Back-to-Back Ribbon-Cutting Celebrations for Lincoln University of Missouri
On September 30, the Lincoln University College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences celebrated the long-awaited grand opening of its newly-built Dickinson Research Center located on the main campus in Jefferson City.
Within the next 24 hours, Lincoln University Interim President Dr. John B. Moseley, Dr. Majed El-Dweik (LU Dean of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences), Ms. Yvonne Matthews (LU Cooperative Associate Administrator) and other members of the “Lincoln University Family” traveled to Sikeston, Missouri to celebrate the grand opening of the new LU Cooperative Extension Sikeston Outreach Center on October 1.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by the outreach center's staff, local community leaders and Dr. Carlos Vargas, President of Southeast Missouri State University.
Dr. John B. Moseley delivered the opening remarks for the occasion, praising the passionate outreach work of the office's staff and how the new office will further benefit the community.
Dr. Majed El-Dweik shared what a wonderful impact the new building will have for the residents of the community. Ms. Tiara Riggs-Butler (Sikeston Secretary and Program Assistant) and Pershard Owens (Sikeston Area Educator) performed an inspiring duet, reflecting the dedication of all who were involved in the undertaking of building a new center in the Bootheel.
LU Cooperative Extension - Southeast Region Coordinator Brenda Robinson-Echols spoke of the special opportunities that will soon be available to further assist members of the community.
The new facility is now equipped with a new multipurpose room with a stage, an updated computer lab, five freshly-painted offices for LU staff members, a welcoming conference room, and a very efficient classroom to inspire teaching and learning. Ms. Robinson-Echols also announced plans to build a new community garden near the office building.
Some of the Center’s ongoing programs include: After School Tutorial, Seniors Moving On, Step Up Leadership Academy, Youth Futures, Summer Enrichment, Expanded Food and Nutrition Program, Straight Talk Teen Talk and Job Readiness.
A Special Thanks to the Dedicated Staff of the The Standard Democratic Newspaper in Sikeston, Missouri
Ms. Leonna Heuring (Reporter/Photographer/Editor/Paginator) wrote the below article, expressing all the joy and enthusiasm shared at the event.
"Bringing the Farms to Campus"
An Up-Close Look at Animals Who Share Our World
LU College of Agriculture Brings Smiles and Wonders on a Perfect Autumn Day
During the morning hours of October 8, a portion of Lincoln University’s main campus in Jefferson City was transformed to host one of the most spectacular events of the university’s fall semester.
Instead of the usual daily traffic of seeing pedestrians walking to and from buildings, the campus landscape suddenly included sheep, goats, small horses, rabbits, various other animals and insects.
First-time visitors of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences’ “Bringing the Farms to Campus” had the opportunity to be exposed to animals not commonly seen in urban areas.
Students, faculty, staff, community members and other curious passersby were drawn to each area on display.
All were allowed to engage with the animals by holding, petting and sometimes even feeding them. This hands-on learning experience aimed to familiarize others to the popular field of animal science, a major offered at Lincoln University’s Department of Agriculture, along with interest in the areas of aquaculture, and the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program.
The event was sponsored by the LU Ag Club
Participating LU Staff and Faculty
- Dr. James Wetzel (Aquaculture Research and Aquaculture Program Coordinator)
- Dr. Christopher Baughman (State Extension Specialist-Small Ruminant)
- Ms. Kimberly Cash (Ag Instructor and Student Success Coach) and Ms. Amy Bax (Cooperative Extension Associate)
Photographers
Ms. Kelly Morgan (LU College of Agriculture Graphic Designer)
and
Mr. Anon Anderson (LU Cooperative Extension, Agriculture Area Educator)
Lincoln University Agriculture Dean and Staff Join Missouri Governor to Celebrate Southeast Missouri WBENC Awardee
During the height of the spread of COVID-19 during the early months of 2020, Ms. Sheryl Maxwell (Assistant to the Regional Coordinator – Southeast Region) worked diligently with many local Southeast Missouri businesses and government agencies to coordinate efforts to resolve the problem of food scarcity and the availability of PPE supplies for local residents.
One of the businesses that worked closely with Ms. Maxwell was Ole Tyme Produce Inc. owned by Ms. Joan Daleo, CEO and President. The two women used their resources to create plans for a region-wide distribution of food, supplied by the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, to several counties throughout the Southeast, feeding thousands of families. These efforts continued until the program ended in December 2020.
In September of this year, Governor Mike Parson, Dr. Majed El-Dweik (Dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences), Ms. Sheryl Maxwell and others traveled to St. Charles, Missouri to celebrate yet another successful woman-owned business in the state.
The afternoon event, which included a tour of the business establishment, was also well attended by a host of many other community leaders who remained after congratulatory comments by Governor Mike Parson, Mr. Jason Hall (Chief Executive Officer of Greater St. Louis, Inc.) and words by Ms. Daleo.
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Regional Educator Coordinates Fundraising Benefit for Kansas City Community Gardens
Ms. Tina Wurth, Regional Educator for the Kansas City Urban Impact Center continues to make a huge impact on the success of the Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG), an organization that promotes gardening, particularly to harvest fruits and vegetables, throughout the Kansas City metropolitan areas.
As in previous years, KCCG hosted its annual fundraiser "Gardens at Sunset" on the evening of September 11. The evening event was held at the beautiful Beanstalk Children's Garden, located at 6917 Kensington Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.
Attendees enjoyed an elegant picnic dinner and sat back to take part in the annual silent auction. Attendees were also allowed plenty of time to wander through the peaceful gardens and the amazing orchard on the premises. Because of Ms. Wurth's keen skills in fundraising, the organization raised more than $100,000 this year--its highest fundraising contributions ever!
During the event, Ms. Worth was awarded a special gift---an oversized cutting board for cutting and chopping her favorite fruits and vegetables!
As Chair of KCCG, Ms. Wurth initiates gardening programs and events to empower local community residents of all ages with the necessary skills to create edible gardens. A lifelong gardener herself, she has inspired many to dig into the soil to create outdoor planting space that will provide healthy fruits and vegetables throughout the year. The organization also provides agricultural training to local schools, senior groups and low-income households.
Her role as a regional educator for the LU Kansas City Impact Center further allows her to share her agricultural knowledge through programs initiated by the center, which includes youth programs and special healthy-living sessions aimed at community seniors.
According to the KCCG website, the organization began in 1979 as the Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry’s “Community Garden Project” to help low-income families save money on grocery bills. Six years later, the organization became incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Current KCCG Programs
- Beanstalk Children's Garden
- Community Partner Gardens
- Individual & Family Gardens
- Rent A Plot
- Schoolyard Gardens
- The Giving Grove
Below is the link to learn more about KCCG programs offered:
Missouri State Officials Travel to Southeast Missouri to Help Resolve Issues on Food Insecurity
A great morning and a meeting of great minds happened when Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Keho and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe visited with the Charleston Outreach team October 22. Ms. Sherry Maxwell (LU Cooperative Extension Program Assistant III, Charleston Outreach Office) 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 the already high rates of food insecurity worse. COVID-adjusted rates for food insecurity are 22% for families and 30% for children, according to the non-profit organization “Feeding America” website. The adult population has high rates of chronic disease, such as heart disease and diabetes, with minority populations being disproportionately affected.
Dr. Majed El- Dweik (Dean of the LU College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences) was in attendance as well as Ms. Rachelle Johnson (Administrator for the Mississippi County Health Department) Mr. Jeremy Siebert (Superintendent of Charleston R-I Board of Education) and Mr. Adam Grindstaff (Principal at Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School, R-I).
OTHER NOTABLE ATTENDEES
- Ms. Madison Baker (Southeast Region Office Director for United States Senator Roy Blunt)
- The Honorable State Senator Jason Bean, 25th District (Missouri)
- The Honorable State Senator Holly Rehder, 27th District (Missouri)
- The Honorable State Representative Jamie Burger, 148th District (Missouri)
- Captain Phil Gregory (Troop E Commander - Missouri State Highway Patrol)
Compassionate and Purposeful Training Programs to Increase Food Security in Missouri's Bootheel Region
LU Cooperative Extension’s Train-the-Trainer Event Shares Innovative Ways to Prevent Food Shortages
What is the yield from 50 passionate community leaders from the Bootheel and Southeastern Missouri, 175 extension staff, public leaders, policy-makers, and bunch of good food? Train-the-Trainer 2.0!
What is the potential impact from Train-the-Trainer 2.0? More community gardens and sustainable local food! These two things will provide increased food security, improved nutrition, reduction of chronic illnesses, and create stronger bonds within communities in the Bootheel.
On October 25, 26 and 27 of this year, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) hosted 50+ community leaders from various municipalities located in the Bootheel. The gathering was to build on previous training to develop a plan of work aimed at learning innovative ways to develop urban and rural community gardens, and identifying resources to develop sustainable community gardens and local food systems.
The three-day event began with tours of different farming practices demonstrated at Lincoln University. The tours included poultry production with Dr. Tatijana Fisher (LUCE State Poultry Specialist); small ruminant ranching with Dr. Homero Salinas-Gonzalez (LUCE State Specialist - Animal Science, Small Ruminants); aquaculture farming with Dr. James Wetzel (LUCE Aquaculture Program Coordinator); and hydroponic gardening with LU Hydroponic Research Specialist, Dr. Jonathan Egilla.
The tours were followed by a working dinner to discuss lessons learned, actions initiated since the first training, and the potential for developing small urban farms. The evening concluded with a special discussion on the importance of supporting native pollinators, given by Dr. Nadia Navarrete Tindal, LUCE State Specialist-Specialty Crops Program.
The morning session of the second day, moderated by Ms. Yvonne Matthews (LUCE Associate Administrator) and Ms. Amy Bax (LUCE Extension Associate) included a presentation provided by Dr. Eleazar Gonzalez (LUCE State Extension Specialist-Small Sustainable Farms and Ranches, Ag. Economics and Marketing) on grants and other funding opportunities for producers., and a tutorial on developing a plan of work, given by Mr. Nahshon Bishop (LUCE Small Farm Specialist). The training session also included a step back into the history of minority higher education. Present and future impacts on minorities in the field of agriculture were presented by Mr. Mark Schleer (LU Librarian and Archivist).
The evening session included a networking dinner, moderated by Ms. Yvonne Matthews and Ms. Sherry Maxwell (Assistant to the LUCE Regional Coordinator, Southeast Missouri). Speakers included Dr. John B. Moseley (Interim President of Lincoln University), Reverend Jay Slaughter (Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Malden, Missouri), Dr. Majed El-Dweik (Dean, College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences-1890 Administrator), Lincoln University Curators: Ms. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls (Commissioner, Missouri Labor and Industrial Relations Commission), Missouri Lieutenant Governor of Missouri Mike Kehoe, and Dr. Rickey Anderson (Pastor of Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Sikeston, Missouri), Mr. Pershard Owens (LUCE Area Educator from Sikeston, Missouri) and music and entertainment by Ms. Monica Butler.
The final day of training concluded with a tour of the Lincoln University Dickinson Research Center to introduce participants to the applied research that will benefit food systems and small farm operations. Also included was a Finca EcoFarm Tour with demonstrations and presentations by Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall.
Additional presentations included an impact debriefing by Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah (LUCE Integrated Pest Management Specialist). Senior Pastor Apostle Russell L. Freeman from United Community Cathedral in Columbia, Missouri provided a plenary speech putting community gardening in perspective, followed by closing remarks and benediction by Dr. Kenneth Holloway, Pastor of Lily of the Valley MB Church in Portageville, Missouri.
LU Cooperative Extension and Research Train-the-Trainer 2.0 Planning Team
- Ms. Yvonne Matthews
- Ms. Sheryl Maxwell
- Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall
- Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah
- Ms. Amy Bax
- Ms. Gina Avery
- Mr. Garrett Avery
- Ms. Sarah Eber
Training Provided by LU Hemp Experts
Hemp Education for Special Assemblies
At the inception of the Lincoln University Industrial Hemp Institute (LU-HI) a decision was made to include an educational component focusing on the following three groups:
Agricultural Professionals | Youth | Law Enforcement Personnel
AGRICULTURAL PROFESSIONALS
In 2021, the Lincoln University Industrial Hemp Institute organized several hemp field days. In early August, a two-day event was held in Sikeston, Missouri. On Day One, the participants assembled at the Midwest Natural Fibers Processing Facility where they witnessed the demonstration of the hemp fiber processing equipment.
On Day Two, the participants visited the hemp variety trial plots at the Sikeston AgriPark. On display were two dozen varieties that had their origins in several foreign countries. Some of these varieties are grown uniquely for fiber, some for grains, and others considered dual- purpose varieties.
The second field day was held in Garden City, Missouri where the attendees saw the cannabinoid variety trial for cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). The third field day was held at the Lincoln University’s Carver Farm, located just outside of Jefferson City. The activities included updates from several Hemp Institute’s team members and a tour of the hemp variety research plots.
YOUTH GROUPS
(Including other special groups)
On September 16, 2021, the University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center held an Ag Education Day. Normally, 2,000 students attend this event; however, because of the pandemic this year’s participation was limited to 900 students.
Of those attending, over 180 vocational-agricultural (Vo-Ag) students from across Southwest Missouri learned about the history of hemp, the different varieties grown in the U.S. and abroad, production of fiber, grain and cannabinoid varieties. They were also able to see various products made from hemp.
Another group of individuals that benefitted from our outreach efforts was the LU Learning in Retirement group in Jefferson City. These retirees learned the history, production and uses for hemp, along with a tour of the variety trial plots at the Lincoln University’s Carver Farm.
LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
LU-HI's “Law Enforcement Training” is a four-credit hour course accredited through the Missouri Police Officer Safety Training for continuing education credits. In Southwest Missouri, the Drug Task Force is comprised of highway patrol, county deputies and local law enforcement personnel.
The trainees learned hemp history, Missouri Department of Agriculture’s rules and regulations and additional information provided by CBD processors. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, consisting of the drug task force and patrol deputies, also received training.
Lincoln University Industrial Hemp Team Members
- Dr. Babu Valliyodan - Hemp Institute Chair
- Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah - IPM State Specialist
- Dr. Jaimin Patel - Plant Pathology
- Dr. Eleazar Gonzalez - State Extension Specialist-Small Sustainable Farms and Ranches, Ag. Economics and Marketing
- Mr. David Middleton - Cooperative Extension Hemp Coordinator
- Mr. Chris Boeckmann - Farm Superintendent
- Mr. Nahshon Bishop - Small Farm Specialist
Monitoring Emergent Plant and Animal Diseases for Food Security in the Americas
Globally Addressing New and Emerging Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases
This project is a part of the Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD). It is designed to foster international partnerships that strengthen agricultural integrity in developing countries and engage international researchers in addressing new and emerging animal and plant pests and diseases.
With the growing importance of trade as a component of the U.S. economy, the animal and plant pests and diseases that affect our trading partners are of interest to the U.S. This means, in our globally integrated world, that the growth and stability of our partners have significant implications on U.S.'s national food security and to the global food system as a whole.
We share with our Latin American partners the important cultivation of tomatoes, peppers, and citrus crops as well as the ranching of sheep and goats. It is this commonality of shared food where our pilot symposium begins and builds, allowing us to address food security and defense in the Americas. These webinars will cover a variety of information including pest and disease recognition, mitigation strategies, modern detection tools and disease monitoring.
As a part of the Latin American cohort, programing will be joined by our contacts in Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico.
LU Ag Students Compete in Washington, D.C.
The 2021 AAAS HBCU Making and Innovation Showcase and Competition Event
Lincoln University Students Asia Duncan, Michael Smith, Aliyah Tucker, and Gabrielle Caldwell competed in the AAAS HBCU Making and Innovation Showcase in Washington, D.C., which aims to support HBCUs and low-income STEM students.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) HBCU-UP Program.
Dr. Jessica Epple-Farmer (LU Assistant Professor of Animal Science) traveled with the students to help facilitate their efforts and to cheer them on during the competition.
The LU students presented their prototype of an app called “Footprints.” The app focused on positive ways to improve the environment’s carbon footprint by planting more trees, encouraging more carpooling, and promoting recycling. The project’s goal was to reverse the negative effects of climate change.
The trip also allowed the students an opportunity to explore the culture, history, and monuments that visitors seek out during a trip to the United States Capitol.
Southeast Missouri Collaboration to Get More Shots in Arms
Helping to Keep Communities Safe from Covid-19
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Sikeston collaborated with Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The vaccine drive was held on Wednesday, September 8 at the Sikeston office with convenient afternoon/evening hours from 4pm-7pm. The pharmacist and nursing staff had 40 Pfizer shots available. All 40 shots were given to mostly minority recipients of all ages including teenagers. People began lining up at 3pm.
The follow-up clinic was held on Wednesday, September 29 at the same time and place. It was later reported all participants returned to get their second shot.
Southeast Area Seniors Receive Vital Information on Health Care Benefits and Healthier Lifestyle Habits
Making Seniors More Aware of Medicare and Medicaid Services
Ms. Adrienne Hunter-Green, (LU Caruthersville’s Regional Educator - Family and Community Consumer Science Program) recently collaborated with Ms. Rhonda Rutledge and Ms. Doris Breymeyer of United Healthcare. As licensed sale agents, both conducted a “Question and Answer” session for the local community regarding changes in Medicare/Medicaid services.
If attendees were interested in United HealthCare, they were assisted with getting enrolled onsite. Attendees currently satisfied with their providers, still gained understanding of the new changes for the 2022 Medicare year.
Presenters were also were able to “put to rest” false information regarding the benefits offered. At the end of the program, information was forwarded to participants, providing year-round contact information should they have questions or concerns regarding their Medicare services with the licensed sales.
Great Health and Fitness Benefits Extend from Caruthersville's Raised Beds Projects
The Caruthersville Family and Community Consumer Science Program announced that their “raised bed” season was soon coming to an end.
The raised beds fed 20+ families, including staff. These raised beds were valuable to many older adults because of their lack of access to many types of vegetables that they enjoy, such as green tomatoes to prepare relishes and salsas recipes.
The easy accessibility feature of a raised bed garden was added to the program for many of the older adult participants. The gardening activity instantly became one of their most successful weekly activities.
The gardening activity decreased their time of social isolation and encouraged them to engage in a form of exercise that involved stretching and bending.
Although the tomato season has come to an end, the peppers and okra plants will be accessible for a little longer. This will benefit them financially with the rising cost of food sold in local grocery stores. They also get the benefit of eating fresher produce that is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals for maintaining good health.
As canning season approaches, the harvested vegetables can be preserved to be edible through the winter season and beyond.
FMI Foundation Awards $3,000 Scholarship to Lincoln University Graduate Student
Congratulations to LU graduate student Ms. Nikita Bhusal, recipient of a $3,000 scholarship grant from the FMI Foundation for the 2021‐2022 academic year!
According to the FMI Foundation, “scholarships are awarded to students currently enrolled in food and agricultural science majors who have a true interest in the field of accredited food safety auditing.
These scholarships are extremely competitive and applicants are evaluated on academic ability; leadership potential; motivation and initiative; along with a passion for the food industry and the auditing profession.”
These monetary awards are granted to assist students financially in their pursuit to work professionally in the field of accredited food safety auditing.
Funds are allowed to be used to offset tuition, fees, books, room & board, or other educational expenses and does not have to be repaid.
In addition to the $3,000 scholarship grant, the FMI Foundation provides either of two options:
Option 1
Complimentary registration to virtually attend the SQF Global Conference scheduled for October 26‐28, 2021
Invitation to an SQF webinar to identify career path options and additional free educational opportunities, such as a complimentary registration for a SQF auditing course.
Option 2
Defer to attend the 2022 SQF Global Conference. The FMI Foundation will also cover hotel, meals and roundtrip airfare.
****************
Ms. Bhusal currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Food Technology at Purbanchal University in Nepal and is working towards her Master in Sustainable Agriculture Degree at Lincoln University. Upon graduation, she plans to a pursue a PhD program in food safety or food microbiology, ultimately establishing herself as a future entrepreneur.
Year-Round Teaching and Learning for Farmers and Urban Gardeners in Missouri and Beyond the U.S. Border
Distance Training for Farmers in Mexico on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Agriculture
On September 8, Dr. Eleazar Gonzalez's Agricultural Economics and Marketing Small Sustainable Farms Program (AEMP) conducted an international webinar titled “Agricultura Sustentable: Emprendimiento Inclusivo y Desarrollo Comunitario” (Sustainable Agriculture: Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Community Development).
His program delivered this online presentation in Spanish to students, faculty, and farmers at the University of Chihuahua, Mexico. The one-hour conference aimed to increase the knowledge about agricultural practices with a sustainable print and its impact on inclusive entrepreneurship and community development.
On September 10 and 14, as part of the collaboration with the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA), the LU Cooperative Extension Agricultural Economics and Marketing Program attended two urban farm visits to assess the urban farm capacity to receive and sustain funds offered by the CCUA Kirklin Scholarship program.
Fall Gardening Entrepreneurship Webinar Collaborates with LU Specialty Crops and Native Plants Program
In September, Dr. Gonzalez also delivered a presentation module related to his ongoing gardening entrepreneurship webinar program. The webinar was entitled “Sustaining the Garden- Fall and Winter Crops.” This module hosted speakers from Lincoln University Specialty Crops and the Native Plants program.
Ms. Sue Bartelette (LU Landscaper) taught gardening management and transitioning from summer to fall and winter gardening and introduced participants to winter specialty crops.
Dr. Navarrete-Tindall (LU Specialty Crop Specialist) presented helpful tips and information on garden management, pollinators, and the LU Finca Eco-Farm program. Finally, Dr. Gonzalez lectured on how to develop marketing strategies to improve their businesses.
LU Extension and MU Extension Poultry Specialists Collaborate to Offer Backyard Laying Hen Workshop in Howard County
Essential Information Provided for Novice and Experienced Hen Owners
On October 16, 2021, Dr. Tatijana Fisher (State Poultry Specialist at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension) and Ms. Heather Conrow (Livestock Specialist at University of Missouri Extension) collaborated to conduct a hands-on Backyard Laying Hen Workshop at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Fayette, Missouri.
The workshop was designed to provide useful information for participants who either were thinking about getting chickens or those who already own a bustling farmers market egg business.
The workshop presentation topics included:
- Getting started with chickens
- Managing laying hens
- Establishing good biosecurity practices
- Handling eggs for human consumption
Additional hands-on activities included equipment demonstrations, evaluating laying hens, and candling eggs.
The engaging, hands-on workshop was comprised of ten participants, including three youth participants. Most of the participants did not have any experience raising chickens, but were very interested in getting started with small flocks. These participants particularly enjoyed having an opportunity to “get their hands dirty.”
As a group, they learned how to properly hold a chicken and how to determine whether she is laying or not. They also learned how to candle an egg to evaluate its internal qualities to determine its grade, which is very important for individuals interested in selling their eggs to know.
Finally, participants had the opportunity to get familiar with a variety of equipment including waterers, feeders, nest boxes, egg chandlers, egg cartons and other essentials.
The variety of equipment options available for small-flock chicken keepers can be overwhelming, mainly because equipment is often not sold in stores. By having an opportunity to see some of the equipment in person, participants were able to get a feel for the various pros/cons of different options that will help them select the best equipment for their situation.
Building on the success of the Backyard Laying Hen Workshop, Dr. Fisher and Ms. Conrow are in the process of planning additional chicken-related workshops for 2022. These workshops will focus on raising chickens for meat and exhibition poultry.
Grant Award
USDA Award of $623,189.00 was granted to Dr. Touria Eaton (LU Horticulture Program), in collaboration with Dr. Homero Salinas (LU Small Ruminant Program) and Dr. Tatijana Fisher (LU Poultry Program).
The USDA Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach (FOTO) program is intended to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers (SDVFRs) and beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs) in the ownership and operation of farms and ranches. It provides funds to assist with education and training. It also promotes equitable participation in the agricultural programs of USDA.
Research Journal Publication
Data Article
Research Journal Publication
Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States b Cooperative Research Programs, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States
A B S T R A C T
Aquaculture contributes to the global animal protein supply and the prevention of malnutrition and diet-related diseases (FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations); Fiorella et al., 2021). In particular, fish is a significant source of animal protein, fatty acids (e.g., docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid), vitamins, and essential trace elements in the human diet. Nonetheless, fish bioaccumulates metals from their diet and habitat. This data article includes information on the concentrations of 4 essential and 4 non-essential trace elements in cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the human health risks through fish consumption in the adult population. Concentrations of four essential (Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) and four non-essential (As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) elements were quantified in ninety-one O. mykiss samples from an in-door production system. Total mercury (THg) levels in samples were determined by AAS, and other analyzed trace elements were measured by ICP-OES after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The highest concentrations of metals/metalloid (mg/kg wet weight) in fish muscle were Cr (0.44), Cu (4.21), Ni (1.01), As (0.47), Cd (0.045), Pb (0.65), THg (0.029), and Zn (6.21). The average concentrations of Cr and Pb exceeded their respective maximum limit. In most cases, median metal concentrations significantly (p < 0.05) differed across the fish size groups (small: 264–295 mm; medium: 300–395 mm; and large: 400–552 mm). The median concentrations of Cd, Zn, and THg in the large size group differed significantly (p < 0.05) between genders. The estimated weekly intake values of quantified elements from muscle were below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment in adult consumers, being below one (THQ ≤ 1; and TTHQ ≤ 1), indicated an insignificant health hazard. The estimated incremental and cumulative cancer risks in the adult class through Cr, As, Ni, and Pb exposure were greater than the benchmark (10−5). Accordingly, high dietary intake of metals/metalloid from cultured O. mykiss posed a risk of carcinogenesis in the adult risk class.
© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.
Other Article Publications
Navarrete-Tindall, Nadia. "The FINCA Project at Lincoln University in Missouri." AgEBB, University of Missouri Extension - CAFNR, Volume 25, Number 3, Fall 2021, http://agebb.missouri.edu/agforest/archives/v25n3/gh4.php.
Program of University of Missouri Extension | Published by AgEBB Staff
Dr. Nadia Tindall is the Native Plants Specialist (Specialty Crops and Native Plants Program at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension)
Journeying into 4-H with the 4-H STEM Challenge!
Continuing the Success of the 4-H STEM Programs
STEM has been a priority for 4-H programming over the past decade. One way that 4-H has solidified this commitment to STEM education is by introducing the 4-H STEM Challenge. Each year land-grant universities are invited to submit proposals to the National 4-H Council for this challenge. A proposal is selected and made available to youth throughout the county.
In 2020, the Caruthersville LUCE Outreach Center introduced a “STEM Night” in Pemiscot and Dunklin counties. The success of these evening events, which used the 2020 4-H STEM Challenge - Mars Base Camp, prompted Ms. Mariann Wright (Area Educator) to request five classroom kits for the 2021 challenge. Ms. Dawn Jordan (Program Assistant) co-facilitated these workshops that offered two hands-on activities.
Galactic Quest is the current year’s theme and focuses on the mysteries and adventures of space exploration. Youth built a telescope, which they used for exploration, emphasizing the importance of each part. Good teamwork was displayed by youth as they worked to build and their telescope to accomplish the mission’s goal.
The second activity involved cyber-security and an explanation of how a cipher is used to decode a message. Teams worked together to establish their own messages and worked to decode those of the other teams. These events allowed youth the opportunity to explore physics, engineering, and computer science in a fun and interactive environment. As a result, youth asked for additional STEM Nights to be scheduled. Additional nights are now planned for regular 4-H programming for youth in two counties.
In an effort to make hands-on, quality educational resources available to youth in the Bootheel, LUCE 4-H is introducing 4-H STEM Challenge Kits for area youth to borrow. Each kit will contain the guide and materials needed to complete each activity for up to four participants. Kits are available at no cost to check out and may be borrowed for up to two weeks.
The 2021 4-H STEM Challenge is a great way for youth to try out 4-H and get involved in LUCE programming while learning foundational STEM skills.
Fall Lamb Harvest Webinar
This webinar explains and demonstrates skills in ante mortem inspection, stunning, shackling, bleeding, and much more.
GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Francisco Najar - Meat Scientist
Kansas State University and International Sales at UltraSource LLC
LU presentation facilitators were Dr. Homero Salinas (Extension State Specialist, Animal Science - Small Ruminants) and Ms. Amy Bax (Cooperative Extension Associate)
Credits:
Created with images by MaxxGirr - "pumpkin vegetables autumn" • Pezibear - "anemone blue flowers" • misskursovie2013 - "background texture design" • MasterTux - "cannabis hemp plant" • SandeepHanda - "housefly insect fly" • No-longer-here - "rat water rate rodent" • Katya_Ershova - "greenhouse planting spring" • AKuptsova - "pickles blanks cucumbers" • KoalaParkLaundromat - "bbq barbecue gauge" • thomas0000 - "straw hat farmer sweet potato farming" • congerdesign - "egg feather chicken feather"