Extension Education in Red River County

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. 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 long been dedicated to educating Texans. Extension education evolved nationwide under the 1914 federal Smith-Lever Act, which sought to extend university knowledge and agricultural research findings directly to the people. Ever since, Extension programs have addressed the emerging issues of the day, reaching diverse rural and urban populations. In Texas, all 254 counties are served by a wellorganized network of professional Extension educators and some 100,000 trained volunteers. Extension 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 hundreds of thousands of young people who benefit annually from Extension’s 4-H and youth development programs. Texans turn to Extension education for solutions. Extension agents and specialists respond not only with answers, but also with resources and services that result in significant returns on the public’s investment. Extension programs are customdesigned for each region of the state, with residents providing input and help with program delivery. Here are just a few highlights of Extension impacts on this county and its people.

Red River County – Summary of 2013 Educational Contacts Educational Programs Conducted

55

Total Participants in Educational Programs

1225

Contact Hours via Educational Programs

1400

Office Contacts

625

Site Visits

245

Phone Calls

1125

Newsletter/Mail and E-Mail Contacts

5500

Contact by Volunteers

2000

4-H Clubs

4

Relevance Beef cattle production and the utilization of forages for grazing and hay production continues to be the largest provider of agricultural income in Red River County. Educational efforts conducted in 2013 have involved a number of teaching methods to provide needed information to producers. A beef and forage newsletter, news columns, a daily radio program, group meetings, and many individual contacts have all been used successfully to this end. Response Major programs during the year have included the Four States Ag Expo held February 7 in Texarkana. This area-wide educational event is planned and conducted by Extension offices from Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas. A trade show involving some 25 vendors and agribusinesses bring equipment and products for display. Additional sponsors provide support to pay for facility use and provide a lunch meal for all attending. Seventeen presentations were given at various locations during the day-long event by numerous Extension specialists from Texas A&M and the University of Arkansas, as well as other local professionals. Topics included aquatic weed control, improved habitat for wildlife, beef cattle vaccination programs, controlling fire ants and many other livestock, crop and forage topics. Some 320 participants took part in the event.

The Annual Bull Fertility Testing Clinic was held March 13 and the Animal Hospital in Clarksville. Local producers brought over fifty bulls to be fertility tested during the clinic. A reduced testing fee was offered during the clinic, wormer and vaccine was provided by sponsors. A lunch program was provided by Kelly Cross of Boehringer Ingleheim. Lunch was prepared and served on site by committee members and sponsored by Lone Star Ag Credit, Agriland Farm Credit and Boehringer Ingleheim. Fifty producers were in attendance. Cattlemen’s Premium 45 Preconditioned Calf Sales were held February 21, April 21, June 8, September 7 and November 22, 2013. Over 3,000 head of calves were sold in these sales. Working with Mike Morrow, CEA, Lamar County and Paris Livestock Commission personnel in reviewing guidelines, advertising as well as and working with producers from Red River County participating in the sale. This type of sale offers cattlemen of all size operations the opportunity to add value to their calf crop through preconditioning and selling in large groups through co-mingling of calves. Supporting sale efforts have included weighing and sorting the cattle the two days prior to each sale.

A Beef & Forage Tour was held May 6 to the Noble Foundation for producers in Delta, Lamar and Red River counties. Participants traveled by charter bus to the Oswalt Road Ranch near Ardmore. Program topics included “Tools & Technology for Forage Management”, “Protocol for Receiving Sale Barn Cattle”, “GrowSafe Technology”, and “Cattle Handling Facilities”. After lunch, tour topics were “Integrity Beef Program”, “Pasture Recovery After the Drought and Climate Projections”, and “2013 Economic Forecast: Market Outlook”. Over 40 producers were in attendance A Private Pesticide License Certification was held May 15 at the Extension office. Twelve local producers completed the training and testing to receive a private pesticide license.

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The annual Beef Producer Seminar was held November 4 at the McKenzie Live Center in Clarksville. Dr. Jason Banta, Extension Beef Specialist, provided two programs covering “Bull Selection and Management for Commercial Herds” and “Heifer Selection, Breeding and Calving”. The meal was prepared by Catfish Express and sponsored by Agri Land Farm Credit and Lone Star Ag Credit. Forty producers attended the meeting. A Pesticide Container Recycling event was held November 7 in cooperation with USAg Recycling at the Red River County Fairgrounds. Over 800 containers were collected to be recycled. The program for the Annual Farm & Ranch Pesticide Clinic has been finalized and will be held December 10 in Paris. This is a multi-county event involving Extension agents in Delta, Fannin, Lamar and Red River counties. Topics will include: “Managing Herbicide Resistant Weeds”, Lynn Angell, Monsanto, “Grasshopper Control in NE Texas”, Dr. Allen Knutson, Extension Entomologist, “Management of Native and Improved Pecans”, Steve Upson, Noble Foundation Horticulturalist, “External Parasite Control on Cattle”, Dr. Sonja Swiger, Extension Entomologist, and “Texas CDLs and Farm Vehicle Compliance”, Ken Adams, Texas Department of Public Safety. Attendance is normally around 250 producers for this event. Results Evaluation methods used to collect clientele outcome information has included personal interviews to learn about practices being used and those being adopted and direct observations of producers’ practices in areas of relevance. Acknowledgements Thanks are extended to members of the Red River County Beef & Forage Committee. Appreciation is also extended to Bert Ellsworth, DVM, Hardy Stewardson, DVM, Agriland Farm Credit, Lone Star Ag Credit and Boehringer Ingleheim.

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Friend to Friend Cancer Education Relevance The Friend to Friend program’s purpose is to encourage women to get regular mammograms and Pap tests for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer, when the disease is most curable.  Regular screening significantly increases the likelihood of finding cancer early, when treatment is

more often successful.  Women living in rural areas of Texas are

less likely than their urban counterparts to have had a mammogram or Pap test within the past two years.  Mortality is higher for rural women because

of later diagnosis.

Response  This project’s goal is to decrease breast and cervical cancer morbidity and mortality for women

living in rural Texas counties by improving screening rates and early detection of cancer.  Funding was applied for and awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas

(CPRIT) to fund screenings and transportation to uninsured and underserved women in need of screening services.  The county Extension agent, regional cancer prevention specialist, and patient navigators plan and implement a Friend to Friend event. Women attending are given the opportunity to sign a commitment card to obtain a mammogram and/or Pap test within the next year and the option to complete a help request form for assistance in obtaining screening services.

Results  



Friend to Friend was implemented in 42 Texas counties in 2013. 30 women attended the Friend to Friend events on March 26, 2013 at the McKenzie Methodist Church in the city of Clarksville. Demographics of women who attended the events: o

Median age was: 58

o

Ethnic breakdown: 

White, Non-Hispanic: 45.5%



White, Hispanic: 9.1%

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













African American: 27.3%

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Other: 18.2%

A Health Educator and Cancer Survivor urged women to obtain a mammogram/Pap screening at the events. At the end of the event 75% of women correctly identified the need for a mammogram screening every year. 8 Women requested help to navigate screening and diagnostic services. Clinical sites for screenings, diagnostics, radiologists and lab services were contracted including the following: o

Northeast Texas Womens Clinic

o

Titus Regional Hospital

14 Mammogram screenings and diagnostics were paid for through CPRIT funds. 3 woman were diagnosed and received treatment for breast cancer. 3 Pap screenings and diagnostics were paid for through CPRIT funds.

Future Program Goals and Opportunities  I want to continue to inform people what a great opportunity the Friend to Friend Program is and educate them on cancer education and the importance of early detection.  Continue to work with such a great program planning committee. They were instrumental in making this event the success it was. I had 8 volunteers that donated many hours and hard work to this program.  I hope to increase attendance at the next “pink party”.

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Improving Family Life in Red River County 2013 Relevance Over 60 percent of children from birth through age 6 (not yet in kindergarten) receive some form of child care on a regular basis from persons other than their parents. The Texas Workforce Commission estimates that there are over 100,000 child care providers caring for more than 760,000 children under the age of 13 in licensed or regulated child care facilities th in the state of Texas. Additionally, child care is the 16 largest industry in the state, generating over 145,000 jobs and $2.3 billion in wages for Texans. Findings from longitudinal research have clearly established the fact that quality does matter when it comes to child care. Children who receive high-quality care (e.g., warm sensitive caregiving, well educated child care staff, low child-to-adult ratios, small group size) develop better language, math, and social skills; exhibit fewer behavior problems; and tend to be better prepared for entrance into school. Having a well-trained child care workforce is essential to providing the high quality child care that children need to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Response On March 2, 2013, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service conducted a child care provider training conference in Paris, Texas for 103 child care providers and directors who provide care for 1,349 children enrolled in 30 child care centers or family day homes. One hundred and three participants completed a written evaluation of the conference (see Table 1 for participant characteristics). A total of 824 clock hours of training were provided to child care professionals seeking to meet state mandated training requirements established by the state of Texas. Results

Table 1. Participant Characteristics (N = 103)* Variable Age (in years) Number of Years in Child Care Profession Gender Female Male Ethnicity African American Caucasian Hispanic/Latino Other Education Less than High School Diploma High School Diploma Associates Degree College Graduate Program Type Home Day Care Child Care Center (other than Head Start) Head Start Other (e.g., Montessori) Program Licensed and/or Registered Yes No Attended Extension-Sponsored Training in Past Yes No Not Sure * Percentages do not always equal 100% due to missing cases.

Percentage*

Mean 40.5 10.8

93.2 1.9 24.3 70.9 1.9 1.0 2.9 72.8 15.5 7.7 13.6 74.7 7.8 1.9 92.2 0.0 71.8 14.6 7.8

Participants were asked to indicate their agreement or disagreement with a series of items related to the training. One hundred and three participants completed written surveys (See Table 2 for participant responses). Table 2. Child Care Provider Conference Outcomes (N = 103)*

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Percent in Agreement*

Percent not in Agreement*

Acquisition of New Information Learned new information Will utilize new information to strengthen program

97.1% 97.1%

1.0% 1.0%

Intent to Use Information Will use now Will use in future

97.1% 98.1%

0.0% 0.0%

Training’s Influence on Provider/Program Quality Will be more effective provider Will lead to improvements in quality of care offered

94.2% 93.2%

1.0% 1.9%

Relevancy of Training Helped provider obtain required clock hours Topics relevant to daily work

96.1% 97.1%

1.0% 0.0%

97.1% 95.1%

1.0% 1.9%

Item

Other Training cost-effective Plan to attend another Extension conference * Percentages do not equal 100% due to missing cases

In addition to the above items, participants were asked to rate the quality of the conference compared to other child care trainings they have attended in the past by non-Extension organizations/agencies. Table 3 below contains the results. Table 3. Perceptions of Quality Compared to Other Non-Extension Trainings (N = 103)*

Item* Compared to other child care trainings you have attended (not provided by Extension), how would you rate the quality of today’s training? * Percentages do not equal 100% due to missing cases

Much Worse

Worse

Same

Better

Much Better

0.0%

1.0%

29.1%

38.8%

23.3%

As can be seen in the tables above, child care providers found the training to be very beneficial. Over 85 percent of participants acquired new information from the conference, considered the training to be very relevant to the work they do, plan to utilize the information gained at the conference to improve their programs, and consider themselves better equipped to work with the children in their care. Moreover, 62% of providers rated the training “Better” or “Much Better” compared to other trainings they have attended that were not conducted by Extension.

Future Program Goals and Opportunities  Continue to increase attendance each year.  Continue to make group alliance with Paris Junior College, Texas Workforce Center, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.  Strive to inform audience of latest updates and information available.

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Physical Fitness in Red River County 2013 Relevance To help prevent childhood obesity with daily physical activity is a goal of all health educators. Habits begin at an early age and my goal was to get children excited about running and being active. I also wanted to get parents involved so that they could be a more positive influence at home and exercise with their children. Texas ranks 9th in the nation as the most physically inactive state and 7th as the state with the highest childhood overweight rates. Regular physical activity will decrease visits to the doctor and help keep attendance higher at school.

Response Kids Marathon was incorporated with the need to get students involved in physical activity at an early age. I worked with Detroit Elementary and our coalition to get students and parents involved in a six week run/walk program. The goal was to log 26.2 miles, the distance of a Marathon. 225 students participated in the elementary: grades K-5 participated. I meet with the students and we were all escorted to the track where all the students logged their first mile together and over the next six weeks they were to log all but the last mile. We completed the 1.2 miles together at the end of the six week period. Many parents and grandparents came and walked with their child.

Results

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100 percent of the study showed that Kids Marathon helped increase their physical activity. 99 percent of those surveyed said they were exercising more now as a family because of this program. 98 percent of those survived wanted to participate in this program again. Other comments made about the program regarding how it has helped you or what did you like about it include; it gave me and my family time together, getting my kids involved in exercising, I got to walk with family and friends, and motivated me to start exercising and doing it with my children was even better.

Future Program Goals and Opportunities

 I hope to increase the number of participation and that parent involvement increases as well.  My goal is to incorporate Physical Fitness in all the schools in Red River County.  I really want to keep this event growing and keep it family friendly so that it will become a lifestyle change that they incorporate.

“As the principal of Detroit Elementary I have received such positive comments about this program and how excited their kids are when they get home from school to go walk with their parents. It has been a great asset to our school curriculum”

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2013 Red River County 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Results Relevance Red River County 4-H is offering various project experiences in agriculture and natural resources to local youth. Our 4-H program has a host of great volunteers and supporters who make this happen. Response -

Forestry Judging, served as coach and met with team members weekly beginning February 12. 4-H youth were taught tree identification, compass and pacing, tree measurement and other forestry related topics. Seven practices held as well as tours to the Fowler Post Company and Morphew Saw Mill. Youth participated in Red River County SWCD contest March 26.

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4-H Shooting Sports, 4-H youth learn gun safety and improve shooting skills in BB, light rifle, archery and shotgun. Organizational meeting held February 11, 2013 with the first practice held March 1. Nine 4-H members and seven adults participated in 4-H Shooting Sports Extravaganza held April 20-21 at the Texas 4H Center in Brownwood.

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Two-day Texas A&M Horsemanship School held at Circle C Ranch, to teach youth basic and advanced horsemanship skills. (June 12-13, 2013) Twenty-one youth participating.

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Red River County Fair Commercial Heifer Validation, to process, tag and make entry of commercial heifers.(June 22 & 24, 2013) Fifty three commercial heifers validated, ten heifers validated by 4-H youth.

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Red River County Fair Market Hog, Lamb and Goat Validation, to tag and make entry of market animals. (June 22 & 23, 2012) Seventy six market hogs, twenty-eight market goats, eleven market lambs validated, of which fourteen market hogs, thirteen market goats and two market lambs were validated by 4-H youth.

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Project visits, agent visits the residence of livestock projects and offers assistance in feeding, facilities, showmanship, health and weight management. (June – September, 2013)

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4-H Clipping Day, in preparation for the county fair livestock shows, helping families clip goats, lambs and heifers. (September 15, 2013)

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Livestock Show Entries, 4-H youth exhibited goats, lambs, market hogs and commercial heifers at county fair. (September 18-21, 2013)

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Red River County Fair Food Booth, the second year the 4-H program coordinated a food booth at the county fair. A different club was responsible for the booth each night of the fair. Over $3,000 was raised.

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

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The Red River County Extension Office has been fortunate to receive a number of donations and grants to support Extension programs. Foremost, have been grants provided by the local Lennox Family Foundation. Extension staff members prepared the initial grant proposal and continue to coordinate annual request and follow-up. Annual contributions of $10,000 to $15,000 have been awarded to the Red River County Extension program since 1997. Other significant donors to the program have included the Kimberly Clark Foundation. Lynn Golden currently serves as a director to the Red River County Chamber of Commerce. He coordinated facilities and the weigh-in of the Annual Chamber Hog Hunt, held each year in March. He also is a member of the Clarksville Economic Development Corporation. This seven member board meets monthly and works closely with the City Manager and Mayor to promote and encourage job creation in the area.

The Extension staff is in the county is heavily involved in the planning and coordination of the Annual Red River County Fair. This event is one of the largest events held locally. Agents coordinate with a large number of volunteers to make the vent possible. The premium sale of some 53 lots of market animals is billed and distributed through the Extension office. Fundraising events for the fair, such as the Red River County Stew Cook-Off, are equally important to help make the fair one of the last “free” fairs in the area.

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Red River County Personnel Lynn Golden County Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Meko Miller

County Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences

Kay Mazy

Administrative Secretary

Taylor Blevins 4-H Program Assistant

Contact Us 402 N Cedar Street Clarksville, TX 75426 903-427-3867 http://[email protected]

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