Extension Education in Kerr County

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has been dedicated to educating Texans for nearly a century. In 1915, the agency was established under the federal Smith-Lever Act to deliver university knowledge and agricultural research findings directly to the people. Ever since, AgriLife Extension programs have addressed the emerging issues of the day, serving diverse populations across the state. Through a well-organized network of professional educators and some 100,000 trained volunteers, Extension delivers practical research-based knowledge to Texans in all 254 counties. Our expertise and educational

outreach pertain to the food and fiber industry, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, nutrition and health, and community economic development. Among those served are the hundreds of thousands of young people who benefit annually from Extension’s 4-H and youth development programs. Texans turn to Extension for solutions. Its agents and specialists respond not only with answers, but also with resources and services that result in significant returns on investment to boost the Texas economy. The agency custom-designs its programs to each region of the state, relying on residents for input and for help with program delivery. Here are just a few highlights of Extension’s impacts on this county and its people:

Kerr County – Summary of 2012 Educational Contacts 2011 - 2012 Number of Educational Presentations Total Contacts through Faculty and Volunteers Total Contacts through Volunteers Total Contact Hours by Faculty and Volunteers Kerr County 4-H Clubs 4-H Members in Organized Clubs Youth in Curriculum Enrichment and Special Interest Programs Extension Volunteers Office Contacts Site Visits Phone Calls

215 377,765 88,113 23,486 9 460 1,716 356 1,842 3,612 4,251

Kerr County

Predator Awareness Workshop Kerr, Real and Edwards County Extension programs partnered together to sponsor a Predator Awareness Workshop in March at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area with 50 producers from the surrounding area attending. Wildlife Services professionals and industry professionals presented programs relative to Control Strategies of Feral Hogs, Use of Guard Dogs in Livestock Operations, Legalities of controlling feral dogs, demonstrations on use of snares and leg-hold traps as well as a M-44 certification training for those that were interested. 21 producers represented 42,430 acres of rangeland. Eight producers indicated a loss of 151 head of goats, 15 producers indicated loss of 101 big game animals with a total loss from 15 participants of 284 animals. Economic Impact: Eighty-one percent of participants indicated that they would anticipate an economic benefit from participation of this program. 25% indicated they would anticipate an economic benefit from an increase in lamb or goat crop. 33% indicated they would benefit from a reduction in fawn losses or other big game. 42% indicated they would benefit economically from a reduction in other cost and damages. Range and Wildlife Field-day Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in collaboration with the Kerr Soil & Water Conservation District hosted a Range & Wildlife Field Day at the Kerr Management Area in April with 70 producers attending and listening to industry professionals in topics related to: Managing Rangeland After A Drought, Chemical Control of Brush species, range insurance options and FSA programs as well as laws and regulations for pesticide applicators. Demonstrations were also conducted in mechanical removal of cedar and construction of fencing to aid in predator control. Economic Impact: 56% of participants indicated they anticipated an economic benefit from participation in this Extension program. 58% indicated they would anticipate from $1-$5 per acre and 33% indicated they anticipated a $6-$10 per acre return. A total estimated economic impact of $275,608 was anticipated from the producers participating in the field-day from improved habitat, property value, reduced inputs and improved quantity and quality of big game.

Top of the Windmill Newsletter – 300 Kerr county and area landowners receive quarterly newsletters educating them on upcoming events as well as timely information relative to land steward management decisions, wildlife management, livestock management, lawn care, fruit and nut tree management and numerous other topics.

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Land – Use Expo– Texas AgriLife Extension in partnership with Texas Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Natural Resources Conservation Service hosted an educational program targeting landowners and management of natural resources. 75 landowners received information relative to: white-tail deer management, water management, natural resource management on small acreage, oak wilt & drought assessment, wildlife tax valuation, wildfire prevention and preparedness, brush control for wildlife management, and landowner liability.

Landowner Assistance- County Extension agent assists landowners via telephone, office visits and personal site visits to provide personal one-on-one assistance with their property relative to brush management, stocking rates, plant selection, fertility, weed control are just of few of the topics information is provided.

Fruit & Nut Tree Winter Management Field-day – 35 Landowners participate in a fruit tree pruning demonstrations, as well as educational topics on fertility, water, insect and diseases as well as variety selection.

Pecan Grafting Field-day- 51 pecan producers participated in grafting demonstration and field-day. Dr. Larry Stein discussed management decisions of pecans including fertility, weed control, insect control water requirements and presented 3 grafting demonstrations demonstrating the in-lay bark graft, banana graft and t-bud graft.

Multi-County Meat Goat Field-day – 75 meat goat producers from Gillespie, Blanco, Kerr, Bandera and Kendall counties attended Meat Goat Field-day hosted in Blanco county. Sheep and goat producers were presented information relative to raising and marketing sheep and goats and training livestock protection dogs.

Firewise Preparedness Seminar – 170 local homeowners participated in a collaborative program conducted in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Upper Guadalupe River Authority, and Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District.

Water Well Screening – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with Upper Guadalupe River Authority hosted a Well Screening for area homeowners. 50 participants screened wells and participated in 40 Gallon Challenge and educational seminar on water conservation measures in home, lawns and landscaping. Mr. John Smith with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension conducted the screening and program. Estate Planning Seminar – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Kerr County hosted an Estate Planning Seminar with 50 local residents attending the seminar. Dr. Wayne Hayenga, Extension Specialist in Economics conducted the program providing valuable information to local individuals concerning tools available for Estate plans.

Firewise Preparedness Certification Training – 15 local Hill Country Master Gardeners participated in a two day certification course conducted in partnership with the Texas Forest Service hosted in Kerr County. Master Gardeners were certified with the intent they will assist local homeowners in the area of Firewise Prevention and designing landscapes and home construction to aid in the reduction of loss of homes in the case of wildfires.

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Kerr County Better Living for Texans program Educating low income audiences in Kerr County on nutrition by collaborating with Kerrville I.S.D, Head Start, A Child’s Place and St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank made it possible to educate 50 Adults and 80 youth about nutrition and better food choices. Nutritional newsletters were also distributed to over 800 children through local daycare centers and schools.

Food Protection Management The Food Protection Management Program includes both the Certified Food Manager course and the Food Handlers course. Both programs are geared toward restaurant employees, managers, and owners. Kerr County falls under the State of Texas jurisdiction which requires that one staff member of each retail food establishment qualify as a Certified Food Manager and must be present while food establishment is open. During 2012, 23 people in Kerr County participated in the FPM program and completed the food handler program. Another 39 individuals completed the Certified Food Manager program. Change in knowledge (pre vs post) was used to evaluate the food handler program while the CFM program was evaluated based on the exam passage rate. Client (customer) satisfaction surveys were collected from participants for both programs.

Walk Across Texas Walk Across Texas! is an eight week program to help people of all ages support one another to establish the habit of regular physical activity. Walk Across Texas is recognized as a Best Practice Physical Activity Program by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Ninety-three Kerr County participants completed the eight week program walking 19, 791.17 miles. If the 93 participants completing the eight-week program continue walking at the same level as during Walk Across Texas!, they have the potential to save a collective $ 1, 778 ,661 in future health care costs by avoiding type 2 diabetes and by reducing work absences.

Childcare and Parenting Education

Hill Country Childcare Providers Conference: On September 8, 2012, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service conducted a child care provider training conference in Kerrville, Texas for 227 child care providers and directors who provide care for 2,366 children enrolled in 42 child care centers or family day homes. Two hundred and twenty-seven participants completed a written evaluation of the conference. A total of 1,589 clock hours of training were provided to child care professionals seeking to meet state mandated training requirements established by the state of Texas. Hill Country Childcare Director Leadership Academy: January 25, 2012 the first Director’s Academy was held reaching 59 directors representing 47 different centers responsible for caring for 723 children. Fiftynine participants completed a written evaluation of the conference. A total of 413 clock hours of training were provided to child care directors seeking to meet state mandated training requirements established by the state of Texas.

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Kerr County 2012 Agriculture Awareness Day Summary: Each and every day agriculture effect’s the lives of every person on the planet. Unfortunately, the majority of those people do not understand that impact. Through our Agriculture in the Classroom field day, we guide the 4th grade students who attend our program through the many steps it takes from the fields to our homes. As today's youth are further removed from farming, they do not understand the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives. Our farms are being swallowed up by urban development and disappearing from the food and fiber supply chain. For the Future of Agriculture, for the future of the people on earth, we must educate our society on the importance of agriculture in our everyday life. As a result, Kerr County 4-H, Kerr County Farm Bureau, Hocheim Prairie Insurance and Camp Rio Vista partnered to host the Kerr County Agriculture Awareness Day. Target Audience: 433 Kerr County 4th grade students and teachers will show increased awareness and knowledge about agriculture. These youth represented all of the 4th grade classrooms both public and private in Kerr County. Results: Overall Program Evaluation: For each of the topics listed below, the youth indicated their level of understanding for each question before and after the program. YOUTH GAINED….. • 212.4% increase in knowledge on how Agriculture touches their life every day. • 184.6% increase in knowledge of understanding the importance of Agriculture. • 170% increase in knowledge on the affects of Agriculture in their life as they eat and wear clothes. • 116.2% increase their willingness to share their understanding on the importance of agriculture with their family. • 111% increase in knowledge of how pigs provide medical products for human use. • 64.2% increase in knowledge of the fact that Agriculture is becoming more important as the population of the earth increases. • 60.4 % increase in knowledge that Agriculture is more than food. • 33.9% increase in knowledge that eating meat is an important part of a healthy and balanced diet.

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Kerr County 4-H &Youth Development

Kerr County 4-H roots date back to 1926 with Cypress Creek 4-H being the first 4-H Club with 6 members. Since 1974 Kerr County 4-H has involved 13,828 youth in 9 organized 4-H clubs and 53,355 total youth through curriculum enrichment and special interest programs. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Through club work, project activities and community service, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities. Kerr County has 6 community clubs and 3 project clubs that meet monthly. 26 projects and activities are offered for youth to grow and learn. These projects are: Livestock projects, leadership, food & nutrition, clothing & textiles, veterinary science, photography, educational presentation / illustrated talks, horse, shooting sports (air pistol/rifle, 22 rifle, trap & skeet and archery), judging teams (range evaluation, plant ID, wool, mohair, livestock & horse).

Judging Teams

Decision making skills and the ability to clearly express one's self are great attributes in many careers today. The 4-H judging team program can help members develop these skills. Wool and mohair judging teaches youth the skills in making a decision followed by answering questions relative to their evaluation of the class. Through this experience youth will learn to appreciate standards, to observe closely and build self confidence in their decision making ability. 4-H members competing on Livestock, Horse, Consumer Decision Making learn to communicate clearly and concisely their placings on respective classes. Range and Grass Identification teams learn to identify grass species as well as learn the importance of proper range management to improve range conditions. 4-H members also learn to build team spirit, meet new friends that build lasting friendships and the value of friendly competition with fellow 4-H members from around the state of Texas. The Kerr county 4-H Wool and Mohair Judging program has been a force to reckon with for over 20+ years across Texas winning 8 National 4-H Wool Judging Championships since 1989. The program has involved some 200 4-H youth over the past 20+ years ages 9-18. This project runs from February through June with members judging in the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, followed by the San Angelo Livestock Show and Rodeo and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Judgers participated in weekly practices and competed in 5 Open contests as well as the District 4-H contest and Texas 4-H Roundup in June and complete the project with the National 4-H Wool Contest and the Sonora Open contest. This is a total of 10 competitions and 15 practice sessions during the year. Each 4-H member spent over 70 hours of judging during the entirety of this project.

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4-H Leadership Development We have 60 youth on our council leadership team. They focus on the Leaders 4 Life Curriculum each month at their council meetings. The youth use their leadership skills to present curriculum enrichment (Health Rocks & Take A Stand) at the elementary schools. Along with Farm Bureau, they host 500 youth for Ag Awareness Day. Community service is a big part of leadership development. The Junior & Senior High Council’s have 4 projects each year; Fishing Derby, One Day 4-H, “CSI” Community Service Infusion and Any Baby Can. For the Any Baby Can Christmas Party, the leadership team decorates the exhibit hall in a big Christmas theme. The Council provides the food, dress as elves and hand out toys and anything else needed to make the night special for the 100 families whose children have special needs

Kerr 4-H Livestock Project Center

Many youth living in Kerr County are unable to participate in traditional 4-H livestock projects due to a lack of space or various restrictions at their residences. These youth who are unable to participate in these traditional livestock projects are missing an opportunity to learn valuable life skills of responsibility, decision making, time management, improved self-esteem, and goal setting. The goal of the Kerr County 4-H program is to provide feeding facilities for 35 families to house 70 livestock projects in an effort to teach youth valuable life skills in responsibility, commitment, time management, decision making, improved self esteem, and goal setting. This project has been in the process of planning, site location, design, and building since June of 2005. Completion of the facility was completed on October 1, 2010. In 2010 13 4-H members housed projects in the facility attending workshops and clinics from September through January. During these workshops 4-H members and their families learn proper feeding, showmanship, and animal health care. In 2011 33 4-H members housed 55 projects (7 lambs, 20 goats and 28 barrows). In 2012 48 4-H members housed 64 projects (8 lambs, 25 goats and 31 barrows). Currently for the 2013 show season 42 4-H members are currently housing 55 projects (29 barrows, 21, goats and 5 lambs).

4-H Scholarships

Kerr County 4-H members have benefitted from numerous scholarships due to their involvement in the 4-H program. 4-H members excel in the areas of leadership development, community service, involvement in extracurricular activities while maintaining excellence in academics. 4-H members apply for scholarships through the Texas 4-H Foundation, San Antonio Livestock Show, Houston Livestock Show, State Fair of Texas, Hill Country District Jr. Livestock Show, university foundations, civic groups, and numerous others. Since 2004 Kerr County 4-H members have received $190,000 in scholarships based on scholastics, leadership, and community service.

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Kerr County Staff Roy Walston County Extension Agent – Agriculture & Natural Resources Kerr County [email protected] Angela Fiedler County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Science Kerr County [email protected] Laurinda Boyd 4-H Program Assistant Kerr County [email protected] Lindsey Forster Secretary [email protected] Patti Schlessiger Secretary [email protected]

Contact Us Kerr County Extension office 3655 Hwy. 27 Kerrville, TX 78028 830.257.6568 Kerr.agrilife.org

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