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Cooperative Extension Service |
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Agricultural
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Dale Bumpers College
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Cooperative Extension Service
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Dr. Ivory W. Lyles |
Exploring sustainable methods for farming in Arkansas is the premise behind Arkansas Discovery Farms. Last summer, I was part of an Arkansas delegation that traveled to Wisconsin to see that state's pilot discovery farms at work. The team included Dr. Mark Cochran, associate vice president for agriculture - research; Dr. Mike Daniels, extension water quality and nutrition specialist; and Dr. Andrew Sharpley, professor of soil, crop and environmental sciences.
There were more than a dozen representatives from Arkansas Farm Bureau, including President Randy Veach, Past President Stanley Reed and Executive Director Ewell Welch.
Discovery Farms are privately owned farms that have volunteered to help with on-farm research that includes evaluating the farms' impact on the environment, as well as the most economical and effective ways to reduce environmental impact.
The effort represents a unique public-private partnership between the Division of Agriculture, Farm Bureau and other natural resource agencies and private agricultural organizations for a common goal.
Based on Wisconsin's model, Arkansas Discovery Farms will be located across the state to represent the diversity of agricultural operations in the state. Research on farms will involve monitoring environmental indicators for five to seven years. The initial phase will be to collect baseline information. If management adjustments are warranted, then these adjustments will be evaluated.
The goal of Arkansas Discovery Farms is to promote and document sustainable and viable farming systems that remain cost-effective in an environmentally sound manner.
Efforts are under way by the Division of Agriculture administration to seek funding from a variety of methods and sources.
- Ivory W. Lyles
More Than .5 Million Distributed Through OSSDP and FSIP Programs
For the fourth straight year, the amount of resources returned to units, departments and individuals involved in grants through the Organizational Salary Savings Distribution Program (OSSDP) has grown. Each year since the program's introduction in FY05, the amount of money returned to the areas generating those revenues has increased significantly. More than $5,000 was returned during the FY05 introduction year. The amount grew to more than $55,400 in FY06, only to be exceeded in FY07. That year the redistribution rose to more than $100,000. FY08 set a new record with a return of $218,915 to the units, departments and individuals involved in sponsored programs for the 52 faculty and staff members who participated in the plan.
The partner grant reward plan to OSSDP is the Faculty Salary Incentive Plan (FSIP). This program returned more than $23,900 to principal investigators and others involved in grants programs during FY08. The FSIP program was the first of the grant reward programs and was introduced in FY04. In the initial year, $11,068 was distributed to faculty and staff as a result of their participation in grant-funded programs. Participation in the FSIP program peaked in FY05, the same year as the OSSDP program was introduced. That year $54,382 was distributed to principal investigators and other faculty as incentive payments for their efforts.
Since the addition of the OSSDP program, the two grant reward programs have maintained an inverse correlation. The total amount distributed from the two programs has continued to grow each year. More than a half million dollars has been returned to units, department and individuals involved in grants through the two programs during the last five years.
Complete details about the programs and their guidelines can be found on Spot in the Extension Policy Guide (http://intranet.uaex.edu/policy/programmanagement/GrantRewardPlans.asp) or on the Division web site (http://division.uaex.edu/policy_management/pmgs_03_8.pdf).
- Judy Robison
Honorary and Memorial Gifts
The following honorary and memorial gifts were recently received in support of programs and funds within the Cooperative Extension Service. This list covers gifts deposited February 1-28, 2009.
Pulaski County Horticulture Fund
In honor of Beth Phelps
Pulaski County Master Gardener Association
Honorary or memorial donations may be forwarded to the Development Office, Cooperative Extension Service, P.O. Box 391, Little Rock, AR 72203. To ensure that proper notification is sent, please also include in whose honor or memory the gift is made and the mailing address of the person to receive the notification.
- Merritt Royal
Monthly Gift Summary - February 2009
The following chart summarizes gifts and noncash gifts deposited in February 2009 to advance the programs of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
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Cumulative Giving |
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February 1 - 28, 2009 |
Fiscal Year 2009 |
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Monthly Gift Count |
Monthly Gift Total |
Fiscal |
Fiscal |
| CES Administration | 2 | $130.00 | 28 | $130,711.35 |
| Delta District | 1 | 500.00 | 6 | 4,570.00 |
| Ouachita District | 2 | 2,987.50 | 5 | 7,162.50 |
| Ozark District | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 2,500.00 |
| 4-H Youth Development | 0 | 0.00 | 3 | 28,000.00 |
| Agriculture and Natural Resources | 7 | 19,400.00 | 125 | 852,415.95 |
| Community and Economic Development | 10 | 5,950.00 | 57 | 18,790.49 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 500.00 |
| Arkansas 4-H Foundation |
33 |
$4,929.00 |
351 |
$151,782.50 |
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TOTALS |
55 |
$33,896.50 |
577 |
$1,196,432.79 |
Employees of the Quarter for Quarter Ending March 31, 2009
LITTLE ROCK STATE OFFICE
Brett Barham, Assistant Professor - Breeding/Genetics, Animal Science
Brett is a self-starter who is willing to look for funding opportunities to start programs. He is currently working on a project aimed at educating producers about beef cattle marketing alternatives and managing production costs, funded through Risk Management Education. Brett has been instrumental in introducing Turning Point technology to Extension faculty. This technology, which enables educators, trainers and presenters to develop and administer real-time assessment of audience participants within their PowerPoint presentations, was purchased from a professional improvement grant Brett received. Brett is a true team player, always looking for opportunities to pool talents and resources to accomplish tasks.
Stephen "Randy" Hawkins, Physical Plant Manager, Arkansas 4-H Center
Randy is a motivated, self-starter whose ideas and finished products can be seen throughout the 4-H Center. With only six weeks' notice, Randy and his crew located and constructed two ATV safety courses on the 4-H Center property, using heavy equipment donated by the J.A. Riggs Equipment Company. Randy and his crew logged 100 hours on the heavy equipment clearing, leveling and compacting the side of a hill into a level field the size of two football fields, as well as constructing a road to the site. The project was finished in time for the first ATV safety course in April. Randy is a very dedicated employee, who is highly respected by his peers at the 4-H Center and across Extension.
Donna Rinke, Web Development Associate, Communications
Donna has played a major role in the massive transition to the new Intranet, Spot, and to the new content management. She has thorough knowledge of Extension's web site and presence and has been a quick-study at learning the new web product. Always quick to jump in and offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it, she is a self-starter, constantly taking the initiative and quick to point out a definite path to successfully accomplish a task or project. Donna is widely respected for her strong work ethic and professional and helpful attitude, and is an extremely valuable member of the Communications team.
DELTA DISTRICT
Hazelene McCray, County Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Sciences, Desha County
Hazelene has developed extensive and diversified programs in Desha County. She conducts Strong Women/Men and Reshape Yourself classes; worked diligently to recruit and maintain 4-H leaders and youth; conducted Organ Wise Guys nutrition classes at local schools; started a new Extension Homemakers Club; and serves as chairperson for the Desha County Hometown Health Initiative Program. Hazelene has a positive attitude and assists with other programs whenever needed. She is proactive and has good instinct concerning program implementation that truly serves the clientele of Desha County.
Sandra Puckett, Secretary, St. Francis County
Sandy goes above and beyond to ensure the success of county programs and activities. Her computer expertise is obvious as she designs county newsletters and flyers and is called on by other staff members for computer assistance. She maintains and keeps current the county web page and developed a record-keeping fair entry program. Sandy uses good judgment, exhibits professionalism and is an excellent team player.
Lucinda "Cindy" Minton, 4-H Program Assistant, Jefferson County
Cindy actively recruits new 4-H club members, organizes new clubs and works with agents to conduct in-school trainings. She was delegated the duty of keeping the Shooting Sports Club running and continues to work well with the agent in arranging trainings and participation in competitions. Cindy is a good team player, a good role model and enthusiastic in her job.
OUACHITA DISTRICT
Shirlye Hopkins, County Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Sciences, Columbia County
Shirlye received the National Mary W. Wells Memorial Diversity Award at the National Galaxy III Conference in 2008 for her work with multiple community partners to conduct a successful, high-quality diabetes educational program in Columbia County. She worked as a member of the multicounty team to develop the Shifting Financial Attitudes camp for youth. She has also developed a diabetes education program that is being copied throughout the district. She is to be commended for her attention to detail and her desire to provide educational programs that help residents improve their knowledge relative to improving their personal health with special emphasis on diabetes education.
Vicki Shadell, 4-H Program Assistant, Perry County
The Perry County 4-H program has more than doubled since Vicki came to the office and more Journals have been submitted. Vicki has shown outstanding character and is a team player. She loves her job and has achieved each of her goals set for the 4-H program in Perry County. She takes on projects and has started several on her own. Vicki is truly an asset to the Perry County Extension office and 4-H program.
OZARK DISTRICT
Brad McGinley, County Extension Agent - Agriculture, Fulton County
Brad has been an excellent employee in Fulton County. He co-conducted two Arkansas beef improvement workshops with 53 producers participating. He also co-conducted a Tri-County Beef and Forage Field Day representing eight counties in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri, working with a producer to secure $3,300 in sponsorships and donations (127 people participated). He has conducted outstanding demonstration work showing the benefit of using growth implants in stocker cattle and the importance of proper storage of animal health products. Brad has been very successful in developing and hosting a 4-H Technology Camp in Fulton County the past two years. He is a great asset to Fulton County.
Linda Tanner, Administrative Office Supervisor, Sharp County
Linda is dedicated to the efforts of Extension and is a good role model for her counterparts. Linda is a person of integrity and diligence and is highly respected by her coworkers and the community. She is our "go to" person when we get stuck on a project and need that extra input to make a program a success. Linda is a great asset to the Sharp County Cooperative Extension Service.
Robbie Rye, 4-H Program Assistant, Pope County
Robbie has a positive attitude, great personality and willingness to help anyone. She is well respected by the 4-H youth, volunteer leaders and clientele in the county. Robbie goes beyond her duties often and represents the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture in ways that should make us all proud. From school programs to leading a decorating committee for the 4-H banquet, everything is done professionally. Most recently, the local United Way agency voted Robbie to be their agency representative to the United Way Board.
Crockett Named Extension Specialist - Communications for UAPB's School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
Bobbie Crockett has been named Extension Specialist - Communications for the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). In this position, she will publicize School activities by writing articles and scripts for print and broadcast media; edit manuscripts, publications and web content; take photographs and shoot video; and maintain the School's digital photo library.
Prior to coming to UAPB, Ms. Crockett worked for the Arkansas Department of Correction as a public information officer and for the Pine Bluff Commercial as a business and farm writer. She has also been a writer for the Herald-Review in Grand Rapids, Minn., the Daily Press in Newport News, Va., and the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky.
"We look forward to tapping into Ms. Crockett's wide range of talent," Dr. James O. Garner, interim dean/director for SAFHS, said. "She was highly recommended for the position in our School."
A native of Selma, Alabama, Ms. Crockett holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She is a resident of Pine Bluff and has one son, John.
- Debbie Archer
Arkansas Operation Military Kids Program Seeks Renewed Involvement
Arkansas' support for children of military personnel across the state is being increased due to the 4-H Operation Military Kids (OMK) partnership program. In Arkansas, several organizations are partnering with Extension to support this important outreach effort. Partners include the Army National Guard, Arkansas Department of Education, the American Legion, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas, the American Red Cross, the Ozark Foothills Film Festival and military support organizations that are part of JFSAP - the Joint Family Services Assistance Program. Additional partners are invited to become involved to support local community outreach efforts.
A supplementary grant project is supporting several outstanding camping opportunities for Arkansas' military youth: Camo Camp, focusing on outdoor adventure and safety experiences, Bicycle Touring Camp, a series of Bicycle Day Camps, and Movie Camp - for youth to create public service announcements and documentaries related to the special needs of military families in our own backyards. The camps teach citizenship, healthy living and include STEM curricula as part of the programming. Each camp also offers core OMK elements such as Hero Pack presentations, Speak Out for Military Kids training or use of the OMK Mobile Technology Laboratory. All OMK activities are outlined on the 4-H Youth Development web page at www.uaex.edu.
There are over 18,000 children of military personnel in Arkansas today. Nearly 12,000 of these youth are age 6-18, eligible for 4-H membership. Counties are invited to support the OMK effort, involving additional youth in 4-H programs.
Families may register their children to participate in OMK programs on-line at http://www.kidsarus.org/operation_military_kids.htm.
For more information on OMK, to organize a local community OMK effort or to learn how many military youth are in your county, contact Maureen Rose, OMK Director, at mrose@uaex.edu, 501-671-2066.
- Maureen Rose
Pike County 4-H Member Named Prudential Spirit of Community Award Winner
Cammie York, 11, of Langley, was named one of Arkansas' top two youth volunteers for 2009 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.
As state honorees, each will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense paid trip in early May to Washington, D.C., where they will join the top two honorees - one middle level and one high school youth - from each of the other states and the District of Columbia for several days of national recognition events. Ten of them will be named America's top youth volunteers for 2009 at that time.
Cammie is also a finalist in the 2009 Arkansas Community Service Awards program sponsored by KARK Channel 4, the Department of Human Services Division of Volunteerism, the Governor's Office and St. Vincent Health System. She will be featured on KARK Channel 4 News at Noon and during the awards ceremony on July 10 in Conway.
- Avonne Petty
Perry County 4-H Studies Citizenship
As 4-H leaders, we have a great job - our job is to help youth learn all about Arkansas! Teen 4-H'ers throughout Perry County get to take a tour of the State Capitol while the legislature is in session. They will make lasting friendships and develop skills in citizenship, service projects, leadership, public speaking, self-esteem and communication planning. They will also learn about the Great Seal of Arkansas, native Indians, our state flag, creed, Voting 101, etc.
A group of Perry County teens toured the Arkansas State Capitol on Monday, February 23. 4-H'ers and volunteers who went on the tour were Representative Johnny Hoyt; Vicki Shadell, 4-H program assistant; Michelle Ruff, 4-H volunteer; Heather Runyan, family and consumer sciences agent; Buffy Hoyt, 4-H volunteer; Cody Bunch; Bethany Runyan; Corey Ruff; Briann Hoyt; Elizabeth Offield; Jayme Shadell; Candace Ruff; Whitney Wright; Shelby McGehee; Janna Tolley and Alana Patterson.
- Vicki Shadell
Grants and Contracts
| Project Title | Award Amount | Principal Investigator | Granting Agency |
| 1890 Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program |
$96,356.00 |
Easter Tucker | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff |
| MidSouth/Southeast BioEnergy Consortium (Transition to Cellulosic Biofuels Industry) | $40,000.00 | Samy Sadaka | Agriculture Experiment Station |
| MidSouth/Southeast BioEnergy Consortium - FeedStocks (Manure and Waste) | $30,000.00 | Samy Sadaka | Agriculture Experiment Station |
| MidSouth/Southeast BioEnergy Consortium...Education (Conversion Technologies) | $15,000.00 | Samy Sadaka | Agriculture Experiment Station |
| Entrepreneurial Development Targeting Rural Hispanic Immigrants: A Collaborative Research and Extension Effort | $156,894.00 | Wayne Miller | Agriculture Experiment Station |
| MidSouth/Southeast BioEnergy Consortium | $20,000.00 | Tom Riley | Agriculture Experiment Station |
| Beef Cattle Production on Grass-Legume Mixes: Economic Implications of Establishment Methods and Grazing Systems Performance | $103,305.00 | John Jennings | Agriculture Experiment Station |
| The Southern Region Water Resource Project | $22,500.00 | Michael Daniels | Texas Agriculture Extenson Service |
| Soybean Research and Promotion Coordinator | $129,536.00 | Milo J. Shult | Soybean Promotion Board |
| Beef Council - Beef IQ Project | $1,250.00 | Brett Barham | Arkansas Beef Council |
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Total |
$614,841.00 |
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