“In accordance with the non-discrimination rules and regulations of Lincoln University, Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, genetics, disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity funded by USDA.”
NIFA Director Visits Lincoln University - College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences
Lincoln University College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences hosted a visit from NIFA Director, Dr. Carrie Castille on December 1 in Jefferson City, Missouri. After touring the farm facilities, Dr. Castille listened to presentations on critical agricultural research in the college and the impact of Cooperative Extension programming statewide.
Dr. Castille shared her thoughts and ideas with the College of Agriculture Dean, Dr. Majed El-Dweik’s leadership team from LU Cooperation, LU Cooperative Extension and members of their Extension and Research staff and the research faculty. During the visits, members of the LU teams provided feedback to Dr. Castille about NIFA's programs.
Small Farmers Learn How Mushrooms Can Increase Their Bottom Line
The Lincoln University’s East Central Region ISFOP team coordinated a series of three workshops to teach small farmers how to increase their income by growing their own mushrooms for sale.
Also on hand were Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah (State IPM Specialist and ISFOP Director) and Dr. Sugata Bardhan (Assistant Professor Natural Resource Management) who performed demonstrations on how to properly layer substrates in buckets to yield a successful harvest of mushrooms.
The workshops were organized by Farm Outreach Workers Ms. Mary Bolling and Mr. Chris Olliges, and Regional Small Farm Specialist Ms. Miranda Duschack. A total of 39 participants attended the three workshops. The first workshop was held on November 4 in Lincoln County, followed by the November 12 workshop in Franklin County and the November 13 workshop in St. Louis County. Workshops were held at the farms of minority-owned, ISFOP participants.
The LUCE ISFOP team partnered with Ms. Hannah Hemmelgarn from the University of Missouri-Center for Agroforestry to provide a completely hands-on experience for the participants. Each workshop attendee left with a bucket of oyster mushroom inoculated substrate (straw and wood chips) and shiitake mushroom inoculated oak logs. The oyster mushrooms normally fruit in 3-4 months and the shiitake logs by next November. The group also inoculated a bed of straw and woodchips to grow wine cap mushrooms at the host farm. These should fruit this coming summer.
The ISFOP team purchased the necessary equipment to provide the workshop and has now been able to use that equipment assisting farm clients that attended the workshop in inoculating a larger setup on their own farms. On November 23, Farm Outreach Worker Mary Bolling was able to assist Iron Hill Farm in Franklin County with inoculating 30 shiitake oak logs, which will be harvested next fall.
The participants completed evaluation surveys at the end of each workshop. The results of the survey revealed that 97% were “extremely satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the workshop. Additionally, 90% reported that their participation in the workshop affected their ability and/or likelihood to grow mushrooms at their farm.
A Great Meeting of Great Minds
A great meeting of great minds happened when Lieutenant Governor Mike Keho and his wife Mrs. Claudia Keho payed the LU Cooperative Extension Charleston Outreach Center’s team a visit on October 22, 2021. Ms. Sherry Maxwell (Assistant to the Regional Coordinator) and community leaders led a conversation centered around shortening the line to address life situations and better health outcomes for youth and their families in the Bootheel region.
Southeast Missouri has some of the highest rates of hunger in the state and nation, and the past pandemic has only made food insecurity worse. COVID-adjusted rates for food insecurity are 22% for families and 30% for children. The adult population has high rates of chronic disease, such as heart disease and diabetes, with minority populations being disproportionately affected.
Other Notable Attendees:
- Madison Baker, District Office Director for United States Senator Roy Blunt
- The Honorable State Senator Jason Bean, 25th District
- The Honorable State Senator Holly Rehder, 27th District
- The Honorable State Representative Jamie Burger, 148th District
- Captain Phil Gregory, Troop E Commander Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Rachelle Johnson (Administrator for the Mississippi County Health Department)
- Jeremy Siebert (Superintendent of Charleston R-I School District)
- Adam Grindstaff of Charleston R-1 School District
- Dr. Majed El- Dweik of Lincoln University, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences
Great Virtual Participation at Sixth Annual George Washington Carver Symposium and Awards Presentation
Hosted by Lincoln University of Missouri
In support of the Carver Birthplace Association, Lincoln University of Missouri collaborated with Tuskegee University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University and Simpson College to host the Sixth Annual George Washington Carver Symposium and Award Presentation.
Carver Birthplace Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization that exists to encourage the scientific, educational, historical, and interpretive activities of the National Park Service at the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri.
For this occasion, invited guest speakers were Mr. Victor L. Harris (Publisher of Minority Landowner Magazine), Dr. Cassandra Johnson Gaither (Research Social Scientist - USDA Forest Service) and Dr. Robert Zabawa (Research Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics – Tuskegee University).
To further encourage the aspirations and academic goals of students pursuing careers in agriculture, each of these institutions select one student annually who has been inspired by the works and achievements of Carver. This year, Lincoln University honored Ms. Jordan Galliher with the “2021 George Washington Carver Spirit of Innovation and Service Award.”
Jordan Galliher from Hutchinson, Kansas, is a junior at Lincoln University with a major in Agriculture with an emphasis in Natural Resources Management. Since she has always had a deep appreciation for the environment, she is determined to pursue a career in conservation and sustainable agriculture. She stated that she chose Lincoln University because she felt inspired by the members of the LU faculty who have always shown enthusiasm in helping students like her succeed.
Ms. Galliher participates in monthly meetings involving student academic success and career opportunities. She is also involved in various campus activities and finds joy in working with Cooperative Research faculty as a student worker, which allows her to gain valuable hands-on experience in the agriculture field. She has recently assisted with a LU Cooperative Research project and is preparing to present alongside Dr. Frieda Eivazi, Professor of Soil and Environmental Science, at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference in February 2022.
Jordan Galliher is also an active member of the Lincoln University Blue Tigers softball team.
GO GALLIHER!
Please return to our Monthly Highlights - February 2022 Edition to learn more about the LU connection with George Washington Carver
"Healthy Pantry" Draws New Participants to EFNEP!
Introducing Families to Healthier Food Preparations
Conducting a recipe demonstration is a great way to educate and engage consumers. Cooperative Extension Program Assistant Ms. Laveta Lockridge, who works with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), began a health and nutrition program titled “Healthy Pantry” in the LU Cooperative Extension (LUCE) Caruthersville Outreach Center. She found this to be a good model for recruiting participants, teaching them about healthy eating and saving money by utilizing items found in their monthly food boxes.
The Caruthersville Outreach Center partners with SEMO Food Bank to hold monthly mobile food distributions in Pemiscot County. Applicants needing food assistance can register at the center and pick up food the following day. LUCE EFNEP adds value to the program by distributing a recipe using items in that month’s box.
Ms. Lockridge prepares the recipe and hosts a tasting demonstration to allow participants to sample the dish from the monthly recipe. She also discusses proper and safe handling and storage.
Ms. Lockridge says, “Together we can empower our clients to live happier, healthier lives.” She aims to improve the health and well-being of program participants by introducing them to healthier food choices through demonstrations of various meal preparations.
The first demonstration featured a recipe for preparing an enchilada casserole. The pantry/food box items used were cheddar cheese, black beans, and whole-kernel canned corn. The recipe for this delicious dish can be obtained below.
One participant wrote a note of appreciation stating, “I really enjoyed the enchilada casserole. It was easily prepared and tasted delicious. Being a vegan, I loved it. I even made it for my family Friday for supper, and they loved it too.”
A healthy granola recipe was demonstrated the following month and showcased dried cranberries and walnuts. The granola recipe can be found below.
Food Box Sign-Up: Monthly food distribution helps Pemiscot county residents with food insecurity. LUCE Caruthersville is a partner in this distribution.
Recipe Sample: EFNEP’s Healthy Pantry program allows food box recipients to try new recipes. The dish was served from the EFNEP Healthy Pantry mobile cart.
Enchilada Casserole: Enchilada casserole was featured as the program’s inaugural recipe.
Area Educator, 4-H & Youth Development Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
Learning the Keys to Success
Training for New Entrepreneurs
Many rewarding experiences were shared during the last two weeks of the Workforce Development Training at the St. John AME Church in Kennett, Missouri.
Ms. Adrienne Hunter-Green and Rev. Dinah Tatman, Pastor of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church had an opportunity to teach several modules that focused on self-confidence, flexibility, work enthusiasm and attitude during training sessions for new entrepreneurs.
The trainers also introduced motivation skills to help foster the courage to take initiatives and use creative and innovative ways to identify potential business opportunities.
In addition, the entrepreneur skills training consisted of encouragement to take initiative, as well as creatively seeking out and identifying business opportunities. The participants were encouraged to be innovative entrepreneurs.
Best Paper Award!
The Soil and Water Conservation and Management Division awards a Best Paper Award to the authors of a paper submitted in “Soil Science Society of America Journal” and are evaluated by judges every year. Based on the evaluation of all papers submitted by judges in the last several years, Dr. Tunsisa Hurisso, Assistant Professor of Soil Science, at Lincoln University of Missouri was awarded as the first place winner of the 2021 Best Paper Award for this paper titled “Comparison of Permanganate - Carbon and Mineralizable Carbon for Assessment of Organic Matter Stabilization and Mineralization.”
Congratulations to Lincoln University Assistant Professor of Soil Science Dr. Tunsisa Hurisso!
The Lincoln University Culinary Incubator has had a busy beginning after a major delay due to Covid. Several clients are on board and all have now become certified Food Managers, having received food safety training relevant to their product. As word is spreading, inquiries regarding food safety are a regular occurrence.
The LUCI (Lincoln University Culinary Incubator) provides food safety information to anyone interested in learning more about the topic, working closely with regulators, entrepreneurs, organizations and agencies.
The Culinary Incubator has recently added new additions to its program…a refrigerated trailer and a mobile vegetable preparation trailer. The refrigerated trailer is in high demand. It was recently used by Missouri Governor Mike Parson during the Inaugural Ball.
The unit will be rentable in the future for large crowds needing to maintain safe temperatures to ensure food safety. Mr. Jeff Prettyman (LU Facilities Maintenance Specialist) is the designated driver who handles the delivery and pickup of the trailer.
LU Principal Investigator, Cindy Borgwordt recently presented at the 2021 National Culinary Incubator Summit, resulting in many inquiries about the LU Culinary Incubator. With many small shared kitchens closed due to Covid-19, the audience was very impressed with the continuing growth of LUCI.
Most kitchens do not provide food safety training and business support. The LU model is one of the few that does. Research shows businesses without a business plan usually fail. Ms. Lauren Carter, LU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director, assists each client and takes personal interest in their success.
4-H Cookbook Encourages Healthy Eating Habits for Youth
Cooking for Fun and Good Health
LUCE 4-H is represented in the new cookbook published by Missouri 4-H in recognition of Missouri’s Bicentennial. Recipes were submitted by members of the One 4 One programs in Pemiscot and Dunklin counties.
Each of the four recipes was chosen by the youth after being tested, demonstrated, and recorded during project meetings. The cookbook contains easy recipes for preparing hand-mashed hummus, customized trail mix, overnight oatmeal, and tuna fish tacos.
When the Caruthersville Outreach Center received copies of the cookbook, the 4-H participants were very proud to see their names printed in a publication which has been distributed throughout the state of Missouri and the 4-H network.
Participation at 4-H Activity Nights Continues to Grow!
The monthly 4-H Activity Night at St. John AME Church in Kennett, Missouri is increasing its participation each month. What began as a group of three is now a group of fourteen. In addition, four adult volunteers are now involved in these evening activities.
Youth made doorknob hangers for their inside doors to remind them of tasks that contribute in making them good citizens. For gratitude, youth made a turkey table centerpieces from pumpkins and discussed the things that make them thankful. These nights contributed to a sense of community and belonging.
These evenings are facilitated by 4-H Area Educator and Assistant to the Regional Coordinator, Mariann Wright. Educational activities are chosen that expose youth to research-based learning and current events.
The success of the monthly 4-H Activity Nights has led St. John AME Church to expand their youth meetings. The group now meets weekly with the additional gatherings being led by church staff and volunteers. A major component of these supplemental meetings is reading. The youth have the opportunity to choose books each month that they will read and report about to the group. After a group discussion, youth get to keep their books and grow their personal home libraries.
LU Agriculture Students Experience Diversity in Learning
Learning More Through Shared Experiences
For newcomers majoring in Agriculture at LU during the fall semester, most probably expected it to be all studying and not much time for recreation. To their surprise, there were plans in place to support their academic needs as well as social needs, all geared toward learning more about agriculture in an unconventional way through shared experiences.
Lincoln University’s College of Agriculture has several student organizations to support in-depth learning: Ag Club, MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. LU also sponsors the annual FFA (Future Farmers of America) Judging Contest, highlighting high school agricultural students from across the state of Missouri.
Activities are coordinated by LU staff members Ms. Amy Bax (LU Extension Associate, Cooperative Extension) and Ms. Kimberly Cash (LU Agriculture Instructor and Student Success Coach). Additional LU Agriculture faculty, staff and graduate school students also lend time to get involved. This fall semester on-campus and off-campus activities included:
Fishing Expedition at Missouri Department of Conservation - The goal of the event was to expose students to a few living creatures that live and thrive outside of our usual day-to-day environment.
LU Homecoming Parade – Student assisted with float decorating and rode float to greet onlookers.
Faculty and Student On-campus Wiffleball Game and Pizza Dinner - Students and faculty played a couple of games of wiffleball and then enjoyed pizza. Students and faculty both had a good time. We had faculty that had not ever played the game before.
Crawfish Boil at LU Carver Farm - Dr. James Wetzel (Aquaculture Program Coordinator ), Mr. Tyler Edwards (Aquaculture Manager) and the aquaculture staff/students prepared crawfish and taught students how to prepare them for human consumption. They toured the aquaculture facility, learned some crawfish anatomy, and how to cook them properly. We also had fresh fish, corn, and potatoes. Even the students who were initially skeptical about crawfish, enjoyed eating. Interim President Mosely came by to visit.
Haunted Hayride and Bonfire at LU Busby Farm - Several hundred students participated in this thrilling event!
An Extra Special Holiday Treat for All
After an amazing holiday luncheon prepared by LU Farm Assistant Doug Moeller, attendees were entertained by the outstanding performances by K9s On The Front Line, presented by Midwest Coordinator and K9 Trainer Jason Howe and his dog "Sobee."
K9s On The Front Line is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Portland, Maine.
With help from his experienced team, they supply PTSD trained service dogs at no cost to the veteran. They will help train dogs already owned by the individual if possible or help find a suitable dog candidate.
One of the great things about this program is that Mr. Howe and Sobee not only help save veterans, but they also save shelter dogs. In doing so, they save two lives at once!
Across the Miles...Showing Our LU Students We Care
Pemiscot County is proud to have students attending Lincoln University. The LUCE 4-H staff began encouraging LU Freshmen from Caruthersville through care packages that sent the message “we care about you”.
The initial package this year contained items that these students would need during their first semester at school. Laundry supplies, personal hygiene products, and items intended to encourage, like comfy Bombas socks, fun snacks, and supportive notes, were included in the packages.
The Caruthersville Outreach Center's Ms. Dawn Jordan (Program Assistant) and Ms. Mariann Wright (Area Educator) feel that periodic care packages from home help students maintain a connection with their community and showcase the local LUCE pride in their accomplishments.
Special Treat During College of Ag Holiday Luncheon
Straight Talk for Teens
Ms. Felecia Anderson, Regional Educator and Pershard Owens, Area Educator engaged with students during two STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) projects.
On the first afternoon, students took part in the "Claw Challenge." Students were encouraged to make a claw that would be an example of machines made in space.
In the second session, students took part in the "Cipher Challenge."
In this session, students were given instructions on how to create a “secretly coded message.” After creating the secret message, fellow classmates were assigned the task of translating or "de-ciphering" the message.
Both projects engaged students in cooperative and engaging teamwork during this regularly scheduled “Straight Talk” session. Students also learned how to share their ideas in productive ways that led to each team’s success.
Both projects turned out to be a "huge hit" with the students, each making requests to schedule and continue these types of skill-learning projects in future gathering sessions.
The purpose of the Straight Talk sessions is to empower community teens as they provide one another with peer-to peer counseling and mutual support.
A Letter of Appreciation
Written by Student Participant at the Sikeston Center
December 8, 2021
"You don’t typically see educators connect on a deep level with their students, but Mrs. Felecia Anderson (Regional Educator) always hits home with her students. I just started attending the Hope Center in September. I am 16 years old. I was born and raised in Sikeston, Missouri. My goal is to become a writer and with that I want to touch the hearts of those who have no voice. I am currently invested in writing my first rough draft of my book I plan to publish.
Through my brief time at the Center and my time at Lincoln my goals have seemed to become more attainable. Every time we take a trip to the Lincoln University Cooperative Extension-Sikeston it is always an enriching experience. The way they engage with their student’s is unlike anything I have ever witnessed before."
Finding Better Healthcare Solutions for All
In November, Director Dan Kauerauf of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, visited Southeast Missouri accompanied by Mr. Joseph Palm Office of Minority Health, Chief of St. Francis Medical Center of Cape Girardeau to host a “Meet and Greet” luncheon with area healthcare professionals.
The goal of the planned discussion was to increase community involvement in the development of new solutions aimed at improving the lives of area residents. Those in attendance shared significant issues centered around their communities and thoughts on how to achieve positive changes for improved outcomes.
During the two-day visit, Director Kauerauf met with local hospital CEOs, county health department administrators, local legislators, community leaders, and church pastors in Cape Girardeau, Scott, New Madrid, Mississippi, Dunklin, and Pemiscot Counties in Missouri.
Participating Healthcare/Community Partners Included:
Healthcare/Community Partners:
- St. Francis Medical Center
- Missouri Delta Medical Center
- Pemiscot Memorial Hospital
- Pemiscot County Health Department
- Mississippi County Health Department
- Portageville Community Care Center
- Pemiscot Memorial Hospital
- Pemiscot County Health Department
- Fresh Start Self Improvement Center
Volunteer Appreciation Day
Hosted by the Specialty Crops (Native Plants) Program of Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
Volunteers Honored at LU Finca EcoFarm
In December, eighteen LU Finca EcoFarm volunteers were honored for donating their time to assist with various projects completed during this year’s growing season. Their combined efforts totaled more than 400 hours of work.
Each volunteer received a certificate of appreciation from Cooperative Extension Associate Administrator, Ms. Yvonne Matthews.
The Dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences, Dr. Majed El-Dweik, Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall (LU Native Plants Specialist - Specialty Crops Program), Ms. Sue Bartelette (LU Landscaper) and approximating 30 others were in attendance for the special event.
Some of food dishes and snacks were prepared from the recipes using various native plants as their ingredients.
There are now big plans to expand this volunteer program to more areas of the community next year!
Credits:
Created with images by 8moments - "fall negative space copy space" • pictureback - "softball gear equipment" • TheDigitalArtist - "plan do check" • paulbr75 - "pumpkins wagon farm" • Melanie Kocheva - "Lorry motion Traffic Transport on motorway in motion" • Rawpixel.com - "Asian Lady Writing Notebook Diary Concept" • Rawpixel.com - "African kid having a conversation with a doctor"