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The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

Vol. 15, No. 39  August 4, 2009


IN THIS ISSUE... 

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Bauernfeind Named State Leader for Extension Entomology
...Farewell Reception for Bill Hargrove
...Extending the Deadline for KYLF Workshop Proposals
...Marie's Picks ...
..."Open Season" for Program Focus Teams (PFTs)
...State Fair Book Correction: 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show Dates
...Kansas State Fair 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Entries
...State 4-H Dog Show, Saturday, September 19, 2009
...Connect Web Conferencing Training Offered
...Epsilon Sigma Phi Alpha Rho Awards
...Volunteers Requested to Help in Our Booths at the Kansas State Fair
...Community Leadership Workshop for Extension Professionals
...Management and Alternative Marketing Options Bus Tour Set for October 8 for KSU Extension Agents and Faculty
...KSRE Master Calendar
 
                                                                                         

                                                                                                ...Tuesday Letter Archives


WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
I received an e-mail message at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, from "Wellstream On-line" with the subject line reading "Welcome to Wellstream PHA." YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL AS WELL.

Here is your opportunity as a K-State Research and Extension employee to do a Personal Health Assessment on-line. Any regular part time, reduced full time or full time employee of KSRE is expected to participate. This includes all office professionals and program assistants in our local county and district Extension offices! The assessment is completely confidential, and free to you. So, please take advantage of this opportunity.

If you are eligible to participate and did not receive the message mentioned above, please contact Sharolyn Jackson, sharolyn@ksu.edu ; or Penny Adams, padams@ksu.edu . They will get you added to the listserve. Check with co-workers to be sure they receive these messages as well.

My thanks goes to the KSRE Worksite Wellness Leadership Team for initiating this process. The health assessment will provide a great benchmark of your personal health, and provide opportunity for ways to maintain and improve your health toward personal well-being and a healthier, happier life.

Have a great week, and take the time to complete this survey!! --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

 

BAUERNFEIND NAMED STATE LEADER FOR EXTENSION ENTOMOLOGY
Dr. Bob Bauernfeind, Professor of Entomology, has accepted the added position of State Leader in Extension Entomology that was recently vacated when Phil Sloderbeck moved up to be Interim Southwest Area Extension Director. Bob’s duties will include, among others, representing Entomology at regular meetings of State Leaders, overseeing the annual operating budget for Extension Entomologists, and facilitating and helping coordinate various reporting, publications and other outreach activities from Extension Entomologists.

Bob began his Extension career in 1978 when he accepted the position of South Central Area Extension Specialist – Entomology, in Hutchinson. During his 14-year tenure, Bauernfeind primarily worked across various commodity areas including major row and field crops, livestock and stored grain. He was also responsible for addressing concerns associated with vegetable production, turf, trees and shrubs, ornamentals, residential and structural insects and other miscellaneous categories. Bauernfeind was also heavily involved in working with 4-H’ers enrolled in Entomology projects, as well as with local scouting organizations and in public schools.

Bauernfeind originally assumed a 100% role as State Extension Horticultural Entomologist in 1992. His current 1.0 Extension appointment is broken down as follows: 50% Horticulture, 30% Youth and Family and 20% as Director of the Insect Zoo. Due to recent vacancies, Bauernfeind is also responsible for responding to issues associated with livestock entomology as well as other various odds and end issues.

Please join us in welcoming Bob Bauernfeind as the new State Leader for Extension Entomology! --Tom Phillips twp1@ksu.edu

 

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR BILL HARGROVE
Please join us as we wish Bill Hargrove, Director of KCARE, farewell and good luck as he departs for a position at the University of Texas at El Paso as Director of their Center for Environmental Resources Management.

The reception will be held in Room 137 Waters Hall, August 14, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. --Fred Cholick fcholick@ksu.edu

 

EXTENDING THE DEADLINE FOR KYLF WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
A few more workshops are needed for the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum. One hour workshop presenters are needed for Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 8:30 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and/or 3:45 p.m. Workshops can focus on any aspect of leadership for youth ages 14-18. The workshops will take place at Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City.

The deadline has been extended to Friday August 7. Proposal forms and complete details can be found on the 4- H website, http://www.kansas4h.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=48  . Please contact Beth Hinshaw with questions, bhinshaw@ksu.edu  . --Beth Hinshaw  

 

MARIE’S PICKS . . .
This week my picks (outcomes, public value [benefit to non-participants], and success stories) were reported by extension agents in Bourbon, Stevens, Barton, Ellsworth, Neosho, and Morton Counties:

--Low-income seniors in Bourbon County participated in the Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition program. Low-income seniors were able to purchase fresh wholesome products from local vendors making it easy for them to improve their diets and hopefully their health, which will in turn benefit all of the citizens of Bourbon County. Local growers were able to expand their businesses by becoming certified to accept vouchers.

--Collaboration with the Hugoton Recreation Commission led to the first Community Meltdown program in Hugoton. A total of 323 pounds were lost during the six-week competition averaging a pound a week per participant. This program was an excellent example of cooperation among extension and local organizations. There was positive feedback from those involved and plans for a second community meltdown went into effect almost immediately. It was also a great springboard to encourage participation in the spring 2008 Walk Kansas program. This follow-up fitness program allowed participants an opportunity to continue their new health practices.

--About 400 4-H and FFA youth participated in the Kansas Beef Expo Judging Contest in Hutchinson. The youth learned decision-making skills, and public speaking skills, and also learned about selecting good cattle. Performance data is used extensively in the beef industry and the youth learned how to utilize the data in various selection scenarios.

--A parent of a student in an FNP classroom informed me that usually his son comes home from school telling him that nothing happened that day. On days when I come into the classroom, his son is full of things to share about the Professor Popcorn lesson and the healthy snacks!

--One first year member wrote a letter to the editor after the fair to thank all of the volunteers who helped him during the year. In his letter he wrote, "My 4-H friends have showed me different projects and what you can do with them. They have also taught me how to help other people, like when we went to the Chanute Health-care nursing home and served ice cream to the people who live there. I really like 4-H and I appreciate all the leaders and volunteers who have helped me this year."

--4-H/FFA livestock project participants learned basic animal husbandry, correct medical usage (read labels and feed tags, administer injections). They also learned about the USDA Wholesome Meat Act and their responsibility to produce a wholesome meat product. The remainder of the Texas A&M Livestock Quality Counts program focused on the six pillars of character and sportsmanship relating to their livestock projects. As a group, we discussed how each pillar related to their project, and ultimately how the pillars affect our life in general. We also discussed sportsmanship inside and outside the show ring.

To close the teaching session, each of the youth were asked to present to their peers their own motivations and goals for participation in the livestock projects. Most were introspective in their responses. Examples included:  

1. Enjoyed learning about livestock (set goals to learn more).
2. Enjoyed challenges of raising livestock (responsibility, life lessons).
3.  Enjoyed working with family and friends.
4. Opportunity to learn more about careers in agriculture.
5.  Saving money for college.
6. Felt more comfortable speaking and presenting themselves in front of an audience.
--Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu 

 

"OPEN SEASON" FOR PROGRAM FOCUS TEAMS (PFTS)
There is no set date for joining or changing program focus teams but this may be a good time to reinforce the process.

The following information is from Roles and Responsibilities of Program Focus Teams Located on the web at Employee Resources>Professional Development>PFT Roles and Responsibilities: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/Employee_Resources .

Changing Program Focus Teams - Agents

1. In consultation with Area Director and Extension Board, determine the need for a change of Area of Program Focus. This can happen at a time determined appropriate by the three parties involved in the process.

2. Become a member of a new Program Focus Team.

3. Area Director will submit agent's name and Program Focus Team selection to Field Operations.

4. Agent's name will be removed from the previous team and listed on the web as a member of the newly selected team.

G. Selecting a Program Focus team - New Agents

1. Each Agent will select one area of program focus. The determination of that area should be based upon the following questions:

< Is this a need in your local unit?
< Do you have the support of your Extension Board?
< Are you willing to seek out and attend training to strengthen that expertise?
< Do you have a passion for the work to be done?

2. In consultation with Area Director and Extension Board, determine the Area of Program Focus in which new agent will develop expertise. This will take place after New Agent Program Development session, or during Agent Performance review process, or at a time determined appropriate by the three parties involved in the process.

3. Become a member of a Program Focus Team.

4. Area Director will submit agent's name and program focus selection to Field Operations.

5. Agent's name will be listed on the web as a member of selected team.

--Margaret Phillips margaret@ksu.edu

 

STATE FAIR BOOK CORRECTION: 4-H/FFA RABBIT SHOW DATES
The 4-H/FFA Rabbit show dates and times are correct as posted in the "Schedule of 4-H/FFA Events" on pages 180-181 of the 2009 KSF Exhibitor Handbook. Please note the 4-H/FFA Rabbits will not be released until 6 p.m., Sunday, September 20. Unfortunately, the dates of the 4-H/FFA Rabbits division were not updated on pages 199-200. The following are correct dates and times:

4-H/FFA Rabbit Entries: Between Noon and 9 p.m., Thursday, September 17, or between 8 a.m. and Noon on Friday, September 18.

4-H/FFA Rabbit Fur Classes: 6 p.m., Friday, September 18

4-H/FFA Rabbit (Conformation) Judging: 8 a.m., Saturday, September 19

4-H/FFA Rabbit Showmanship & Judging Contest: 8 a.m., Sunday, September 20

4-H/FFA Rabbit Exhibits Released: 6 p.m., Sunday, September 20

Please help transmit this information to any 4-H/FFA Rabbit exhibitors who may be showing from your Extension Units. --Gary W. Gerhard ggerhard@ksu.edu

 

KANSAS STATE FAIR 4-H/FFA DAIRY CATTLE ENTRIES
Please remind your State Fair 4-H dairy cattle qualifiers that they MUST be entered via the KSFAIR System through the local Extension Office. An Open Class entry to the State Fair Office is NOT a 4-H entry! For the past three years we have had unhappy people who did not enter their 4-H dairy cattle through the local Extension office and did not receive premium money. --Jim Adams jadams@ksu.edu

 

STATE 4-H DOG SHOW, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009
This year for the first time the State 4-H Dog Show will start at 9 a.m. in the Bison Arena at the State Fair Grounds with Showmanship classes followed by Obedience classes. Agility I will also start at 9 a.m. Health check begins at 8 a.m. Please share this with your 4-H dog show participants. --Jim Adams jadams@ksu.edu

 

CONNECT WEB CONFERENCING TRAINING OFFERED
Want to do meetings online, conduct Webinars, share and collaborate information, reduce travel, save money and time? IET is offering several Connect web conferencing trainings on Wednesday, August 12 and 19, (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.).

The one hour session is aimed at people new to the KSRE Adobe Connect interface and features. We will also cover how to use your Webcam and give you an opportunity to test (and play) with the program. No registration is necessary. Simply go to http://connect.ksre.ksu.edu/connecttraining/ during the training time. Connect is a FREE tool for KSRE use!

For more information on Connect, go to our TechWeb site, http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/techweb/ , and select the Adobe Connect link on the right side of the page.

For scheduling Connect meeting, contact Gerry Snyder, gsnyder@ksu.edu , or call IET, 785-532-6270. --Gerry Snyder

 

EPSILON SIGMA PHI ALPHA RHO AWARDS
Applications due August 15, 2009
The Epsilon Sigma Phi - Alpha Rho Chapter is seeking applications for the 2009 chapter awards. Kansas extension professionals are extremely talented and should have their skills and programs acknowledged at the state and national levels. I encourage ESP members to apply or nominate your colleagues, administrators, or mentors for one of the following awards:

Distinguished Service
Distinguished Team
Early Career
Mid Career
International Service
Retiree Service
Friend of Extension
Horizon- County (2); Area (1); State (1)
Meritorious Service- County (2); Area (1); State (1)

Application process for awards may be downloaded at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/esp-AlphaRho/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=11 .

Applications for awards are due August 15, 2009. Applications should be sent electronically to M. Gayle Price, awards committee chair, Southeast Area Office, gprice@ksu.edu . If you have questions, please contact me at 620-431-1530. --Gayle Price

 

VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED TO HELP IN OUR BOOTHS AT THE KANSAS STATE FAIR
The College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will once again have booths in the Pride of Kansas building at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The Kansas State Fair runs from Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 20, 2009.

We would appreciate faculty and staff from campus, area offices, counties/districts, Agronomy Fields, and Research-Extension Centers coming to the fair and working a few hours in one or both of the booths. Also, we would really appreciate agents and/or faculty, who are coming to the fair anyway, signing up to work a couple of hours in the booth before or after your activities.

Days and times that our KSRE/COA fair booths are open are:

Friday, September 11 - 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, September 13 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Monday, September 14 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, September 18 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, September 19 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

If you would like to work in the K-State Research and Extension booth, please contact Katie Wedel, kwedel@ksu.edu  by August 28.

If you would like to work in the College of Agriculture booth, please contact Sharon Thielen, sthielen@ksu.edu  by August 28.

We will be in touch in late August to finalize days, times, entrance tickets, etc. Thank you. --Sharon Thielen and Steven Graham sgraham@k-state.edu

 

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP FOR EXTENSION PROFESSIONALS
Community change efforts that succeed do so because:

* The issue or opportunity is framed in a way that people are motivated to act.
* There are enough people involved who are linked to others through direct relationships or
   networks, creating a critical mass of resources.
* Action plans are developed and implemented in a way that activities are focused and coordinated.

How well prepared are you as an Extension professional to help the communities in your county/district succeed in their change efforts?

Make plans now to participate in a new professional development workshop titled "Building Community Leadership: Three Key Competencies for Extension Professionals" on September 30, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at K-State Salina.

Develop your skills around three key competencies needed by all leaders to affect change in their communities:

(1) framing issues and ideas;
(2) building social capital; and
(3) mobilizing people and resources.

Your learning will be enhanced through hands-on breakout sessions that will teach you practical tools for applying the competencies to a broad range of community issues that you work with every day. Plus, you will take home a free copy of the Community Leadership Handbook. The workshop will be facilitated by: Debra Bolton, Southwest Area Office; Barbara Lilyhorn, Reno County Extension; and Robert Wilson, Office of Local Government. Funding for this workshop was provided by the Alpha Rho Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi.

The registration fee is $25 and includes lunch. The deadline to register is September 18. Register by contacting Robert Wilson at 785-532-7823 or rmwilson@k-state.edu . Seating is limited to 30 participants and is expected to fill before the deadline, so early registration is encouraged. --Robert Wilson

 

MANAGEMENT AND ALTERNATIVE MARKETING OPTIONS BUS TOUR SET FOR OCTOBER 8 FOR KSU EXTENSION AGENTS AND FACULTY
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 8, 2009 when the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops (KCSAAC) and the Kansas Rural Center will host a "Management and Alternative Marketing Options" bus tour.

The morning tour will start in Bennington, KS and visit farms in north central Kansas featuring alternative livestock production systems, certified organic and alternative crop production, livestock watering systems, agritourism, and an ornamental grass nursery. The bus will return to Bennington by 4 p.m. Lunch will be catered in Glasco.

Tour registration is $15 per person and will cover lunch and materials. Detailed information and the deadline for registration will be announced later.

For more information, contact Mary Fund at the Kansas Rural Center, 785-873-3431; or ksrc@rainbowtel.net . --Jana Beckman beckman@ksu.edu and Pat Murphy jmurphy@ksu.edu

 

KSRE MASTER CALENDAR
Go to: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/MasterCalendar 

It is Fair Season! So be sure to check out the Master Calendar for fairs and related events. Select "Upcoming Events" to review events and professional development offerings for the next two weeks.

Make sure that your events are listed and correct. Dates can easily be added from the "submit event" tab. You can edit events that you have submitted; it is your responsibility to maintain your entries. To correct previously submitted items, contact Marie Blythe.

Note: Professional Development entries are automatically added to the new Master Calendar system and do not require separate/duplicate entry! --Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu

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