scoring, Using a Grazing Stick, Economic Considerations for Grazing Systems, Matching Livestock & Forages, Livestock Nutrition, Grazing System Layout and Design, Pasture Growth & Plant ID, and Electric Fence Construction and Demonstration. Then during the last day participants are divided into groups and they design and present a planned grazing system. This gives producers a chance to build confidence and gain hands on experience using the knowledge that they have acquired.

For producers interested in cost sharing for planned grazing systems, the local Soil and Water Conservation District has a program to cost share in “Planned Grazing Systems (DSP-3).” To participate in this program you are required to attend an approved grazing school. For more information on this practice or other cost share programs call your local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Two hundred and twenty five producers completed the 7

grazing management schools in 2014 within our grazing school region.

South-Central Dairy Grazers –

This group met monthly during the pasture growing season on members’ farms for “pasture walks”, where they learned together about new ideas concerning forage programs, cow management, and facilities, and dairy economics. The group averaged between thirty and forty participants from Wright, Texas, Laclede, Douglas, Ozark and Webster Counties during 2014. South central Missouri pasture-based dairy producers annually produce 39 million pounds of milk valued at $7.5 million. These dairies provide a total economic impact of $23 million to our local economy. Pasture based dairy producers continue to be among the most profitable in our area, however they do face challenges as they enter, expand or exit the dairy industry. Extension helps dairy producers through these challenges by offering a better understanding of management-intensive grazing and insight into various factors that affect the profitability of a pasture. By utilizing information and services such as those offered by Extension; one new dairy producer was established in Ozark County in 2014

Ag Lenders Seminar 2014:

Twenty-six agricultural lenders and Farm Service Agency personnel from; Howell, Laclede, Oregon Ozark, and Texas Counties attended the 2014 Ag Lenders Seminar in West Plains, Missouri. Agriculture lenders come in contact with more people involved in agriculture than any other single commercial institution. Many times the person holding the “purse strings” of many operations can have a tremendous influence on the management behavior of the producers.

Research-based information is needed for lenders to make sound business decisions for their lending institutions. Lenders must consider many economic forces when making lending decisions and this seminar focuses on key issues affecting those decisions.

Topics taught and discussed were:

Livestock and Crop Outlook, Land Prices and Pasture Rent, Insurance for Pasture & Hay, Meat Trade & Country of Origin Labeling (C.O.O.L), by Ronald Plain, State Livestock Marketing Specialist, University of Missouri

Macroeconomic Outlook, 2014 Farm Bill by Scott Brown, Agricultural Economist, University of Missouri

Each participant receives a book titled “Missouri Farm Financial Outlook 2014.” The Seminar booklet contains current articles on farm topics such as outlook, management and budgets for planning next year’s farm operations.

Evaluations indicate that the lenders thought that the program was very valuable. The participants were asked to rate the program on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being very valuable: The lenders were asked the following question: “Overall, how do you rate this seminar?” The average rating was 8.32 out of 10.

Dates Location #

April 23-25 West Plains 38

May 12-14 Hartville 28

October 6-8 Alton 33

July 28-30 Houston 35

August 4-6 Squires 41

September 10-12

Willow Springs

28

September 22-24

Centerville 22

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4-H/Youth Development

Continuing Education

Ecology Day at Caney Moun-

tain: Learning About

Aquatics

University of Missouri Extension (UME) Family Nutrition Education Programs (FNEP) FNEP reached 3,355 low-income participants with nutrition education in Ozark County during 2014. 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 op-portunities for taste-testing healthy foods and practicing skills that lead to good health. Education for adults includes nutrit ion, food safety, physical activity, and food re-source management. During 2014, 2,379 youths and 976 adults were served through schools, community groups and agencies. The following is a list of the locations where participants were served:

Arthritis Exercise 18 Ozark County residents participated in the Arthritis Exercise program. This program encourages staying physically active as well as increasing muscle strength, coordi-nation and endurance. Participants meet twice weekly at the Ozark County Senior Center, then do the exercises on their own one additional day per week.

As entrepreneurs and innovators, Missouri’s small businesses are becoming a more diverse group that continues to make the state’s economy productive. There are approximately 500,000 small businesses in Missouri. Nearly 98 percent of all businesses with employees are categorized as small businesses. In assisting the owners and managers of those businesses, MU Extension contributes to a county’s economic development through growth in jobs, sales, innovation, technology development and commercialization. In OzarkCounty, during 2014, business development program specialists and business counselors with MU Extension, Missouri Small Business & Technology Develop-ment Centers (MO SBTDC) reported 3 individual management counseling cases resulting in an economic impact to the county of $1,073,000 in new capital investments, $455,512.50 in sales increases, 3 new jobs created, 7 jobs retained, and 1 business failure prevented. Willis Mushrush, Business Development Specialist, assisted an Ozark County medical clinic to develop a business plan, increase profitability, and to become certified as a Rural Health Clinic. Bio-Char:; In our area people are always looking for ways to improve our soils to better grow food for them as well as selling for a profit. The question arose about the effects of Biochar on the soil. A presentation was developed on Biochar for a group called the Ozark Neighbor Exchange, there were over 100 people in attendance. It highlighted the work of Dr. Bayan and Dr. Kremer along with other research findings from other universities. A lot of interest was expressed when shown some results of Dr. Bayan’s greenhouse studies. The group was especially interested in building a homemade unit to produce biochar for personal use (see picture). Dr. M. R. Bayan has built a homemade unit from 30 & 50 gallon barrels. In this area we have a lot of waste wood that could be used for producing biochar. There is a lot of interest in this subject for the stand point of producing Bio-Char for economic development in Ozark County. At this point there are a lot of questions about the cost effectiveness of biochar in agriculture

Business Development Programs

FRTI; MU Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute (FRTI) is charged with providing comprehensive continuing professional education and training to

Missouri’s fire-service and emergency response personnel. The institute has a direct effect on the well-being and protection of Missouri’s 24,000 firefighters and the 5.9 million citizens they serve. In addition to preparing them to fight fires, courses prepare firefighters for medical emergencies, hazardous materials response and disaster preparedness and mitigation. In FY 2014, FRTI trained firefighters representing 113 of Missouri’s 114 counties for a total enrollment of 13,958 fire and emergency re-sponders equating to almost 170,000 student instructional hours of training. For more information, see mufrti.org. Ozark County had 40 noncredit hours

MU Conference Office; The MU Conference Office provides high-quality, professional, full-service meeting management for a variety of noncredit educa-

tional programs, such as conferences, workshops, seminars and symposia. Whether a meeting is hosted on campus, in out-state Missouri or anywhere in the world, the

office’s professional staff provides assistance to create the best learning environment for participants. In FY2014, the conference office registered 13,484 Missourians for

MU Extension conferences. Participants attended conferences for teacher education in math, science and writing; agricultural lending; plant science; and therapeutic rec-

reation. For more information, visit muconf.missouri.edu. Ozark county had 18 noncredit hours

Human Environmental Sciences

The 4H Ecology Program This program in Ozark County is a 4‑H school enrichment program that teaches youth terms and concepts relating to wildlife, soils, plants, water and their ecological importance and relationships to each other. The protection of our natural resources through education and ultimately through practice is important to Ozark County. Sixth graders from all elementary schools in Ozark County were invited to participate in the 4‑H Ecology Study Program. The program is a cooperative effort between Univer-sity of Missouri Extension, Ozark County's sixth grade teachers and Missouri Department of Conservation. Stacy Hambelton, Ag Business Specialist, coordinated the program. Stacy also provided instructional materials, standardized tests, instruction, ribbons, and medals. Following the study areas of instruction, the students were taken on a tour of the Caney Mountain Wildlife Refuge. The students were given an historical overview and educated on the importance of Caney Mountain Refuge, in terms of deer and turkey restoration in Missouri, which was emphasized. They also noted that the state’s wild turkey populat ion was restocked from the refuge.

D.O.W Youth Camp

A group camp designed for boys and girls ages eight to twelve. The camp provides a camping experience for 121 Wright, Ozark and Douglas County youth and counselors who do not otherwise have an opportunity to attend a summer camp. UME Youth Staff develops the primary camp program and Children’s Division and area schools recruit needy and at risk youth to attend this four day camp. Eligibility for youth to attend D.O. W. Camp is that they do not have an opportunity to participate in summer activities that average youth have.

Ecology Day at Caney Mountain: Learning About

Soil

Ecology

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Ozark County Extension

2014 Ozark County Council

The county council is the link between University of Missouri Extension and the people of the state. Established and directed by Missouri state law, the council assists the staff in educational program development and implementation, personnel and fiscal management and membership. County councils are comprised of elected and appointed members who serve two-year terms. The 2014 Ozark County council members were:

Elected

Robert Edwards, Chairman

Bill Cockrum, Vice Chairman

Larry Pendergrass, Treasurer

Paula Bodenhamer, Secretary

Cameron, Frye

E.J. Hampton

Dean Hughes

Glen Plaster

Ed Zimmer

Derek Alms

John Green

Les Snorgrass

Joe Uchtman

Appointed

Greg Donley Ozark County Commission

Paula Bodenhamer Ozark County Farm Bureau

On-Site Staff

Stacy Hambelton, CPD & Ag. Business

Renee Hambelton Family Nutrition Program

Associate

Michelle Richards Office Manager

Other Faculty Serving Ozark County

Jeff Barber, LEED AP architect

HOUSING & ENVIRON DES SPEC SW, GREEN CO

AND INTERIM STATE SPECIALIST ARCHITEC-

TURAL STUDIES

David L. Burton ASSOC EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL, CIVIC

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST. COUNTY

PROG DIR, GREENE COUNTY, SW

Patrick Byers ASSOC EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL & HORTI-

CULTURE SPECIALIST, GREENE COUNTY

SOUTHWEST REGION

Angie Fletcher HUMAN DEV SPECIALIST TEXAS COUNTY &

CPD DOUGLAS COUNTY,SOUTHWEST REGION

Theresa Fossett REGIONAL COORD. FNP., SW REGION

Willis Mushrush BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST HOW-

ELL COUNTY SOUTHWEST REGION AND CPD

OREGON COUNTY

Amy Patillo, Ed.D.

ASSISTANT EXTENSION PROFESSIONAL &

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST &

CPD, HOWELL COUNTY, SW REGION

Ted Probert ASSOC EXT PROF, DAIRY SPECIALIST & -CPD- WRIGHT COUNTY, SOUTHWEST RE-

GION

Robert A. (Bob) Schultheis ASSOC. EXT. PROF. NATURAL RESOURCE ENGINEER & COUNTY PROGRAM DIREC-

TOR WEBSTER CO SOUTHWEST REG

Taylor Bryant 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Dear Citizens,

Thank you - your support has made it possible for University of Missouri Extension to provide educational programs for the citizens of Ozark County. University of Missouri Extension provides research-based resources and programs to address high priority issues, and is a direct link to the four campuses of the University of Missouri System. In 2014, more than one million Missourians statewide turned to University of Missouri Extension for help in improving their farms, businesses, families and communities. For almost 100 years, the University of Missouri has provided cooperative extension services to Missouri residents. Missouri’s extension effort has its roots in federal acts (The Morrill Act of 1862, The Hatch Act of 1887 and the Smith-Lever Act of 1914) that enabled the university to create and sustain an Extension service. The success of University of Missouri Extension in Ozark County depends upon the dedication and support of members of the County Extension Council. The council assists staff with planning and implementing programs by communicating the interests and concerns of local citizens. Programming efforts require the best efforts of our partnerships in the state to maximize and apply our resources where the greatest impact can be made. Highlights and outcomes of local program efforts in 2014 are included in this annual report. For more information about University of Missouri Extension, please visit our website at http://extension.missouri.edu/ozark/, or contact the Ozark County office in the Gainesville Courthouse basement; Courthouse Room 4, P.O. Box 187, Gainesville, MO 65655; Phone: (417) 679-3525.

Robert Edwards Paula Bodenhamer Stacy Hambelton Chairman Secretary County Program Director Ozark County Extension Council

2014 Ozark County Budget

County Court Funding $18,000.00

Vending Machine Commission 153.22

Interest 2.21

Beginning Balance 0

Transfer of funds from other Acct. 4256.77

TOTAL REVENUES $22,412.20

Salaries,/Wages 17612.00

Benefits 1380.93

Staff Support 124.00

Travel 1024.28

Telephone Service 1301.91

Supplies/Postage/Printing 969.08

Equipment/Repairs, Misc.

TOTAL EXPENSES $22,412.20

Mission The mission of University of Missouri Extension is to improve Missourians'

lives by addressing their highest priorities through the application of

research-based knowledge and resources.

Ozark County University of Missouri Extension

#1 Court Square, PO Box 187 Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone (417) 679-3525 FAX(417) 679-3209 Office Hours 8:00-4:30 M - F

http://extension.missouri.edu/ozark

Equal opportunity is and shall be provided 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 Vietnam-era veteran. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or military organizations associated with the armed forces of the United States of America