Donations to AudrainCounty Extension

Endowment

Did you know that AudrainCounty Extension could ac-cept donations? Donationscan be monetary or in theform of physical assetssuch as land or equipment.Audrain County Extensiondonations/gifts are an ex-cellent estate planning op-tion. Audrain CountyExtension is a not-for–profit organization. Moneyor gifts given to AudrainCounty Extension are taxdeductable donations. Yourgifts and donations can bein the form of a general do-nation or it can be given fora specific extension pro-gram. Anyone with an in-terest or potential interestin donating to AudrainCounty Extension shouldcontact the Audrain CountyExtension office for spe-cific details. We have pro-fessionals ready to assistyou with your donationplans. The wording of adonation plan is critical toensure your donation staysin Audrain County and isused solely to help the citi-zens of Audrain County.Our office is always look-ing for ways to improve thelives of Audrain County cit-izens. We do this by pro-viding educationalprogramming in the areasof family financial educa-tion, agriculture, youth de-velopment and nutrition.Anyone wishing to donateor discuss how to donatecan call our office at 573-581-3231 and ask for VirgilWoolridge, County Pro-gram Director for confiden-tial assistance.

2015 AUDRAIN COUNTY – THE YEAR IN REVIEW

For More Information on Univeristy of Missouri Extension Call 581-3231

2015 AudrainCounty ExtensionBusiness AwardsThe Audrain County ExtensionCouncil presented its 19th annuallarge business award to AhrensSteel and Welding Supplies and its19th annual small business awardto Vicki Lierheimer CPA.

Each year the Audrain County Ex-tension Council recognizes twoAudrain County businesses thathave demonstrated a positive im-pact on Audrain County and hashad a close working relationshipwith University of Missouri Exten-sion programs.

Top photo, Dennis Isgrig, AudrainCounty Extension Chairman andVirgil Woolridge, County ProgramDirector presents the 2015 LargeBusiness Award to John and San-dra Ahrens of Ahrens Steel andWelding Supplies.

Bottom photo, Chairman Isgrigand Woolridge are shown present-ing the 2015 Small BusinessAward to Vicki Lierheimer, CPA.

Brenda Fike photos

2 AUDRAIN COUNTY • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION • 2015 ANNUAL REPORT � www.extension.missouri.edu/audrain

2015 Audrain County Extension in ReviewUniversity of Missouri Extension in Audrain County has offered many programs, ac-tivities and services to the citizens of Audrain County this past year. The programs of-fered provide educational programing in the areas of Agriculture, 4-H and Youth,Nutrition, Personal Finance and variety of other educational opportunities. Universityof Missouri Extension is the University of Missouri’s classroom in communities acrossthe state. It was created by federal land-grant and state statutes. University of MissouriExtension connects the citizens of Audrain County to research-based education thatimproves the county’s economy and quality of life. University of Missouri Extensionprides itself in being relevant, reliable and responsive to the citizens of Audrain County.We would like to thank all our stakeholders for their support in 2015. We would es-pecially like to thank the Audrain County Commission for its steadfast support of theAudrain County Extension office. Without the financial support that is provided by theAudrain County Commission, the local office would not be able to provide educationalprogramming to the citizens of Audrain County. With this local financial support, theAudrain County Extension Council provides input and recommendations for what isbest for the community in the area of educational programming and the expenditureof Extension funds. This vital partnership results in a buy-in from the community,adoption of policies, implementation of plans, and increased economic activity. As aresult, the citizens of Audrain County benefit from this wise use of public and privateresources.Extension is frequently referred to as Cooperative Extension. The term CooperativeExtension comes from the fact that Extension is made of up of three components –federal, state and local. The educational resources used in Extension teaching comesfrom all three areas federal, state and local (county) and the funding to support Ex-tension educational efforts also come from all three – federal, state and local. Investingin University of Missouri Extension programs benefits not only the direct participants,but local communities and society as a whole. County, state and federal dollars in-vested in MU Extension enables local communities’ access to public services theywould not have otherwise. MU Extension programs, using unbiased research-basedinformation, focus on preventing problems, which is much less expensive to the citi-zens of Audrain County than trying to fix problems after they are created.Extension on the national level is the educational branch with the U.S. Department ofAgriculture which cooperates with land grant universities across the nation to developeducational programs needed within the states. In Missouri, Extension continuesstrong ties with all four campuses and Lincoln University. The county offices continueto be the local link between the four University of Missouri campuses and Lincoln Uni-versity and the people throughout the state. University of Missouri Extension’s landgrant mission is to “improve lives, communities and economies by producing relevant,reliable and responsive educational strategies that enhance access to the resourcesand research of the University of Missouri”. Extension is part of an educational systemthat is committed to enhancing human potential in changing social and economic en-vironment to improve people’s lives. County extension councils consist of elected andappointed citizens that plan and oversee local extension activities. The 2015 CouncilMembers are listed on the back page. It is through their dedication and devotion toAudrain County that helps Audrain County maintain a high quality of life for our resi-dents. The Audrain office staff works very hard to provide and support programs for the

residents of Audrain County. With dedicated staff, council members and many volun-teers, valuable programs are available to all to Audrain County residents. The AudrainUniversity of Missouri Extension Center is located in the Audrain County Courthouse,Room 304. The office is open Mon.-Fri., from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.(Submitted by Virgil Woolridge, County Program Director)

The 2015 Harvest in the Heartland20th Annual Missouri Master GardenerState conference was held in Columbia,Missouri September 11-13, 2015. Theconference was co-hosted by AudrainCounty Master Gardeners and theHeart of Missouri Master Gardeners(Boone).One of many tours available in CentralMissouri was the Audrain Area GardenTour led by the Audrain Master Garden-ers. On Saturday, September 12, a fullTrailways bus load (51) of conferenceattendees set off to explore the area.On board were bus captains Dee Rags-dale and Laura Pitts to give historicalbackground for the points of interest ofAudrain County. The chase crew ofBetty Clark and Orlin Callicoat stayedclose to provide backup support for thetour.Beginning with the certified wildlifesanctuary garden of Marjorie Motelythe group was led through her 40+ na-tive trees, 100+ native shrubs and veg-etable garden as she pointed out howshe works to provide food, shelter andwater for pollinators such as birds andfrogs.Next was a stop at Centralia’s ChanceGardens, a horticultural attraction builtin 1936, where hundreds of roses

were in full bloom. Gardener Jim Lee was on hand to an-swer questions and point out manythings of interest in the museum gar-dens.The driving tour of Mexico featuredthe Audrain Historical Society, GreenEstate, Missouri Military Academy,Mexico public parks and the Victoriangarden of Jim and Darlene Spencer.The more than three acre Spencergarden features a large gazebo, manyarbors, a carriage house, large gardenshed, cold frame and a multitude ofroses and hydrangeas planted through-out the property. A special “home-made” garden lunch was enjoyed byall. Master Gardener Roberta Wilsonwas available to guide and answerquestions.Our last stop before heading back tothe Stoney Creek Inn was to CallawayFields Nursery. Since purchasing theproperty in 2005, owner John Grahamgrows much of his own stock, has ex-panded to seven greenhouses, addedmany shrubs and trees available forpurchase as well as added many areasat the nursery to showcase landscapeoptions for using the plants in gardens.

(Submitted by Laura Pitts, Advanced Mas-ter Gardener)

The Community Garden was part of the Audrain Master Gardeners Host Tour.

Audrain Master Gardeners Host Tour

3AUDRAIN COUNTY • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION • 2015 ANNUAL REPORT � www.extension.missouri.edu/audrain

The Audrain County Extension Council,University of Missouri Extension held itsannual meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 2015at the 4-H Center.The evening consisted of awards, Cen-

tury Farm recipients, Leader Honor Roll,honoring retiring council members, rec-ognizing new council members, swearingin officers, and a guest speaker.Dr. Ronald Plain, D. Howard Doane Pro-

fessor, University of Missouri Departmentof Agriculture Economics, was the featuredspeaker for the evening. His topic was

“The Importance of Agriculture in Mis-souri.” He gave a PowerPoint presentationon how everyone’s life is affected by theagriculture industry. “The bottom line is agriculture provides

food.” Plain said. He showed graphs onmeat exports with one phrase stating “In1960 the U.S. exported 161 thousandtons of meat; last year we exported 8million tons of meat,” emphasizing theimportance of exports.Prior to Plain’s program, Dennis Isgrig,

extension chairperson, welcomed those

attending and introduced Tom Groveswho in turn introduced the Leader HonorRoll recipients. The Leader Honor Rollprogram is intended to honor outstandingUniversity of Missouri Extension com-munity leaders who have excelled in sup-porting or co-teaching named programs.This year’s recipients were Don Hudsonand Gary and Elizabeth Windmann. Hudsonaddressed the audience saying the awardwas for the community as much as itwas for him, and that this is a great com-munity to live in.

Each year, Century Farm Recipients arerecognized. Honored are families whosefarms have been in existence for 100 ormore years. Recognized at the meetingwere Joe and Clara Vance and Rodneyand Carol Willingham.Extension officers, members and staff

headquartered in Audrain County wererecognized as well.Officers are Isgrig, chairperson; Karen

Potter, vice chairman; Betty Clark, secre-tary; and Josh Hanley, treasurer.

2015 Annual Meeting and Dinner Banquet

Audrain County Clerk Shelley Harvey swears in the extension officers, Dennis Is-grig, chairperson; Karen Potter, vice chairperson; Josh Hanley, treasurer; BettyClark, secretary.

Century Farm recipients, Carol and Rodney Willingham and Clara and Joe Vance.

Leader Honor Roll recipients Don Hudson and Elizabeth and Gary Windmann.

Guest speaker was Dr. Ronald Plain, D. Howard Doane Professor, Univeristy of MissouriDepartment of Agriculture Economics. Photos courtesy of The Mexico Ledger, Brenda Fike photographer

MU Extension 4-H Youth Development

Audrain County 4-H creates environmentsin which young people are valued, contribut-ing, members in their community. 4-H pro-vides Audrain County youth with hands-onlearning opportunities in a safe environmentwhere they can experiment, innovate, andthink independently with the help of caringvolunteers.

Audrain County 4-H Community221 Members 158 Volunteers

A Community of Youth Learning Leader-ship, Citizenship, and Life Skills. One ofevery 5 Missourians between the ages of 5and 18 participated in a Missouri 4-H pro-gram in 2015. Communities reap long-term benefits bysupporting programs like 4-H. Youth engagein the programs are 60% more likely to votethan their non-engaged peers. In addition, 4-H youth are more likely to volunteer and con-tribute to their communities than youthparticipating in other youth programs.

Topics (What they learned)Audrain County 4-H serves youth through7 organized clubs, camps, and more. Theyouth of Audrain County have demonstratedlearning through the following activities:• Demonstrations (local and state) – Live-stock Judging (local, state, and national)• 4-H Camp •Audrain County 4-H & Youth Fair

• 4-H Fashion Revue (local and state)•Missouri State Fair• State 4-H Teen Conference • State 4-H Congress

How Did Audrain CountyParticipants Benefit?Learning by doing is the Audrain County 4-H way. Within Audrain County 4-H Clubsyouth engage in long-term educational expe-riences in which members learn life skillssuch as decision making, public speaking,and working with others. Members learn bydoing under the guidance of adult volunteers,who teach projects ranging from roboticsand arts to veterinary science and wood-working. Clubs also involve children andteens in community service, camping andeducational trips. Communities reap long-term benefits bysupporting programs like 4-H. Youth en-gaged in the program are 60% more likely tovote than their non-engaged peers. In addi-tion, 4-H youth are more likely to volunteerand contribute to their communities thanyouth participating in other youth programs.

4-H members supported by 158youth and adult volunteers 4-H is a great return on investment. Volun-teers create, support, and are part of the 4-Hcommunity. Missouri 4-H volunteers re-sponding to a survey report they contributeon average 100 hours per year. Valuing theirtime at $21 per hour, based on average Mis-souri incomes, the contribution of AudrainCounty 4-H volunteers was worth more than$331,800 in 2015! More importantly, theseadults serve as mentors for our youth help-ing them transition into health adulthood,priceless.

4-H Connects Kids to College anda Higher Quality of LifeMissouri 4-H Members are twice morelikely to have been on a college campus thantheir non-4-H peers. Being on campus is apredictor of a youth going on to higher edu-cation. Audrain County young people ages 5-18 often participate in 4-H events on the MUCampus. These students are more likely to

go to college and enjoy increased financialsuccess for themselves and their family, and • Be better consumers• Improve quality of life through more op-portunities for leisure and hobbies• Improve health for themselves and chil-dren• More likely to vote as adults• More likely to contribute to their commu-nityYouth, who earn their bachelor’s degree, in-crease annual earnings by $2 million overtheir lifetime. If 50% of the Audrain members participat-ing in 4-H events on the MU Campus go onto earning their Bachelors, 4-H would helpyoung people earn $22,2105,000!

4-H Camping Program4-H Camp is one of the many highlights ofthe 4-H year for local youth. Camp isplanned, conducted, and evaluated by 4-HYouth Development Specialists StephanieFemrite and Patty Fisher, with the involve-ment and assistance of about twenty teen-aged Camp Counselors. Over 115 youth andteens take part in one of two annual 4-HCamp programs, held at Camp Cedar Crestnorth of Mexico, MO.4-H youth and parents identify 4-H camp ashaving a strong, positive impact on life skillsdevelopment in youth. In both 2005 and2006, 4-H members aged 10-13 across Mis-souri and their parents were surveyed to as-sess their perceptions of the Missouri 4-HCamping program’s effectiveness in buildinglife skills in youth. The results were over-whelmingly positive.

Hatching Chicks in the Classroom4-H Embryology teaches students aboutscience and respect for life. Students hatchchicks in the classroom and witness the ex-citing miracle of life. Through this program,pre-incubated eggs are delivered to theschool where they hatch about four dayslater. During this time, students have the op-portunity to learn the scientific process ofembryology including: incubation, preparinga brooder, hatching, identifying parts of anegg, development of chicks in the egg andonce they have hatched, handling chicks, and

careers in the poultry industry. While stu-dents care for the eggs and chicks, they learnleadership, responsibility, sharing, decisionmaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.Number of Audrain County learners: 275pre-kindergarten through 8th grade studentsand 12 classroom teachersTotal Hours of learning in 2015: 1,378hours of classroom learning in 15 AudrainCounty classroomsThe 4-H Embryology Program gives chil-dren of all ages a hands-on experience inhatching chickens while developing personalconfidence and leadership ability throughembryology project activities. Children learnby listening, observing, experimenting andapplying their knowledge to real-world situ-ations. As students continue on their learningjourney they have increased knowledge andskills in nutrition, food production, foodsafety, and food systems. Within this pro-gram Audrain County students have the op-portunity to develop and practice life skillsincluding working on a team, identifyingone's own competencies, creative expres-sion, and short term goal setting.

(Submitted by Stephanie Femrite, 4-H andYouth Specialist)

4 AUDRAIN COUNTY • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION • 2015 ANNUAL REPORT � www.extension.missouri.edu/audrain

2015 Audrain County 4-H and Youth Highlights

4-H would not be possible without thesupport of many dedicated volunteers.This past year Brad Hagan and his wife,Connie (not pictured), received the Mis-souri 4-H Foundation Frank Grahamaward. They represent the high qualityvolunteers who give their time, compas-sion, and expertise to the 4-H program.

Ellen Duenke, 4-H Camp.

5AUDRAIN COUNTY • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION • 2015 ANNUAL REPORT � www.extension.missouri.edu/audrain

Agriculture Youth Safety DayAudrain University of Missouri Extension

Council was proud to coordinate a 20th An-niversary Progressive Agriculture SafetyDay®. Youth from all parts of the countyand two surrounding counties attended onSeptember 1, 2015. The Safety Day was de-signed for youth and focused on sevensafety topics. Twenty-seven youth, fromthree counties and sixteen adult volunteersand instructors participated in the SafetyDay.The topics were chosen by the planning

committee and taught by local individualsand groups. Electricity safety was taught bylinemen Brad Hagan and Alan Heimer rep-resenting Consolidated Electric. Safetyaround vehicles was taught by Mexico FFAand their advisor Ms. Kendra Allen. Grainbin safety was taught by Dennis Isgrig rep-resenting the Audrain University ExtensionCouncil and Bob Nichols representingSydenstricker Implement. Firearm safetywas taught by the Mexico FFA Trap Teamand their advisor Mr. Tyler Burgin. Lawn-mower safety was taught by Kenny Fairchildrepresenting Ennis Implement. ATV safetywas taught by Kent Shannon, University Ex-tension ag engineer. Animal Safety wastaught by Centralia FFA and their advisor Mr.Scott Stone. Consolidated Electric hosted the event on

their grounds just east of Mexico. Sponsorsof the meal were Audrain County Cattlemen,Audrain County Farm Bureau and MexicoYoung Farmers. In addition, several localbusinesses donated items for the take homegoodie bags. Many individuals volunteeredtheir time and talents to make the event asuccess and the staff at the Extension officein Mexico put time and effort into organizingthe event. This event was truly a communityand countywide effort. Dedicated volun-teers working together were the heart of theSafety Day program fulfilling a variety ofroles and assuring children received hands-on experiences in a variety of safety-relatedtopics. This event was coordinated by MarySobba, ag business specialist with helpfrom Stephanie Femrite, 4-H youth special-ist, the extension staff and planning com-mittee. For the past 20 years, the Progressive

Agriculture Safety Day® program has had

the mission of providing education andtraining to make farm, ranch and rural lifesafer and healthier for youth and their com-munities. University of Missouri Extensionin Audrain County has been hosting a SafetyDay every third year since 1997. The participants of Safety Day reported

they planned to do the following to be saferat home: stay away from moving equip-ment, be aware around cows, not surpriseanimals for fun, don’t get in front of a truck,be careful around animals, don’t ride on afour-wheeler without safety gear, make suremy Dad has a harness when in grain bins.The success of Progressive Agriculture

Safety Day® program has been made pos-sible thanks to the generous and continuedsupport of our international sponsors in-cluding Bunge North America, Crop Produc-tion Services, Agrium, Inc., Farm Credit,TransCanada Corporation, Archer DanielsMidland Company, CHS & CHS Foundation,John Deere, Monsanto Company and TheMosaic Company.

(Submitted by Mary Sobba, Agricul-tural Business Specialist)

This enthusiastic group and a few more participated in the Youth Safety Day on September 1st

Above, Mexico FFA chaptermembers used a tractor anda pickup to demonstrate themany hidden places driverscannot see while in the driv-ers seat. At right, Kent Shan-non, ag engineer explainsproper safety equipmentneeded for ATVs.

6 AUDRAIN COUNTY • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION • 2015 ANNUAL REPORT � www.extension.missouri.edu/audrain

Making Money CountThe vast majority of Americans are in debt, according to a report

from Pew Charitable Trusts published this July. For the most part, that debtcomes from what many people would call a good thing — homeownership.Of the 80% of Americans with debt, 44% have mortgage debt. Overall, themedian debt load among Americans is $67,900, overwhelmingly driven bymortgages (the median home loan balance is $103,000).Still, Americans have a lot of non-mortgage debt, too, particularly young

Americans. Only 33% of millennials (people born between 1981 and 1997),have home loans. In fact, millennials are much more likely to have studentloan debt (41% have it), car loans (41%) or credit card debt (39%) thanthey are to have a mortgage. Among all other generations, mortgages arethe leading component of consumer debt.Credit card debt is still incredibly common among American consumers

— with 39% of Americans reporting unpaid credit card balances, it's notfar behind mortgages as a leading contributor to consumer debt. Whilethose balances are much lower than those for student loans, the high in-terest rates and revolving nature of credit card debt can make it a seriousthreat to consumers' financial health.This is where Making Money Count can help. Making Money Count is an

educational program that focuses on strategies and techniques for usingyour money and other resources more effectively. Topics discussed includesuch things as making decisions, communicating about money, developingand using a spending plan, credit, consumer skills, contracts, record keep-ing, and taxes, banking services, insurance and/or saving and investing.For more information on the Making Money County program email wool-ridgev@missouri.edu or call at 573-581-3231.(Submitted by Virgil Woolridge, Family Financial Education Specialist)

The mission of Building Better Child Care for Missouri is to advance childcare providers’ knowledge and skill in caring for and educating ouryoungest citizens. Building Better Child Care workshops center on (1) child care providerworkforce preparation, (2) children's school readiness and, (3) the social-ization of children's health, nutrition, and physical activity. During program year 2015, Building Better Child Care workshops were de-livered to 86 participants in Montgomery County, who earned 8 traininghours while participating in two-day long Saturday sessions. Eight of theparticipants were from Audrain County. Licensed child care providers arerequired to obtain 12 hours of instruction per year to meet Missouri DayCare Licensing requirements. Participants continue to rate both the qualityof instruction and subject matter presented as excellent. Child Care Provider Session held during 2015 included the following:Taking Care of You: Managing Stress and Improving Health in Your Work

and Life (23)Avoid Behavior Problems: Teach Self-Control (23)Building Relationships with Children and Youth Who Challenge Us (20)Building Strong Families-Communicating (20)After attending an MU Extension child care provider training workshop,

100 % reported improved knowledge, skills, or understanding. As a result of what was learned during the MU Extension child care

provider training workshop: •100 % reported understanding what activities are developmentally appro-priate for the children in their care.•90% reported planning to more frequently implement developmentally

appropriate activities for the children in their care. Our continued efforts to improve child care are vital to Missouri's eco-

nomic development; a well-prepared and educated child care workforce isessential for families' workplace success and children's healthy develop-ment. (Submitted by Kathy Dothage, Human Development Specialist)

University of Missouri Extension’sFamily Nutrition Program (FNP)reached 949 participants directly and350 indirectly with nutrition educa-tion in Audrain County during 2015 asignificant percentage of which werelow income. Though a series of workshops, the

Family Nutrition Program providedinformation on nutrition, food safety,and physical activity for lifelong

health and fitness by working withqualifying schools, communitygroups and agencies. Youth fromPre-school to 8th grade learned

through kid-friendly, hands-on les-sons and activities. Activities includedopportunities for taste-testing healthyfoods and practicing skills that leadto good health. Education for adultsalso includes nutrition, food safety,and physical activity, as well as foodresource management. As a result of the Food Nutrition

Program, participants become moreaware of nutrition, made healthier

meal and snack choices, ate breakfastmore often, are more willing to trynew foods, increased their physicalactivity and in general made healthierfood choices. Those who practice healthy eatingand activity behaviors are more likelyto enjoy a high quality of life as anadult and into old age(Submitted by Deann Turner, Family Nutrition

Program Leader)

Building Better Child Care for Missouri

Family Nutrition Program reaches 949 participantsFor youth who participated in FNP,

statewide results summarized revealed thefollowing positive impacts:• 51% have participated in FNP for three

or more years.• 99% (2,790) teachers reported one or

more changes in students after FNP.

7AUDRAIN COUNTY • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION • 2015 ANNUAL REPORT � www.extension.missouri.edu/audrain

Audrain Agricultural ProgramsThis past year there was a variety of agriculture re-

lated extension programs offered in the county, regionand state. Agriculture reaches many people includingproducers, business owners, ag retailers and con-sumers. Extension tries to offer a variety of agriculturerelated programs for various individuals with an inter-est in agriculture. Following are a few examples.

Farm Bill EducationExtension teamed up with USDA Farm Service

Agency (FSA) to provide multiple educational meetingsthroughout Missouri in late 2014 and early 2015. FSAprovided the rules, regulations and details and Exten-sion provided the decision tools information. Threegroup meetings were held for Audrain County produc-ers, with 200 producers attending. One computerworkshop was held in the county with 22 producersattending. Audrain extension staff helped at seventeenadditional group meetings in surrounding counties,with total attendance of 866 people. In addition fourcomputer workshops were held in the surroundingcounties with 36 people attending.

Soils & Crops ConferenceThe 90th annual Audrain Soils & Crops Conference

was held January 26, 2015. A variety of sessions weretaught included: stored grain management, farm bill,land rent dynamics, soil fertility, MU diagnostics,USDA updates, UAVs and horticultural topics. Instruc-tors included state and regional extension specialists,USDA personnel, and Master Gardeners. Seventy-fourpeople from a total of eight counties attended the pro-gram.

Fence Law ClassOn March 24, 2015 a Fence Law class was held in

Mexico with twenty-one people attending. The pur-pose of the class was to explain the two laws in thestate: the general law and the optional law. In a shortfollow up survey, 100% reported they understood thedifferences in the laws, 80% understood their rightsand responsibilities. Several reported they planned toreview the materials and over the next year work withtheir neighbors to make improvements.

Tax EducationThis year there was one statewide summer tax schooland five fall tax schools. Mary Sobba and the AudrainExtension staff coordinated the schools. The summertax school was held in July in Columbia. Several taxpreparers from Audrain County attended the training.

The training was designed for tax preparers workingwith agriculture clients. In October, Extension offeredfive tax schools in five locations targeting participantswho work with business/farm clients. Again, severalfrom Audrain County attended the training site in Co-lumbia. The training included new tax legislation, rulings andcases, individual taxpayer issues, affordable care actand agricultural topics. The schools were approvedfor continuing education credits by the Internal Rev-enue Service, the Missouri Bar and also approved forcredit for certified financial planners. Total continuinged credits submitted to the IRS were 2,648 earned by330 persons. The instructors for the various trainings included: Dr.Roger McEowen, ag law and taxation specialist, Dr.Mike Hardin, Ph D., enrolled agent, retired professorof ag economics at Oklahoma State University; Cather-ine Murphy, former Stakeholder Liaison with the Inter-nal Revenue Service. The trainings received positive evaluations and plan-ning is underway to offer trainings in 2016. Localcounty residents benefit when local tax preparers havethe opportunity to gain knowledge they can use to ben-efit their clients.

Ag Lender TrainingMany years ago, extension developed training for

agricultural loan officers. The training continues invarious locations across the state. On November 24th,an ag lender seminar was held in Mexico for fortylenders from eleven counties. Topics for the seminarin Mexico included: Crop and Livestock Outlooks, Pol-icy Outlook, New State Legislation and Death, Taxesand Land rent. Lenders received the 2016 Missouri Farm Financial

Outlook book which included budgets for all majorcrop and livestock enterprises in the state. Lenderswill help their agricultural customers to use the infor-mation and tools they were given. Specific actions in-clude: sharing cash rent information with clients andusing the crop and livestock budgets.The lenders who attended manage more than 3,500

ag loans totaling more than $430 million.By attending University of Missouri’s Agricultural

Lenders’ seminars, lenders are able to help theirclients make better decisions based on budgets, andother resources provided. This benefits their portfolioof producers and landowners by a better understand-ing of enterprise budgets and cash flow affecting fam-ilies’ and businesses’ financial health.

(Submitted by Mary Sobba, Agricultural Business Specialist)

University of Missouri Extension partners with several ofthe University’s schools and colleges to deliver noncreditcontinuing education courses, programs and training in a va-riety of professional trades that contribute to the success ofpublic-sector organizations and private industries throughoutMissouri and the nation. Below are some of the areas whereover 268 Audrain County residents received professionaltraining in 2015.

These Continuing Education trainings provided by Univer-sity Of Missouri Extension enabled Audrain County residentsthe opportunity to receive continuing education units. A num-ber of professions require continue education units/ CEUs asproof of staying up-to-date in their professions and therefore

Continuing Education

•Continuing Medical Education•Engineering•Fire and Rescue Training Institute•Labor Education•Law Enforcement Training Institute•Missouri Training Institute•Nursing Outreach•Veterinary Medical Extension and Continuing Education

Over 1000 Audrain County residents participated in or wereassisted by a University of Missouri Extension agronomy orhorticulture program in 2015. Participants include farmers,Clark produce auction growers, Master Gardeners, peoplewho learn gardening tips from Master Gardeners at the Mex-ico Farmer’s Market, people who learn from Master Garden-ers at the Mexico Community Garden, soil test customers,plant diagnostic clinic customers, and private pesticide ap-plicator training recipients. In 2015 agronomy and horticulture programs resulted in

over 1200 hours of learning by Audrain County residents andover 900 hours of volunteer service by Audrain Master Gar-deners. Evaluations showed that people learned basic gar-dening, pest control, how to apply fertilizer to crops andgardens, and safe use of pesticides. People used what they learned to grow food, reduce pollu-

tion in streams and lakes, and stay safe as they work in theirgardens and fields. By utilizing research proven best practicesin their gardens and on their farms citizens of Audrain Countyimprove their local economy. Regardless of whether research proven best practices are

used to produce locally grown produce for the Clark ProduceAuction, or corn and soybeans that are marketed globally,there are clear benefits to increasing efficiency, productivity,and safety. Current and future generations benefit when research

proven best practices are used and result in improved pro-ductivity and reduced negative environmental impacts.

Agronomy and Horticulture

8 AUDRAIN COUNTY • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION • 2015 ANNUAL REPORT � www.extension.missouri.edu/audrain

2015 Audrain Extension Council Members

Officers Appointed MembersDennis Isgrig, Chairperson Tom Groves County CommissionKaren Potter, Vice Chairperson Laura Pitts City of MexicoBetty Clark, Secretary Michele Aulbur Farm BureauJosh Hanley, Treasurer Dennis Isgrig MFA

Elected MembersDistrict 1 – NW Area of Audrain County Scott Brooks & Dan KilbournDistrict 2 – SW Area of Audrain County Shelly Hunt & Janet ShackelfordDistrict 3 – NE Area of Audrain County Bobby Stone & Renae StumpeDistrict 4 – SE Area of Audrain County anis Deimeke & Tina SchmelingDistrict 5 – City of Mexico Nate Birt & Josh Hanley

& Betty Clark & Karen Potter

Extension Staff Headquartered in Audrain CountyVirgil Woolridge Family Financial Education Specialist, County Program DirectorMary Sobba Agriculture Business SpecialistStephanie Femrite 4-H Youth Development SpecialistSarah Estes Youth Program AssociateDaniel Nunnelly Youth Educational Assistant Kathy Nichols Office Manager & Bookkeeper

Additional Staff with Responsibilities in Audrain County(Offices are in other counties)

Shelley Bush-Rowe, Regional Director Chris Shoemaker, BusinessDevelopment SpecialistKent Shannon, Agricultural Engineer Kathy Dothage, Human Development SpecialistDaniel Mallory, Livestock Specialist Charles Holland, Business Development SpecialistMax Glover, Agronomy Specialist John Gulick, Community Development SpecialistMegan Samson, Nutrition Specialist Thomas Fuhrman, Housing & EnvironmentalSpecialistJennifer Schutter, Horticulture Specialist Chandra Beaver, Nutrition Program Associate

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participantsin extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants foremployment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence withoutdiscrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

University of Missouri Extension Mission Statement

Our distinct land-grant mission is to improve thelives, communities and economies by producing rel-evant, reliable and responsive educational strate-gies that enhance access to the resources andresearch of the University of Missouri.

Audrain County Master GardenersAudrain Master Gardeners play a keyrole in the Grow Well program which isa collaborative effort between severalgroups and individuals to support com-munity gardens and healthy foodchoices in Mexico. In 2015 this collaborative effort won a

Missouri Municipal League InnovationAward. Plans are in place to offer communitygardens at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkand at the Mexico Help Center in 2016.

(Submitted by Max Glover, Agronomy andHorticulture Specialist)

Accepting the Innovation award at the 2015 Missouri Municipal League conference inKansas City are (left to right) Chad Shoemaker representing the City of Mexico, MaxGlover representing University of Missouri Extension, Dee Ragsdale representing AudrainMaster Gardeners, Gary Jones representing the Mexico Help Center, and Tad Dobyns rep-resenting Central Missouri Community Action.