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IN THIS ISSUE... ...Word from the
Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research WORD FROM THE
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
I recognize this to be back to a long article, but sometimes for wisdom to sink in, it just can't be "instant." Thanks Glenn, for your insight and wisdom. I have read others of your editorials from that time period, and I applaud your vision and wisdom that convey the importance of remaining true to a child-centered approach for 4-H. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu
PROGRAM FOCUS TEAM MEETINGS FEBRUARY 6-7, 2007 Adult Development and Aging
Community and Economic Development
Crop Production
Family Resource Management
Family Development
Farm Management
Horticulture
Leadership Development
Livestock Production
Natural Resources
Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health
Volunteer Development
Youth Development
Please remember to bring your K-State Research and Extension name tags to the meetings. If you will be parking in the Alumni Center parking lot, please sign in at the Alumni Center front desk so that they do not tow your vehicle. See you February 6th and 7th. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu
RENEWABLE FUELS AND MORE: CREATING A SUSTAINABLE BIO-ECONOMY FOR
THE NATION The emerging bio-economy has been one of the hottest media topics over the past year, and for good reason. We have finally woken up to the fact that relying on petroleum as the mainstay of our economy and our entire way of life has huge costs in terms of national security, the economy, and the environment. Primarily in response to the continuing high price of oil, corn ethanol plants are sprouting up throughout the Midwest and elsewhere. However, ethanol from corn will only meet a small fraction of U.S. transportation fuel demand, and the next step will involve ethanol production from cellulosic biomass. As this new industry develops, bio-refineries will become more common, producing an array of products from various carbohydrate feedstocks, and there are several potential conversion platforms for achieving this. One of the biggest challenges will be providing feedstocks for this industry, reliably, of consistent quality, and without harming the environment. This presents us with a number of challenges, but also with an opportunity to design new agricultural systems that are productive yet environmentally sustainable. Ultimately, the solution to the world's energy problem will require completely new technologies and serious attention paid to conservation and efficiency. The bio-economy is just a first step towards that goal. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu
TRAINING FOR NEW WEB SYSTEM To help with the conversion to the new system, we are offering many trainings both on- and off-campus. If you are responsible for your local website, or if you simply are interested in learning our CMS, please try to attend one of the trainings available. The dates are as follows: February 9: Manhattan Please RSVP to lsleicht@ksu.edu to reserve a spot at the training you want to attend. If you have any questions or concerns about the CMS transition, please call Linda Sleichter at 785-630-0673. --Linda Sleichter
FARM BILL MEETING IN SABETHA WILL DISCUSS ISSUES AND OPTIONS FOR
2007 FARM BILL There have already been calls for continuing the basic provisions of the current farm income safety net, changing the safety net approach from price to revenue. Understanding these major proposals and how they might affect farms and farm operators is critical to preparing a sound business and management strategy for the coming farm program. Ag policy specialists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kansas State University are teaming up to deliver a series of meetings in both states focused on the issues and options in this year's farm bill debate. Each day's meeting will provide an overview of the farm bill debate and will focus on the mechanics and implications of the various farm bill proposals put forward at that time. Meeting locations for the Kansas portion of the Farm Bill Discussion include Hays, Emporia and Sabetha, KS. The Sabetha meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 20, at the Northridge Church Fellowship Hall in Sabetha. Registration for the meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and includes lunch and program materials with adjournment by 3:00 p.m. Special thanks to SBS Insurance and United Bank and Trust, Sabetha, there is no cost for registration or the meal. For a full meeting brochure and to register, contact the Seneca Office of the Meadowlark Extension District at 785-336-2184, or e-mail dkey@ksu.edu . To help us plan for meal and handout materials, we ask that anyone wanting to attend the meeting please contact our office by Friday, February 16, 2007. You can also access a brochure for the conference by visiting the conference web page at www.agmanager.info/policy/commodity/2007default.asp . --David Key dkey@ksu.edu
UNITED ASSOCIATIONS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Dean Hall will be the keynote and closing speaker and more than 25 concurrent sessions will be offered. Topics include True Colors (basic, advanced--communication; and team building); Cyberbullying: Is MySpace Invading Your Space?; Partners for Promoting Healthy Habits in Schools; Facilitation and many more. There is also a post-conference training session, Health Promotion--from Planning to Implementation, at no additional cost. --Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu
A
professional development workshop on 'Advising Family Farm Businesses'
will be offered in two locations for Extension Agents and other
community professionals working with farm families. A holistic
business planning approach will be offered to help farm family
advisors understand issues of family communication, management, and
business succession. This training is being funded through a
grant from the USDA Risk Management Agency. Times and locations
are:
Monday,
March 12
Southeast
Area Extension Office
308 West 14th
Street
Chanute, KS
Registration:
9:30 a.m.
Workshop:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)
No workshop
fee, but registration is required for planning purposes.
To register,
contact Paula Seele at 785-532-5773 or
pseele@ksu.edu by Monday, March 5.
Tuesday,
March 13
Lee
Richardson Zoo Education Center
312 Finnup
Drive, Classroom B
Garden City,
KS
Registration:
9:30 a.m.
Workshop:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)
No workshop
fee, but registration is required for planning purposes.
To register,
contact Paula Seele at 785-532-5773 or
pseele@ksu.edu by Monday, March 5.
Please feel free to share this information with others in your community who work with farm families. This workshop integrates various disciplines and project partners and will be presented by Rod Jones, Charlie Griffin, Jerry Jost, and Charlotte Shoup Olsen. --Charlotte Shoup Olsen colsen@oznet.ksu.edu Although at large nominations are welcome, the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program is searching for nominations from a few specific Kansas Counties for Class IX (2007-2009). There are 17 counties statewide that have not had class members to date:
SE - Chase, Miami, Linn, Wilson, Neosho
Agents and specialists can send in the name and mailing address of one or more nominations for Class IX to karl@ksu.edu . Please do so this week to allow adequate time for the nominees to study the material and complete the forms. Candidate packets will be mailed next week. Applications are due on April 15. Learn more about the curriculum and program by visiting http://www.karlprogram.com/ . --Jack Lindquist karl@ksu.edu
MARIE’S PICK OF THE WEEK First, an Impact Statement: Individuals and families in Cowley County participated in increased physical activity which in turn leads to healthier lifestyles with reduced risk of disease, such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Karla reported that although there were many successes during the eight week Walk Kansas program, one that stood out was the participant who e-mailed explaining that the program had probably saved her. She was deeply depressed and was no longer enjoying her job when she started the Walk Kansas program. After eight weeks of walking, she was feeling better, no longer on medications, and returning to normal life. Another success story: After several bi-monthly visits to HeadStart classrooms in Cowley County, Karla asked the class if they remembered what they talked about the last time she was there. One little boy surprised the teacher when he raised his hand and responded to the question with "We need to eat three vegetables each day." --Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu
2007 KANSAS 4-H VENTURERS PROGRAM
KANSAS 4-H MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Giving leadership to the development of this transitional plan will be three groups, comprised of individuals who represent the diversity of stakeholders from across the state and the Extension system, all of whom have an interest in "Making the Best Better." The three groups include the Membership Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee, the Cloverbuds Task Force and the Communication Task Force. If you are interested in, or know of individuals who may have an interest in serving on one of these groups, please be aware that information pertaining to the application form and position descriptions have been posted under "What's Hot" on the Kansas 4-H website, http://www.kansas4-h.org . Selection and appointments will be made in early March, with the first meeting of the Membership Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee taking place March 29-30 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. In addition, the "Frequently Asked Questions" document, has been posted under "What's Hot" on the Kansas 4-H Website, www.kansas4-h.org . In addition to their specific responsibilities, each group will be charged with reviewing relevant research and literature in the field of positive youth development, child development, risk management issues and program implications. The Membership Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee will provide coordinated leadership and input into the development of a transitional plan and time line to move the program to compliance. Members will develop and recommend policy regarding: 1) membership categories; 2) age appropriate learning experiences for youth in the 4-H program; and c) ages for competition in local and state 4-H activities. It is expected that their work will be completed within 12-18 months, if not earlier. The Cloverbuds Task Force will be charged to design and implement the Kansas 4-H Cloverbuds program with the responsibility to report their findings and recommendations directly to the Membership Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee. It is expected that their work will be completed within 18-24 months, if not earlier. The Communication Task Force will be charged with the responsibility to design the communication plan for the Membership Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee. It is expected that their work will be completed within 12-18 months, if not earlier. Thank you for sharing this information with individuals who may have an interest in serving on one of these three groups. --Pat McNally pmcnally@ksu.edu
MARKETING MINUTE: BILLBOARDS On the positive side, billboards are an easy way to quickly reach thousands of people. An effective billboard can drive people to your website or office, or just motivate someone to find out more about your organization or product. On the negative side, billboards aren’t cheap. A prime location in Wichita can cost you between $2,000 and $3,000 a month, plus set-up fees. Even if you get a billboard at a discounted price, it still gives the perception of money, which is a bad thing if you are asking for money from funding sources. Also, there is a vocal group who criticizes billboards, arguing that they are “visual pollution.” If you evaluate your program and determine it is worthwhile to purchase a billboard, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your space: -Keep it simple. A simple, clean design will be easier for the view
to absorb visually. For more information on this topic or other marketing-related questions, please contact Linda Sleichter at lsleicht@ksu.edu . --Linda Sleichter ELECTRONIC MAIL POLICY HAS BEEN REVISED This is to notify you that the Electronic Mail Policy has been revised effective January 19, 2006. The revisions clarify the applicability of Kansas law and certain other Board of Regents and University policy relative to e-mail. This policy can be accessed at http://www.k-state.edu/policies/ppm/3455.html . Please contact me if you have any questions relative to this policy. --Jane Rowlett rowlett@ksu.edu
CENTER FOR ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT NEWS Fort Riley: "Engaging the Military Student Community in the K-State Academic Culture: Fort Riley Education Services and K-State Libraries in Partnership." A team of K-State Libraries faculty will explore the educational opportunities and perceptions of soldiers and families associated with Fort Riley. Daryl Youngman and Donna Schenck-Hamlin will work with the Fort Riley Educational Services Division. This project will result in shared learning as military family members and educational representatives devise recommendations for K-State and other higher education institutions to improve their outreach, programs and services. Garden City: The "Community-based Participatory Research for Obesity Prevention and Management in Rural Kansas Latinos" project is under the leadership of Elizabeth Fallon and Melissa Bopp, both of K-State's department of Kinesiology. The project will promote shared learning with Latino audiences in Garden City. Working with the Southwest Area Extension office, the K-State team of instructors and students will determine community-based solutions for enhancing physical exercise and promoting healthy behaviors. In addition to the community assessment, students and community members will develop a community resource guide for physical activity. The statewide program "Partnerships for Healthier Kansas," is a collaborative project of K-State's Carol Ann Holcomb, Mike Bradshaw and Elaine Johannes. This project links the knowledge of the master's in public health degree program with K-State Research and Extension trainers and local public audiences. The effort will work through community-based implementation teams to promote healthy eating and healthy behaviors and assist communities in taking active approaches to improve the health of citizens in Kansas. "While engaging Kansas is a priority, the mission of the Center for Engagement and Community Development is not confined to Kansas" comments David Procter. In fact, the first round of proposals included one out-of-state project. "Technical Assistance to Urban Core Communities," is under the leadership of Sheri Smith of K-State's Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning Department and will take place in Kansas City, MO. In cooperation with the Local Initiative Support Corporation of Kansas City, and in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension, faculty and students involved with the project will assist neighborhood groups with efforts related to planning, resource development, nonprofit organization, community connections and program delivery. Success of this effort will be measured by the neighborhood groups meeting the threshold requirements to qualify for the NeighborhoodsNow community project in Kansas City. The Center for Engagement and Community Development has now announced its Spring 2007 call for Engagement Grants. Proposals are due in the CECD office by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2007. Awards will be announced April 2, 2007. For more information, please see our website at www.k-state.edu/cecd/funding . --Dan Kahl dkahl@oznet.ksu.edu
KANSAS 4-H APPAREL ITEMS
Submit corrections to previously submitted items to jzarger@ksu.edu . DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2007, THROUGH FEBRUARY 13, 2007: Wednesday, February 7 Thursday, February 8 Friday, February 9 Friday, February 9, through Saturday, February 10 Monday, February 12 Tuesday, February 13 .... Ag Tec Day, Ulysses/GT, Single county, SW, 1:30 p.m., Curtis Thompson cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu
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Please Submit Items no later than Noon on
Monday to include in the following Tuesday Letter to: K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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