The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

  
Vol. 12, No. 20  March 28, 2006

IN THIS ISSUE...

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...What is NISTAC?
...Energy Grant Program Conference to be Held in Hesston
...4-H Publication Order Deadlines Coming Fast
...Thank You from Jan St. Clair
...Operation Military Kids - Ready, Set, Go Training
...Storm Shelter Funding Announced by USDA Rural Development
...Specialist's Quarterly Report
...National 4-H Technology Leadership Conference
...Eleventh Annual Photography Adventure Camp
...Kansas 4-H Ambassadors
...VIP/Volunteer System Training
...4-H Enrollment Card Changes that Might Affect Your CCS Materials Order
...K-State Cancer Center's Bascom Lecture to Feature Presentation on the Immune System and Cancer by KU Medical Center Distinguished Professor
...Master Schedule

...Tuesday Letter Archives

WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
This past Friday evening was the Master Farmer and Master Farm Homemaker Organizations' annual banquet which honors new members selected from nominations in the previous year. Each year, local Extension Councils nominate farm families within their county or district for this distinctive and prestigious honor. Judges review the nominations and select six farm families based upon excellence in farming, farm living, and rural citizenship.

In looking at these organizations, one could slip into believing this is simply a group of older, retired (or tired) farmers and farm wives. However, the individuals and families might better be described as products of our land-grant mission, truly the long term intended outcome of our fundamental research, teaching, and extension programs. The mission of K-State Research and Extension is exemplified first hand through these individuals and families and their successes. But, more importantly, these families have exemplified a life long passion for creating great family and community by giving of themselves totally through their love and passion for agriculture. At their banquet, I sit in humble awe of their accomplishments and their commitment to a greater good within their local communities and this great state.

I further want to express my sincere thanks to the Extension Councils and Extension agents who went the extra mile to put together the nomination packets of those outstanding farm families both selected and not selected in this year. Thanks to the Extension agents who gave of their time to be in attendance of the banquet to further honor those outstanding families. It is a special honor to be nominated, and a very time consuming effort to put together all the information to be reviewed by the judges. I can think of no better way to honor a family who has exemplified excellence in farming or ranching and given back to community through leadership, citizenship, and volunteerism.

I am proud to say that K-State Research and Extension is a co-sponsor with Kansas Farmer Magazine in recognizing and honoring these farm families who have achieved the long term intended outcome of K-State Research and Extension, that being improved standard of living and quality of life from both what we have been able to give to them through our teaching, research, extension, and service, and what they have given to their community and the state. If you want to read again about this year's Master Farmer families, you can check out the March issue of Kansas Farmer Magazine, or read the articles written by our Communications Department News Team. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

WHAT IS NISTAC?
Especially in the Manhattan media and potentially more statewide, questions have been raised as to the purpose and responsibilities of the National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization (NISTAC). Some media reports include suggestion that NISTAC and K-State Research and Extension are in direct competition for taking research-based information and technology to our clientele. A recent University news release provides excellent background and examples of the work of NISTAC. As quoted in a recent news release, Dr. Cholick said, "Extension has a tremendous role in developing educational programs for the public good, but we are not good at developing and marketing products.  That's where NISTAC fits in." NISTAC is indeed different from the mission of K-State Research and Extension and yet complementary to the concept of moving research-based information and technology into the hands of the users to improve the lives of Kansans and the world.

Should you receive questions regarding these issues that you are not comfortable responding to, please refer them on to me or to Fred. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

ENERGY GRANT PROGRAM CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN HESSTON
USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks reminds Kansas agricultural producers and rural small businesses that the Agency will be presenting a statewide conference covering USDA's Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Program in Hesston on March 30. The Agency conference will be co-hosted with the Harvey County Economic Development Council.

The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Program offers $11.385 million in competitive grants and approximately $176.5 million in guaranteed loans, to support investments in renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements undertaken by eligible agricultural producers and rural business owners.

Projects must be for the purchase of a renewable energy system or to make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible renewable energy projects include systems that generate energy from wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal source or that produce hydrogen derived from biomass or water using a renewable energy source. Renewable energy projects can include the generation of electricity, heat, fuels, or hydrogen. Energy efficiency projects typically involve installing or upgrading equipment that results in a significant reduction in energy use from current operations.

The USDA Energy Conference details, including the location and time of the session, follows:

Hesston / March 30, 2006: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Crosswind Conference Center, 8036 N. Hoover Road; Hesston, KS. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Individual breakout sessions will be held to discuss in detail:

[1] Biomass Energy (Ethanol / Biodiesel / Anaerobic Digesters),
[2] Wind Energy,
[3] Solar Energy, and
[4] Energy Efficiency.

Individuals who have an interest in this program or the March 30 conference may contact the USDA Rural Development state office in Topeka at 785-271-2744, or may log onto the state's Agency website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks . --Steven Graham sgraham@oznet.ksu.edu

4-H PUBLICATION ORDER DEADLINES COMING FAST
Two important deadlines for 4-H publication orders are coming soon. Please check the order forms sent to your office -- or online at http://intranet.oznet.ksu.edu/ap_pub_preview/ .

* Due April 1 is the June 2006 Publication Order Form (light tan color), which includes sets of 4-H posters and the revised "Volunteer Information Profile: Policies and Procedures." (Please note that orders placed last year for that publication were canceled because legal review of the document was incomplete. Your office will need to reorder.)

* Also due April 1 is the Third Quarter 2006 Order Form, which includes nearly all inventoried 4-H publications that have been neither revised nor moved to "print-on-demand" status. Please note that last fall's new 4-H931 "4-H Activity Page Placemat," (pad of 50 @ $3.96) was inadvertently omitted from the order form but remains available. Please write in your order on the form, or you may add to your order by phone, 785-532-5830; FAX, 785-532-7938; or via the generic online order form at the site listed above. Remember that 4-H items could be listed in two sections on each quarterly order form: the allocation section AND the cost recovery section, so check both when considering your order. Allocation funds may be used for ANY publication; sections are separated for administrative purposes.

* Due April 15 is the 4-H CCS order form (bright green). This is a FIRM due date since we must compile the orders and place a statewide order by month's end. The state order saves 35-50 percent off the regular CCS price. Orders placed later will be filled if inventory is available, then customers will be directed to order at regular price from National 4-H or CCS. Only orders placed through the Department of Communications are eligible for allocation funding. Plan ahead to get the best value.

Remember that inventory publications are always available online at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library . Or check prices, print-on-demand publications, marketing items or videos at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/catalog/ . --Nancy Zimmerli nancyz@ksu.edu

THANK YOU FROM JAN ST. CLAIR
Thank you for your cards and concern following the death of my mother. It is wonderful to be part of such a caring Extension family. --Jan St.Clair jstclair@oznet.ksu.edu

--May 2 - In Salina, at the Kansas Highway Patrol Building, 2025 East Iron Street
--May 4 -  In the Kansas City area, at the Johnson County Extension Office, Sunset Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe
--May 8 - In Scott City, at the William Carpenter Building, 608 Fairgrounds Road
--May 11 - In Eureka, at the Community Building, 110 S. Jefferson (fairgrounds)

To learn more about the sites, times, places and the training agenda go to http://4-h.k-state.edu/Events/RegOMK.pdf . --Ann Domsch adomsch@ksu.edu

STORM SHELTER FUNDING ANNOUNCED BY USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT
USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced last week that the Agency will offer 2006 funding for the state's Rural Storm Shelter Program. This program provides low interest loans to help finance storm shelters for very-low income homeowners living in rural Kansas.

Violent storms and the unfortunate loss of life underscore the need for improved home safety measures. The installation of an approved storm shelter will offer Kansans added safety and security whenever severe weather strikes. The Rural Storm Shelter Program provides eligible homeowners an excellent opportunity to protect themselves and their families.

Eligibility requirements for this program include:

family income must be below 50% of the median income for the county of residence;
the home must be owned and occupied by the applicant; and
the property must be located in a rural area or a rural community of less than 20,000.

All storm shelters financed by USDA Rural Development must also meet FEMA standards in design, construction and installation.

Homeowners interested in the Agency's Rural Storm Shelter Program should contact their local USDA Rural Development office, or they may call the state headquarters at 785-271-2720. Application deadline for the Fiscal Year 2006 funding of the Rural Storm Shelter Program is August 15, 2006.

For information regarding USDA Rural Development's programs, contact the Agency at 785-271-2700 or visit the Agency's Kansas website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks . --Steven Graham sgraham@oznet.ksu.edu

SPECIALISTS' QUARTERLY REPORT
Instructions for recording Specialist Effort in RETORIC can be found at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/prev/ .

Select RETORIC Support Documents, then Record Specialist Effort.

Record your Cooperative Extension tenths (i.e., 0.8), then provide your best estimate of where you have invested your effort against one or more K-State Research and Extension Long Term Intended Outcomes, individually or prorated. Please complete your report soon after the end of the reporting period on March 31. If you have questions or need assistance, call the Planning and Reporting office at 785-532-6775. --Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu

NATIONAL 4-H TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Science Engineering Technology (SET) for the 21st Century - the 2006 National 4-H Technology Leadership Conference will be held July 24 - 27 at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The cost is $300 and includes meals, lodging and program expenses. Kansas has been invited to send a state team. Please help us promote this great opportunity for youth and adults.

This has been an outstanding conference in the past and looks to be outstanding again this year. The web link for more information is: http://4hntc.4-h.org/ . If you would like me to e-mail you the brochure, please message me directly and I will be happy to send it to you.

The focus of SET is for the whole 4-H program, not just computer and technology area. Focus sessions include: BioTechnology, Animal Science, Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Fine and Performing Arts, Food Science, Forensics (think CSI), Geography, Community Service, Nutrition and Textiles. The focus areas will explore (and use) technology in their area.

Each state may send one team. Because this is a youth conference with adult partners, the state delegation must be at least 51% youth. At this time there is no limit on the number of delegates, though all must be part of the state team. Registrations to be part of the Kansas team need to be sent to the Southwest Area Office, attention: SET. Registrations are due May 10. Check out the website and give this some thought. If you have questions, please contact me. --Rod Buchele rbuchele@ksu.edu

ELEVENTH ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE CAMP
Information on the annual Photography Adventure Camp is now on the web at:
http://4-h.k-state.edu/Events/Photo/PhotoAdventureCamp.htm .

Camp will be June 7 - 9 at Rock Springs 4-H Center and is an intense photography experience for youth, ages 13 - 16. It is a lot of fun too.

Please help the 4-H Photography Action Team promote this outstanding opportunity for youth. The website contains an information brochure, letter to youth and families, scholarship information, (on the public site) and letter to agents, newsletter article and scholarship verification on the password protected site. --Rod Buchele rbuchele@ksu.edu

KANSAS 4-H AMBASSADORS
Extension Units may order the t-shirts from the recent Kansas 4-H Ambassador Workshop. They need to contact Rita Dome at the Southwest Area Office by April 15 with the number and sizes of shirts they wish to order. Shirts will cost $10. --Rod Buchele rbuchele@ksu.edu

VIP/VOLUNTEER SYSTEM TRAINING
Don't miss this very important training, April 6, Garden City or Fredonia; or April 26, Hays or Rock Springs. Volunteers are a key part of the way we do business. This training will cover the updated policies, procedures and resources for VIP and touch on volunteer management. If you have not registered, register right away and plan to attend. Register online at http://Kansas4H.org . --Diane Mack dmack@oznet.ksu.edu , Rod Buchele rbuchele@ksu.edu

4-H ENROLLMENT CARD CHANGES THAT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR CCS MATERIALS ORDER
The following 2006-2007 4-H Enrollment Form changes are planned which could impact the CCS materials you order on the Special Order Form you should be receiving soon:

Communications (new project)
CM 100 All Levels
CM 101 Public Speaking

Shooting Sports
SS 203 Reloading (will be dropped based on the recommendation of the State Action Team)

The rest of the Enrollment Form MG3B should be pretty much the same as this year. Another aid on the CCS Order Form is a listing of the year in which the current material was either newly produced or revised. This way you will be able to know when to reorder when a current supply runs out or if you want to offer the latest. --Jim Adams jadams@oznet.ksu.edu

K-STATE CANCER CENTER'S BASCOM LECTURE TO FEATURE PRESENTATION ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND CANCER BY KU MEDICAL CENTER DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR
Joan Hunt, university distinguished professor of anatomy and cell biology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will present the lecture, "Blindfolding the Immune System," at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, at Kansas State University.

The lecture, in the Big 12 Room at the K-State Student Union, is free and the public is invited. It is sponsored by the George S. Bascom Memorial Workshop Series on Current Issues in Clinical Medicine, which is hosted by the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research at K-State. The series is aimed at familiarizing the public with challenges faced in clinical medicine and research. --Marcia Locke marcia@k-state.edu

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS. 

Tuesday, April 11, through Wednesday, April 12
.... Bridges Out of Poverty, Wichita (SG Co. Extension Education Center), Statewide, Carol Fink cfink@oznet.ksu.edu

Top