COOPERATIVE EXTENSION MAJOR PROGRAM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVERVIEW
YEAR 2001
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment, and
Community and Rural Development Programs
CEMP 2 - PUBLIC ISSUES EDUCATION
Land-use planning and community design are important issues in North Carolina and Extension is educating citizens and government officials about farmland preservation and growth management options. Farmland preservation areas and voluntary agricultural districts have protected over 6,200 acres so far in Ashe, Watauga, and Stanly counties. Cleveland, Caswell, Anson, Buncombe, Davidson, Sampson, Randolph, and Surry counties have developed or are in the process of developing land-use plans with input from the agricultural community - plans that consider agricultural land as a valuable resource. The issue of coastal erosion and maintaining a protective dune system was addressed in Brunswick County with volunteers providing labor to plant vegetation to protect dunes. Water quality issues addressed by NC Cooperative Extension include education about compliance with agricultural rules in some river basins. Farmer committees have provided input leading to a compromise on some rules to reduce the negative impact on farmers. Other water quality educational efforts involved meetings, newsletters, and slide sets to educate the public. Grants have been obtained for stream improvement and demonstration projects in the state's river basins. Other efforts have included dialogue with farmers about the upcoming farm bill, electricity deregulation, and adoption of a county environmental policy.
Several counties are involved in the development and implementation of farmland preservation programs, growth management strategies, and land-use planning. Two counties have implemented programs that have preserved nearly 6,000 acres, and many counties have generated interest from numerous local and absentee landowners.
Water quality is a high priority issue in most counties and communities in North Carolina. Extension programs have engaged and equipped over 750 citizens and public officials to address conflicts and reach consensus on water quality issues.
Communities are increasingly faced with controversial and contentious issues.
Extension has worked with communities to develop leadership capability and in 2001 has engaged with 96 communities to address conflicts and reach consensus on issues of community direction and action.
CEMP 03: AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The aim of this major program is to develop and implement educational programs to improve clientele understanding of the complex relationships between agriculture and the environment. The programs are targeted to livestock, poultry and aquaculture producers; field crop producers; nursery, greenhouse, turf and landscape professionals; agribusiness professionals; agricultural service agencies; special interest groups; and pesticide applicators. For program audiences identified above, the following number of counties reported against this major program:
Livestock, poultry and aquaculture producers--42 counties
Field crop producers--49 counties
Nursery, greenhouse, turf and landscape professionals--31 counties
Agribusiness professionals--17 counties
Agricultural service agencies--36 counties
Special interest groups--25 counties
Pesticide applicators--80 counties
In order for producers to comply with environmental regulations and maintain economic viability, many must implement management and or structural practices and other strategies to reduce sedimentation, nutrient losses, and off-target movement of pesticides. In addition, many farmers and other agriculturally related operators must now receive specific training and be certified to manage complex waste management, nutrient application, and pesticide use systems. Cooperative Extension provides most of the curriculum and training for these certification programs. This major program, including education, training and demonstrations, helps extension's customers make sound decisions that protect the environment and maintain productivity through adoption of sound practices to manage water, wastes, soil, nutrients and pesticides.
The following impacts to this program were reported statewide. Eighty-five percent of the animal waste operators implemented approved waste utilization plans on over 600,000 A. that used more than 44 million pounds of nutrients valued at $10.3 million. Nutrient management plans for an additional 269,268 A. of cropland fertilized with commercial fertilizer reduced nutrient use by 147,100 pounds. Soil conservation best management practices applied to 2.2 million A. of cropland reduced soil erosion by 1.8 million tons. In excess of 50,000 new acres were established as field borders, filter strips and permanent cover, and 4,279 A. were established in new wildlife habitat. New riparian buffers were established on 1,897 miles of intermittent and perennial streams. 3 Farmers adopted nearly 8,700 new pesticide BMPS, such as scouting and biological control, on 690,000 A. and reduced pesticide use by over 56,700 pounds. In addition, over 172,500 pesticide containers were collected and recycled. 2,439 waste operators or applicators were certified to manage waste systems, and 3,190 nursery, greenhouse and turf professionals were certified. Pesticide applicator certifications or recertifications were received by 29,000 applicators.
Volunteer in-kind service: $210,000
Specific Impacts:
Nutrient testing procedures were promoted and explained to growers managing over 890,000 A. The nutrient tests enabled growers to properly use 18.4 million pounds of nitrogen and 21.9 million pounds of phosphorus.
Pesticide container recycling saved growers and counties $719,000 in landfill costs.
Ornamental, turf and landscape management professionals implemented 19,167 new BMPs to conserve and protect the environment and reduce nutrient use on over 31,500 A.
Biotechnologies and integrated approaches to pest management were associated with a reduction in pesticide use of 126,000 pounds of active ingredient, saving growers money and helping manage pesticides environmentally safely.
CEMP 04: ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SYSTEMS
The Animal Production and Marketing Systems major program focused on three objectives:
Producers and marketers of livestock, poultry and aquatic species will select, adopt and successfully implement practices or enterprises that will achieve individual and family goals related to profitability and quality of life (69 counties reporting);
Farm and non-farm citizens will address controversial issues of mutual concern that relate to animal agriculture (36 counties reporting); and
Youth involved in animal projects will improve personal development and learn leadership and other skills related to animal husbandry (44 counties reporting).
Program emphasized biosecurity, emergency preparedness, best management production practices, marketing strategies, financial management, food quality and safety, and leadership development.
Selection, adoption and implementation of improved practices and enterprises helped animal producers achieve profitability and quality of life goals. Through extension program efforts, 21,393 producers increased awareness and knowledge of best management production practices, and 9,019 of these producers adopted management practices that optimized income. Almost 3,000 producers improved farm financial planning practices and procedures. Collectively, it was estimated that $17 million in income accrued from adoption of recommended nutrition, breeding, marketing, building/facilities, health and general management practices. About 2,300 farms adopted standards, practices or procedures to address industry concerns related to environmental compliance, food safety, animal care, product quality assurance and other issues.
In youth animal related programs 18,462 youth demonstrated acquired skills and knowledge through participation in animal projects and events. Of these, 1,938 youth participated in multi-state, national or international events. 197 animal project youth participants received almost $84,000 in scholarships. Also, 1,738 youth received $601,552 above market price provided by community supporters of youth animal projects and sales. Enhanced personal development and leadership skills were demonstrated by 1,469 youth as a part of project related activities.
Volunteer in-kind service: $389,520
Specific Impacts:
Turkey health losses from immunodeficiency, enteric problems, and leg abnormalities have been largely alleviated through adoption of extension recommended improvements in nutrition and management, resulting in an economic benefit of $4 million.
Extension assisted beef cattle marketing efforts netted producers an added $840,000 in state graded and truckload lot sales.
Several counties have organized to purchase mineral supplements and other inputs for cattle producers; they have realized a savings of $47,000.
Extension educational programs and trouble-shooting mycotoxin problems in dairy herds benefit the dairy industry by $4 million annually.
Producers of ruminants are using extension recommendations to manage use of low cost byproducts in feeding programs, saving over $1 million annually.
Results of the North Carolina on-farm performance testing program for swine show a reduction of 2 days in days to 250 pounds and .05 in. less fat thickness. If the improvement in days to 250 pounds is applied to replacements associated with production of 1.25 million market hogs annually, the net benefit would be over $400,000.
Forty-six percent of participants in horse short courses indicated an intention of implementing practices that would save or increase incomes by $717,000.
Livestock, poultry and aquaculture producers realized over $16 million economic benefit from implementing strategies from extension programs to improve nutrition management, breeding strategies, marketing approaches, buildings and facilities improvements, and animal health management.
CEMP 6 - COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Extension programs in Community and Economic Development have stressed the importance of community organizations and leadership in those organizations and in local government. Extension has helped organize groups to address low achievement in schools by having families work together; to address conditions and circumstances in public housing; to improve the visual quality of the community through beautification, recycling, greenway trails, and antilitter efforts; and to rebuild after catastrophic events. Leadership is a significant component for communities to be vital and sustainable. Extension through Community Voices has assisted special audiences and others in building those leadership skills necessary to make a difference. Extension faculty have also become recognized as preferred providers in leadership development and having significant participation in Leadership Cherokee County, Natural Resources Leadership Institute and other leadership programs. The increasing Hispanic/Latino population has provided Extension with the opportunity to expand programs and provide assistance to this new audience. English as Second Language, driving, health and hygiene, and pesticide use are just some of the programs offered to Spanish speaking residents. Efforts are underway in Watauga County to organized Hispanic Women's groups so they can guide programs to support this community. Sustainable tourism continues to be a high need program for landowners and farmers as they wish to find ways to diversify their enterprise and make the farm profitable. In 2001 extension agents went through training on assisting individuals and local governments with tourism development and operation. Over 20 county extension programs currently have some effort in developing tourism as another economic resource. This number continues to grow. In addition programs continue on small and home-based businesses. In 2001 county extension programs resulted in attraction of 66 businesses in counties and 12 new start-up enterprises were created with a combined annual payroll of over $650,000.
The Hispanic/Latino population in North Carolina is growing rapidly. In several counties, Extension is taking the lead in assisting new residents in learning English and the various government services opportunities and responsibilities. One county has had to increase the number of English as Second Language classes from two per week to five per week because of the demand.
Tourism from natural resources and agricultural enterprises is a growing opportunity for many in North Carolina. Numerous farmers and entrepreneurs take part in extension programs to learn more about the opportunities and how to conduct the enterprise. In one state-wide training 95% of the 34 participants felt they were sufficiently equipped to start a sustainable tourism enterprise.
Extension educational programs have resulted in counties attracting 66 businesses having a payroll of over $600,000.
Twelve small and home-based businesses were established in 2001 with an initial payroll of $69,500.
CEMP 07: CROP PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SYSTEMS
The aim of this major program is to develop and provide educational programs to enhance growers capacities to produce a wide array of field, horticultural, and ornamental crops profitably and in environmentally safe ways. Emphasis is given to providing program opportunities for part-time and limited resource farmers, agribusiness professionals, farm organizations and agribusinesses to effectively function in complex and global agricultural systems. Support for family farms and local communities to thrive economically in agriculture continues to be a major emphasis as well. Seventy-nine counties reported impacts under this major program.
The educational approaches of this program have been designed to help create and support the abilities and capacities of crop farmers to adapt to a variety of changes and sustain their operations economically, environmentally and in a manner, to support society. In some of the major commodity program crops, farmers have implemented alternative production practices, initiated new enterprises through diversification, and have learned to manage production and marketing risk to remain viable. An estimated additional $21 million impact was realized from implementation of equipment adaptation, modified cultural practices and improved pest management systems. Profitability increased almost $15 million through adoption of new tobacco marketing strategies. Part-time and limited resource farmers have used research based principles to add income through crop diversification, intensive management systems, improved water and nutrient management, and more effective marketing plans and strategies. By adopting new crop production practices, irrigation methods, intensive management systems and crop diversification, these farmers realized over $4 million in added income. In addition, 412 farmers implemented specific sustainability based practices.
Growers and other agribusiness professionals have evaluated and implemented appropriate alternatives to conventional pesticides to enhance productivity, protect the environment, and add to profitability. Counties reported that through using Integrated Pest Managementstrategies, farmers reduced pesticide use by 234,534 pounds of active ingredient and reduced costs by $3.75 million.
Farmers have learned about and integrated least cost methods to comply with environmental, safety, and other regulations to protect the environment, natural resources and farmers and their employees. By practicing wise use of soil, tissue and waste analyses, farmers were able to save $2.9 million as they practiced effective nutrient management and helped protect the environment.
Farmers and the public have gained in their understanding and application of biotechnologies, both in terms of benefits and limitations. Growers have rapidly adopted bioengineered crops and have realized about $5 million added income from increases in yields, reduction in labor and equipment costs and reduced pesticide use.
And finally, farmers, agricultural organizations and agribusinesses, are adapting to changing local and global markets to help optimize agricultural income to farms and rural communities. Increased income estimated at $4.2 million resulted from improved marketing strategies and development and marketing of new products.
CEMP 10 - FOREST PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING
The main effort of the Forest Products Manufacturing program is to increase the competitiveness and profitability of North Carolina's wood products industry, improve markets, and increase consumer understanding of wood products and their proper use. To meet this goal, faculty conducted, organized or participated in 67 workshops, conferences, seminars, short courses, and classes for the wood products industry and consumer audiences. These efforts reached an estimated 3,710 individuals. These activities resulted in 100 firms adopting new manufacturing techniques, 91 consumers adopting practices related to the selection, use, and maintenance of wood products, 1,695 individuals increasing their knowledge of the economic importance of the wood products industry, and 795 consumers increasing their understanding of forest products and their proper use. In economic terms these activities resulted in the following impact: $1,201,500 saved through improved utilization or productivity.
As a result of extension educational programs and workshops, 100 forest products manufacturers adopted new manufacturing techniques to improve profitability and competitiveness.
An extension educational program helped one upholstered furniture manufacturing firm decide against a large capital investment resulting in a savings of $1,200,000.
CEMP 11: FOOD SAFETY, QUALITY AND MANUFACTURING
The objectives of this major program are: 1) participants will adopt behaviors that decrease the risk of foodborne illnesses; 2) people will increase knowledge of and confidence in the safety and acceptability of bioengineered foods and food products; 3) food processors will adopt new technologies, employ qualified personnel, and develop in-house quality assurance programs to ensure regulatory compliance, growth and profitability; and 4) food products manufacturing entrepreneurs will implement business management, quality assurance, technology applications, and regulatory compliance to support sustained growth and profitability. Consumer-oriented programs are delivered primarily through the county food safety agents, while much of the work with food processors and food manufacturing entrepreneurs is provided by extension specialists in the Department of Food Science. Sixty-nine counties reported program measures of progress and impacts in this program area.
Food handler certification training programs were provided to 245 food handlers, service workers, regulators and others. Twenty-three additional people were trained to be trainers in food safety and handling. During the year, about 18,000 people who are in some way involved in food handling received educational programs in ways to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Almost 2,000 received actual certification of their increased knowledge and capacity to apply and teach the principles of safe food handling. In addition, almost 18,000 consumers benefited from these programs. Two hundred fifty food processors adopted new manufacturing technologies to support regulatory compliance, food safety, profitability and growth of their businesses. Eighty new companies receiving information from the program began manufacturing food products.
Sixteen million dollars of value was added to the food system through greater understanding and application of biotechnologies and other food technologies. An estimated 15,000 safe food handling practices were implemented by consumers, food service workers, handlers, regulators and others. In addition, significant business activity and employment will result from the 80 new food manufacturing businesses established.
Volunteer in-kind service: $42,500
Specific Impacts:
80 small food processing or manufacturing businesses complied with HACCP and other food safety regulations.
Processing demonstrations on cold binding technologies helped Wanchese Fish Co. revolutionize production of their scallop medallion products. They are expanding their operation to other new value added products in a 170,000 sq. ft. state-or-the-art operation in southeastern Virginia.
Poultry plant HACCP-trained employees will conduct in-plant HACCP audits, saving the average poultry processing plant $15,000 in training and consulting fees.
In response to a listeriosis outbreak in the Winston-Salem area, a team of professionals, including Cooperative Extension workers, determined the cause and developed educational materials for the Hispanic consumers, cheese-makers, and others to avoid the potential for listeria in these locally-produced cheese products. The team also worked with the diary that produced the milk to revise teat preparation before milking and equipment cleaning procedures to enable the farm to produce listeria-free milk.
With support of a USDA grant, faculty in Horticultural Science and Food Science, developed and provided training to over 200 extension agents from across the southeast region in principles of Good Agricultural Practices in the production of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables. The aim of the system of GAPs is to reduce the introduction of human foodborne pathogens in these foods.
CEMP 14 ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT OVERVIEW
CEMP 14 is focused on assisting both commercial and small, part-time and limited resource producers identify, analyze, select and implement alternative opportunities to increase their income. Program efforts have been made in developing and disseminating information on commercial horticulture specialty crops, niche markets and agri-tourism. The team continues to emphasize business planning to address issues of risk in production and marketing. It also helped in developing and disseminating information to assist farmers in coping with change as alternative enterprises are considered in response tobacco quota reductions and continued low commodity prices. The team also provided information to help these audiences respond to the effects of Hurricane Floyd.
Reporting units documented the following accomplishments. Over 2,800 producers became aware of opportunities and indicated an interest in developing alternative enterprises. Of those, 910 growers actually initiated use of new methods, new practices or tried new enterprise production, and 2,827 producers gained knowledge about alternative production and marketing strategies. Approximately half of the beneficiaries of this program were small, part-time and limited resource farmers and their families.
Statewide impacts indicate significant incremental income as a result of producers exploring and implementing new production and marketing practices and new enterprises. These impacts included:
Producers invested $2,428,250 in the production and marketing of alternative enterprises and related strategies.
These new investments produced additional gross income estimated at $2,066,075 to these producers.
Volunteer involvement multiplies the educational capacity of this program. During 1999, 389 volunteers contributed 8,257 hours of time and effort, valued at $82,570.
CEMP 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
The Natural Resources Conservation and Management program focuses on the significant forest, wildlife, water and fishery resources in the state of North Carolina. Particular programmatic emphases are on youth and adult environmental education that improve understanding of ecological processes and management techniques that conserve the environment, provide economic return, or provide other benefits to society. Over 5,698 youth and adults participated in Extension environmental education programs. Many of these were programs conducted at schools, field days, 4-H and scout meetings and camps as well as traditional workshops and demonstrations. Another area is in the enhancement of decision-making regarding natural resources issues. The intent is to assist in this process as well as provide programs that improve the quality of the decisions being made. This resulted in over 3,272 people participating in programs that increased their awareness of people's involvement in the environment. A result is that there has been an increase in 1,984 people participating in forums and public meetings related to land use and natural resources planning. The forest resource in North Carolina is a significant economic and natural resource. Landowners and professionals benefit from learning about new management techniques, marketing strategies and tax laws. Over 92,000 acres of forestland have protected water quality because of Extension-endorsed "Best Management Practices." The Natural Resources Conservation and Management program produced over 6.6 million dollars in value to our clients and utilized 987 volunteers as they invested 7,030 hours of their time.
Extension provides continuing education opportunities for natural resources professionals. Over 60 professionals have been trained, and the Forestry Issues Forum Teleconference in one day awarded 315 Continuing Forestry Education credits and did so at a savings of $18.84 per $1.00 invested by using distance education technology. Total savings for participants for that one program was $13,470.
Landowners are often contacted by individuals wanting to buy their timber. Extension programs and contacts assist landowners in obtaining professional assistance. In just three incidents in 2001, extension saved landowners at least $316,500 over what they would have received if they had sold to the initial buyer, and in one case the logger was arrested for timber trespass and theft.
Estate, income and property tax laws can be confusing for forest landowners. Extension programs on these laws increased the after tax income of 471 landowners.
An important aspect of forestry, conservation, management and marketing programs is the adoption of best management practices to protect water quality. In 2001 an additional 92,925 acres were put under best management practices increasing the protection of water for all citizens.
CEMP 17: RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY HORTICULTURE, TURF, FORESTRY, AND PEST MANAGEMENT
The aim of this major program is to increase the knowledge of North Carolina citizens and nonprofit organizations in consumer horticulture and structural pest management. Through a variety of programs, gardeners, homeowners, and landscape caretakers acquire knowledge and skills to install and maintain gardens and landscapes that are productive, aesthetically pleasing, and economically viable while ensuring environmental stewardship. The following numbers of counties reported against the program objectives:
best management practices for residential and public facility pests--39 counties
plant selection, cultural practices and pest management--68 counties
youth programs in gardening, plants, insects and the environment--43 counties
This major program emphasized several elements. First, integrated pest management (IPM) principles were taught and promoted, in which efforts are required to determine when, where and how pests are becoming a problem. Then, decisions are made and strategies employed to deal with the pest problem(s) in an effective, economical and environmentally safe manner. Second, selection of plant materials, cultural best management practices and environmental stewardship are emphasized as important elements in garden and landscape design, installation and maintenance. Significant resources are devoted to training and deploying Master Gardener trained volunteers in support of this major program. School learning experiences, community demonstration gardens and Junior Master Gardener are some of the major program elements in the youth objective.
Statewide, 155,000 participants adopted IPM practices, including improved decision-making in determining the need to spray pesticides and/or use professional pest control services. Over 161,000 people reduced their risk of insecticide exposure through targeted use of insecticides. Almost 72,000 people adopted two or more recommended cultural practices that enhance plant growth while minimizing inputs, and 66,487 participants adopted two or more practices that reduce pesticide or fertilizer misuse and water consumption. Program participants save $1.3 million by selection of proper cultural and pest management practices. Over 12,400 youth increased their personal responsibility by growing and caring for plants in their homes, home landscapes or gardens. Another 14,726 youth demonstrated increased proficiencies in understanding and application of horticultural skills.
Master Gardener Volunteer in-kind service: $2.22 million (time, effort, educational materials, travel and funds raised)
Specific Impacts:
Over 2,900 Master Gardener volunteers donated 184,000 hours to answering telephone calls, diagnosing plant samples, manning exhibits, presenting TV or radio shows, writing news articles, presenting programs to groups, conducting school programs and developing school gardens.
The consumer horticulture web site received over 10 million hits during the year.
Mass media and seminar series were used help educate citizens and promote wise use of water in landscapes. One program focused on wise use of landscape irrigation water; subsequently, water use decreased by 15%; in another, participants began mulching their gardens and reduced irrigation by 29% and saved between $10 and $15 per household.
Two programs in Buncombe county focused on gardening for at-risk youth and "Plant a Row for the Hungry." Together the two programs produced almost 16,000 pounds of produce for needy and at-risk families.
"Trees of Strength" was born out of a Master Gardener's idea immediately after the disaster on September 11. The program promoted planting trees to remember those people lost on September 11 and to honor those who protect and defend our country. Master Gardener volunteers are coordinating efforts statewide to plant memorial trees at each fire and police station across the state, as well as at other public facilities and private homes.
Family and Consumer Science Programs
Strengthening and Sustaining Families
Family and Consumer Science programs are based on an ecological programming model, which focuses on the individual and family within the fabric of the community. Programs are designed based on demonstrated need for NC citizens, as identified by local advisory councils. They are supported by a base of university research and are linked to federal base programs and initiatives. Partnerships have been developed with other agencies and organizations who have an interest in family well-being. Many of these programs are enhanced by nearly $14,000,000 annually in extramural resources from grants and contracts.
These programs form the base of education for Family and Consumer Education. They have been documented as valued and successful over time.
Family Resource Management
The Family Resource Management program promotes informed personal finance and other consumer decision making by individuals and families. The program contains four major focus areas: money management and financial planning, consumer decision-making, affordable housing and the housing environment, legal issues affecting families and small businesses.
Food and Nutrition/Wellness
The food and nutrition/wellness program promotes optimum nutrition and healthy lifestyle management for positive outcomes throughout life. Nutritional status has a direct impact upon health, quality of life and the ability to achieve physical and mental potential. The program contains three major focus areas: nutrition, health issues related to nutrition, and food safety for people of all ages.
Human Development
The human development program deals with strengthening the family as a basic unit of society, through educational programs for parents, families, parents and others who care for dependent children and the aging. The program contains five program focus areas: child development and care, parenting, family relationships, adult development and aging, and community strategies for helping families become self-sufficient.
Volunteer Leadership Development
Leadership development builds the capacity of individuals, groups and organizations to address issues in a community. Volunteer development enhances the potential for beneficial community service. Volunteer leadership development enhances human capacity at the individual and community level. The program contains four program focus areas: designing and managing volunteer systems; collaboration with volunteer partners such as Extension and Community Association and master volunteers; creating a network of community leaders and resources; and mentoring.
Initiatives and emerging issues increase the dimensions and value of the Family and Consumer Science educational program. These include programs on: Public Policy and Community Capacity Building; Hispanic-Latino Programming; and Rural Health. In 2001, Family and Consumer Science education programs targeted the emerging issue of biotechnology and food safety for individuals across the state working with consumer food safety.
Educational programs that help families and individuals develop and sustain economic and personal resiliency are based in six Cooperative Extension Major Programs: Aging With Gusto, Family and Consumer Economics, Family and Parent Education, Health and Human Safety, Nutrition and Wellness, and Residential and Community Water and Waste Management.
CEMP 01 - AGING WITH GUSTO!
The Aging with Gusto! Program is designed to help adults of all ages understand and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of life in the middle and later years. The program is multidisciplinary and includes topics from all the fields of family and consumer education. Individuals who participated in educational programs related to aging placed a value of nearly $582,119 on increased financial status, improved health benefits, and improved medicine and food safety practices as a result of these programs.
A large number of individuals (5466) reported increased awareness and knowledge of financial management techniques and consumer issues, while 2695 reported changing behaviors in this area. 2389 persons reported an increased awareness and knowledge of estate planning and 872 reported adoption of new practices with regard to estate planning. 1911 people increased awareness and knowledge of retirement planning practices and 351 reported adopting new practices. The impact of these programs include development of estate plans (700), development of plans for possible future incompetency and dependency (702), improved financial status (2739). The value of increased savings and/or retirement contributions is estimated at $332,151.
Over 16,000 (16,196) increased awareness and knowledge of healthy behaviors such as lowering fat intake and increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Over 800 (893) increased knowledge of community resources.
1,115 volunteers gave 3,944 hours @$10/hour for a total value of $39,440.
CEMP 08 - FAMILY AND CONSUMER ECONOMICS
Family and Consumer Economics promotes informed personal finance and other consumer decision making by individuals and families, emphasizing education to prevent financial problems. For persons who already have serious financial problems, Family and Consumer Education Agents make informed referrals to counseling and intervention services. Individuals who participated in family and consumer economics programs reported increased income, debt reduction, improved savings and other income benefits valued at more than $2,845,850.
Programs in 63 counties assisted 62,113 individuals in increasing their awareness and knowledge of money management, financial/consumer decision making, financial resources, and or practices to extend or increase income. 1931 volunteers gave their time to Family and Consumer Economics programs with a value of time of $205,060.
1,911Volunteers gave 20,506 hours @$10/hour for a total value of $205,506
Limited resource families continue to develop skills and adopt behaviors which allow them to reach their financial goals, including debt reduction and increased savings. Consumer decision programs in 28 counties focused on selecting consumer products and services such as: financial services (credit, saving and investing options); health insurance (Medicare+Choice and LTC); and recognition/ avoidance of consumer fraud (telemarketing, credit, and Medicare fraud). Strong partnering with Seniors Health Insurance Program (SHIIP) and the Attorney General's Office continued in most counties.
Seventeen counties conducted educational efforts to help families extend income.
Objective one states:
5,231 people in 34 counties reported increased awareness and knowledge about money management and decision-making processes; 2028 wrote personal financial goals. Debt was reduced by $73,012, and more than $70,497 dollars were saved.
Agents continue to partner with community organizations and agencies to reach audiences and develop new programming including Goodwill, YMCA, Community Colleges, Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, Family Resource Centers, Work First participants, correctional and parole units, DSS, the Faith Community, FEMA and Habitat for Humanity.
Objective two states:
In 25 counties, 1631 people demonstrated success in planning the use of financial resources. 1188 demonstrated ongoing use of budgeting and record-keeping skills. 664 developed and implemented a life-cycle plan. 946 improved financial status from using best management financial practices, estimating their debt reduction to be $10,889, and estimating savings/investment increases at $400,385.
Agents continue to partner with community organizations and agencies to reach audiences and develop new programming.
Objective three states:
In 25 counties, 930 people demonstrated success in finding and securing affordable housing. 2541 avoided costs through routine maintenance and repair, estimating $1,837,311 in cost avoidance (an average of $723 per person). 1710 increased house value through addition of home improvement (an average of $817 per home).
Objective four states:
In 28 counties, 1905 people avoided costs through appropriate selection and care of consumer goods, estimating $77,209 in cost avoidance. 2278 avoided costs through appropriate selection of consumer service, estimating $201,346 in cost avoidance. 2144 improved financial status through adoption of best management practices. 272 increased participation in public policy debate on consumer issues.
Consumer decision programs in 28 counties focused on selecting consumer products and services; health insurance and recognition/ avoidance of consumer fraud. Strong partnering with SHIIP and the Attorney General's office continued in most counties.
Objective five states:
In 17 counties, 1894 people extended income through use of best management practices, resulting in an estimated income extension of $175,201. Programs resulted in an estimated dollar value of $367,411 from new or improved employment situations and an estimated dollar value of $64,558 from new or improved self-employment situations.
CEMP 09 - FAMILY AND PARENT EDUCATION
The Family and Parent Education Cooperative Extension Major Program is helping parents and families acquire and develop skills needed to foster responsibility, cooperation, courage and self- esteem. More than 11,500 participants reported increase in knowledge of these skills. In addition 7,315 individuals reported adopting practices that would improve their personal or family life, and 3,085 reported learning new skills to deal with the challenges of life. According to 3,194 learners, stronger family relationships were achieved, and an overall improvement in the quality of life was reported by 3,633 program participants.
Objective 1: More than 6,900 parents in 60 counties reported increasing their knowledge and skills in parenting practices, and 2,717 parents reported increased involvement in educational and community functions. More that 750 individuals volunteered 4284 hours in support of parenting education with an economic value of $42,840.
Objective 2: In 29 counties individuals and families enhanced personal development in family relationship and management skills. 3,085 individuals adopted personal development practices, 3,194 adopted family relationship practices, and 2,446 adopted family management practices. An enhanced quality of life was reported by 3,633.
CEMP 12 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SAFETY
Health and Human Safety addresses pressing health concerns at the individual, family and community level. NCCES community-based health promotion and disease and injury prevention educational programs increase the capacity of families to make informed health and health care decisions resulting in improved physical, mental and social health.
Participants in health and human safety educational programs reported $1,060,217 in cost avoidance from reduction in high risk behaviors and reduced illness and injury.
37,198 participants reported increasing knowledge about health practices for improving health status 1,469 volunteers contributed 5,742 hours valued at $57,420 to support health educational programs.
Objective 1: In 15 counties, 20,259 individuals reported increased knowledge of the determinants of health and recommended health practices. 59 communities reported increased participation in health and health-related coalitions, and in health care policy setting arenas.
238 community based health promotion and disease prevention activities were conducted with an increase of 1,959 participating in health screenings.
One community-based coalition was awarded $90,000 to continue and expand cancer outreach prevention education in western North Carolina.
Objective 2: More that 14,000 individuals in 20 counties reported increasing their knowledge of practices for creating a safe and health home or work environment, with 4,129 adopting these practices.
Objective 3: 2,939 individuals in 12 counties increased knowledge of agricultural health and safety issues with 1,528 adopting best management practices.
634 participants reported they were able to respond effectively in an emergency situation as a result of their new knowledge.
40 health professionals reported they have provided better service to patients as a result of increased knowledge of agricultural health issues.
CEMP 16 - NUTRITION AND WELLNESS
The Nutrition and Wellness Cooperative Extension Major Program provides nutrition education to all North Carolinians to promote optimum nutrition and healthy lifestyle management for positive outcomes throughout life.
Educational programs addressing diet, health and chronic disease
prevention were offered to North Carolinians of diverse income levels, age groups, genders and/or cultural backgrounds across the state. Participants included children, adults and the elderly, day care workers, hospital employees, housing authorities, Head Start, Red Cross, food banks and community coalitions.
24,222 participants improved diets to be more consistent with dietary guidelines for good health and the Food Guide Pyramid
2,057 participants decreased their high blood cholesterol level
2,108 participants decreased excess weight
2,722 children and 3031 parents adopted food behaviors consistent with Dietary Guidelines and the Food Guide Pyramid
2,461 women practiced behaviors to help improve their chances of delivering a normal weight baby.
3,545 adopted behaviors such as seeking prenatal care
12,089 participants changed their meal planning to improve their diets.
8,497 individuals volunteered 45,723 hours toward nutrition and wellness education with an economic value of $457,230.
Members of the CEMP team have been awarded more than 11 million dollars in grant and contract funds in support of Nutrition and Wellness programming.
CEMP 18 - RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
Residential and Community Water and Waste Management impacts the private and public sectors economically and environmentally. Drinking water quality, waste water management, watershed management and waste management are key elements of Extension's educational programs.
More than 32,000 people in 32 counties increased their awareness and knowledge of practices to protect water quality. 44,400 people increased knowledge of solid waste reduction strategies, and approximately 13,200 people adopted one or more practices.
Water screening programs in 6 counties reached 722 people.
Water system replacement costs of $433,103 were avoided through implementation of proper well construction and/or protection practices.
Over $1,830,000 was estimated in savings in on-site waste water treatment replacement costs as a result of preventative maintenance practices.
7,425 acres of urban and residential watersheds were improved by best management practices, along with 17,020 feet of streams
Over 12,273,500 pounds of waste was diverted as a result of Extension education programs, including 992,260 pounds of non-hazardous materials, 459,544 pounds of household hazardous materials, 12,481 pounds of white goods, and 18,433 pounds of home use pesticides.
Businesses, industries and institutions reported saving $44,351 through implementation of waste reduction strategies, and local governments saved $190,000 through citizen implementation of waste reduction strategies
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE PROGRAM SUMMARY
The North Carolina Family and Consumer Science education program has effectively provided opportunities for individual and families to improve the quality of their lives, through better nutrition practices, family resource management skills, parenting and family education skills, improved health and safety practices, skills for adapting to aging, and improved water and waster management practices.
This year, through the CEMPS, 387,379 North Carolina individuals and families participated in Family and Consumer Science educational programs.
4-H Programs
Developing Responsible Youth
Our future in North Carolina lies in our youth. Through its 4-H program, Extension helps youth to gain the knowledge and skills they need to become productive and responsible citizens. Youth learn to manage relationships, make decisions, become resilient enough to overcome the risks they face, become better communicators, and serve their communities. 4-H's hands-on, learn-by-doing approach reaches hundreds of thousands of North Carolina's youth each year in schools, in community clubs, and in other settings. 4-H Youth Development programs:
Who Is Involved?
In 2001, 4-H involved 183,081 youth and 22,170 adult and youth volunteers in local 4-H programs supported by the resources of the Cooperative Extension System at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University. The North Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program operates in a spirit of excellence to "make the best better." Youth from 5 to 19 years of age use 4-H to become responsible, productive citizens with their friends and families and in their schools and communities. They are actively involved in a variety of programs.
| Male | Female | Total | Units | |
| * Organized 4-H Clubs | 13,560 | 16,477 | 30,037 | 1,595 |
| * Special Interest | 37,479 | 44,366 | 81,845 | 3,043 |
| * 4-H Overnight Camping | 3,046 | 3,373 | 6,419 | 341 |
| * School Enrichment | 37,923 | 39,654 | 77,577 | 2,395 |
| * Individual Projects/Study | 1,577 | 1,631 | 3,208 | 451 |
| * 4-H Child Care Education | 13,955 | 15,649 | 29,604 | 807 |
| * 4-H Instructional TV/Video | 151 | 133 | 284 | 16 |
| TOTAL | 107,691 | 121,283 | 228,974 | 8,648 |
| TOTAL (Duplications Eliminated) | 85,983 | 97,098 | 183,081 |
* Data based on 2001 participation numbers from the federal ES-237 report.
Focusing Our Challenge
4-H designs and delivers programs that empower personal, local action in response to risk factors such as juvenile crime, teen suicide, school drop-out, child abuse, alcohol and drugs, family dissolution, and sexual activity.
4-H supports every youth's right to lead a healthy and productive life filled with protective factors such as:
an ongoing relationship with a caring adult-parent, mentor, tutor, or coach.
access to safe places and structured activities.
a healthy start.
a marketable skill through effective education.
an opportunity to give back through community service.
4-H programs are:
Relevant - respond to the needs of today's youth.
Productive - deliver positive impacts for specific program users.
Economically efficient - acquire, budget, and spend resources to produce value- added outcomes.
Broad in public appeal - deliver programs that benefit large numbers of youth, families, and communities.
Unlimited in potential - encourage youth to be all they can become and to experience state, national, and international opportunities.
4-H Programming Is Relevant
4-H'ers live on farms, in suburbs, and in towns and cities. Programs are designed to meet the needs of youth, families, schools, and communities.
4-H'ers and where they live:
| Farm | 16,894 | 9% |
| Towns | 111,884 | 61% |
| Big Towns | 32,767 | 19% |
| Suburbs | 10,064 | 5% |
| Cities | 11,472 | 6% |
| Total | 183,081 | 100% |
4-H takes pride in its cultural diversity. Youth are encouraged to become citizen leaders in service to their entire community.
4-H's diversity
| White | 119,327 | 65% |
| Black | 54,402 | 30% |
| Indian | 3,301 | 2% |
| Hispanic | 4,924 | 2% |
| Asian/other | 1,127 | 1% |
| Total | 183,081 | 100% |
Who Are 4-H Volunteers?
Dedicated adult volunteers provide the helping relationships that enable youth to become responsible, productive citizens. These volunteers also provide the basis for both the fiscal efficiency and productivity of 4-H. Youth also are actively engaged in community service and service learning through 4-H volunteering. 4-H volunteers encourage a sense of cultural diversity as they enable youth to become their "best selves." In 2001 there were a total of 27,554 4-H volunteers.
Diversity of 4-H Volunteers
| Adult Volunteer Service | Youth Volunteer Service | |
| White | 15,761 | 4,651 |
| Black | 5,160 | 1,440 |
| Indian | 166 | 55 |
| Hispanic | 167 | 57 |
| Asian | 27 | 22 |
| Subtotals | 21,281 | 6,225 |
| Total. 27,506 |
4-H Camping: A Legacy of Excellence
North Carolina's youth and families continue to "Discover the World Through 4-H Camps." Camps and educational center operations continue to grow in celebration of being exemplary units in the certification system managed by the American Camping Association. Over 5,000 youth had a 4-H camping experience in 2001.
Two thousand eight hundred seventy-eight (2,878) youth "discovered the world" during 20-unit weeks of junior camping and 12 weeks of specialty camps including: Marine Science and Sailing, Cloverbud Camping (ages 6-8), Fur, Fish, and Game Camp, Horsemanship, Shooting Sports, Adventure Camp, Challenge Camp, and 4-H Forestry Camp.
We plan to maintain our facilities in a safe manner and develop programming that is relevant to our core audience. While maintaining our emphasis on youth development, we plan to increase marketing for conference and retreat programs. We plan to implement this market expansion without damaging relationships with our primary customers for the five centers.
4-H Programming is Productive
In addition to collecting annual program involvement data for youth and adults, 4-H collaborates in the 20 Cooperative Extension Major Programs and measures specific impacts in four:
Child Care
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Resilient Youth, Families, and Communities
Youth Development
CEMP 5 - CHILD CARE
The child care Cooperative Extension Major Program has two goals. These goals are to: (1) improve the quality of child care in North Carolina and (2) to increase the availability of child care in North Carolina.
The needs of the child care community are diverse. Primary among them is the need to improve the quality of care provided by staff through appropriate training. Agents report having trained at least 22,170 youth and adult child care providers in 2001. Cooperative Extension has offered a total of 24,669 training hours for these providers, which at $20.00 per hour calculates to a cost benefit of $493,380. More importantly, 1,819 of these providers report that they increased their knowledge, attitudes, and skills as a result of this training, and 556 report implementing quality child care practices in one or more of the state mandated functional areas (topics). It is not surprising, therefore, that parents, child care providers and school personnel report that 32,543 children improved in social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development in the centers where staff received CES training. Thus, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has an important impact on the 43,575 children reached by these child care providers.
Child care continues to be an under-funded community need. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has begun to seek collaborative relationships and grant funding to alleviate this need. Agents report developing or sustaining at least 9,538 collaborative relationships in support of child care and developed or sustained 5,571 community-networking relationships to support child care. No other agency, local or statewide, could have such a statewide impact on the child care issue. Acting in collaboration with other community groups, Cooperative Extension agents have generated at least $846,304 to support child care at the local level. In addition, agents report that they manage $970,354 in child care dollars.
Increasing child care availability is sometimes a lengthy process that begins with technical assistance in the form of training, phone calls, and site visits. North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents report that 2,024 potential providers and 2,631 current providers reported improving knowledge and skills in increasing or maintaining child care availability due to technical assistance received through Extension.
Volunteers play an important role in the effort to increase availability and improve quality in child care. In the year 2001, 862 volunteers contributed 37,870 hours of service. At $10 per hour this equates to $378,700 dollars worth of service to the community. The most direct evidence of the impact of the work of CES agents is in the 2,919 new slots for children and the 62 new centers or family child care homes that were created across the state in 2001. This translates into 2,919 children who have care and 62 centers and homes that are now members of the child care industry because of the efforts of the agents of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
CEMP 13 - LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT
The goal of the Leadership and Volunteer Development Cooperative Extension Major Program is to build the capacity of individuals, community groups, and organizations for involvement in their community for the public good. The results reported by counties in this major program for 2001 indicate that educational experiences offered to the public have helped achieve this goal.
Citizens from varying socio-economic levels gained knowledge and skills that facilitated their participation in community problem solving and in local public policy decision-making. Local citizens (1955) improved their problem solving skills with 610 taking action and participating in the community/public policy process as a result of the training they received. A number of community issues (214) were addressed. Of those that were resolved successfully, local communities were spared $312,879 in cost.
Limited resource and other non-traditional participants (2,581) were involved in leadership training. The participants identified community problems and took steps to solve them. Their actions resulted in 1,120 problems being resolved or projects completed to address the problems. To continue finding solutions to problems, these individuals formed 100 community organizations.
Many volunteers increased their capacity to lead and contribute valuable service to others. Those increasing knowledge they could pass on to others totaled 8,600. A number of these volunteers became part of volunteer management systems (2,413) where their advanced skills were used to facilitate the accomplishment of community projects or build skills in youth and adults that enhanced their personal development.
CEMP 19 - RESILIENT YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES
The "Resilient Youth, Families, and Communities State Major Program" of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service takes action to strengthen the resiliency of youth, families, and communities. Resiliency is the ability to cultivate strengths to positively meet challenges. The program focuses on prevention programming which strengthens "protective factors" and reduces "risk factors." Participants bring together and involve educators, researchers, agency and organizational personnel, youth, families, communities, advocates, and practitioners who share an interest in strengthening the resiliency of North Carolina's youth, families, and communities.
Youth in 49 counties have benefited as a result of involvement in community based programs, which focus on building resilience. Youth in high-risk environments have increased coping skills, are making more informed decisions, and have a sense of purpose for the future.
Families in 15 counties have benefited from financial management programs conducted to help them learn basic money management skills such as budgeting and investing, allowing them to reallocate resources to meet pressing family financial demands. Volunteers have been trained and matched to mentor Work First participants. Through these efforts, program participants have become employed, retained employment, and improved employment status. Three primary themes have emerged from this objective this year. Family coping and nurturing programs were instrumental in providing families with parenting guidance, family communications skills and family violence prevention. Adolescent pregnancy prevention programs have targeted young men as well as young women. Thirdly, Mentor Education programs served to address day-to-day needs of those women who have been involved in Work First programs. Forty-nine (49) counties reported the establishment of collaborations, the initiation of prevention programs, and reduction in criminal activities in targeted communities.
CEMP 20 - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Youth Development focuses on three major aspects of the 4-H program that contribute to the life skill and asset development of young people: the long-term 4-H Unit/Club, 4-H School Enrichment Program, and the Diverse Housing Program. Four major factors have been identified that contribute to the successful development of a child: social competence, problem solving, autonomy, and a sense of purpose and future. Those factors, along with the Search Institute's developmental assets, are incorporated into 4-H experiences. 4-H club activities, presentations, record keeping, judging teams, school enrichment experiences, peer helper/mentoring programs, community service projects, and recognition programs are designed to give the participants an opportunity to develop the life skills/assets that any child will need to succeed in life.
During 2001, a total of 183,081 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participated in 4-H programs with 3,246 participants involved in 4-H club and other long-term units, school enrichment and diverse housing programs. The positive development of young people through 4-H participation can be illustrated by the following results from selected programs: 1) 32,251 youth increased their communication skills; 2) 31,262 youth have increased their decision making skills; 3) 40,857 youth increased their awareness of community service; 4) 65,758 youth increased their knowledge in various curriculum areas; and 5) 35,205 increased their self confidence. In addition, counties reported that as a result of the 4-H community service projects, their communities saved $492,266.
4-H Summary
The North Carolina 4-H Program created helping relationships to enable youth to become responsible, productive citizens during the 2001 programming year. The youth, families, and communities of North Carolina were well served by the mission accomplishment of 4-H through the related missions of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, and North Carolina A&T State University.
2001 proved to be a great year of productive traditional and innovative programs focusing on four of Extension's major state programs: Child Care; Leadership and Volunteer Development; Resilient Youth, Families and Communities; and Youth Development. A total of 6,225 youth and 21,281 adult and youth volunteers worked to involve 183,081 youth in 1,595 4-H Clubs; 81,845 youth in 3,043 special interest programs; 77,577 youth in 2,395 (K-12) school enrichment designs; and 43,575 young people in 556 after-school, child care settings. Over 5,000 youth "discovered the world" during 20-unit weeks of junior camping and 12 weeks of 4-H specialty camps.
Fifty-two counties targeted child care to train 8,539 child care providers. One million, five hundred eighty-six thousand, three hundred and eighty dollars ($1,586,380) in resources was invested at 62 new centers to expand available child care slots by 2,919.
Sixty-four counties worked to expand Leadership and Volunteer Development by involving 1,548 participants to plan and implement 1,120 community based projects while forming 100 new community action organizations.
Forty-nine counties focused on Resilient Youth, Families, and Communities. Resilience programs reported 13,345 youth with increased life skills; 6,696 improved academic performance, 2,770 reduced drug and alcohol use, 1,223 reduced judicial involvement, and 1,081 reduced violence. Fifteen counties developed 120 money management plans. One hundred four (104) collaborations were established; and 71 prevention programs were developed.
Eighty-three counties targeted youth development and increased life skills in 2,581 youth while investing $312,879 in community savings, youth scholarships, project work earnings, and project work savings. Studies representative of 4-H school enrichment programs indicated that 67% of the 25,157 students improved academic performance; 68% of 21,420 students improved completing homework; and 72% of 21,586 students received better science grades. Teachers reported these results plus savings to school systems.
4-H Programming Has Unlimited Potential
Extension's 4-H program has a proud history of excellence and an exciting future. By continuing to respond to locally determined needs with programs that are relevant, productive, economically efficient, and of broad public appeal, the future of 4-H is unlimited in potential. The Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development network opens doors of state and national opportunities to all North Carolina's children and their families and communities.
It is a treasure shared by our state's youth, families, and communities. It demonstrates the value of collaborating effort and fiscal efficiency in the spirit of locally based, educational design. Youth, parents, educators, community, and regional and state leaders work to create the treasure that is 4-H. In 2001 that treasure blazed brightly across the state of North Carolina.
Success Stories
Child Care
To fulfill training requirements, staff from day care homes and child care centers are required to obtain a specified number of hours (continuing hours of credit or CHC) each year. Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the Randolph Community College and the Randolph County Partnership for Children, is committed to providing a wide selection of quality training opportunities. One hundred and thirty-nine (139) providers received training through Cooperative Extension at Randolph County Center for a total of 401 CHC's by participating in one or more of the following: Be Active Kids, Water Works Wonders, Active Learning for Ones, Safe Foods/Healthy Children, Stress Management for Adults, Theme Weeks with Science Activities and Sensible Safe Play. Each participant received a notebook of ideas, lesson plans, and resources to be used in the child care setting. As a result providers saved $8,610.00.
Leadership and Volunteer Development
Paid and volunteer staff play an important role in extending the work of the 4-H staff. Twelve paid staff and 31 volunteers provided assistance to 4-H programs in Perquimans County over the past twelve months. Two Governor's One-On-One staff and volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring to court involved youth. One Americorp Fellow recruited program volunteers. The 4-H Tutoring Improves Performance Scores Program has six staff members who provide study assistance and tutoring in math and reading to 174 youth. Three SAC staff operate a small after school program for 20 youth in grades K-3. Volunteer & paid staff assist with 4-H club work and other 4-H events and activities. All volunteers are provided orientation & on the job training. Paid staff are required to attend staff conferences and annual staff development and curriculum trainings related to their programs.
Resilient Youth, Families, and Communities
The goal of the 4-H Mountain Challenge program in Yancey County is to assist youth in becoming competent, coping, contributing youth by developing the following: communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, social skills, teamwork, character, self-responsibility, and resiliency using various "at-risk" resources and other planned activities. The target population served was at-risk youth from elementary, middle schools, and the high school. Forty-one youth were served during the year. One hundred percent of the youth served had no further involvement with the juvenile court system. Eighty-five percent of the youth had fewer out-of-school suspensions and office visits for behavior related issues. One hundred percent of participants received information on choosing alternatives to drug use and negative peer pressure. Eighty percent of participants modified negative behavior. Wayne County 4-H provides opportunities for middle school age youth to stay after school and anticipate in positive activities designed to enrich their knowledge in life skills and enhance their abilities to perform in class. This is done through funding from a "Support Our Students" grant and a 21st Century Grant. Students stay after school and participate in structured and free choice activities designed to increase their knowledge in life skills such as decision making, nutrition, safety and more. They also participate in community service projects. An outside evaluator found that the students that participated in the 4-H after school program increased the percent of students at grade level from 77% to 88%. Based on the Department of Education surveys, teachers reported that 92% of the students turned in their homework on time, with 88% improving in completing it to the teacher's satisfaction.
Youth Development
Youth development is not like observing the change in yield when a new practice is utilized in farming. It takes time to observe the growth of a child and for them to recognize what their 4-H experience did to make them what they are today. I had a former 4-H\'er return to the county this winter. He came up to me and introduced his wife. He told her that I was his 4-H agent and responsible for his ability to speak in group meetings. He said that a day rarely goes by that he doesn't call on his 4-H presentation skills in his profession. He is a graduate of NCSU but he said he used his speaking skills from 4-H through his college career and it was also helpful for interviews in the job market. The 4-H program is still the only youth organization which helps youth develop this important life skill. Somteimes the rewards are a long time coming but they are always special in this job.
The county unemployment rate is currently 10.6% and looks to be even higher in the coming years with plants closing and lay offs. It has become increasingly important that youth entering the work force have the necessary skills to compete in today\\\'s job market. To that end, North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) provided an opportunity for the youth of the county to "jump start" their employment education by providing CareerSmarts. This program is designed to help youth prepare for, enter and maintain stable employment. Provided to youth at three sites within the county, CareerSmarts engaged the youth in critical thinking skills about their futures. One youth wrote,"I really enjoyed this class and it was very helpful to me. I will make sure to use some to the skills mentioned to get a job. I liked it and appreciated it". More that 75% of the participants wrote, the classes were helpful in preparing for future employment and they would recommend them to their friends.
Many young people lack the aptitude to voice their ideas and speak publicly to groups. 4-H has traditionally touted an ability to develop skills in youth to speak before audiences, think on their feet, and present themselves confidently. Anson County put that claim on the line last fall by organizing a Presentations Club in the county. Led by a trained 4-H Master Volunteer, a total of 24 youth and volunteers met to learn the basics. Over the next eight months, youth wrote outlines, researched, developed presentations and practiced in front of one another. In the end, five 4-H'ers went on to
competition while three younger 4-H'ers participated in presentations on the local level. Nine other youth learned the framework and techniques in preparing presentations. The growth of these young people confirm the 4-H claim to developing life skills and responsible adults for the future.
Program Volunteers, Hours Contributed, and Value for Each
Per CEMP
| CEMP | Volunteers | Hours Served | $ Value @ $10 per Hour |
| 01 | 944 | 4,074 | $40,740 |
| 02 | 717 | 6,132 | $61,320 |
| 03 | 2,775 | 20,948 | $209,480 |
| 04 | 5,348 | 38,957 | $389,570 |
| 05 | 3,510 | 70,401 | $704,010 |
| 06 | 1,093 | 13,995 | $139,950 |
| 07 | 2,680 | 30,958 | $309,580 |
| 08 | 870 | 12,526 | $125,260 |
| 09 | 1,184 | 7,173 | $71,730 |
| 10 | 2 | 28 | $280 |
| 11 | 1,889 | 9,334 | $93,340 |
| 12 | 849 | 4,357 | $43,570 |
| 13 | 28,974 | 268,901 | $2,689,010 |
| 14 | 461 | 3,440 | $34,400 |
| 15 | 987 | 7,030 | $70,300 |
| 16 | 17,485 | 54,042 | $540,420 |
| 17 | 3,799 | 75,618 | $756,180 |
| 18 | 559 | 2,767 | $27,670 |
| 19 | 2,776 | 41,976 | $419,760 |
| 20 | 16,199 | 230,240 | $2,302,400 |
| Total | 93,101 | 902,897 | $9,028,970 |
Program Face to Face Teaching Contacts, Non Face to Face Contacts and Total Number of Contacts
| CEMP | Face to Face | Non Face to Face | Total |
| 01 | 99,999 | 130,988 | 230,987 |
| 02 | 12,336 | 26,527 | 38,863 |
| 03 | 140,327 | 194,902 | 335,229 |
| 04 | 158,098 | 261,117 | 419,215 |
| 05 | 109,195 | 204,609 | 313,804 |
| 06 | 56,518 | 46,086 | 102,604 |
| 07 | 145,833 | 342,184 | 488,017 |
| 08 | 37,116 | 342,394 | 379,510 |
| 09 | 45,213 | 195,193 | 240,406 |
| 10 | 505 | 1,205 | 1,710 |
| 11 | 21,938 | 371,474 | 393,412 |
| 12 | 28,438 | 198,747 | 227,185 |
| 13 | 157,894 | 209,859 | 367,753 |
| 14 | 19,084 | 56,366 | 75,450 |
| 15 | 29,093 | 66,945 | 96,038 |
| 16 | 348,335 | 739,067 | 1,087,402 |
| 17 | 224,545 | 725,432 | 949,977 |
| 18 | 16,976 | 173,160 | 190,136 |
| 19 | 155,845 | 64,839 | 220,684 |
| 20 | 411,227 | 681,809 | 1,093,036 |
| Other | 15,895 | 12,699 | 28,594 |
| Total | 2,234,410 | 5,045,602 | 7,280,012 |
Locations Reporting
Per CEMP Objective
2001
|
Objective 1 |
Objective 2 |
Objective 3 |
Objective 4 |
Objective 5 |
Objective 6 |
Objective 7 |
|
| CEMP 1 | 30 | 20 | 12 | 7 | 10 | ||
| CEMP 2 | 17 | 7 | 6 | ||||
| CEMP 3 | 42 | 49 | 30 | 17 | 36 | 25 | 80 |
| CEMP 4 | 62 | 35 | 42 | ||||
| CEMP 5 | 70 | 34 | |||||
| CEMP 6 | 24 | 10 | 7 | 9 | |||
| CEMP 7 | 46 | 38 | 68 | 30 | 28 | 21 | 24 |
| CEMP 8 | 35 | 18 | 16 | 30 | 12 | ||
| CEMP 9 | 54 | 16 | |||||
| CEMP 10 | 3 | 1 | |||||
| CEMP 11 | 62 | 4 | 1 | 1 | |||
| CEMP 12 | 19 | 17 | 17 | ||||
| CEMP 13 | 27 | 64 | 34 | ||||
| CEMP 14 | 28 | 15 | |||||
| CEMP 15 | 16 | 10 | 17 | 9 | |||
| CEMP 16 | 76 | 38 | 16 | 61 | |||
| CEMP 17 | 39 | 67 | 43 | ||||
| CEMP 18 | 15 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 9 | ||
| CEMP 19 | 49 | 14 | 15 | ||||
| CEMP 20 | 83 | 54 | 17 | 31 |
$ Value of Programs to Audience and Society
| CEMP - Objective | $ Value to Targeted Audience | $ Value to Targeted Audience Total | $ Value to Society | $ Value to Society Total |
| 1-1 | $185,854 | $368,050 | ||
| 1-2 | $248,838 | $271,660 | ||
| 1-3 | $2,550 | $32,000 | ||
| 1-4 | $13,000 | $125,000 | ||
| 1-5 | $47,175 | $89,500 | ||
| $497,417 | $886,210 | |||
| 2-1 | $111,139 | $285,725 | ||
| 2-2 | $43,160 | $110,080 | ||
| 2-3 | $67,209 | $753,829 | ||
| $221,508 | $1,149,634 | |||
| 3-1 | $3,798,262 | $1,626,670 | ||
| 3-2 | $12,469,517 | $21,165,470 | ||
| 3-3 | $1,776,630 | $1,171,814 | ||
| 3-4 | $509,400 | $464,200 | ||
| 3-5 | $1,591,280 | $1,923,605 | ||
| 3-6 | $134,726 | $182,481 | ||
| 3-7 | $4,172,069 | $3,132,199 | ||
| $24,451,884 | $29,666,439 | |||
| 4-1 | $7,259,134 | $26,454,242 | ||
| 4-2 | $904,170 | $1,570,000 | ||
| 4-3 | $657,394 | $1,095,430 | ||
| $8,820,698 | $29,119,672 | |||
| 5-1 | $2,652,347 | $3,981,373 | ||
| 5-2 | $2,884,428 | $4,550,665 | ||
| $5,536,775 | $8,532,038 | |||
| 6-1 | $183,048 | $349,718 | ||
| 6-2 | $174,036 | $515,090 | ||
| 6-3 | $177,400 | $158,400 | ||
| 6-4 | $223,501 | $558,503 | ||
| $757,985 | $1,581,711 | |||
| 7-1 | $20,442,778 | $29,228,348 | ||
| 7-2 | $1,440,050 | $1,860,424 | ||
| 7-3 | $16,668,166 | $16,537,320 | ||
| 7-4 | $4,349,790 | $6,546,765 | ||
| 7-5 | $3,022,299 | $10,514,434 | ||
| 7-6 | $5,038,851 | $1,066,568 | ||
| 7-7 | $4,188,300 | $4,541,550 | ||
| $55,150,234 | $70,295,409 |
$ Value of Programs to Audience and Society
| CEMP - Objective | $ Value to Targeted Audience | $ Value to Targeted Audience Total | $ Value to Society | $ Value to Society Total |
| 8-1 | $360,549 | $736,350 | ||
| 8-2 | $33,660 | $28,512 | ||
| 8-3 | $1,749,410 | $3,642,690 | ||
| 8-4 | $65,194 | $118,438 | ||
| 8-5 | $22,953 | $22,687 | ||
| $2,231,766 | $4,548,677 | |||
| 9-1 | $1,150,891 | $991,960 | ||
| 9-2 | $48,160 | $26,430 | ||
| $1,199,051 | $1,018,390 | |||
| 10-1 | $4,000 | $13,000 | ||
| 10-2 | $0 | $0 | ||
| $4,000 | $13,000 | |||
| 11-1 | $8,308,874 | $4,728,859 | ||
| 11-2 | $3,100 | $7,500 | ||
| 11-3 | $0 | $0 | ||
| 11-4 | $0 | $0 | ||
| $8,311,974 | $4,736,359 | |||
| 12-1 | $400,000 | $769,500 | ||
| 12-2 | $993,605 | $1,654,700 | ||
| 12-3 | $29,703 | $33,750 | ||
| $1,423,308 | $2,457,950 | |||
| 13-1 | $950,902 | $4,281,826 | ||
| 13-2 | $2,361,117 | $5,482,398 | ||
| 13-3 | $303,027 | $930,637 | ||
| $3,615,046 | $10,694,861 | |||
| 14-1 | $17,124,000 | $5,319,002 | ||
| 14-2 | $2,734,350 | $7,791,466 | ||
| $19,858,350 | $13,110,468 | |||
| 15-1 | $24,715 | $74,900 | ||
| 15-2 | $127,100 | $416,500 | ||
| 15-3 | $2,481,271 | $5,532,000 | ||
| 15-4 | $523,500 | $657,500 | ||
| $3,156,586 | $6,680,900 | |||
| 16-1 | $2,002,288 | $3,017,376 | ||
| 16-2 | $3,050,720 | $2,482,465 | ||
| 16-3 | $9,500 | $36,000 | ||
| 16-4 | $1,422,027 | $3,004,838 | ||
| $6,484,535 | $8,540,679 |
$ Value of Programs to Audience and Society
| CEMP - Objective | $ Value to Targeted Audience | $ Value to Targeted Audience Total | $ Value to Society | $ Value to Society Total |
| 17-1 | $1,048,448 | $4,109,373 | ||
| 17-2 | $12,236,229 | $13,355,898 | ||
| 17-3 | $226,273 | $3,353,705 | ||
| $13,510,950 | $20,818,976 | |||
| 18-1 | $269,500 | $465,050 | ||
| 18-2 | $518,020 | $1,290,000 | ||
| 18-3 | $522,500 | $3,998,200 | ||
| 18-4 | $230,027 | $216,018 | ||
| 18-5 | $1,120 | $6,100 | ||
| $1,541,167 | $5,975,368 | |||
| 19-1 | $2,011,778 | $11,410,763 | ||
| 19-2 | $470,865 | $946,381 | ||
| 19-3 | $409,062 | $1,525,790 | ||
| $2,891,705 | $13,882,934 | |||
| 20-1 | $3,017,483 | $7,291,835 | ||
| 20-2 | $706,804 | $1,659,814 | ||
| 20-3 | $10,250 | $27,250 | ||
| 20-4 | $281,058 | $314,228 | ||
| $4,015,595 | $9,293,127 | |||
| Grand Totals | $163,680,534 | $243,002,802 |
North Carolina
Cooperative Extension
Major Program
Accomplishment Report
2001
Cooperative Extension Major Programs (CEMP):
CEMP # 1 - AGING WITH GUSTO!
CEMP # 2 - AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY
CEMP # 3 - AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
CEMP # 4 - ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SYSTEMS
CEMP # 5 - CHILD CARE
CEMP # 6 - COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CEMP # 7 - CROP PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SYSTEMS
CEMP # 8 - FAMILY AND CONSUMER ECONOMICS
CEMP # 9 - FAMILY AND PARENT EDUCATION
CEMP # 10 - FOOD AND FOREST PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING
CEMP # 11 - FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY
CEMP # 12 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SAFETY
CEMP # 13 - LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT
CEMP # 14 - MARKETING AND PRODUCTION OF ALTERNATIVE INCOME OPPORTUNITIES
CEMP # 15 - NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
CEMP # 16 - NUTRITION AND WELLNESS
CEMP # 17 - RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY HORTICULTURE, TURF, FORESTRY, AND PEST MANAGEMENT
CEMP # 18 - RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
CEMP # 19 - RESILIENT YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES
CEMP # 20 - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
CEMP 1 - Aging With Gusto!
Program Description:
The Aging with Gusto! program is designed to help adults of all ages understand and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of life in the middle and later years. The program is interdisciplinary and includes topics from all the fields of family and consumer education. Participants learn how to prepare for and cope with finances, legal issues, health issues, care giving, housing choices and self-care. Primary audiences served are older adults, midlife adults and family care givers, of all backgrounds.
Abstract/Overview:
The Aging with Gusto! program had a great deal of success in helping people in the area of family resource management, with programming on budgeting, estate planning, ethical wills, the transfer of non-titled property, consumer fraud, public benefits, and other related topics. Thirty-one counties reported accomplishments in this area. Highlights of educational programming in this area include more than 6300 persons reporting increased awareness and knowledge of financial management techniques and consumer issues and 800 people developing estate plans or plans for future dependency as a result of attending our programs. Similarly, educational programs in nutrition and wellness focused on older adults led to over 6850 persons reporting increased awareness and knowledge of healthy behaviors such as lowering fat or increasing fiber in diets and over 4100 reported adopting behaviors to meet Food Guide Pyramid guidelines. Over 1000 family care givers of frail or chronically ill older adults reported increasing their awareness of care giving skills and nearly 600 reported adopting improved stress management and other self-care practices. After attending educational programs on housing, more than 600 people reported increased awareness and knowledge of housing options, and more than 300 reported making changes to make their housing more accessible. Over 1000 people reported an increase in their knowledge of food safety practices and more than 738 reported increased knowledge of practices that promote health.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Objective 1 (family resource management): 31
Objective 2 (health): 21
Objective 3 (care giving): 12
Objective 4 (housing): 7
Objective 5 (limited resource/health &self-care): 10
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Objective 1, MOP 1: Increased awareness and knowledge of financial management techniques and consumer issues: 6347
Objective 1, MOP 2: Adoption of financial management and consumer practices: 2352
Objective 1, MOP 3: Increased awareness and knowledge of estate planning: 2076
Objective 1, MOP 4: Adoption of estate planning practices: 800
Objective 1, MOP 5: Increased awareness and knowledge of retirement planning and savings: 1493
Objective 1, MOP 6: Adoption of retirement and savings practices: 303.
Objective 2, MOP 1: Adoption of practices such as decreased fat intake, decreased sodium intake, or increased fruit and vegetable intake: 4837
Objective 2, MOP 2: Increased awareness and knowledge of healthy behaviors such as lowering the fat or increasing the fiber in diets: 6850
Objective 2, MOP 3: Adoption of behaviors to meet the Food Guide Pyramid guidelines: 4191
Objective 2, MOP 4: Adoption of practices which lead to healthy physiological changes, such as decreases in blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and/or excess weight: 3625
Objective 3, MOP 1: Adoption of stress management and other self-care practices, including use of formal or informal respite services: 596
Objective 3, MOP 2: Increased awareness and knowledge of community resources: 1616
Objective 3, MOP 3: Increased awareness and knowledge of care giving skills: 1089
Objective 3, MOP 4: Adoption of care giving practices that improve the care of the impaired elder or other care receiver: 955
Objective 3, MOP 5: Increased awareness and knowledge about the need for coordinating legal, financial and health care decision-making: 860
Objective 4, MOP 1: Increased awareness and knowledge of housing options, financial options and accessibility options that lead to affordable or accessible housing: 624
Objective 4, MOP 2: Adoption of housing technologies that make housing accessible, such as design features, furnishings and products: 338
Objective 4, MOP 3: Collaborations and linkages with housing related agencies and individuals that foster affordable and accessible housing: 47
Objective 5, MOP 1: Increased awareness and knowledge of practices that promote health such as use of medicines: 2519
Objective 5, MOP 2: Adoption of practices that lead to improved health status: 738
Objective 5, MOP 3: Increased awareness and knowledge of practices that promote food safety: 1098
Objective 5, MOP 4: Adoption of practices that promote proper food storage and safety: 127
Statewide Impact Totals:
Objective 1, Impact 1: Improved financial status through adoption of consumer and financial management practices: 2244
Objective 1, Impact 2: Increased savings and/or increased retirement contributions for future financial stability: $24012
Objective, Impact 3: Developed and implemented an estate plan: 452
Objective 1, Impact 4: Developed and implemented a plan for possible future incompetency and dependency: 1173
Objective 2, Impact 1: Costs avoided through reduced risk of chronic disease: $852576
Objective 2, Impact 2: Costs avoided through improved health status via fewer visits to physicians: $37130
Objective 2, Impact 3: Improved health status through adoption of health practices: 2897
Objective 3, Impact 1: Improved quality of life and decreased stress for care givers: 592
Objective 3, Impact 2: Improved care for impaired elders and other care receivers: 900
Objective 3, Impact 3: Increased utilization of community resources by participants caring for older adults: 777
Objective 3, Impact 4: Improved interagency cooperation on aging and health promotion issues: 1784
Objective 4, Impact 1: Increased number of individuals living in affordable housing: 74
Objective 4, Impact 2: Improved or increased accessibility in housing: 350
Objective 5, Impact 1; Costs avoided through adoption of practices that lead to safe use of medicines: $39350
Objective 5, Impact 2: Costs avoided through adoption of practices that lead to proper food storage and safety: $13700.
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Objective 1: Number: 503
Value: $20,190
Objective 2: Number: 196
Value: $6420
Objective 3: Number: 76
Value: $6150
Objective 4: Number: 20
Value: $1100
Objective 5: Number: 149
Value: $6880
Success Stories:
(a)Location: Dare; Person Reporting: Patton, Rosie Estate planning and end of life decisions are often difficult for older adults to come to terms with. With this in mind, a session focusing on Ethical and Living Wills was offered to a group of 18 older adults who meet monthly. Participants stated that the issue of completing the Living Will was made easier by understanding and appreciating the peace and sense of closure that can be obtained by first completing or deciding to complete an ethical will. As a result of this program the 18 seniors present invited a notary to their next session so that they could have the Living Wills issued by the FCS agent at this session completed, witnessed and notarized at their next meeting.
(b) Location: Brunswick; Person Reporting: Stanley, Pearl W. Ninety-eight SHIIP reports revealed 252 counseling hours at $10/hour equals $2,520 dollar value of service rendered. Results showed 782 Medicare beneficiaries participated in Medicare Update Seminars, counseling sessions, and DSS Screening Programs, receiving information on changes in health care benefits. Beneficiaries (68%) could not afford their Medigap policy, therefore applied for a new policy, Medicare Aid or Medicaid. (58%) requested help with filing claims which resulted in refunds or refiling for payment by Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap or by beneficiary.
(c) Location: Forsyth; Person Reporting: Womack, Deborah D. Senior citizens are not always happy about having to leave their homes and move into an aging care facility due to various medical and financial situations. Cooperative Extension and a local aging facility collaborated to provide educational information to 26 residents on the pros and cons of active aging. After participating in the session, 75% or 19 residents responded positively on ways to keep healthy and maintain a positive attitude on life. Each participant engaged in some form of exercise regardless of his or her physical limitation(s). Some participants were on walkers, canes, in wheelchairs, or on oxygen. Also, participants verbalized the importance of feeling good about yourself in order to maintain a sense of self-control and accepting daily challenges affecting their social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being.
(d) Location: Currituck; Person Reporting: Kight, Georgia U. As our aging population continues to age, more emphasis is given to this targeted audience. NC Cooperative Extension in seven counties implemented the Northeast Aging with Gusto Extravaganza - At the Circus. 165 participants attended along with 35 exhibitors, keynote speaker, and 8 workshop speakers. $3,500 was secured from Albemarle Hospital to conduct this event along with $825 in registration fees. The participants reported $14,350 dollars saved by participating in this educational program rather than paying for professional services elsewhere. Because of attending this extravaganza: 48 percent reported being more confident about growing older; 68 percent reported being motivated to make choices to improve their health; 52 percent reported they could be more active; 74 percent reported they could improve their later years by making appropriate choices now.
(e) Location: Lincoln; Person Reporting: Houser, Melinda M. Taking Care of You: Powerful Tools For Care giving workshops were conducted in September and November -2001. Seven persons participated. Throughout the workshop sessions the participants were very responsive during the discussions. Some of the class evaluation comments were: "I have learned how to take care of myself. I can set goals for myself each week and follow each day the plans that I have written down". One of the evaluation questions---Do you believe you are a more confident care giver than you were before taking the class? Answer: "I have been more assertive in being the primary care giver." Each person gained confidence in themselves and are practicing coping skills as a care giver. They have formed a Care giver Support group that meets monthly and phone each other to give support. Extension's Sr. Citizen Council gave financial support for the educational materials for the class--cost was approximately $400.00.
(f) Location: Forsyth; Person Reporting: Womack, Deborah D.A large percent of grandparents are raising their grandchildren in Forsyth County because the parents are not being responsible to perform certain parental tasks. Cooperative Extension collaborated with the health department, school system, a lawyer and other social services agencies to co-sponsor a seminar entitled "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Blessing and A Burden" held at the Extension Center. 50 participants attended and received information on the pros and cons of grand parenting effectively. The seminar answered many questions that the grandparents had on the legal and financial issues affecting them as they tried to get custody of the grandchildren. Also, several resources were shared with the participants on how to access information concerning issues affecting children and their relationships with the parents and grandparents. Several participants inquired about having regular scheduled programs on grand parenting issues in the future. Per this request, a series of programs are planned for February - March 2002.
Impact Bullets:
Over 1000 family care givers learned about ways to improve care for chronically ill, disabled or frail older adults, as well as about community resources and self-care strategies; the potential impact was decreased stress for care givers.
Extension programs on estate planning prompted over 1000 people to contemplate or to start making an estate plan and/or a plan for possible future dependency.
At least 4000 older adults were educated about the Food Guide Pyramid, and many reported adopting more healthful eating practices.
Extension programs impacted on the health of older adults by reducing the risk of chronic disease, reducing the risk of unsafe use of medicines and improving people's practices in food storage and safety. Estimates of the potential savings to the public range from these efforts could be as much as $850,000.
At least three regions of the state conducted multi-county Aging with Gusto! Extravaganzas attended by 125-250 people each. Attendees reported a more positive outlook on later life, and persons who also had attended this event in the past reported making changes in attitudes, family resource management and health practices.
In many counties, Extension programming on aging issues helped strengthen existing interagency ties with such organizations as Area Agencies on Aging, councils on aging, senior centers, and SHIIP programs and new connections were begun with health care facilities, AARP and other state and local groups.
CEMP Committee Members:
Luci Bearon, Co-Chair, NCSU Barbara Garland, NCSU
Evelyn DeLoatch, Co-Chair, Alamance County Melinda Houser, Lincoln County
Nancy Abasiekong, Cleveland County Sarah Kirby, NCSU
Lucille Carter, Iredell County Jackie McClelland, NCSU
Glennie Daniels, Catawba County Rosie Patton, Dare County
Tracy Davis, Rutherford County Carol Schwab, NCSU
Agnes Evans, Moore County Jewel Winslow, Perquimans County
Angela Fraser, NCSU
CEMP 2 - Public Issues Education
Program Description:
Public Issues Education is a broad major program area emphasizing public policy issues that have the potential to be controversial. It recognizes the need for policy and technical dimensions of educational programs, as well as process roles that bring stakeholders together to build consensus. It focuses upon improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public policy through a more informed public, a more informed decision-making body, and through increased citizen involvement in the policy-making process. Major programs currently included under CEMP 02 are (1) Land Use and Community Design, (2) Watershed/Riverbasin Education, and (3) Other County, Area, and State Public Issues Education Activities.
OBJECTIVE 1: Land Use and Community Design
Citizens and local officials will become more aware, better informed, and more involved on issues regarding community growth and change, land use, and community design.
OBJECTIVE 2: Watersheds and River Basins
Citizens and local officials will become more aware, better informed and more involved regarding issues and policy options affecting water quality and other resources in North Carolina watersheds and river basins.
OBJECTIVE 3: Other Issues
For other Public Issues Education activities at the county, area, and state levels; citizens and local officials will become more aware, better informed, and more involved in the issues and their resolution.
Abstract/Overview:
In the area of land use planning and community design, Extension is educating citizens and government officials about farmland preservation and growth management options. Farmland preservation areas and voluntary agricultural districts have protected over 6200 acres so far in Ashe, Watauga, and Stanly counties. Cleveland, Caswell, Anson, Buncombe, Caswell, Davidson, Sampson, Randolph, and Surry counties have developed or are in the process of developing land-use plans with input from the agricultural community - plans that consider agricultural land as a valuable resource. The issue of coastal erosion and maintaining a protective dune system was addressed in Brunswick County with volunteers providing labor to plant vegetation to protect dunes.
Water quality issues addressed by NC Cooperative Extension include education about compliance with agricultural rules in some riverbasins. Farmer committees have provided input leading to a compromise on some rules to reduce their negative impact on farmers. A memorandum of agreement between Virginia and North Carolina to work together on water quality issues in the Chowan and Pasquotank Riverbasins was signed by representatives of both states. Other water quality educational efforts involved meetings, newsletters, and slide sets to educate the public. Grants have been obtained for stream improvement and demonstration projects in the state's riverbasins.
Other public-issues addressed include dialogue about the upcoming farm bill - involving farmers and US Congresswoman Eva Clayton, strategic planning for an organization, electricity deregulation - involving citizens and government officials, and adoption of a county environmental policy.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
OBJECTIVE 1: 17 locations reporting
OBJECTIVE 2: 7 locations reporting
OBJECTIVE 3: 4 locations reporting
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
OBJECTIVE 1:
1. Number of citizens and public officials participating in educational programs who gain increased knowledge of constructive solutions to community design issues.
NUMBER INCREASING KNOWLEDGE :3233
2. Number of citizens and public officials participating in educational programs who develop a better understanding of factors affecting growth and change, effects of growth, and policy alternatives to deal with it.
NUMBER BETTER UNDERSTANDING :2269
1. Increased number of communities engaging in community visioning and planning.
INCREASED NUMBER : 69
2. Increased number of communities engaging in processes to deal with conflicts and reach consensus on community direction and action.
INCREASED NUMBER : 96
OBJECTIVE 2:
1. Number of program participants who increase knowledge and awareness regarding the issues and policy options affecting water quality and other resources in North Carolina watersheds and river basins;
NUMBER INCREASING KNOWLEDGE :8463
2. Number of citizens demonstrating increased levels of participation in programs affecting water quality and other resources in North Carolina watersheds and river basins.
NUMBER DEMONSTRATING :1277
1. Increased number of citizens and officials engaging in processes to deal with conflicts and reach consensus on water quality issues.
INCREASED NUMBER ENGAGING : 751
OBJECTIVE 3:
1. Number of program participants increasing knowledge and awareness of programs affecting public issues other than water quality or community design/growth at the county, area and state levels;
NUMBER INCREASING KNOWLEDGE :258
2. Number of citizens demonstrating increased participation in programs affecting public issues other than water quality or community design/growth.
NUMBER DEMONSTRATING :303
1. Increased number of citizens and officials engaging in processes to deal with conflicts and reach consensus on issues other than water quality and community design/growth.
INCREASED NUMBER ENGAGING : 161
Volunteers Involved and Value:
OBJECTIVE 1.
Number: 559
Dollar Value: $ 53,090
OBJECTIVE 2.
Number: 86
Dollar Value: $ 1,730
OBJECTIVE 3.
Number: 72
Dollar Value: $ 6,500
Success Stories:
Reporting Location: Watauga - Person Reporting: David Tucker
On October 2, 2000 Watauga County passed a Watauga County Farmland Preservation Ordinance. This was a effort between the Watauga County Extension Service, Watauga Soil & Water Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, local farmers and the County Commissioners. In 2001, the Watauga County Extension
Service conducted 4 workshops, explaining to local landowners how the Farmland Preservation Ordinance would benefit. Key farm leaders were targeted during these meetings. As a result, Watauga County currently has 162 parcels of land consisting of 3977.2 acres in Farmland Preservation.
Reporting Location: Randolph - Person Reporting: Lynne Qualls
Randolph County is experiencing tremendous growth & loss of agricultural land & open spaces. A proposed Growth Management Plan expects to address growth issues. Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the County Planning Department, NC Grange, NCSU, County Tax Department, American Farmland Trust,& Piedmont Land Conservancy, conducted a 3-session workshop for 67 landowners interested in learning about options available for land protection and conservation. Surveyed two months after the sessions, 50% of participants said the workshops increased knowledge, provided useful resources, and helped them make decisions. 90% of respondents said it was very critical that Commissioners should adopt the growth plan. A land development program is being planned for February, 2002.
Reporting Location: Cleveland - Person Reporting: Greg Traywick
In Cleveland County, NC Cooperative Extension worked closely with Farm Bureau, the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and leaders from the farming community to address the issue of urban sprawl and farmland preservation. The coalition drafted a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Ordinance during winter 2001 and presented their proposal to 87 farm operators and county commissioners at an educational program conducted February 19. The ordinance was adopted by county commissioners on June 5, 2001. The multi-agency team will continue to promote the program to landowners, educate the public about the importance of land use planning and farmland preservation, and monitor participation in the program and its impacts.
Reporting Location: Gates - Person Reporting: Marjorie Rayburn
On October 25, 2001, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Virginia Department of Natural Resources and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to work together on water quality issues in the Chowan (and Pasquotank) Riverbasins. Since these rivers originate in Virginia - with 75% of the Chowan River's flow coming from Virginia, it is critical that the two states cooperate and share information to maintain and improve water quality throughout the basin. A full time staff person whose salary is paid by both states is based in Suffolk, Virginia and will coordinate efforts on both sides of the state line. NC Division of Water Quality, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NC Cooperative Extension, and government and citizen representatives have worked together through the Chowan River Basin Regional Council to help bring about this memorandum.
Reporting Location: Watauga - Person Reporting: Sue Counts
Land Use Planning/Zoning continues to be a hot issue in Watauga County. Cooperative Extension's MountainKeepers and the Committee on Community Character sponsored WATAUGA...By the People. This project involved the distribution of 300 recyclable "free" cameras to citizens to start identifying those things that make our area-our-county-"special" to us. 85 people returned approximately 1400 pictures of places, sights, and events held dear and make this area unique. These pictures were on display at the Jones House, Farm City Banquet, and a sixteen page booklet insert (85 pictures) was placed in the Watauga Democrat. The Planning Board, County Commissioners, etc. have observed what these citizens value in Watauga County. Cooperative Extension is also working with MountainKeepers to create, publish, and disseminate a comprehensive report and supportive materials that describe land use and change across the county, based on a defined set of variables. So far, four maps have been produced, and grant proposals are being written to get funding to continue the project.
Reporting Location: Ashe - Person Reporting: Charles Young
Through citizen input, the county commissioners appointed a Farmland Preservation committee with Extension as the facilitator. This committee developed a plan to encourage farmland to remain in production with a program of benefits including notification of farm operations to new adjoining land purchasers, Exemption of unused water line tap fees, and special public hearings for any condemnation proceedings. In return the landowner agrees not to develop the land. After several public hearings and comments periods, the plan was approved unanimously by the county commissioners. During the first two months of implementation, there have been over 2000 acres approved for the program. The committee has also been successful in obtaining funds to erect signs designating Farmland Preservation areas. The program has generated much interest from landowners as far away as Florida, several newspaper articles, including front page coverage, and Extension has been recognized as the agency involved with the program.
Reporting Location: Stanly - Person Reporting: Patricia McNeill
Stanly County has been involved in educating residents on issues regarding growth, land-use, preservation, and community design. County government is in the process of developing a land use plan. Five community meetings were held this summer; concerns were expressed by over 132 citizens. In December a program on the economics of conservation easements was conducted by Cooperative Extension with 95% of attendees reporting increased knowledge of easements; 250 acres have been donated for preservation.
Impact Bullets:
As a result of its farmland preservation ordinance, 162 parcels of land consisting of 3977.2 acres have been preserved in agriculture in Watauga County.
Stanly County's land use plan will include a Voluntary Agricultural District - over 250 acres have been donated for preservation, so far.
In Randolph County, 67 landowners gained knowledge about land protection and conservation and felt it was critical that County Commissioners adopt a Growth Management Plan.
Cleveland County adopted a voluntary farmland preservation ordinance with input from farm leaders and organizations.
A memorandum of agreement between Virginia and North Carolina water quality agencies was signed (October 2001), pledging the two states to work together on water quality issues in the Chowan and Pasquotank Riverbasins and sharing the funding of a full time staff person.
Cooperative Extension in Watauga County is working with the MountainKeepers to create, publish, and disseminate a comprehensive report on land use changes in the county.
Ashe County's farmland preservation program includes over 2000 acres so far and has generated much interest from landowners, including some as far away as Florida.
Brunswick County is addressing beach erosion and nourishment issues through Extension's land use educational and coordination of vegetation planting efforts.
Extension in Franklin County has helped the Cattleman's Association to work out a compromise with the NC Division of Water Quality about the "agricultural Rule" in the Tar-Pamilico Riverbasin.
Extension has worked with commissioners in several counties resulting in the NC County Commissioners Association developing a 14 member standing committee on agriculture.
Farmland preservation efforts are underway in Davidson, Cleveland, Clay, Caswell, Surry and other counties around the state.
Forsyth County Extension has initiated an on-going "elected officials roundtable," promoting discussion of issues of interest in the county.
CEMP Committee Members:
Steve Smutko, co-chair Leon Danielson
Marjorie Rayburn, co-chair Michele Marra
Ted Feitshans Jean Spooner
Charles Hammond Nancy White
Lanny Hass Greg Jennings
CEMP 3 - Agriculture and the Environment
Program Description:
The mission of the Agriculture and the Environment State Major Program is to develop and implement educational programs to improve the clientele understanding of the complex relationships between agriculture and the environment. Programs were targeted to seven clientele groups: 1) Livestock, poultry, and fish producers; 2) Field crops producers; 3) Nursery, greenhouse, turf and landscape professionals; 4) Agribusiness professionals; 5) Agricultural service agencies; 6) Community and Special interest groups; and 7) Certification and training of Pesticide applicators.
Abstract/Overview:
Production of livestock, poultry, agronomic, horticultural and ornamental crops is economically, socially and environmentally important to the citizens of North Carolina. Roughly 30 percent of North Carolina's Gross State Production is derived from on-farm production or value added to farm products. Development and expansion of non-farm population into agricultural production areas has resulted in much conflict between producers and non-farm residents. Continuing water quality problems, especially in estuaries of the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River basins, have heightened concerns about odors and pollution of surface and ground water from mismanagement of agricultural production systems. Animal producers must now comply with strict regulatory requirements, and recently adopted rules mandating 30% reductions in N delivered to the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico estuaries require all nutrient applicators to participate in the reduction. In order for agricultural producers to comply with environmental regulations and maintain economic productivity, many must implement management and/or structural practices to reduce sediment and nutrient losses, and must attend mandated educational programs. Agriculture and the Environment educational and demonstration programs are targeted to producers, agribusiness, and agricultural service agencies to help them make sound decisions that protect the environment and maintain productivity through adoption of sound practices to manage water, waste, soil, nutrients and pesticides. Targeted practices include nutrient and waste management, practices to reduce soil erosion and sediment delivery to surface waters, sustainable production systems that use integrated pest management, and ecosystem management through restoration of habitat, wetlands, riparian buffers and streambank stabilization. This report focuses on the measures of progress and impact achieved primarily through the efforts of field faculty at the county level. Additional programs and impacts resulting from direct interaction of specialists with targeted audiences are not reported.
Program impacts include: implementation of approved waste utilization plans by 85% of animal waste operators on over 600,000 acres of land used more than 44 million pounds of nutrients valued at $10.3 million; implementation of nutrient management plans for commercial fertilizers on and additional 269,268 acres reduced usage of N by 86, 300 pounds, and phosphorus P by 60,800 pounds; use of soil conservation practices on 2.2 million acres of cropland reduced soil erosion by over 1.8 million tons (a 240% improved over 2000); certification or re-certification of 2439 waste operators, 3190 nursery, greenhouse or turf professionals and 19,200 pesticide applicators. Even with newer, safer and more concentrated products, the adoption of nearly 8700 new pesticide BMPs such as scouting and biological control on 690,000 acres reduced pesticide usage by over 56,700 pounds as compared to what would have been applied using conventional practices, and over 172,500 pesticide containers were recycled. Over 50,206 new acres were established as field borders, filter strips and permanent cover, and 4279 acres of new wildlife habitat establishment. New riparian buffers were established along 1897 miles of intermittent and perennial streams, a 258% increase over last year. Working alongside other agricultural partners, 171 multiple agency educational programs were conducted and 118 collaborative projects implemented. Extension field faculty conducted 119 industry meetings and trade shows promoting environmentally sound agriculture with over 4150 agribusiness professionals participating. In 115 environmental educational programs with community and special interest groups, 52 joint strategies were developed, and 17 local policies were adopted that reflected both the agricultural community's and the special interest groups' needs. Public awareness and knowledge of the link between agriculture and the environment was increased by participation of over 31,750 citizens in these educational programs. Enhanced attitude toward agriculture was reflected by 192 media stories promoting a positive image of agriculture. Over the past year, over 2790 volunteers contributed 21,000 hours valued at $210,000. Agriculture and the Environment programs costing $765,500 to operate were valued at $24.5 million to the targeted audiences and $29.7 million to society through reduced impacts of agriculture on the environment.
Objective 1: Livestock, poultry, and fish producers will adopt and promote economically and environmentally sound practices to manage water and waste materials for the purpose of improving air and water quality protection.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 42
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
2439 land application operators of animal waste trained and certified
890,406 acres nutrient testing (544,192 acres soil test analysis; 248,313 acres land application having waste analysis; 97901 (700% increase) acres having plant tissue analysis)
456,870 tons feed analysis
160,410 acres conservation practices implemented/maintained
41,112 tons waste composted
475 manure application equipment units calibrated
Statewide Impact Totals:
129,549 tons reduction (21% improvement) in soil erosion (loss) resulting from new conservation practices implemented on animal production lands
18.4 million pounds nitrogen, 21.9 million pounds phosphorus with a value of $10.3 million were utilized as crop fertilizer.
8,273 out of 9738 (85%) producers utilize approved waste utilization plans.
531 farms utilized new best management practices: (64 walking trails, 54 stream crossings, 135 managed streambank vegetation and 278 mortality composters)
47 permit and water quality violations or odor complaints against livestock producers were issued compared to 118 the previous year.
Volunteers Involved and Value:
274 volunteers contributed 2489 hours valued at $24,890. The estimated value of the animal waste management education programs in counties making cost/benefit analyses were as follows:
Value to Targeted Audience: $ 3,798,262
Value to Society: $ 1,626,670
Objective 2: Field crop producers will adopt and promote economically and environmentally sound practices to manage water, soil, nutrients and pesticides for the purpose of improving water quality protection.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 49
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
2.04 million acres conservation practices on cropland : (Conservation tillage, 564,785; no-till, 659,019 acres; residue management, 564,222 acres; nutrient management, 254,922; controlled drainage, 141,605 acres)
1867 miles of forested riparian buffers were installed along intermittent and perennial streams.
1.47 million acres of biotechnological controls were used: IPM (622,221 acres), scouting (493,912 acres), and biological control (311,000 acres).
50,206 acres on 1884 farms established field borders, filter strips or permanent wildlife cover.
Statewide Impact Totals:
69,367 pounds (active ingredient) reduction in pesticides usage
86,374 pounds reduction in commercial nitrogen fertilizer usage
60,823 pounds reduction in commercial phosphorus fertilizer usage
1.65 million tons reduction in soil erosion compared to conventional tillage
4,279 acres wildlife habitats established
Volunteers Involved and Value:
474 volunteers contributed 6986 hours valued at $69,860. The estimated value of the field crop environmental education programs in counties making cost/benefit analyses were as follows:
Value to targeted audience - $ 12,469,517
Value to Society - $ 21,165,470
OBJECTIVE 3. Nursery and greenhouse growers, turf and landscape professionals will adopt and promote economically and environmentally sound practices to manage water, soil, nutrients and pesticides for the purpose of improving water quality protection.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 31
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
19,167 (66% increase from 2000) Commercial Nurserymen and Greenhouse Growers adopted BMPs in 2000. BMPs adopted related to water, soil and nutrient management strategies including techniques such as cycled irrigation (758; 59% increase over 2000); water re-use (323); nutrient management (2187, a 74% increase in a rapidly expanding program), split application and/or controlled release fertilizers (3812); foliar/soil test analyses to determine fertilization rates and timing (2664; 50% increase); conservation practices 1450; 116% increase); and integrated pest management (2514; 92% increase over 2000).
2417 licensed pesticide applicators for ornamentals and turf were approved in 2000. Other certification and licensing training held and number of participants include: registered landscape contractors (108); certified plant professionals (509); and certified landscape technicians (156).
9884 individuals participated in re-certification training.
Statewide Impact Totals:
31,536 acres of BMPs were adopted ( 9,610 acres of water management programs, 7,580 acres of erosion control practices, with 15,160 fewer tons of soil lost this year than last, and 14,346 acres with nutrient management).
5848 tons waste products used or reused as a result of nursery, greenhouse, turf and landscape education programs.
5,130 people adopted environmentally friendly pest management practices.
Volunteers Involved and Value:
467 Volunteers contributed 1017 hours valued at $10,170. The total estimated value of nursery, greenhouse, and landscape environmental education programs was:
Value to Targeted Audience: $ 1,776,630
Value to Society: $ 1,171,814
Objective 4: Agribusiness professionals will adopt and promote economically and environmentally sound practices to manage water, soil, waste materials, nutrients, pesticides, and petroleum products for the purpose of improving air and water quality protection.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 17
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
119 industry meetings and trade shows
4158 agribusiness professionals acquired information
112 environmental educational programs sponsored by agribusiness.
Statewide Impact Totals:
61 companies produced literature promoting BMPs and environmentally sound production
76 new environmentally friendly products were marketed by companies versus 44 conventional products.
Volunteers Involved and Value:
225 volunteers committed 1478 hours for a estimated value of $14,780 of volunteer labor. The estimated value of the environmental educational programs were:
Value to targeted audience $ 509,400
Value to society $ 464,200
Objective 5: Extension will network with agricultural service agencies including NRCS, FSA, and NCDA&CS to promote economically and environmentally sound practices to manage waste materials, nutrients, pesticides, and reduce nonpoint source pollution for the purpose of improving air and water quality protection.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 36
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
675 publications, reports and interactions were generated
171 multi agency educational programs delivered
Statewide Impact Totals:
194 multi agency coalitions initiated
118 collaborative projects implemented
Volunteers Involved and Value:
192 volunteers contributed 1051 hours valued at $ 10,510.
Value to targeted audience: $ 1,591,280
Value to society: $ 1,923,605
Objective 6: Special interest groups (including public officials, environmental activists, the media and consumers) will increase their understanding of and appreciation for the complex relationships between agriculture and the environment.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 25
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
115 community and special interest environmental educational programs.
52 Joint Strategies developed to promote BMP adoption
Statewide Impact Totals:
17 local policies adopted which reflect the needs of agricultural and environmental interest groups
31,763 citizens increased their awareness of the link between agriculture and the environment
192 media stories with positive coverage of agriculture and/or the environment
Volunteers Involved and Value:
439 Volunteers contributed 1784 hours valued at $ 17,840. The total value of citizen type agricultural/environmental educational programs is:
Value to Targeted Audience: $ 134,726
Value to Society: $ 182,481
Objective 7: Pesticide Certification and Licensing Program
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 80
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
8389 pesticide applicators adopted one or more BMPs on 690,375 acres.
19,188 applicators were certified or recertified to purchase and use restricted use pesticides.
172,553 pesticide containers were recycled.
Statewide Impact Totals:
$3.89 million were saved in production costs
56,727 pounds less of pesticides active ingredient used on cropland
$719,369 were saved in disposal costs from recycled pesticide containers
66 citations for improper pesticide application or handling practices
9 cases of pesticide worker illness
Volunteers Involved and Value:
720 volunteers contributed 6191 valued at $61,910. The total estimated value of the pesticide certification and licensing program was:
Value to Target Audience: $ 4,172,069
Value to Society: $ 3132,199
Success Stories:
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Bunton, Kathy
The Iredell Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension assisted 75 poultry growers develop and maintain their legislatively mandated waste management plans. The 75 growers soil tested 4110 acres of hay, pasture, and crop land, analyzed 20,735 tons of poultry litter and applied the litter at agronomically correct rates. By utilizing poultry litter as the nutrient source for their crops as compared to a commercial fertilizer, the growers realized a savings of $298,170.
Location: Yancey
Person Reporting: Holloway, Stanley
A cooperative programming effort between Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and Yancey Soil and Water Conservation District, helped thirty-one livestock producers improve water quality by installing 24 livestock watering tanks, 5 one-acre Heavy Use Areas, a Feed Animal Waste Storage Facility, and over 2400 feet of livestock exclusion fencing. As a result of these on-going efforts loss of an estimated 1625 tons of soil from more than 650 acres was prevented. 8.2
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Pleasants, Robert H
Wayne County Extension piloted a Nutrient Management Training program required under the Neuse Nutrient Sensitive Waters Rules. Extension personnel trained thirty-seven agrichemical dealers and farmers. The training resulted in improved organization of the basic educational materials and development of additional resource materials for future use across the state. Extension developed a nutrient management planning computer spreadsheet and associated resource and information sheets and used these to help 12 farmers prepare plans covering over 10,000 acres in Wayne County. As part of the Neuse Crop Management Project, cooperators monitored use cotton petiole nitrate levels in 50 fields throughout the county. Extension assisted with field-specific interpretations and nitrogen management decisions then used the data to advise other county producers via newsletters of the potential need for in-season nitrogen adjustments.
Location: Greene
Person Reporting: Johnson, Louie H
Proper nitrogen rates in tobacco production are a major program focus of Cooperative Extension in Greene County. Tobacco nitrogen requirements have been addressed by Extension through six on farm test, six educational productions meetings, 12 volunteer educators and numerous farm visits. As a result, 70 farmers reduced their nitrogen to a range of 43 to 58 pounds per acre farmers on 2,500 acres of tobacco averaging 3600 lbs per acre. Reduced nitrogen has saved farmers over $100,000 in fertilizer, labor, sucker control, and curing gas while improving leaf quality and reducing N loss to the environment. 8.3 Success Stories
Location: Brunswick
Person Reporting: Nash, David L
Vegetation on coastal dunes in Brunswick County is often fertilized to increase growth and coverage by the plants. Municipalities and private property owners apply fertilizer to dunes as part of their coastal erosion management plans. Highly soluble forms of nitrogen are generally used to supply nitrogen to the plants. Based on research showing these plants require a 3:1:0 ratio of N:P:K, the NCCE-Brunswick County Center worked with a local fertilizer supplier to formulate a 30-10-0 fertilizer using a controlled-release nitrogen product. This formulation will slowly release nutrients to the plants over time, and reduce the amount of nutrients entering the groundwater compared to the highly soluble forms previously used.
Location: Davie
Person Reporting: Hoover, Gregory M
Population and housing increases, along with an aging and more affluent population have made landscape and turf maintenance a fast growing business in Davie County. The half-day Landscape and Turf Professionals Training was established to provide education and training on pest management, fertility, turf establishment and maintenance, pesticides, research updates, and pesticide recertification credits to new and existing landscapers targeting needs. Of the 36 landscape professionals attending the 2001 training, 66% indicated the training was very useful to them and their business, and 77% indicated that had adopted the use, or recommended use by homeowners, of slow release fertilizers. This practice increases fertilizer efficiency, reduces potential for off site movement and is an environmentally friendly practice.
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Lauderdale, Danny M
The Pitt County Horticulture Program began working with a local lawn care company 3 years ago. At that time they were applying 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year (3 times the recommended rate) to centipede grass lawns they maintained. This high nitrogen rate coupled with the high mowing height most homeowners use on centipede often results in winter kill and disease problems. Through a continued relationship, site visits, sharing of information and literature, the Greenville branch has reduced its annual nitrogen application rate on centipede grass to 0.75 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. On the approximately 450 centipede grass lawns they treat, with an average size of 0.2 acres, excess N application has been reduced by 2970 pounds per year.
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Spivey, Bryant M
The American Society of Agronomy has certified 277 individuals as Certified Crop Advisors in North Carolina. In order to maintain this certification, these individuals are required to participate in 40 hours of continuing education training evenly divided between 4 different categories in a two-year period. In the past, training opportunities for this certification were limited to a few state-wide meetings often located far from our area. The Southeast District Association of County Agricultural Agents developed an annual training program to meet the needs of Certified Crop Advisors in Eastern NC. In 2001, 83 Certified Crop Advisors participated in the SEDACAA-CCA School and received 5 hours of credit in each of the four certification categories. Certified Crop Advisors now have sufficient training opportunities to maintain their certification and improve their technical skills while focusing on locally important cropping systems and issues.
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Reeves, Kenneth R
This year completed the third year of a three county, multi-agency effort to recognize farmers for the positive management practices that they had implemented to improve water quality. The program entitled "Tri-county River Friendly Farmer" received funding from the Pigeon River Fund and Carolina Farm Credit. Five farmers from each county were recognized at an annual awards program and the five farms and farmers in Buncombe County hosted a summer tour for county residents to observe the Best Management Practices installed by farmers. This unique program received national publicity in an article in the Progressive Farmer.
Location: Bladen
Person Reporting: Dugan, Kathryn G
The timely land application of poultry litter is a major concern. After recognizing the timing constraints facing poultry producers in Bladen County, a collaborative effort to increase the number of poultry litter storage facilities was initiated by Cooperative Extension, NRCS and the Soil and Water Conservation District. Each agency marketed the effort through newspaper articles, newsletters, personal producer contacts and contacts with integrator service people. To date, seven poultry litter storage buildings have been completed and eleven are in some phase of the process. The completed buildings have improved the timing of land application of 108,000 pounds of nitrogen and assisted the poultry producers in complying with state regulations.
Local System: Soil Science
Person Reporting: Deanna Osmond
Specialists in Soil Science and Biological and Agricultural Engineering cooperated with NCDA, DSWC, and NRCS in developing a federally mandated P loss assessment process for North Carolina. Agents in all 100 locations throughout the state worked with local NRCS and NCDA personnel to collect soil samples and field data from nearly 1500 sites to test the loss assessment tool, and to evaluate the impact of a new federal policy on North Carolina producers. Preliminary results indicate that environmentally significant P loss from fields in North Carolina occurs in fewer than 10% of the sites sampled at this time.
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Tucker, Mark A
Many citizens do not have an adequate understanding of or appreciation for the importance of agriculture and its complex relationship with the environment. The CES in Forsyth County recognizes that this need is magnified in an Urban County. Therefore the CES has partnered with the Dixie Classic Fair, Farm Bureau and many volunteers including Master Gardeners and our local Farm-City Committee to provide educational opportunities for youth and adults. In 2001, we focused on educating youth about agriculture during Kindergarten Day at the Dixie Classic Fair. Extension staff and 14 volunteers provided educational information, much of it hands-on, to over 2000 youth and teachers, and provided information packets to be used in the classroom to 60 teachers. Volunteers, collaborating groups, and teachers were very supportive, and indicated their desire to continue the activity.
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L
At Environmental Field Days in Gates, Chowan, and Perquimans Counties, 854 students in the 3rd through 6th grades learned about insects and arthropod pests and beneficials. They collected insects and spiders such as lady beetles, dragon flies, stink bugs, tarnished plant bugs, grasshoppers, and caterpillars using a sweep net. They also learned the importance of using insecticides to kill pest insects only when necessary - to help protect beneficial insect populations. Students acquired a better appreciation for these creatures (insects) and better understand their importance and impacts on humans.
Location: Burke
Person Reporting: Morris, Shannon L
Early this year whole watershed regulations and buffer zone requirements became a flashpoint issue between farmers and environmentalists in Burke County. Extension worked with farmers, landowners, and County Administration to present an unbiased appraisal of the issues involved. Interested stakeholders were thereby better prepared to make their opinions known in subsequent public meetings and forums.
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Spivey, Bryant M
Over 175 tobacco producers transplanted used transplants produced in float-bed greenhouses this year in Duplin County. This production method has been developed and refined through research of NCSU Extension Specialists. Extension programs have resulted in a higher percentage of usable transplants, improved disease management, and higher quality transplants. By producing transplants in greenhouses, use of methyl bromide was decreased by 67,500 pounds annually. Through decreased fumigation costs, and lower labor costs, producers are saving $313,926 annually.
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L
With more people moving into rural areas, farmers are concerned about pesticide drift affecting their non-farming neighbors. Many farmers are unaware of how far pesticides can drift to non-target areas. Drift at various wind speed and pressure were demonstrated with a backpack sprayer and a multi-speed fan. Farmers stated that this demonstration reinforced the importance and methods of reducing drift when applying pesticides, and should reduce the number of drift complaints.
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E
Pesticide collection and proper disposal was cited as an important project for health and environmental reasons by the advisory leadership system. In conjunction with NCDA&CS and agricultural chemical dealers in Edgecombe county, a collection day resulted in safe and proper disposal of 599 containers with 9,289 pounds of pesticides.
9. Impact Bullets:
10.
531 animal farms adopted new BMPs to protect streams and reduce loss of nutrients, and implemented conservation practices on 160,400 acre that reduced soil loss by over 129,500 tons.
Over 890,000 acres of animal-based agricultural acres used nutrient testing programs to guide the application of manures which in turn supplied 18.4 million pounds of N, and 21.9 million pounds of phosphate for crops growth.
Nutrient management programs implemented on 255,000 acres of fertilized reduced commercial nitrogen fertilizer use by 86,000 lb and commercial phosphorus fertilizer use by over 60,800 lb.
Adoption of conservation practices prevented loss of 1.65 million tons of soil in croplands (4-fold improvement), while 1867 miles of forested riparian areas (3-fold increase), and 4,280 acres of new wildlife habitat were established.
The use of biotechnologies on 1.47 million acres reduced pesticide active ingredient usage by an additional 69,000 lb compared to traditional or conventional practices.
172,550 pesticide containers were recycled, reducing landfills inputs and disposal costs by over $719,000.
"Green Industry" professionals in ornamental, turf and landscape management adopted 19,167 new practices (66% annual increase) that conserve and protect environmental quality and improve nutrient use on over 31,500 acres.
5130 Green Industry professionals adopted environmentally friendly pest management practices, and recycled 5848 tons of waste products.
4158 agribusiness professionals increased their understanding of environmentally sound agricultural practices, with 61 companies promoting environmental practices in their company literature.
17 local policies representing agricultural and environmental interest were adopted, while 52 joint strategies programs were initiated, and over 31,700 citizens increased their awareness of agriculture and the environment.
192 local and statewide media stories reported positively on agriculture and environmental issues.
The number of trained and certified animal waste operators increased to 2439, with 85% of all animal producers now implementing approved waste utilization plans. Permit violations and odor complaints decreased from 118 to( 47.
Over 9880 participants were trained and certified or re-certified as licensed applicators to safely apply pesticides for ornamentals and turf.
19,188 applicators educated with the latest information and technology used 56,727 fewer pounds of active ingredients from pesticides, saving $3.89 M dollars in production costs and greatly reduced potential for release of crop protection chemicals into the environment.
Volunteers contributed 21,000 hours in support of educational programs in agriculture and the environment.
CEMP Committee Members:
Dan Bailey Ted Bilderback Garry Bradley
Wayne Buhler Allen Caldwell Daniel Campeau
Tom Carter David Crouse Robert Evans
Ted Feitshan Billy Griffin Steven Hodges (Co-chair)
Billy Little Jack Loudermilk (Co-chair) Karen McAdams
Rich McLaughlin Matt Miller Shannon Morris
Deanna Osmond James Pitman Matt Poore
Kim Powell Noah Ranells Karl Shaffer
Ron Sheffield Matt Taylor Stephen Toth
Wlliam Wickliffe Mitch Woodward Kelly Zerring
CEMP 4 - Animal Production and Marketing Systems
Program Description:
This program aspires to provide the prioritized assessed educational needs and desires of the North Carolina animal industry. This program is multidisciplinary, interdepartmental and networks with other state and federal agencies and with commercial enterprises.
The two major clientele groups are farmers and non-farmers and including the youth of both clientele groups. Farmer participants learn to select, adopt and implement practices and/or enterprises to achieve individual and family goals related to profitability and quality of life. Non-farmer participants increase their knowledge of animal agriculture to include human nutrition, nuisance identification, food quality assurance, quality of life, economic impacts and appropriate treatment of animals.
Emphasis was placed on biosecurity, emergency preparedness, best management-production practices, marketing, financial management, food quality and safety and leadership development.
Abstract/Overview:
Success was indicated by the selection, adoption and successful implementation of practices or enterprises that helped North Carolina animal producers achieve individual/family goals related to profitability and quality of life. Through Extension's livestock educational program in 2001, 21,393 producers increased awareness and knowledge of best management production practices. Of these, 9,019 producers adopted best management practices that optimized income with 2,992 applied improved farm financial planning practices and procedures. Collectively, it was estimated across the state that $17,004,955 in income was due to adoption of recommended nutrition, breeding, marketing, building/facilities, health and general management practices.
Success was indicated by improved knowledge and attitudes about animal agriculture by over 50,000 farm & non-farm citizens. Estimates are that 2,837 farmers and 84,448 non-farm citizens demonstrated understanding and appreciation of animal agriculture, food supply facts and quality standards. Also, 2,296 farms adopted standards, practices or procedures to address industry concerns and issues. This educational effort involved 3,106 volunteers, committing 16,774 hours valued at $167,740 in assisting and delivering these programs.
Success was indicated by18,462 youth who demonstrated increased skills and knowledge through participation in animal projects and events. Of these, 1,938 youth demonstrated advanced skills and knowledge through participation in multi-state, national, or international events. Of these youth animal project participants,197 received $83,643 in scholarships. Also, 1738 youth received $601,552 above market price provided by community supporters of youth animal project activities and sales. Enhanced personal development and leadership skills were demonstrated by 1,469 youth as a result of being a part of project related events. These projects are dependent on the 2,236 volunteers that committed 22,178 hours of their time at a value of $221,780.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
OBJECTIVE 1: Producers and marketers of livestock, poultry, and aquatic species will select, adopt and successfully implement practices or enterprises that will achieve individual and family goals related to profitability and quality of life.
69 Units Reported Statewide
OBJECTIVE 2: North Carolina citizens (farm and nonSfarm) will address controversial issues (of mutual concern) that relate to animal agriculture, including human nutrition, nuisance identification, food quality assurance, quality of life, economic impacts, and the appropriate treatment of farm animals.
36 Units Reported Statewide
OBJECTIVE 3: Youth involved in animal projects will improve personal development and learn leadership and other skills related to animal husbandry including: record keeping, finances, producing high quality animal products, sportsmanship, and appropriate treatment of animals.
44 Units Reported Statewide
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Objective 1. Producers and marketers of livestock, poultry, and aquatic species will select, adopt and successfully implement practices or enterprises that will achieve individual and family goals related to profitability and quality of life.
Sub-objective 1.*Increased awareness and knowledge of best management-production practices
NUMBER OF DAIRY PRODUCERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 1251
NUMBER OF BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 8323
NUMBER OF HOG PRODUCERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 1538
NUMBER OF HORSE PRODUCERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 5403
NUMBER OF SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 1863
NUMBER OF POULTRY PRODUCERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 1805
NUMBER OF PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 498
NUMBER OF LIMITED RESOURCE PRODUCERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE: 712
Totals: 21,393
Sub-objective 2. *Adoption of best management practices that optimize income
NUMBER OF DAIRY PRODUCERS ADOPTING: 446
NUMBER OF BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS ADOPTING: 3447
NUMBER OF HOG PRODUCERS ADOPTING: 709
NUMBER OF HORSE PRODUCERS ADOPTING: 1887
NUMBER OF SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS ADOPTING: 774
NUMBER OF POULTRY PRODUCERS ADOPTING: 1230
NUMBER OF PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES ADOPTING: 180
NUMBER OF LIMITED RESOURCE PRODUCERS ADOPTING: 346
Totals: 9,019
Sub-objective 3. *Application of improved farm financial planning practices and procedures
NUMBER OF DAIRY PRODUCERS APPLYING: 190
NUMBER OF BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS APPLYING: 1039
NUMBER OF HOG PRODUCERS APPLYING: 216
NUMBER OF HORSE PRODUCERS APPLYING: 434
NUMBER OF SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS APPLYING: 330
NUMBER OF POULTRY PRODUCERS APPLYING: 567
NUMBER OF PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES APPLYING: 55
NUMBER OF LIMITED RESOURCE PRODUCERS APPLYING: 161
Totals: 2,992
OBJECTIVE 2: North Carolina citizens (farm and nonSfarm) will address controversial issues (of mutual concern) that relate to animal agriculture, including human nutrition, nuisance identification, food quality assurance, quality of life, economic impacts, and the appropriate treatment of farm animals.
Sub-objective 1. *Improved knowledge and attitudes about animal agriculture
NUMBER FARMERS DEMONSTRATING: 2960
NUMBER OF NON-FARM CITIZENS DEMONSTRATING: 48012
TOTAL NUMBER: 50,972
Sub-objective 2. *Newspaper, and other mass media stories/commentaries indicating enlightened information and knowledge about animal agriculture
NUMBER: 8,490
OBJECTIVE 3: Youth involved in animal projects will improve personal development and learn leadership and other skills related to animal husbandry including: record keeping, finances, producing high quality animal products, sportsmanship, and appropriate treatment of animals.
Sub-objective 1. *Increased skills/knowledge gained by participation in animal projects and events. Number of Youth demonstrating:
NUMBER OF DAIRY: 2177
NUMBER OF BEEF: 2366
NUMBER OF SWINE: 2154
NUMBER OF HORSES: 2155
NUMBER OF SHEEP: 2922
NUMBER OF GOATS: 2120
NUMBER OF POULTRY: 1786
NUMBER OF RABBITS: 1610
NUMBER OF AQUATIC: 41
NUMBER OF LIMITED RESOURCES: 1131
Totals: 18,462
Sub-objective 2. *Number of youth demonstrating advanced skills and knowledge through participation in multiSstate, national, or international events due to youth animal project work.
NUMBER OF YOUTH DEMONSTRATING: 1938
Statewide Impact Totals:
OBJECTIVE 1: Producers and marketers of livestock, poultry, and aquatic species will select, adopt and successfully implement practices or enterprises that will achieve individual and family goals related to profitability and quality of life.
Sub-objective 1. *Income optimized through adoption of recommended nutrition practices
DAIRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 755697
BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 1871937
HOG PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 2535086
HORSE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 435268
SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 81560
POULTRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 33001
PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES, DOLLARS GAIN: 60100
LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 43435
Totals: 5,816,084
Sub-objective 2. *Income optimized through adoption of recommended breeding practices
DAIRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 291691
BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 675278
HOG PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 258539
HORSE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 247348
SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 68134
POULTRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 5150
PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES, DOLLARS GAIN: 147999
LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 38752
Totals: 1,732,891
Sub-objective 3. *Income optimized through adoption of recommended marketing practices
DAIRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 306205
BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 1758853
HOG PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 287279
HORSE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 287590
SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 79285
POULTRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 3720
PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES, DOLLARS GAIN: 193999
LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 35500
Totals: 2,952,431
Sub-objective 4. *Income optimized by adoption of recommended building/facilities practices
DAIRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 546943
BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 451398
HOG PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 1268201
HORSE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 233644
SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 133945
POULTRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 27000
PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES, DOLLARS GAIN: 196999
LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 29200
Totals: 2,887,330
Sub-objective 5. *Income optimized through adoption of recommended health and general management practices
DAIRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 310969
BEEF CATTLE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 1342640
HOG PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 857664
HORSE PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 693512
SHEEP OR GOAT PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 137098
POULTRY PRODUCERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 18200
PRODUCERS OF AQUATIC SPECIES, DOLLARS GAIN: 226450
LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS, DOLLARS GAIN: 29686
OBJECTIVE 2: North Carolina citizens (farm and nonSfarm) will address controversial issues (of mutual concern) that relate to animal agriculture, including human nutrition, nuisance identification, food quality assurance, quality of life, economic impacts, and the appropriate treatment of farm animals.
Sub-objective 1. *Increased understanding and appreciation of animal agriculture
NUMBER FARMERS DEMONSTRATING: 1587
NUMBER OF NON-FARM CITIZENS DEMONSTRATING: 36685
Farm and Non-Farm Totals: 38,272
Sub-objective 2. *Increased understanding of food supply facts and quality standards
NUMBER FARMERS DEMONSTRATING: 1250
NUMBER OF NON-FARM CITIZENS DEMONSTRATING: 47763
Farm and Non-Farm Totals: 49,013
Sub-objective 3. *Farms adopting appropriate standards, practices, and procedures to address industry concerns and issues
NUMBER ADOPTING: 2296
OBJECTIVE 3: Youth involved in animal projects will improve personal development and learn leadership and other skills related to animal husbandry including: record keeping, finances, producing high quality animal products, sportsmanship, and appropriate treatment of animals.
1. *Scholarship dollars received by youth animal project participants
SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS RECEIVED: 83643
BY NUMBER OF YOUTH RECEPIENTS: 197
2. *Dollars above realistic market price provided to youth by community supporters of youth animal project activities and sales
PROJECT DOLLARS (above market price) RECEIVED $: 601552
BY NUMBER OF YOUTH PARTICIPANTS: 1738
3. *Number of youth who have demonstrated enhanced personal development and leadership skills as a result of participation in animalSrelated projects and events: i.e. public speaking skills; improved decision making; effective assistance of other youth projects. Supporting information should be included in narrative and success story sections of ERS.
NUMBER OF YOUTH DEMONSTRATING
ENHANCED PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS: 1469
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Objective 1. Number: 2067; Hours: 11086; Dollar Value $110,860
Objective 2: Number: 1039; Hours: 5688; Dollar Value $56,880
Objective 3: Number: 2236; Hours: 22178; Dollar Value $221,780
Success Stories:
In Johnston County the highlight of the youth livestock program is the spring show and sale. The 2001 event boasted 148 participants, 7 heifers, 8 steers, 84 lambs, 96 hogs, 14 goats, and a total of 209 animals. The animal sale signals the end of the showing activities. Record books and cleanSup still remain for the young people. The sale totaled over $120,000.00 with $3000.00 worth of scholarships being presented. Many children retain their earnings in a savings account or college fund. Through this successful youth livestock project, youth learn responsibility, both personally and financially, self respect, sportsmanship and gain lifelong friendships.
In response to Extension educational programs, a county livestock group began bulk purchases of free-choice minerals formulated specifically for their region. Recently, producers there have saved over $42,000 on the purchase of minerals and significantly improved reproduction and performance rates in participating herds by working jointly. The value of this improvement is conservatively estimated at $30 per head in herds with no previous mineral supplementation program. Next, the group began bulk purchases of dewormers and has saved over $10,000 to date. Increased usage of dewormers has improved performance and weaning weights of calves with an estimated increase in net return of $50,000 per year. This group is now developing a group animal marketing program where participating producers co-mingle and sell cooperatively. Representatives from the group traveled to a Texas feed yard to discuss a marketing arrangement. The producers recently co-mingled, backgrounded and sold two loads of cattle with an estimated average increase in net returns of over $30 per head.
A comparison of graded sales and weekly auctions held in the fall of 2001 demonstrates the increased value associated with selling cattle in larger uniform lots. A comparison of weekly auction prices to graded sale averages for sales held during the same timeframe indicates that consignors to graded sales received an additional $222,000 for their steers and $200,000 for their heifers, compared to selling in weekly auctions. Additional savings to graded sale consignors include payments based on in-weights versus payments based on out-weights in weekly auctions. We estimate this difference to be at least 3%, or an additional impact of about $15/hd. These savings would add $230,000 to receipts of consignors to graded sales this fall. Combined, the net increase in income for the calves sold through graded sales exceeds $650,000 or $41 per calf. This difference amounts to a premium of 9% over weekly sales on average.
In one county, an agent worked with a dairy producer with reduced milk production, reproductive problems and thin cows at calving. Nutrition recommendations (lactating cows, dry cows and heifers) resulted in an overall increase in milk production of 13 pounds per cow/day ($5,800/mo), higher peak milk production, healthier cows at calving and improved body condition scores.
Extension educational efforts in one county were directed at updated research-based recommendations on milking procedures and intramammary infusion techniques. Out of 25 dairy producers, 18 reported a total of $87,750 in recovered milk loss in one year. All 25 producers improved their skills at artificial insemination breeding clinics saving them an average of $2000 annually in breeding costs, for a cumulative total of $50,000 annually.
Area specialized poultry agents organized meetings that informed over 500 citizens, poultry leaders, and poultry and livestock farmers about how foreign animal diseases, the new CAFO regulations, and poultry production updates would impact their businesses, livelihood, communities, and personal lives. The meetings were also instrumental in influencing regulatory decisions regarding how poultry would be Ahandled@ in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. For example, instead of destroying all poultry within a 2-6 mile radius of a livestock outbreak of foot and mouth disease, as initially recommended by the NCDA, no poultry would be euthanized within the quarantined area unless located on the same farm as the outbreak. Moreover, eight official comments were drafted and submitted to state and national environmental agencies in response to the proposed CAFO regulations.
In Richmond county, Extension collaborated closely with emergency management and the county planning department to develop a GIS map of the major livestock facilities in the county. The final product was a current, precise, computer accessible map that can be used for a FAD outbreak as well as natural disasters, and land use planning.
One county extension program worked with the NCDA Veterinary Division and held a public meeting about the foreign animal disease threat and to provide a forum discussion. Nearly all the 46 livestock producers in attendance indicated the intention to adopt best management biosecurity practices recommended at the meeting. Over 75% of the producers contacted two weeks after the meeting had at least one farm biosecurity practice in place.
The Cherokee Reservation Cooperative Extension hosted the Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Assistant State Veterinarian to share technical information about potential foreign animal disease threats to our livestock and petting zoos. We met with the Tribal ViceSChief, Tribal Emergency Management, Tribal Fish and Game, Tribal Tourism, Tribal Fairgrounds Manager, Jackson and Swain County Livestock agent, the local large animal veterinarian, our regional State Veterinarian Technician, the National Park Service, the owners of three local petting zoos, the Smoky Mountain Animal Response Team. The results include: 1. The establishment of an emergency management MOU between the tribe and the State. 2. Clarification of the Standard Operating Procedure if a case is reported to the tribe or the Extension office.3. One petting zoo owner shared, among peers, that they have a hand washing station in place. 4. Better relationships and open communication among participating agencies and local tourism businesses. 5. Increased technical understanding.
In one area of the state, twenty-eight beef cattle farms improved current biosecurity measures or implemented new biosecurity protocols as a result of attending Extension's classes on Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Extension worked closely with Smithfield Foods in the completion and analysis of a commercial product evaluation of 8 genetic lines. Over 3,500 carcasses were comprehensively evaluated for 25 traits. This information is being utilized to enhance the genetic improvement of 12 million pigs annually.
An Internet course covering Breeding and Gestation Herd Management was pilot tested in cooperation with the National Pork Producers Council in the spring of 2001. Of the117 participants enrolled, 77 participants completed the course and 72 evaluations were returned. Eighty-one percent of producers strongly agreed or agreed that the course provided them with an opportunity to improve job skills. Fifty-four percent of the producers indicated plans to make changes in production practices based on knowledge gained from the course.
With extension assistance a large integrated swine producer established a laboratory for quality control of feed-grade fats using a rapid analytical technique developed at NCSU. They recuperated the expense of the instrumentation in only weeks.
Several producers have successfully used niche markets. One dairy farmer reported gross sales of $16,000 per month from selling part of his milk as fresh Mexican cheese to local and regional Mexican stores. One lamb producer is selling fresh lamb to high in grocery stores. Extension is cooperating with a private company that markets pasture-based pork to explore expansion of their market on the east coast to upscale restaurants and trendy specialty food shops
A cooperative (Eastern Foods) formed with assistance from extension has initiated value added marketing programs. Through the NC On-farm Performance testing program we have provided muscle quality evaluations on 400 head of swine provided by 11 producers. This information has been summarized and provided and changes in management and genetics programs have been implemented to enhance the overall quality of pork products being produced
Extension investigation of magnesium (Mg) supplementation of drinking water of swine implied that it reduces the retail water loss of ham steaks and loin chops. It is estimated that improved product quality can have a value to producers of maximal $0.79 per pig. This value would be directly related to improvements in market share of pork products.
Through extensive educational efforts over the past two years provided to a local hog farmer and businessman by the Cooperative Extension Service, independent swine producers will have a marketing outlet for 200 finish hogs per week to Hursey Meat Center in Burlington, North Carolina. Over the past two years the permit application from DENR for the lagoon at the facility became a point of controversy as misinformation was spread about the facility and the potential impact of the wastewater lagoon on the area. This meat center will be the salvation for the independent swine producers from Person and surrounding counties. This slaughtering facility will help independent swine producers provide consumers with pork products with over 1.2 million dollars in gross revenues from Person County.
Extension assisted thirteen hog farmers in making application for the state offered buy-out program of hog lagoons. Five livestock producers have requested assistance from the Extension Livestock Agent in developing Division of Water Quality (DWQ) Plans. Two producers adopted the Wettable Acres Plan, which allow them to evenly applied swine manure onto cropland. Two producers were able to get their operating permits from DWQ. One producer was able to follow a lagoon closure plans and save $10,000 in fines.
New treatment methods being developed for parasitic pathogens of trout were highly successful during the summer parasite season. On two trout farms equipment, training and assistance was provided to identify parasites and to assess parasitic loading. and in employing and evaluating treatment options, regimes, and efficacy. Potential losses could have exceeded 400,000 fish with an economic value of approximately $130,000. The economic cost of the program, including fish lost, was about $20,000.
Impact Bullets:
Turkey health losses from immunodeficiency, enteric problems, and leg abnormalities have been largely alleviated through adoption of improved nutrition and management practices recommended by extension resulting in an annual economic impact of estimated at $4 million.
Extension helped beef cattle producers market nearly 16,000 head of calves through the state graded feeder calf sales and to market 38 truckloads of cattle. Benefits were realized from increased prices and less weight loss (shrink), providing an additional $840,000 for producers.
Extension has helped organize groups of beef cattle producers to cooperatively purchasing minerals and pharmaceuticals for a savings of $47,000.
Over 70% of dairymen formulate rations based on feed analysis and therefore increase income by about $200/cow yearly, or $9.8 Million annually for the total North Carolina dairy industry.
Mycotoxins affect over 25% of dairy herds annually. Therapy can increase milk production by about 4 lb/cow plus improves health and reproduction. Extension mycotoxin programs are estimated to impact profitability of the N. C. dairy industry by $4 Million annually.
Beef, goat and sheep producers have used large amounts of byproduct feeds including over 7750 tons of recycled poultry bedding, 6600 tons of soybean hulls, 3600 tons of corn gluten feed, 2500 tons of whole cottonseed, 800 tons of wheat middlings, and 1000 tons of other byproducts. This extension program is estimated to resulting in a savings in feed costs of over $1 million.
Over 17,000 head of swine were evaluated in the NC On-Farm Performance Testing impacting the genetic improvement of the production from 70,000 commercial sows. Phenotypic changes indicate an additional reduction of 2 days to 250 pounds with .05 inches less fat in breeding animals that are selected to supply replacements in commercial programs producing over 1,250,000 market hogs annually. If only a 1 day improvement is observed in the market animal total costs of production is reduced by $.17/head or $212,500.
The number of North Carolina Meat Goat Association members increased from 215 in 1994 to over 600 members in 2001. In addition, producers from Yancey and Johnston counties founded local goat associations.
Entries in the State 4-H Horse show totaled 2,326, making it the third largest 4-H horse show in the 30-year program history.
Horse owners, county extension agents, and others were provided information included in eleven manuals, totaling over 900 pages that were developed as support materials. Attendance at short courses was 1628 producers from 19 states. Of those in attendance, 46% indicated an intention to adopt management practices estimated to save or increase gross income by $716,825 or $440 per participant.
Numerous meetings at the state and county level were held to develop and refine the State Animal Response Team (SART) and County Animal Response Team (CART) programs for rapid response to state emergencies involving animals. Several disaster response plans involving multiple state agencies (Emergency Management Services, Natural Resources, Health Departments, etc.), businesses, and key citizens were developed for several counties (i.e., Duplin, Robeson, Anson). The Duplin plan is one of several models that has been identified by the state response team as a model for other counties to emulate in developing their own CART plans.
CEMP Committee Members:
Ben Chase Co-Chair, Rockingham Co.
Vacant Co-Chair, NCSU
County Team Members NCSU Team Members
Marti Day Granville County Ken Anderson Poultry Science
Walter Earle Wilson County Geoff Benson Ag. & Res. Econ.
Barry Foushee Randolph County Roger Crickenberger Administration
Steve Gabel Chowan County Kevin Gamble Inform. Tech
Ronald Hughes Johnston County Richard Lichtenwalner Animal Science
Star Maready Duplin County Tom Losordo Zoology
Richard Melton Anson County Jean Marie Luginbuhl Crop Science
Martha Mobley Franklin County Roger McCraw Animal Science
Greg Traywick Cleveland County Dale Miller Animal Science
Charles Young Ashe County Bob Mowey Animal Science
Robert Mustian Ag. & Ext . Ed.
Kevin Roseboom Animal Science
Todd See Animal Science
Brian Sheldon Poultry Science
Mike Stringham Entomology
Mike Wineland Poultry Science
Lon Whitlow Animal Science
Mike Yoder Animal Science
CEMP 5 - Child Care
Program Description:
The child care Cooperative Extension Major Program has two goals. These goals are to (1) Improve the quality of child care in North Carolina and (2) To increase the availability of child care in North Carolina. To carry out the first goal, Cooperative Extension Agents (mainly Family and Consumer Science and 4-H) conduct training on a variety of topics. This is a traditional role for Cooperative Extension as an arm of the research university. However, a major new role for agents is securing financial support in the form of grants and collaborations which serve to support the second goal of increasing the availability of child care.
Abstract/Overview:
The needs of the child care community are diverse. Primary among them is the need to improve the quality of care provided by staff through appropriate training. Agents report having trained at least 18,086 youth and adult child care providers in 2001. Cooperative Extension has offered a total of 97,027 training hours for these providers, which at $20.00 per hour calculates to a cost benefit of $1,940,540.00. More importantly, 8,382 of these providers report that they increased their knowledge, attitudes and skills as a result of this training and 7,373 report implementing quality child care practices in one or more of the state mandated functional areas (topics). It is not surprising therefore that parents, child care providers and school personnel report that 32,543 children improved in social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development in the centers where staff received CES training. Thus, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has an important impact on the 121,116 children reached by these child care providers.
Child Care continues to be an under funded community need. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has begun to seek collaborative relationships and grant funding to alleviate this need. Agents report developing or sustaining at least 9,538 collaborative relationships in support of child care and developed or sustained 5,571 community networking relationships to support child care. No other agency, local or statewide, could have such a statewide impact on the child care issue. Acting in collaboration with other community groups, Cooperative Extension Agents have generated at least $846,304 to support child care at the local level. In addition, agents report that they manage $970,354 in child care dollars.
Increasing child care availability is sometimes a lengthy process which begins with technical assistance in the form of training, phone calls and site visits. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Agents report that 2,024 potential providers and 2,631 current providers reported improving knowledge and skills in increasing or maintaining child care availability due to technical assistance received through Extension.
Volunteers pay an important role in the effect to increase availability and improve quality in child care. In the year 2001, 3,525 volunteers contributed 70,431 hours of service. At $10 per hour this equates to $704,310 dollars worth of service to the community.
The most direct evidence of the impact of the work of CES Agents is in the 2,919 new slots for children and the 62 new centers or family child care homes that were created across the state in 2001. This translates into 2,919 children who have care and 62 centers and homes that are now members of the child care industry because of the efforts of the Agents of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Objective 1- 70 counties submitting 92 reports of accomplishments
Objective 2 - 34 counties submitting 43 reports of accomplishments
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Objective 1: Child care professionals in North Carolina will provide safe, nurturing, appropriate programs for children.
1. Child care providers will have improved knowledge, attitudes and skills in one or more of the state mandated functional areas.
YOUTH - # OF PROVIDERS REPORTING AN INCREASE: 813
YOUTH - # OF PROVIDERS TRAINED: 1056
YOUTH - # OF CHILDREN REACHED BY YOUTH PROVIDERS: 11,500
YOUTH - # OF CUMULATIVE TRAINING HOURS FOR YOUTH PROVIDERS: 11,748
FAMILY CHILD CARE - # OF PROVIDERS REPORTING AN INCREASE: 1,942
FAMILY CHILD CARE - # OF PROVIDERS TRAINED: 4,551
FAMILY CHILD CARE - # OF CHILDREN REACHED BY PROVIDERS: 12,946
FAMILY CHILD CARE - # OF CUMULATIVE TRAINING HOURS FOR PROVIDERS: 26,894
CENTER CARE - # OF STAFF REPORTING AN INCREASE: 3,808
CENTER CARE - # OF STAFF TRAINED 9,547
CENTER CARE - # OF CHILDREN REACHED BY STAFF: 53,095
CENTER CARE - # OF CUMULATIVE TRAINING HOURS FOR STAFF: 33,706
SCHOOL-AGE CARE - # OF PROVIDERS REPORTING AN INCREASE: 1,819
SCHOOL-AGE CARE - # OF PROVIDERS TRAINED: 2,932
SCHOOL-AGE CARE - # OF CHILDREN REACHED BY PROVIDERS: 43,575
SCHOOL-AGE CARE - # OF CUMULATIVE TRAINING HOURS FOR PROVIDERS: 24,679
2. Child Care providers will implement quality child care practices in one or more of the state mandated functional areas.
# OF YOUTH PROVIDERS REPORTING IMPLEMENTATION: 556
# OF FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS REPORTING IMPLEMENTATION: 1,407
# OF CENTER-STAFF REPORTING IMPLEMENTATION: 3,856
# OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE PROVIDERS REPORTING IMPLEMENTATION: 1,554
Objective 2: The amount of quality child care will be increased as a result of improved collaboration among county agencies, increased resource development and the education of business leaders, court officials, school and private.
1. Developed or sustained community collaborative relationships that support child care?
# OF COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPED OR SUSTAINED THAT SUPPORT CHILD CARE: 9,538
2. Developed or sustained community networking relationships that support child care?
# OF NETWORKS DEVELOPED OR SUSTAINED THAT SUPPORT CHILD CARE: 5,571
3. Developed resources that support child care?
DOLLAR AMOUNT EXTENSION MANAGES: $970,354
DOLLAR AMOUNT EXTENSION GENERATES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS: $846,304
4. Providers and potential providers receiving technical assistance will report an increase in knowledge and skills in increasing or maintaining child care availability?
# OF POTENTIAL PROVIDERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 2,024
# OF CURRENT PROVIDERS INCREASING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 2,631
Statewide Impact Totals:
Objective 1
1. Children in quality child care improve in social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development as reported by parents, providers, and school personnel.
# OF CHILDREN DEMONSTRATING IMPROVEMENT: 32,543
2. Total number of all cumulative training hours @ $20 per hour for all types of providers.
NUMBER OF HOURS CONDUCTING TRAINING: $1,940,540
Volunteers Involved
Number -2663
Hours- 32,561
Dollar Value - $325,610
Program Cost/Benefit analysis
$ Value to targeted audience: $2,652,347
$ Value to Society: $ 3,981,373
$ Estimated program cost: $2,149,223
Objective 2
1. New slots as a result of direct Extension educational efforts or technical assistance:
# OF NEW SLOTS: 2,919
2. New centers/homes as a result of direct Extension educational efforts or technical assistance:
# OF NEW CENTERS/HOMES: 62
3. Dollar value of slots Extension created: Calculated as number of slots Extension created multiplied by median family income divided by # of child care eligible children in family:
LOCAL VALUE OF MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $1,046,103
DIVIDED BY THE # OF ELIGIBLE CHILDREN: $2,147,592,169
Volunteers Involved
Number 862
Hours 37,870
Dollar Value $378,700
Program Cost/Benefit Analysis
$ Value to targeted audience - $2,884,428
$ Estimated program cost - $1,586,380
$ Value to Society - $4,550,665
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Objective 1: 2,663 volunteers involved
32,561 hours
$325,610 value @ $10/hour
Objective 2: 862 volunteers involved
37,870 hours
$378,700 value @ $10/hour
Success Stories:
The Northampton County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Center provides quality, safe school-age care programs at three sites located in elementary schools. For many parents, this is not only a convenient option, but is the only option as there are few day care centers in the county. One parent is a single mother on public assistance who has difficulty holding a job due to her low educational background. She is unable to assist her child with his homework. One of our volunteers, a high school senior, has taken this child as his special friend and helps him each day until his homework is complete. This parent attributes her child passing the End of Grade tests directly to the assistance he received during homework time at the after-school program.
In Caswell County, staff development and child care quality has been an important focus of Cooperative Extension's training for child care providers. One provider stated that as a result of the training, "I have benefitted from the training CCR&R (through Extension) has provided. It is nice to stay in the county to receive in-service training hours and receive resources to take back to your center. I have worked in child care for a long time and the morale among providers has improved: they feel better about what they do and are rewarded for all their hard work."
Troy Public Housing and Montgomery County 4-H received one of the School Age Care grants available through the Division of Child Development. A new after school program was implemented at the housing authority providing 25 new slots for school-age youth. Working with CES, the program applied for and received a license in the spring of 2001 making the program the only licensed stand alone program for school-age youth in the county.
As a result of their involvement with the SACC grant process, the Troy Housing Authority applied for and were granted funds to implement a before school program in the fall 2001.
In Stanly County, the 4-H agent worked with a licensed school-age program to secure grant funds through the school-age care project. The program received $5,000 in grant funds that were used to make program improvements and resulted in a four star rating through the Division of Child Development. Some of the impacts reported by center directors were: "the light table has especially benefitted ADD, ADHD and Down Syndrome children; the new rugs and bean bags have created a softer environment and have helped reduce the noise level; new storage units have made items more accessible for the children; dividers have provided privacy for classrooms; resource books have helped teachers to develop more efficient lesson plans and have given them new ideas for teaching children."
The 522 participants in the Play It Safe, playground safety training for childcare providers conducted in Lenoir, Duplin and Greene counties as a cooperative effort report learning how to prevent hazards and injuries on the playground and what to look for in a playground audit. Over the past six years that playground safety has be taught by Cooperative Extension, agents report a reduction of injuries on childcare playgrounds.
Agencies networking together has made a real difference in Wilson County. Through Extensions joint educational programs with the Wilson County CCR&R, 184 child care providers reported an increase in teaching and management skills for providing quality child care. As a result of these educational efforts and as a result of enhanced funding through Smart Start, the number of 5 star centers in Wilson county has increased from 2 to 6 and 9 centers have achieved a 4 star rating with 13 additional centers achieving a 3 star rating.
The site director for the Wayside Elementary School Prime Time Program has worked with 4-H to implement the Giraffe Program for the past three years in Iredell County. The children, kindergarten through fifth grade, learn about the accomplishments of "heroes" such as Michael Jordan and United States Presidents. Through the Giraffe Program, the site director and care providers are able to demonstrate to the children that leaders can come from modest backgrounds. The site director reports that she sees an increase in the children's self esteem, as well as, their awareness of the ability to raise themselves above their current financial and socio-economic status if they work hard and set high goals. She states that she sees this demonstrated through improved homework completion and better cooperation and teamwork among the children.
1,102 children have benefitted from workshops presented by FCE and 4-H Agents in Surry County in 2001. Grant funds allowed the compilation of Read Me A Story kits to use in teaching child care providers the importance of educating preschoolers about nutrition. Each kit contained 10 pre- school books and a notebook of activities and age-appropriate hands-on activities were used to teach providers how to use the information in the kits. Kits were distributed to individuals completing the training for use in child care centers. Eight weeks after the workshops, 63% of providers report observing positive changes in the children with respect to healthful eating (for example: more likely to try new foods); 58% of those responding report they have observed positive changes in the children with respect to fruit and vegetable recognition.
Randolph County offered four, seven hour Basic School Age Care programs in two counties reaching 90 providers of school age care. In turn, these providers reach 2,828 children with quality school age programming. As a result of training, providers are practicing effective planning, environmental design, age appropriate activities, group management techniques, and safety, health and nutrition with their classes.
To address the need to improve the educational level and competency of child care providers, 11 staff development training sessions were conducted by Davidson County Cooperative Extension reaching 300 child care providers. Evaluations indicated that 100% of those attending gained new ideas, new knowledge and new skills which would be used in working with children and increasing personal knowledge of curriculum and age appropriate activities for children. Sixty persons indicated an increase in knowledge of teaching preschoolers about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity. Trainings offered by CES made it possible that 57% of Davidson County Children are in licensed child care centers with a 3, 4, or 5 star rated quality care programs. The N.C. average is 47%.
In Watauga County, there is an estimated need for 100 infant and 70 toddler childcare spaces. In wages alone, the cost of infant/toddler care is $150.00 per month more than for older children, yet fees charged are the same. With NCCES leadership, a childcare committee created an incentive program for centers, providing grants of $500.00 for each space created plus continued support of $100.00 per month per space. The center must maintain 5 star rating and charge at least $100.00 more than for older children. In the past 6 months, 37 new spaces have been created.
Approximately 2-3 months after a Caring For Children class has been taught by Onslow County Cooperative Extension, a behavioral survey is sent to find out if the child care provider has implemented any of the new knowledge gained. From July to December 38% of the surveys have been returned. Examples of implementation as appearing on surveys from providers include: As a result of the Be Active Kids Training I now play outside more with the children and serve better snack foods which are healthy. Because of the Fight BAC class I thaw my meats differently and do not let the children eat raw dough. Hand washing at my center has increased due to the Fight BAC class. I have taught the children how and when to use the phone to call 911. Providers are more aware in general on how to fight bacteria and the problems they cause for humans.
Nash County Cooperative Extension through the 4-H Program received a $26,000.00 grant to provide a summer program in collaboration with the Nashville Cooley Library. The main objectives were to provide a safe place for 30 children ages 5-12, as well as emphasize the library's summer reading program called Seekers and Dreamers. In a little less than 10 weeks, these 30 children read close to 500 books. Parents reported that the reading opportunities helped their children improve their reading skills and they believed their children had become better readers because of this program.
Youth programming in Wake County does not meet present demand and often does not address violence and substance abuse prevention. Wake County 4-H Youth Development, under the federally funded Safe Schools, Healthy Students program, continues to solicit community-based organizations for applications to receive start-up funds for new youth programs. To qualify, a program must serve a minimum of 20 high-risk youth, and implement a life-skills, substance abuse and violence prevention curricula. Three community-based organizations each received $10,000 in start up funds this year. Funded programs range from an after-school and weekend tutorial program, boxing as a recreational sport, and a theater based youth initiative. Three additional $10,000 awards will be distributed in early 2002. As a result, six new youth programs will be launched, which will allow more than 120 youth to participate in positive activities and be exposed to substance abuse, violence prevention and life skills training.
In Chowan County, monthly educational programs have been provided on topics of importance to childcare homes and centers.. Eight one child care providers who are responsible for 403 children have been reached through educational training on such topics as Nutrition, Discipline, Building Self Esteem in Children, Playground Safety and others. Comments such as "I learned about keeping the children safer outdoors", "I now know how to prepare nutritious foods my kids will eat" and "I understand the role that DSS plays in the protection of children, I did not understand this at all" are a part of the feedback received from evaluation of the providers trained.
In Harnett County, there existed 450 child care slots for the 8,104 school age youth population. Harnett County Cooperative Extension teamed up with the Harnett County School Board to create additional slots. A Memorandum of Understanding was established, with each school offering an After school program. Through positive collaboration and continuous communication, 175 additional slots were created and 130 additional children are now being served. This collaborative effort saves a typical parent, of two school age children, approximately $16,00 per year, while providing safe and quality care in convenient locations.
Impact Bullets:
18,086 youth and adult child care providers completing 97,027 cumulative training hours through Cooperative Extension.
8,382 child care providers report increasing their knowledge, attitudes and result of Cooperative Extension training.
7,373 of child care providers report implementing quality child care practices in one or more of the State mandated functional areas, due to CES training.
32,543 children reported by parents, child care providers and school personnel to show improved social/emotional cognitive and physical development in child care programs where staff received CES training.
121,116 children reached by child care providers trained through CES.
NCCES conducted 97,027 hours of educational training at a value of $1,940,540 to targeted audience and $3,981,373 to society.
Extension reports developing or sustaining 9538 collaborative and 5,571 community networking relationships to support local child care.
2,024 potential child care providers and 2,631 current child care providers report increasing knowledge and skills in increasing or maintaining child care availability due to technical assistance from Cooperative Extension Service.
Cooperative Extension Service developed and managed $970,354 the past year to support local child care initiatives.
2,919 new child care slots and 62 new child care centers/homes were developed as a direct result of Extension's educational efforts or technical assistance at a value of $2,884,428 to targeted audience.
3,525 volunteers contributed 70,431 hours of service in efforts to increase availability and improve quality in child care, equating to $704,310 worth of service to the community.
CEMP Committee Members:
Wanda Harrison Sandra Head Scott Howard
Rosa Andrews Susan Condlin Anna Peele
Karen DeBord Ann Ward Deborah Womack
Carolyn Dunn Connie Green Suzanne Van Rijn
Julie Landry Lori Ivey
CEMP 06 - Community and Economic Development
Program Description:
This Cooperative Extension major program has four major objectives: (1) integrating special audiences into the local community development process; (2) teaching economic development concepts to local leaders; (3) informing local leaders and citizens about economic trends and their expected impacts on the local economy; and (4) facilitating business development assistance by bringing together local private expertise with local needs for business management information.
Abstract/Overview:
Extension programs in Community and Economic Development have stressed the importance of community organizations and leadership in those organizations and in local government. Extension has helped organize groups to address low achievement in schools by having families work together; to address conditions and circumstances in public housing; to improve the visual quality of the community through beautification, recycling, greenway trails, and antilitter efforts; and to rebuild after catastrophic events. Leadership is a significant component for communities to be vital and sustainable. Extension through Community Voices has assisted special audiences and others in building those leadership skills necessary to make a difference. Extension faculty have also become recognized as preferred providers in leadership development and having significant participation in Leadership Cherokee County, Natural Resources Leadership Institute and other leadership programs. The increasing Hispanic/Latino population has provided Extension with the opportunity to expand programs and provide assistance to this new audience. English as Second Language, driving, health and hygiene, and pesticide use are just some of the programs offered to Spanish speaking residents. Efforts are underway in Watauga County to organized Hispanic Women's groups so they can guide programs to support this community. Sustainable tourism continues to be a high need program for landowners and farmers as they wish to find ways to diversify their enterprise and make the farm profitable. In 2001 extension agents went through training on assisting individuals and local governments with tourism development and operation. Over 20 county extension programs currently have some effort in developing tourism as another economic resource. This number continues to grow. In addition programs continue on small and home-based businesses. In 2001 county extension programs resulted in attraction of 66 businesses to a county and 12 new start-up enterprises were created with a combined annual payroll of over $650,000.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Objective 1: 24
Objective 2: 11
Objective 3: 7
Objective 4: 9
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Objective 1 Special audiences will use information about community services and the community development process to gain skills to participate in community development.
Number of participants gaining awareness and knowledge: 1,548
Total number of participants: 1,651
Number participating in groups: 2,442
Total number of participants: 3,140
New community organizations formed: 41
New community development projects formed: 134
Objective 2 Public and private community leaders will use economic development concepts to implement policies promoting sustainable economic development.
Number of participants gaining awareness and knowledge of computer models, videos, and fact sheets: 757
Applications made of computer models: 53
Applications made of videos: 27
Applications made of fact sheets: 418
Objective 3 Local leaders, business persons, and educators will acquire information about economic trends affecting local economic opportunities.
Number of persons attending conferences who increased their awareness and knowledge: 1,930
Number of requests for additional information: 225
Objective 4 Existing business persons and potential business persons will acquire information about beginning and running a successful business, including small and home-based businesses.
Number of persons attending workshops: 437
Number of applications made of videos, notebooks, and fact sheets: 95
Number of persons increasing their awareness and knowledge of opportunities: 239
Number of persons increasing their awareness and knowledge of market plans and community analysis: 137
Statewide Impact Totals:
Objective 1 Special audiences will use information about community services and the community development process to gain skills to participate in community development.
Number of special audience persons participating in local public hearings: 540
Number of additional special audience persons participating in voting: 39
Number of additional special audience persons participating in the labor force: 598
Number of additional special audience person participating in the community development process: 1,762
Number of additional special audience persons participating in community development organizations: 1,498
Objective 2 Public and private community leaders will use economic development concepts to implement policies promoting sustainable economic development.
Number of persons attending local conferences and distance learning conferences: 825
Percentage of persons rating conference information useful: 93%
Businesses and payrolls attracted to counties as a result of educational information: 66 businesses payroll $600,000
Objective 3 Local leaders, business persons, and educators will acquire information about economic trends affecting local economic opportunities.
Percentage of conference participants rating conference information useful: 90%
Number of guidance counselors using information: 46
Value of lines of newspaper stories on subject, at $1.50 per line for 4,387 lines: $6,282
Value of radio time on subject, at $20 per minute, for 319 minutes: $4,000
Value of TV time on subject, at $100 per minute, for 1,250 minutes: $30,500
Objective 4 Existing business persons and potential business persons will acquire information about beginning and running a successful business, including small and home-based businesses.
Number of small and home based business start-ups and annual payroll resulting form educational efforts: 12 start-ups $69,500 annual payroll
Number of small and home based business plans developed: 46
Number of persons increasing their income through participation in the community development process: 97
Number of community analyses performed: 12
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Objective 1
Number: 824
Hours: 11,471
Value @ $10/hour: $114,710
Objective 2
Number: 410
Hours: 1,970
Value @ $10/hour: $19,700
Objective 3
Number: 171
Hours: 803
Value @ $10/hour $8,030
Objective 4
Number: 86
Hours: 1,667
Value @ $10/hour $16,670
Success Stories:
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Tourism is a significant economic resource and opportunity in North Carolina. Farmers and landowners are continually looking to diversify their income base by including tourism as one of the enterprises on their property. Programs are provided on how to develop a tourism enterprise as well as assisting local governments in the strategic planning and visioning process in what sustainable tourism might mean for the community. In one county Extension facilitated a conflict resolution management situation between the county chamber of commerce and the tourism development authority. Agent training has been conducted so agents are better equipped to assist local governments and individuals on tourism opportunities, particularly in agritourism and sustainable tourism. Mazes in corn and sunflowers are a growing opportunity as well as use of riding trails, hay rides, etc. and extension is taking the lead on providing education and training on these and other components of tourism.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Organized community clubs are an effective tool for enacting community change and vitality. Extension continues to work with existing community clubs and assists in the establishment of new ones or revitalizing old ones. In 2001 efforts with community clubs have resulted in the implementation of recycling programs, programs to bridge the achievement gap in schools, address needs in public housing, determine strategies to rebuild after Hurricane Floyd. One agent assisted three communities in the development of Greenway Trails, acting as technical advisor and also assisted in acquiring grant funds to implement the programs.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Extension continues to provide programs on establishment of small or home-based businesses. In addition a number of small businesses are struggling for survival either because of the after effects of Hurricane Floyd or the economy following September 11th. Extension is providing information on developing business plans, marketing and advertising.
HISPANIC
The burgeoning Hispanic/Latino population in North Carolina creates immediate needs and opportunities to assist this community. In several counties, efforts are continuing to provide English as Second Language classes, driving classes for Spanish speaking residents, organization of Women's groups for support, pesticide education, and programs to assist with important items upon arriving in the area.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
A vital component of community and economic vitality is leadership. There are several programmatic efforts to develop leadership in communities. One area agent presented the inaugural session of Leadership Cherokee County, setting the tone for the program. Robeson County has placed special emphasis on special audiences, including them in community building and enhancing their ability to participate in community and advisory opportunities, thus ensuring that the voice of special audiences is heard and included in planning processes. As a result of these efforts, one individual who was on the County Extension Advisory Council, became so interested and skilled that she ran for a city council seat, she was unsuccessful the first time, but was elected the second time.
Impact Bullets:
The Hispanic/Latino population in North Carolina is growing rapidly. In several counties, Extension is taking the lead in assisting new residents in learning English and the various government services opportunities and responsibilities. One county has had to increase the number of English as Second Language classes from two per week to five per week because of the demand.
Tourism from natural resources and agricultural enterprises is a growing opportunity for many in North Carolina. Numerous farmers and entrepreneurs take part in extension programs to learn more about the opportunities and how to conduct the enterprise. In one state-wide training 95% of the 34 participants felt they were sufficiently equipped to start a sustainable tourism enterprise.
Extension educational programs have resulted in counties attracting 66 businesses having a payroll of over $600,000.
Twelve small and home-based businesses were established in 2001 with an initial payroll of $69,500.
CEMP 7 - Crop Production and Marketing Systems
Program Description:
The focus of the Crop Production and Marketing Systems CEMP is to develop and deliver crops and marketing systems educational programs that improve the profits of North Carolina's agricultural industry and maintain environmentally safe farms and communities.
Abstract/Overview:
Various programs associated with Crop Production and Marketing Coop Ext Major Program provided knowledge and awareness of and/or application of knowledge in various subjects to 117,734 people. This represents 1.5 million acres affected by these program for a total of $78 million saved or earned as a result of the programs. Agents and Specialists (we) conducted program to assist 80% of tobacco farmers to contract marketing which increased gross returns by 3 to 6%, while advising get grants to change to indirect-fired curing barns thus reducing tobacco specific nitrosamines 95% for 85% farmers, which meant $4.8 million in one county alone. Advice to peanut farmers reduced disease and increased yield 15 to 25% per acre. Small acreage farmers continued to shift to higher value niche markets, while applying the newest techniques of crop production and innovative marketing, like inviting Day Care Centers for A Day on the Farm and various other forms of 'agrotourism' and 'agritainment'. Farmers were taught and adopted avoidance and crop resistance as means of improving their integrated pest management. One county helped to have 15,000 acres of cotton scouted. Conservation tillage, manure management, whole farm nutrient management and use of RoundUp Ready crops have been taught to and adopted by farmers, all of these techniques improve the environment by reducing soil erosion, off site nutrient movement and application of more hazardous pesticides. Also, these techniques have been an economic benefit to farmers. We worked with US and NC environmental agencies to teach farmers how and why to practice environmental stewardship like stream buffers, livestock exclusion from streams, increase planting of trees. With educational programs present pors and cons of use RoundUp Ready varieties farmer now plant 90% of the NC soybean and 60% of the cotton to these varieties, these programs include the concerns of market acceptance for transformed varieties. Sweetpotato virus infestation has been reduced through micropropagation thus increasing profitability thanks to educational programs. In view of trends in prices of many crops, we conducted educational programs to help farmers manage input, thus costs and a greater variety of markets by changes in location (global) and time (futures marketing).
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Statewide there were 79 counties reporting work on this CEMP, the following numbers of units reporting by objective: 1-51; 2-38; 3-68; 4-30; 5-28; 6-21; 7-24.
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
OBJECTIVE 1. Tobacco and peanut farmers will be assisted in evaluating alternative production practices, investigating innovative agricultural opportunities and exploring marketing options to ensure continued farm productivity and enterprise profits.
Clients reported increased awareness and knowledge and 5499 adopted practices associated with new marketing options. While 5607 others adopted practices such as field selection, pest management, improved varieties, harvest techniques, and equipment adaptability 268,826 acres. And 3879 clients gained additional awareness/knowledge of alternative production systems, affecting 94, 699 acres.
Extension specialists and field faculty developed and delivered programming to assist tobacco and peanut farmers. Efforts were concentrated in the areas of improved marketing, adoption of production practices to expand profits, development of alternative enterprises, and short-term problem solving.
The tobacco production industry is experiencing a rapid transformation from an auction market to direct contracting. NCCES has been heavily involved in helping growers to successfully make this transition, providing organized training, work-shops, and one-on-one assistance. The majority of growers in 2001 adopted the direct marketing model, with over 80% of North Carolina's tobacco being marketed through contracts. Adoption of this marketing model has resulted in increased gross returns of from five to ten cents a pound (compared to auction sales in the same areas). Thus, for example, tobacco farmers in Franklin Co. realized an increase in returns of nearly two million dollars and Caswell Co. farmers gained nearly $800,000. Even in counties with limited tobacco production realized significant gains, eg. Scotland Co. farmers realized an increase in profits of $44,000. Similar increases in returns occurred in all tobacco producing counties.
Related to the change in the tobacco marketing system is a change from direct-fired to indirect- fired tobacco curing barns. This change results in a reduction of 95% in tobacco specific nitrosamines (known carcinogens) in cured tobacco and was necessary to maintain the marketability of N.C. tobacco. NCCES personnel conducted applied research, demonstrations, work-shops, and individual visits to assist growers in procuring and managing the required new technology. As a result, over 85% of the state's tobacco crop is curing using indirect-fired curing barns. Field faculty also trained and assisted growers in obtaining grants to support these conversions. As a result, North Carolina tobacco growers received many millions of dollars in support (Johnston Co. growers, for example, received $ 4.8 million). Extension's assistance was vital in this process. Growers in Franklin Co. reported that without the training and assistance provided by NCCES, they would not have successfully obtained approximately $ 2 million in support. NCCE personnel in Person Co., reviewing grower applications, corrected errors that resulted in an increase of $122,000 in support funds.
Through a wide range of delivery techniques, NCCE personnel encouraged the adoption of production practices to improve farm profitability. Peanut growers in Edgecombe Co. reported that following Extension recommendations helped them deal effectively with a resurgent disease, peanut web blotch, and increase yields by 600 lbs. per acre and gross returns by just over $ 1 million. Chowan Co. growers, utilizing Extension's system for evaluating peanut maturity, increased crop quality and gross returns by over $ 320,000. Programming to encourage the choice of proper varieties for management of the black shank disease in tobacco increased yields in Randolph and Davidson Cos. and gross returns by over $ 500,000; reduction in fumigation costs further increased net returns by approximately $50,000. Extension specialists and agents statewide encouraged tobacco growers to adopt improved sucker control methods. Fifteen growers in Craven Co. reported that these practices increased yields by 15%, resulting in an increase in gross returns of over $100,000.
OBJECTIVE 2. Part-time and limited resource farmers will increase the sustainability of their farms through crop diversification 1, intensive management practices, water and nutrient management, and expanded markets.
A total of 6339 part-time and limited resource farmers adopted best management practices such as irrigation system, nutrient management, etc. on 19,239 acres. With clients increasing awareness and knowledge of marketing options (1945) and irrigation and management systems (862), while 605 increased use of multiple markets and 412 grew new crops.
Many new part-time and limited resource farmers were made aware and gained knowledge of the diverse crops and cropping systems that can be utilized in NC. Through meetings, tours, seminars, on-farm demonstrations and one-on-one visits, many of the participants adopted these crops and cropping systems, much of the time creating new markets that have increased their sustainability. Local niche markets were special targets of the small farmers.
Small acreage and part time farmers continue to cope with their unique circumstances in innovative ways thanks to Extension assistance. They are doing many of the same things that full time farmers are doing, looking at alternative crops, using transgenic crops to reduce costs, learning about and evaluating futures markets, using agrotourism, e-marketing to sell products, and using organic niche markets to deal with their unique situations as small acreage. This group is increasing their attempts to reach very high value niche markets and has had significant success. The agents provided cultural information on the crop, and provided assistance with pest management to make it success. NC A&T staff and the local agent trained farm families through the Farmers Adopt Computer Training Program with some of the farmers purchasing their own computer and all improving their management skills. Agents assisted with farmers markets which offer an opportunity for small-part time farmers to sell produce and earn an extra income. An increased number of specialty crops workshops were conducted across the state to assist farmers in learning about new enterprises, value-added marketing, irrigation, season extension techniques, non-chemical weed control strategies, ethnic vegetables, sustainable hog production, agrotourism, and forming agricultural cooperatives. Several enterprising small farmers contacted daycare centers and offered 'A Day on the Farm' for a fee, each of the children took home a pint of blueberries they picked, resulting in a win-win situation. NCCE and a chamber of commerce continued to promote and conducted educational program on the potential for wine grapes with people attending and many people planning to grow grapes with a potential gross $5,000 per acre. A county conducted and old fashioned soil sample campaign and netted 25 first time samples from farmers.
OBJECTIVE 3. Farmers will continue to evaluate recommended or conventional production practices and management systems, integrating them into sustainable farming systems.
There were 10209 clients adopting best management practices such as pest control, lower labor costs, tillage, proper fertilization, etc, that will increase yield and there were 21959 who increased awareness and knowledge of production. This program stabilized or increased the number of farms/crop acreage by 2763 farms and 99,959 acres. The adoption of practices that lower production costs or keep production costs below income from the farm were used by 5252 farmers on 968,164 acres.
Avoidance and resistance seem to be the 'watch words' of NCCE in IPM. Activities such as training growers not to take whitefly problems from the greenhouse to the field or means of cleaning up tobacco mosaic in the transplant operation, Blue Mold Advisory, Corn Earworm Tip newsletter, and evaluation of a new biocontrol for sclerotina were evaluated and adopted by many farmers. Widespread adoption of scouting for IPM programs resulted in increased awareness of early season insect pest levels on approximately 15,000 acres of cotton in one county. Growers improved profit on their investment through chemical and labor savings, while increasing awareness in the judicious use of pesticides. The lessened potential for pesticide resistance in pests by rotating chemicals and reduced the potential harmful impacts of pesticides on the environment. 533 growers and their workers attended IPM seminars and on-farm scouting workshops to learn IPM techniques for scouting nursery fields.
New growers continue to adopt conservation tillage practices for cotton and corn to improve efficiency and soil management. A meeting was held during the winter to update growers on soil management and conservation tillage in which 36 producers participated. No-till and strip-till acreage increased again this year and these growers should be able to realize a savings of 37,500.
Extension led field demonstration of conservation tillage equipment and on-farm visits with producers have rebutted in the adoption of stip-till, no-till practices. and reduced labor, equipment cost and other production expenses. Farmers have inquired about the long term no-till program offered by the Natural Resource & Conservation Service. Farmers are now enrolled in the 3 and 5 year no-till programs and are receiving several thousand dollars for their participation. Their initial contact concerning this program has been the Cooperative Extension Service.
Farmers have been informed about the long-term no-till programs offered by NRCS. As a result of this educational effort, the maximum amount of funds available were allotted to eligible growers. These growers have entered 5 year contracts to plant their fields 100 percent no-till in exchange for program payments. Farmers in the Neuse Basin have received training to help them meet the current rules and regulations, with 67% of farmers completing training.
Nutrient management plans for crop production are required when using animal waste. Growers working thousands of acres used for application of hog lagoon sludge learned the value of a nutrient management plan to limit application to crop needs. Learned best management practices have limited application to expected yields for the type of crop and adjustments made based on tissue sampling during the season. Monitoring of growth and yield have demonstrated optimum yields with no limitations from nutrient availability.
NCCE conducted a six-hour nutrient management training workshop in which producers learned the principles of nutrient management and how to write nutrient management plans. The training involved slide presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on practice in plan development. Participants have become certified in nutrient management and received resource materials to assist them in development of their own nutrient management plans.
Objective 4. Growers and Agribusiness professionals evaluate and adopt appropriate alternatives to conventional pesticides, nutrients, and tillage to enhance quality and maintain profitability.
There were 3996 clients reporting to have increased awareness and knowledge of IPM practices and 5654 for cover crop, rotation, waste products for fertilization, scouting, and use of spray advisories respectively, and 2,051 adopted IPM practices. Which affected a total of 465,796.
The focus of objective 4 was to enhance environmental quality and maintain profitability through the adoption of alternatives to conventional pesticides, nutrient application and tillage systems. Examples of education programs include (1) The use of leaf compost and animal waste in organic production systems; (2) The adoption of IPM practices in fruit and nursery crops; (3) Reduced tillage in cotton and wheat production; (4) Scouting programs for thrips in peanuts and Hessian Fly in wheat; (5) Spray advisories based weather and predictive models for leaf spot in peanut and blue mold in tobacco; (6) The planting of herbicide resistance and BT cotton; (7) The promotion/adoption of BMP's in nutrient sensitive river basins.
EPA and Department of Environment Natural Resources are in discussions on regulations dealing with water quality issues such as nonpoint source pollution, buffers along streams, animal numbers in confined spaces, and many others. Articles in livestock and forage newsletters have educated producers on these regulations. Television segments and public meetings in conjunction with the DENR have been conducted discussing water quality issues with producers. Many agricultural crop producers have adopted best management practices through extension education efforts. Forestry seeding has been implemented through the Chowan River Basin program with Flood Disaster money made available to farmers that qualified. Beef producers have installed alternative watering systems to exclude cattle from streams to improve water quality.
Corn grown in a watershed basin and could loose atrazine as a herbicide option. In 2001, on-farm test with emphasis on controlling weeds without atrazine included treatments: Clearfield Corn, Liberty Link Corn, RoundUp Ready Corn, and conventional corn varieties with various herbicides. As a result, growers have tried the new hybrids. Others used conventional corn hybrids, but took a post emergence approach with old and new herbicides. Corn production without atrazine will not save these growers any money or improve their yield. Teaching producers how to continue to control weeds and produce good yields will sustain both agriculture and the environment. This action should allow the farmers to continue to profit while the value of clean water is priceless.
Objective 5. Producers will become knowledgeable of regulations and environmental constraints on production practices, evaluate the impacts of these constraints on their farm, and develop least cost methods of compliance which will maintain quality of farm and rural environment.
Clients(2523) reported increased awareness and knowledge and 1593 adopted the best management practices such as soil, water, and tissue analyses, responsible pesticide use, and IPM pest management strategies on 205,935 acres. At the same time 2,149 clients reported increased awareness and knowledge of farm and environmental regulations. These results represent a reduced level of activity on this objective, because many clients are now knowledgeable in the area.
Farmers continually have to deal with new regulations from the environmental and regulatory divisions. Manure analysis, tissue samples, soil samples and sound best management practices help producers deal with these areas of production. These regulations cost farmers thousands of dollars in implementation and time needed to carry these out. Farmers do benefit in the value of manure applied and the manure usage that is according to crop usage instead of over-application.
Regulations that govern waste applications are important to cattle and field crop producers. Utilization of biosolids is a management option for local farmers. Biosolids are an excellent fertilizer, however they must be managed correctly and are highly regulated. Program participants have gained knowledge of biosolid application factors including slope, soil type, buffer zones, etc. as well as application regulations and economic benefits.
OBJECTIVE 6. Farmers will utilize and citizens will become knowledgeable about biotechnology and the use, benefits, and risks associated with the production of genetically engineered crop plants.
Clients (12,938) reported increased awareness and knowledge of biotechnology and its applications to crop production and 3071 adopted biotechnology applications to crop production through the use of genetically engineered varieties on 383,861 acres. At the same time the 34,429 members of the public increased their understanding of safety, use, and benefits of production of genetically engineered crop plants.
Extension has been in the forefront of grower education about the benefits and disadvantages of available biotechnology. These programs provided growers with timely information to make sound decisions based on research, good economics and adaptability to area needs 90% of the soybeans are now RoundUp Ready and much of the cotton is biotech varieties. Farmers are using this technology to increase profit and produce a higher quality product. The new bioengineered varieties have been evaluated through on-farm tests and in managing pest and through a demonstration scouting. Efforts are underway to assist local with understanding how to use micropropagated sweetpotatoes to improve production and profitability by eliminating virus infestation.
OBJECTIVE 7. Farmers, farm organizations, and agribusinesses will become knowledgeable of local and global market factors and develop strategies to cope with or take advantage of these factors to maximize farm profits.
There were 4,993 clients reported to have increased awareness and knowledge and 2062 adopted practices associated with new agricultural products and 2486 adopted practices that impacted marketing successes.
There has been an increase in the activity of agents and specialists working to increase the knowledge of farmers/growers in the area of local and global markets to help them maximize their economic returns. Historically, farmers have worked very hard to maximize the production of their specific commodity. However, many growers have not spent as much time in developing their marketing skills and identifying and exploiting markets. With the international pressure placed on most agricultural enterprises, NC farmers are now placed in a position where they must develop new and innovative marketing strategies to stay competitive and profitable with the assistance of the NCCE. Programs have been developed to help growers utilize the tobacco contract purchasing system effectively. Growers have understood the traditional auction marketing system, but now are faced with an entirely different marketing system with the potential for greater profits if used effectively.
There has been an increase in the activity of agents and specialists working to increase the knowledge of farmers/growers in the area of local and global markets to help them maximize their economic returns. Historically, farmers have worked very hard to maximize the production of their specific commodity. However, many growers have not spent as much time in developing their marketing skills and identifying and exploiting markets. With the international pressure placed on most agricultural enterprises, NC farmers are now placed in a position where they must develop new and innovative marketing strategies to stay competitive and profitable with the assistance of the NCCE. Programs have been developed to help growers utilize the tobacco contract purchasing system effectively. Growers have understood the traditional auction marketing system, but now are faced with an entirely different marketing system with the potential for greater profits if used effectively. Many counties conducted educational efforts on farm efficiency and cost reduction to attempt to help 'The Farm'. Tobacco growers are also retrofitting the burners in their barn to open up new and maintain existing markets. With changes occurring in the commodity markets such as grains, peanuts and cotton, programs have also been given on how to use futures and commodity options. Beef farmers are also using a system of a video auction system to improve the return for their cattle sales. With eight million people in NC, much effort has also been placed in developing retail markets such as farm markets as well as developing 'agritourism' and 'agritainment' with new specialty crops.
Statewide Impact Totals:
Objective 1. >Tobacco and peanut farmers evaluate alternatives=.
Profitability increased $14,908,309 through adoption of new tobacco marketing options. Profitability was further optimized through adoption of new practices such as equipment adaptability, cultural practices, and pest management with a value of $21,264,835.
Objective 2. >Part-time and limited resource farmers improve=.
As a result of adoption of appropriate new crop production practices, irrigation practices, intensive management systems $570,903 and through diversification of crops $3,521,706 were saved or earned. At the same time 412 producers adopted of more sustainability practices.
Objective 3. >Evaluate recommended practices for sustainability=.
Optimize profits totaled $6,328,818 while $ 4,930,690 were saved through improved pest management and adoption of practices such as choice of high yield varieties, tillage, application timing, market options, etc. resulted in $10,151,499.
Objective 4. >New chemicals and practices for environment with profitability=.
There were $3,788,290 saved as a result of adoption of adoption of IPM with a reduction of in 234,534 lbs of active ingredient and $3,252,490 saved through adoption of BMPS.
Objective 5. >Environmental regulations and constraints adjustment=.
As a result of adoption of BMPs such as IPM strategies, participation in cost-share programs and proper uses of soil, tissue, and waste analyses within environmental and safety regulations $2,902,006 were saved.
Objective 6. >Biotech benefits and knowledge of risk increased=.
As a result of adoption of transgenic varieties profits were increased by $4,131,802 and pesticide use was reduced through use of genetic resistance to plant pests saving $1,049,101. While the 1797 of the non-farm public understands the use, benefits, and risks associated with food, food products, and fiber crops generated from genetic engineering.
Objective 7. >Agricultural industry learn about and adapt to local and global markets=.
As a result of adoption of local and global marketing strategies producers optimized profitability by $3,810,668. An additional $414,550 profits was obtained by adoption and marketing of new products.
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Objective 1. >Tobacco and peanut farmers evaluate alternatives=.
A total of 364 volunteers involved in these programs who spent 2541 hours of their time. At a dollar value of $10 per hour they contributed $25,410 to the program.
Objective 2. >Part-time and limited resource farmers improve=.
A total of 214 volunteers involved in these programs who spent 3015 hours of their time. At a dollar value of $10 per hour they contributed $30,150 to the program.
Objective 3. Evaluate recommended practices for sustainability=.
A total of 990 volunteers involved in these programs who spent 10376 hours of their time. At a dollar value of $10 per hour they contributed $103,760 to the program.
Objective 4. New chemicals and practices for environment with profitability=.
A total of 312 volunteers involved in these programs who spent 1830 hours of their time. At a dollar value of $10 per hour they contributed $18,300 to the program.
Objective 5. >Environmental regulations and constraints adjustment=.
A total of 73 volunteers involved in these programs who spent 544 hours of their time. At a dollar value of $10 per hour they contributed $5,440 to the program.
Objective 6. >Biotech benefits and knowledge of risk increased=.
A total of 457 volunteers involved in these programs who spent 6404 hours of their time. At a dollar value of $10 per hour they contributed $64,040 to the program.
Objective 7. >Agricultural industry learn about and adapt to local and global markets=.
A total of 290 volunteers involved in these programs who spent 6206 hours of their time. At a dollar value of $10 per hour they contributed $62,960 to the program.
Success Stories:
Person Reporting: Spivey, Bryant M
Location: Duplin
China is the one of the largest end-users of tobacco in the world. In recent years, the sale of tobacco to China has been prohibited by the Chinese. The Chinese were concerned about importing the blue mold fungus on cured tobacco to that country. The Chinese government has agreed to allow the importation of US flue-cured tobacco dependant upon field and laboratory inspections for blue mold oospores. Cooperative Extension in Duplin County assisted APHIS with this inspection process by submitting samples of blue mold lesions. It was determined that no oospores were present in these lesions. Future inspection and sampling of blue mold is critical for the export of flue-cured tobacco to China. Cooperative Extension is a vital part of this inspection process which may result in increased sales and greater stability for US flue-cured producers
Person Reporting: Bradley, Arthur L
Location: Edgecombe
The tobacco industry has determined that the use of heat exchangers to cure tobacco is an important component of reducing TSNA levels in US flue-cured tobacco. The tobacco companies and Flue-Cured Stabilization developed a fund to provide grants to farmers who converted direct-fired barns with heat exchanger units. Extension was instrumental in marketing the program and assisting growers in the completion of applications to request funding. In Edgecombe County, over 420 barns were converted and received reimbursement totaling $857,220.
Person Reporting: Williams, Taylor
County: Moore
Tobacco growers in Lee, Moore and Richmond County face the most profound changes to their livelihood since the Depression. Changes in tobacco curing and marketing have been greater in the past two years than in the preceding fifty. Growers, who for generations sold leaf at local competitive auctions, now sign contracts dictating harvesting, curing, grading, and prices. Growers were anxious about these changes. Cooperative Extension distributed information on agricultural contracts and new curing methods. Over forty growers were individually assisted in obtaining $300,000 cost-share funds for curing barn conversions. Seventy-five growers attended a panel where Stabilization, the Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit, and the Growers Association discussed the future of the auction. Marketing contacts were distributed by websites and newsletters. Growers were able to find new attractive markets after the local auction was lost, accessed cost-share funding for barn conversions, and beat deadlines for barn conversion.
Person Reporting: Galloway, Roger K
County: Montgomery
A local group of roadside stand operators, peach growers, potters and Extension agents formed a group to support a tourist sign program for rural businesses. The initial interest was generated from an Extension meeting concerning the new Interstate I-73/74 which will bypass many of the sandhills produce stands. This group came to realize that a tourist-oriented directional sign program like the blue sign program of Pennsylvania could benefit a wide range of rural businesses and agriculture. The members of this group informed commodity organizations and interested persons of the progress of this bill. This activity encouraged commodity groups and individuals to communicate the importance of this bill to the various committees. The TODS bill was ratified in the 2001 session and it will save rural businesses thousands of dollars for signage. In addition, it will allow small businesses and farms to have access to signs where property is not available
Person Reporting: Cantaluppi, Carl
County: Granville
In an effort to assist tobacco and fruit and vegetable growers in their marketing efforts, further exploration of initiating a produce auction in the Granville/Person County area is continuing. As of 6/26/01, two individuals are willing to use their land to build a pole barn structure to house the auction. The Bainbridge, Ohio produce auction will be observed and videotaped on 7/11/01. An announcement will then be made to growers and Extension Agents in NC and VA, inviting them to an organizational meeting. The two landowners will then each present their plan of how they would like to work with the growers and how they would like an auction to operate. The growers will then vote on the site that is most appealing to them. Each grower will then be asked to contribute a certain amount of money to build the structure and will assure participation by each grower to see it succeed.
Person Reporting: Gibbs, Malcolm O
County: Hyde
Due to depressed commodity prices Hyde County farmers have been looking for ways to increase net income. It was determined by a specialized advisory committee that more knowledge of grain marketing was needed. As a result a grain marketing group was formed in Hyde County. By using the expertise of a local farmer, Extension Specialist, Hyde County Extension Agent, and a grain marketing consultant the thirteen members gained knowledge through bi-monthly meetings and tours in writing marketing plans, in the use of options, making informed decisions by better understanding how to make and interpret a fundamental and technical analysis of the market and in writing business plans. As a result one farmer wrote a business plan, two farmers wrote marketing plans and six farmers began using options. It was determined by a survey of the group that net income was increased 10% by the group.
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Richard
County: Tyrrell
During this period of continuing low commodity prices it is imperative for grain and cotton producers to enhance their marketing skills if their farming operations are to remain viable. Through the leadership provided by the Tyrrell County Extension Center 96 area farmers participated in a half day marketing seminar. This seminar was made possible due to funding by the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina. Farmers attending this program gained added skills in developing their marketing plan for 2001. A realistic marketing plan is a vital part of any farming operation and should aid farmers in increasing their net farm income.
Person Reporting: Adkins, Craig R
County: Caldwell
Many small and limited-resource farmers are constantly looking to diversify their agricultural enterprises in order to stay in business. One area for potential growth in the foothills and mountains is in the area of ornamental nursery crops production. Three workshops were held by the NCCE agent in 2001 for 164 individuals exploring the feasibility of starting or expanding their nursery business. Of the 164 participants, 18% have diversified or expanded into the nursery business. a result 27 are very optimistic and 3 optimistic about the sustainability of their family farms
Person Reporting: Lowery, Charlie A
County: Robeson
Thirty-three small produce growers were interested in diversifying their small farm operations by growing peaches. They were aided by the agricultural agent in selecting the best varieties for this area. The trees were purchased from a reputable nursery and distributed to the growers. They were then taught proper cultural methods developed by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. They were shown how to properly plant, prune, spray and fertilize the trees. These trees will produce four bushels per tree which can be sold for $30 per bushel. Since there were 839 trees, the potential income from these trees is $100,680.
Person Reporting: Deyton, Claude
County: Yancey
Yancey County has over 2000 small farmers living on a limited income. A main problem for these limited resource farmers is their inability to purchase needed supplies at a reasonable cost. To combat this, farmers were organized as a group to purchase supplies such as seeds, tobacco mix, various chemicals and fertilizers. Buying as a group rather than as individuals saved them almost $100,000 this year. This method of buying is also done for the greenhouse growers. There are 40 growers and they saved between .30 cents and $1.20 per gallon on propane gas which was a savings of $150,000 in fuel bills. One farmer call in February to ask about our program. He was paying $2.19 per gallon. With one call, we were able to save him over $10,000 on his bill for one week.
Person Reporting: Harrell, Norman E
County: Wilson
The Wilson County Young Farmers Association (WCYFA) held a five-day educational tour where cotton production was emphasized in Louisiana and Mississippi. The tour stops began in North Central Louisiana with an overview of local agriculture. USDA Cotton Classification, Herring Catfish Farms, Louisiana State University Sweet Potato Research Station, a rice buying station, and Deltapine Seeds were toured. To help offset the expense of the tour, the WCYFA sold barbecue plates at the Annual Meat Animal Livestock Show and Sale. Twenty-two volunteers served over 300 plates and the Wilson County Young Farmer\'s profited $1000. The Young Farmer\'s arranged for 17 sponsors that donated $3,200 toward the tour. Twenty-four young farmers attended the tour and increased their knowledge of cotton production and agriculture in the Mississippi and Louisiana Delta.
Person Reporting: Nicholson, Don G
County: Harnett
Field crop producers were educated by Extension through newsletters containing information from research based data and fact sheets, production meetings, on farm demonstrations, and one on one interaction on developing realistic yield expectations and tailoring their fertilization programs to reflect these. 2018 soil samples were taken in Harnett County in the winter and spring by producers. Most soil samples showed that P applications on many soils could be eliminated, saving producers $5-$7 per acre on approximately 30,000 acres. Using the soil test data, growers tailored fertilizer applications to crop needs and timed them for maximum benefit of the crop. The tests showed the potassium component is not needed in large amounts until closer to the reproductive stage of growth. Growers were able to apply straight 0-0-60 at a rate of approximately 200 lbs. per acre later in the growing season. Savings amounted to $12.00 per acre over 8000 acres of cotton. Growers also saved by not incurring this expense until later in the growing season.
Person Reporting: Smith, Lewis W
County: Perquimans
Many farmers and homeowners have pesticides on their sites that are either no longer labeled for use or no longer fit their production scheme. This leads to a disposal problem and a possible environmental problem. If left on-site, there is the possibility of leakage, spillage or accidental poisoning. There is no legal way to dispose of these materials without getting them to the proper collection agency. Pesticide disposal can be expensive if done by individuals. Through the cooperative efforts of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Center in Perquimans County, the NCDA & CS Food and Drug Proctection Division, the Perquimans County Solid Waste Authority and a local agribusiness, 6089 pounds of pesticides were collected and shipped for proper disposal at no cost to the individual.
Person Reporting: Coggins, Troy E
County: Davidson
With the rapid changes occurring in agriculture, and the potential economic and environmental consequences associated with these changes, it is important that farmers and agribusiness persons, be trained in efficient crop management. Thus a multi- county (Davidson, Randolph, Chatham, Guilford, and Alamance) group of Agricultural Agents, with field crop responsibilities, conducted the "2000 Multi-County Grain Meeting", reaching 77 field crop growers and agribusiness persons from nine North Carolina counties. Participant evaluations indicated that 100 percent increased their knowledge of crop production and 95 percent significantly improved their knowledge of weed management, nutrient management, marketing, and integrated pest management.
Impact Bullets:
Small and part-time farmers are doing many of the same things that full time farmers are doing, looking at alternative crops, using transgenic crops to reduce costs, learning about and evaluating futures markets, using agrotourism, e-marketing to sell products, and using organic and very high value niche markets to deal with their unique situations as small acreage.
Several enterprising small farmers contacted daycare centers and offered 'A Day on the Farm' for a fee, each of the children took home a pint of blueberries they picked, resulting in a win-win situation.
NCCE and a chamber of commerce continued to promote and conducted educational program on the potential for wine grapes with people attending and many people planning to grow grapes with a potential gross $5,000 per acre.
Avoidance and resistance seem to be the 'watch words' of NCCE in IPM, activities such as training growers not to take whitefly problems from the greenhouse to the field or ways of cleaning up tobacco mosaic in the transplant operation, Blue Mold Advisory, Corn Earworm Tip newsletter, and evaluation of a new biocontrol for sclerotina of peanuts were evaluated and adopted by many farmers.
Widespread adoption of scouting for IPM programs resulted in increased awareness of early season insect pest levels on approximately 15,000 acres of cotton in one county.
The majority of tobacco growers in 2001 adopted the direct marketing model, with over 80% of North Carolina's tobacco being marketed through contracts which has resulted in increased gross returns of from five to ten cents a pound (compared to auction sales).
Peanut growers in Edgecombe Co. reported that following NCCE recommendations helped them deal effectively with a resurgent disease, peanut web blotch, and increase yields by 600 lbs. per acre with gross returns for the county of $ 1 million.
Chowan Co. growers, utilizing Extension's system for evaluating peanut maturity, increased crop quality and gross returns by over $ 320,000.
New growers continue to adopt conservation tillage practices for corn and cotton to improve efficiency NCCE. These growers have entered 5 year contracts to plant their fields 100 percent no-till in exchange for program payments.
Farmers in the Neuse Basin have received training to help them meet the current rules and regulations with 67% having completed training and filing nutrient management plans for crop production when using animal waste.
NCCE engaged US EPA and NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources in discussions on regulations dealing with water quality issues such as nonpoint source pollution, buffers along streams, animal numbers in confined spaces, and many others, with articles in livestock and forage newsletters have educated producers on these regulations and TV segments and public meetings to discuss water quality issues with producers in conjunction with the DENR.
NCCE has been in the forefront of grower education about the benefits and disadvantages of available biotechnology providing growers with timely information to make sound decisions based on research, good economics and adaptability resulting in 90% of the soybeans using Round Up Ready varieties and much of the cotton is biotech varieties.
There were 3996 clients reporting to have increased awareness and knowledge of IPM practices and 5654 for cover crop, rotation, waste products for fertilization, scouting, and use of spray advisories respectively, and with 2,051 adopting IPM practices, which affected 465,796 acres in NC.
Clients(2523) reported increased awareness and knowledge and 1593 adopted the best management practices such as soil, water, and tissue analyses, responsible pesticide use, and IPM pest management strategies on 205,935 acres.
Clients (12,938) reported increased awareness and knowledge of biotechnology and its applications to crop production and 3071 adopted biotechnology applications to crop production through the use of genetically engineered varieties on 383,861 acres.
Extension volunteers facilitated the operation of a Black Light Trap in Duplin County which provided valuable information allowing cotton producers and scouts to employ proper scouting intervals and timely insecticide applications and in 2001, special emphasis was placed on scouting for stink bugs, resulting in 9,500 acres treated for threshold levels.
CEMP Committee Members:
D. Sanders - Co-Chair and Member M. Martin
J. W. Dunham - Co-Chair and Member T. Melton
C. Adkins M. Parker
T. Bilderback D. Smith
B. Brown S. Southern
K. Edmisten J. Spears
C. Fountain B. Spivey
M. Gibbs M.Tucker
W. Hanlin M. Williams
G. Holmes R. Wiesz
D. Jordan F. Yelverton
CEMP 8 - Family and Consumer Economics
Program Description:
CEMP 8 promotes informed personal finance and other consumer decision making by individuals and families, emphasizing education to prevent financial problems For persons who already have serious financial problems, Family and Consumer Education Agents make informed referrals to counseling and intervention services. To help people extend and increase income, FCE Agents provide resource management training for families and family business, and organize experienced volunteers to deliver skill training to youth and families.
Abstract/Overview:
Programs in 60 counties assisted North Carolinians in increasing their awareness and knowledge of money management, financial/ consumer decision making, housing affordability, financial resources, and/or practices to extend or increase income. 870 Volunteers gave their time to Family and Consumer Economics programs with a value of time of $125,260. County agents worked with many different partners to develop, implement and evaluation Family and Consumer Economics program. Partners in these efforts included Habitat for Humanity, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Social Services, local Medical Centers, SHIIP Volunteers, local IDA programs, local housing complexes, Goodwill Industries, Community Colleges, the U.S. Treasury, and Area Development Associations. Issues addressed in programming efforts include: home maintenance and repair, financial planning for high school students, pre and post purchase home owner education, investment and retirement planning, consumer fraud, credit usage and reduction, Medicare and medical insurance issues, disaster recovery, basic budgeting and financial management, estate planning, and income expansion.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Total Counties Reporting Accomplishments: 60
Objective 1: 35
Objective 2: 18
Objective 3: 16
Objective 4: 30
Objective 5: 12
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Objective 1: BASIC MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR LIMITED RESOURCE AUDIENCES: Limited resource individuals and families will increase awareness and knowledge and change attitudes about making and using money management plans, and adopt decision-making practices that will help them achieve family financial goals.
7963 individuals increased awareness and knowledge about money management and the decision-making process
2538 wrote financial goals
5193 individuals increased awareness and knowledge of family and community resources
3251 demonstrated use of money management skills
3375 demonstrated use of decision-making process to solve money management problems
Objective 2: FINANCIAL PLANNING OVER THE LIFE CYCLE: Individuals and families will increase awareness, knowledge and skill in financial planning techniques and adopt best management practices that enable them to meet their changing responsibilities over the life cycle.
1446 increased awareness and knowledge of the value of financial planning
969 increased knowledge and skill in goal setting, budgeting, and record keeping
1067 increased knowledge and skill with life-cycle financial planning practices
246 adopted best management practices related to consumer credit
337 adopted best management practices related to saving and investing
Objective 3: HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: Individuals and families will increase awareness and knowledge of affordable housing issues and options and will adopt best management practices related to securing and maintaining affordable housing to meet their changing needs.
6300 increased awareness and knowledge of best management practices which lead to living in affordable housing
2864 adopted best management practices related to housing financial decisions
2558 adopted best management practices related to housing options
2727 adopted best management practices related to housing maintenance repair or home improvement
853 adopted best management practices related to selection of affordable home furnishings
Objective 4: CONSUMER DECISION MAKING: Individuals and families will increase awareness and knowledge of consumer decision-making skills and adopt best management practices that improve their use of available resources and their financial status.
17231increased awareness and knowledge of improved consumer decision-making skills
5582 adopted best management practices in selection and care of consumer goods to extend use/reduce costs
5053 adopted best management practices in selection and use of consumer service
3155 increased awareness and knowledge of consumer credit options and concerns
1115 increased awareness and knowledge of public policy issues affecting consumers
Objective 5: EXTENDING & INCREASING INCOME: Individuals and families will increase awareness, knowledge and skills and adopt best management practices to extend or increase income.
1855 increased awareness and knowledge of best management practices to extend or increase income
1331 demonstrated skills to produce consumer goods or services
788 demonstrated appropriate decision making regarding employment
314 demonstrated appropriate decision making regarding self-employment
1460 adopted practices to extend or increase income
Statewide Impact Totals:
Objective 1: BASIC MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR LIMITED RESOURCE AUDIENCES: Limited resource individuals and families will increase awareness and knowledge and change attitudes about making and using money management plans, and adopt decision-making practices that will help them achieve family financial goals.
1920 made money management plans
1190 attained financial goals
1597 saved or reallocated money to meet family needs -- estimating that $597,223 dollars were saved and $110,051 dollars were reallocated
1273 reduced their debt an estimated $163,868
3103 improved family financial self-sufficiency with available resources
Objective 2: FINANCIAL PLANNING OVER THE LIFE CYCLE: Individuals and families will increase awareness, knowledge and skill in financial planning techniques and adopt best management practices
469 demonstrated success in planning the use of financial resources
489 demonstrated ongoing use of budgeting and record-keeping skills
311 developed and implemented a life-cycle plan
330 improved financial status from using best management financial practices, estimating their debt reduction to be $5,900 and estimating savings/investment increases at $10,800
Objective 3: HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: Individuals and families will increase awareness and knowledge of affordable housing issues and options and will adopt best management practices related to securing and maintaining affordable housing to meet their changing needs.
1,679 demonstrated success in finding and securing affordable housing
2,597 avoided costs through routine maintenance and repair, estimating $380,525 in cost avoidance (an average of $147 per person)
781 increased house value through addition of home improvement, estimating a total improvement of $473,330 (an average of $606 per home)
Objective 4: CONSUMER DECISION MAKING: Individuals and families will increase awareness and knowledge of consumer decision-making skills and adopt best management practices that improve their use of available resources and their financial status.
4314 avoided costs through appropriate selection and care of consumer goods, estimating $782,017 in cost avoidance
3000 avoided costs through appropriate selection of consumer service, estimating $503,001 in cost avoidance
3829 improve financial status through adoption of best management practices
312 increased participation in public policy debate on consumer issues.
Objective 5: EXTENDING & INCREASING INCOME: Individuals and families will increase awareness, knowledge and skills and adopt best management practices to extend or increase income.
1434 extended income through use of best management practices, resulting in an estimated income extension of $29,849
$30,109 estimated dollar value of new or improved employment situation
$16,123 estimated dollar value of new or improved self-employment situation
Volunteers Involved and Value:
870 Volunteers gave 12,526 hours @ 10 per hour for a total value of $125,260
Success Stories:
A two day money management workshop was held in Harnett County for pregnant teenagers. Information was provided on how to manage their money effectively by; using a spending plan, learning how to budget, and understanding the importance of saving. A total of fifteen teenagers attended. A six month evaluation showed the following: nine participants plan to use a budget, nine participants plan to use a spending plan, eight out of nine participants were able to identify the difference between a need and a want, and five out of nine participants have saved money after attending the workshop totaling $756.00.
To help families develop economic literacy skills, Edgecombe County Cooperative Extension conducted a series of six financial management classes for the Individual Development Account (IDA) program in collaboration with Edgecombe County Social Services. Twenty-two family members participated in education on credit, banking, saving money and consumer decision making. As a result of these classes, 100% indicated they gained knowledge that would help them become a better money manager; 95% are saving at least $50 a month for future goals; 86% have requested a copy of their credit report and 81% have written financial management goals.
Edgecombe Cooperative Extension is teaming with the Edgecombe Department of Social Services to help limited resource families become successful homeowners through the Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Extension provides education, guidance and encouragement through economic literacy classes, support groups meetings and a newsletter. The forty IDA families have saved $36,819 during the past 26 months. Six of the families have achieved their goal of homeownership.
Poor credit history, no savings for a down payment and lack of information about affordable housing are barriers faced by limited income families in Alexander County. First Time Home Buyer classes conducted by Cooperative Extension in partnership with Western Piedmont Council of Governments provide education about basic money management and the home buying process, plus matching funds to assist families in securing their first home. Eleven families enrolled in the series of nine classes. Community leaders in banking, real estate and home construction provided information and credit counseling assistance. A home tour arranged by a real estate agent helped identify affordable homes. Four families graduated, attending all sessions. Five families opened Individual Development Accounts and began saving for a down payment. Five obtained their credit reports. Two developed spending plans. Three reduced debt and another became totally debt free! Two prospective homeowners pre-qualified for mortgages, one of which has now located a house.
The Nuts, Bolts, and Basics three part seminar was held with an average of 50 participants at each session. This series of remodeling seminars emphasized: How to ensure a successful remodeling project, kitchen and bath projects; and landscape trends. Sponsors were the Cooperative Extension Service in Guilford County, News and Record, and the Greater Greensboro Builders Association Remodelers Council. Comments from the completed evaluation forms included: ?well planned, useful information, excellent seminars.? The total estimate of money saved as a result of attending all three seminars was $4500.
Thirteen individuals who were out of work when a large textile plant closed, requested individual sessions to assist in management of unemployment wages. One young mother found a job as a waitress just before her husband left her. Learning how to save a portion of her weekly wage, she was able to buy a car. She is now saving at least $30 a week in order to provide maintenance for the vehicle. Another individual has enrolled in the Community College and reports living off his savings and works as a handy man on weekends.
Many limited-resource families in Guilford County are in need of sound consumer information and advice to effectively manage their dwindling resources. To address this need Cooperative Extension in cooperation with Guilford Training Center and High Point Salvation Army Homeless Shelter sponsored house cleaning workshops for 55 participants focusing on house cleaning made easy. The participants gained knowledge, skills and became aware of ways of keeping their house clean without it being costly to their budgets. They learned to organize and prioritize work to get their housekeeping done, how to mix household ingredients to create a homemade window cleaner to help cut costs. As a result 55 participants gained greater skills, learned decision-making practices to make better use of available resources and improve their home management skills. All of the participants were able to maintain a clean and safe home after attending house-cleaning workshops.
Quality craft production and marketing is a very creative, productive pastime and profitable endeavor for many in western North Carolina. With the abundance of highly skilled and trained volunteer craftsmen in the area, our "craft" program has flourished with minimal expenditure of Extension's time. We are meeting the need of individuals wanting to acquire and develop skills, which are a worthwhile and rewarding use of their time. In Clay County sixteen volunteers, conducted twelve workshops with 26 different sessions and 124 participants gained the skills necessary to produce high quality, heritage items. The benefits acquired are multi-faceted and include: Increased self esteem, Fulfilling use of spare time, Creative self expression, Leadership and teaching skill development, Monetary saving on home furnishings, decorations and gifts, and Income generated through sales.
Being single and pregnant is quite often a frightening experience for a young woman. However, being single, pregnant, and homeless is quite often overwhelming. Many young women under those circumstances do not know where to turn for help. To address this problem, the NCCES in Guilford County working cooperatively with Room At The Inn (a local agency which offers shelter to single, pregnant, homeless women), presented a financial management series to help individuals residing in the shelter to gain self sufficiency skills. The series was presented during July and August 2001. As a result of the program, the four participants reported gaining new knowledge and skills related to budgeting, credit management, and saving money. Each participant established a personal budget. And, each participant reported that they were saving at least ten percent of each paycheck since participating in the program.
Pre-program survey data indicated that potential Habitat for Humanity homeowners needed to increase financial skills. Following a series of eight 1-1/2 hour sessions, participants indicated an increase in knowledge of the use of credit, tracking spending, comparison-shopping, and record keeping. All participants demonstrated skills by keeping records of income and spending for four months and using the data to prepare a spending plan particular to their families. All participants set financial goals; ten successfully achieved goals including clearing up an unfavorable credit history; saving $350; and eliminating credit card debts. Six participants reported obtaining a sense of financial security; one said her family had developed more positive relationships as a result of increased financial skills. Tracking expenses, distinguishing between wants and needs, gaining a better understanding of credit, and acquiring skills to formulate a feasible spending plan were identified as valuable lessons contributing to quality of life.
Cooperative Extension in Forsyth County responded to a young couple's plea to help them with their money problems. The couple was not adhering to using a budget and, therefore, had difficulty paying bills on time, paying late fees as well as using check-advancing facilities on a regular basis. After meeting with the wife on several home visits, the wife was able to develop a budget and stick to it. She was able to talk with the husband about him spending money and not letting her know about until some checks bounced. After working with the wife, she indicated that they paid off the $900.00 check-advance amount and will not use them again. Also, they learned how to prioritize their spending and maintain enough money in their checking account as not to incur any insufficient fund fees. By working through the budgeting process, the couple felt that it was very helpful and will continue to stick to a budget.
Impact Bullets:
limited resource program participants saved or reallocated money to meet their family's needs, savings were estimated at $597,223 and reallocations estimated at $110,051.
limited resource program participants reduced their debt an estimated $163,860.
program participants improved their financial status by using best management financial practices, thereby reducing their debt $5,900 and increasing savings/investments $10.800.
4314 program participants avoided costs through appropriate selection and care of consumer goods, as a result, avoiding $782,017 in costs.
3,829program participants improved their financial status by adopting consumer decision making best management practices.
3000 program participants avoided costs through appropriate selection of consumer services, resulting in a cost avoidance of approximately $503,001.
1679 program participants demonstrated success in finding and securing affordable housing.
2597 program participants were able to avoid costs through routine maintenance and repair of their home, avoiding an estimated $380,525 in costs (an average of $147 per participant).
1460 program participants adopted practices to extend or increase their income.
program participants extended their income an estimated $29,849 by implementing best management practices.
CEMP Committee Members:
Sarah Kirby, Co-Chair, NCSU Claudette Smith, NCA&T
Linda Aycock, Co-Chair, Nash County Glennie Beasley, Chatham County
Frances Turner, Wake County Jim Daughtry, Jones County
Deborah Taylor, Orange County Connie Sherrill, Edgecombe County
Ellen Miller, NCSU Peggie Garner, Onslow County
Joanne Cope, Macon County Bob Usry, NCSU
CEMP 9 - Family and Parent Education
Program Description:
The Family & Parent Education Cooperative Extension Major Program is helping parents and families acquire and develop the skills needed to foster qualities of responsibility, cooperation, courage and self-esteem. Appropriate actions are being taken to provide quality information on how to strengthen family relationships through improved parenting skills, financial management, problem-solving skills, empowerment, conflict resolution, effective communication, and stress management. In addition, Extension personnel are equipped to make appropriate referrals for family services, support services, and self-help support groups.
Abstract/Overview:
Thousands of individuals and families across the state were contacted, taught, mentored, encouraged, and impacted by the combined efforts of 59 county partners working on CEMP 09 objectives during 2001. The many educational efforts initiated and facilitated by County Family and Consumer Educators were immeasurably enhanced by hundreds of volunteers, collaborators, county government representatives, funding partners, state faculty members, and many members of our support staffs. Literally none of our successes are accomplished without a coordinated team effort.
Program content fits within the confines of CEMP 09's two objectives. Individual educational efforts focused heavily on Parent Education, Child Care, and Child Development. In addition, different programs emphasized topics related to overall human development such as stress management, conflict resolution, personal improvement skills, decision-making, personal responsibility, communication skills, and other life skills. Program methodologies were often highly creative and non-traditional, involving diverse audiences including limited resource families, incarcerated parents, and cross-cultural groups.
The results of the CEMP 09 educational programs conducted throughout the state are quite impressive. Utilizing the CEMP 09 Revised Evaluation and Reporting Manual , measures were taken on a number of impact indicators. The awareness and knowledge levels related to one or more content concepts of 13,020 participants were increased. In addition to learning concepts, 6,301persons reported adopting practices as a result of Extension programs that enabled them to be more effective parents, while another 3,109 learners perceived stronger family relationships as a result of participating in CEMP 09 educational opportunities. An overall improvement in the quality of life was reported by 3,333 program participants.
OBJECTIVE 1: Parents will increase parenting knowledge and skills, and adopt effective parenting practices.
Objective 1 Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
(54 counties) Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Brunswick, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Camden, Catawba, Cleveland, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Hertford, Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Lenoir, Lincoln, Mitchell, Moore, Northampton, Orange, Pasquotank, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson
Objective 1 Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Number of parents attending training programs 11,130
Number of limited resource parents reached 6,661
Number of children of the parents reached 12,830
Total number of parents increasing knowledge and skills
in parenting practices 8,871
Total number of parents increasing knowledge
in understanding child development 7,581
Total number of parents increasing knowledge
in motivating and guiding children 6,919
Total number of parents increasing knowledge
in nurturing children 7,367
Total number of parents increasing knowledge
in advocating for children 4,602
Objective 1 Statewide Impact Totals:
Number of parents attending training programs 9,050
Number of limited resource parents reached 6,574
Number of children of the parents reached 14,153
Total number of parents who adopted
effective parenting practices 6,301
Total number of parents adopting practices
in motivating and guiding children 5,701
Total number of parents adopting practices
in nurturing children 5,742
Total number of parents adopting practices
in advocating for children 2,332
Number of parents reporting increased time with their children 3,825
Parents reporting increased involvement in educational
and community functions 3,563
Objective 1 Volunteers Involved and Value:
Number 1,089
Hours 6,532
Dollar Value at $ 10/hr: $ 65,300
Objective 1 Program Cost/Benefit Analysis:
Value to Targeted Audience $ 1,150,891
Value to Society $ 991,960
Estimated Program Cost $ 531,313
Objective 1 Success Stories:
Duplin County: Forty-two (42)parents received a total of Four hundred twenty two(422) private in-home parent consultation sessions. If estimated each private parenting consultation fee for 100.00 value Duplin County Extension Parenting Program was able to save these families a total of 42,000 dollars worth of counseling services. Fifteen parents have graduated from the program this year. Parent education training sessions have included the following topics: Understanding Yourself and Your Child, Encouraging Your Child and Yourself, Discipline Makes The Difference, Encouraging Good Behavior, Handling Anger, Curfew and Where-Abouts, How to Redirect Your Child's Behavior, Helping Teens to Develop Positive Attitudes, Enhancing Self-Esteem in Children, Setting Limits Through Problem-Solving, and Communication .
Buncombe County: A total of 81 parents have participated in Buncombe County's six-part parenting education program, The Parenting Puzzle, during 2001. The majority of participants have been referred by the Department of Social Services, and most represent limited-resource households (four have been homeless). At the end of the last series of the year, a father of a two-year-old came up to the FCE agent who taught the class following the session and said, "I just wanted to let you know that when my social worker told me I had to come to these classes, I thought it was a bad thing. I really didn't want to come. But I've really learned a lot that I can use with my son, and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate these classes." Another participant of that series wrote in her final evaluation, "Teacher was very professional and pleasant. Truly she cared about the people and questions asked." Evaluations indicated that the majority of participants believe that government resources should continue to be used to bring this program to other parents.
Lenoir County: Lenoir County has a $113,754. grant through Lenoir/Greene Smart Start which funds the "Parents As Teachers" Program with two full-time Parent Educators, one part-time Parent Educator, and one part-time Secretary. 65 parents receive monthly in-home visits and group meetings/play groups are held quarterly. Children are assessed using Ages and Stages and the Denver evaluation instruments. An advisory group meets quarterly and provides direction/support for the PAT Program. 100% of families will receive referrals to the appropriate service if needed, 95% of families report increased competence and confidence in their parenting skills, 97% report spending increased time with their children, and in 95% of families served by the PAT Program, Parent Educators will observe better parent-child interaction. Infant massage techniques have been taught to approximately 50 parents of newborns in 2001.
Scotland County: Scotland ALS and Scotland County Interagency Council have identified parenting as a major issue in the county. To address parenting, Cooperative Extension received grant funds to implement Parents As Teachers Program. The program's vision is "all parents will become their child's best first teachers." To satisfy the vision, certified parent educators make personal visits with parents and their child to discuss activities that stimulate learning and brain development. Since December 2000, the program has reached over twenty families. According to a recent survey of parents who have received at least six personal visits, the following goals have been accomplished: 40 began reading to the child; 50 increased reading to the child; 70 interact more with their child through playing, games and learning activities. In addition, parents reported the following: vocabulary has broaden; better motor skills and speech; and my child interacts more with others. Most importantly, after participating in the program, 100 of the parents agree that they are their child's best first teacher and their interactions make a great impact on the development of the child.
OBJECTIVE 2: Individuals and families will enhance personal development in family relationship and management skills.
OBJECTIVE 2 Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
(16 counties) Alexander, Alleghany, Beaufort, Buncombe, Caswell, Catawba, Dare, Franklin, Guilford, Harnett, Iredell, Lenoir, Orange, Perquimans, Union, Wilson
OBJECTIVE 2 Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Number of individuals attending training programs 6,689
Number of limited resource families 2,768
Total number in immediate family 5,157
Total number of individuals reporting increase in knowledge
in family education 4,149
Total number of individuals increasing knowledge
in personal development 4,331
Total number of individuals increasing knowledge
in family relationships 3,888
Total number of individuals increasing knowledge
in family management 3,507
OBJECTIVE 2 Statewide Impact Totals:
Total number of individuals adopting
effective family education practices 3,109
Total number of individuals adopting practices
in personal development 2,355
Total number of individuals adopting practices
in family relationships 2,230
Total number of individuals adopting practices
in family management 2,389
Number of individuals reporting an
increased quality of life 3,333
OBJECTIVE 2 Volunteers Involved and Value:
Number 95
Hours 643
Dollar Value at $ 10/hr: $ 6,430
OBJECTIVE 2 Program Cost/Benefit Analysis:
Value to Targeted Audience: $ 48,160
Value to Society $ 26,430
Estimated Program Cost $ 4,928
OBJECTIVE 2 Success Stories:
Allegheny County: Provide information and classes to the New River Behavioral Health Care Psycho-social Rehabilitation group. The Director of this program reports that their chronically, mentally ill population greatly benefits from the sessions on life skills, relationships and communication skills. Staff reports that the sessions spark conversation and interaction among the participants on topics such as communicating your true feelings and how to use manners appropriately. They are pleased to see participants motivated to think, process and develop their own opinions. The staff has noticed improved common courtesy and communication skills, improving the relationship among the participants.
Wilson County: In an effort to help Wilson County's families improve skills in critical thinking, family conflict resolution, self-development, and effect decision-making, Extension networked with other local agencies to provide both individual educational activities to help individuals and youth develop strategies for anger management, stress reduction, and self, home, and work organization and development. As a result, 2,794 individuals gained knowledge and skills to enhance self and families. Sixteen-hundred sixty-six reported gained skills and knowledge for improved self development and family management.
Dare County: A series of in-service trainings that focused on personal wellness and peak performance was delivered to DSS professionals as a monthly in-service training opportunity. Sessions offered included stress and time management. The Parks and Recreation Association Annual Meeting also hosted ?All Stressed Up and No Place to Go" delivered by Dare County's FCS Agent. Evaluations at all sessions indicate that demand is great for this type of professional development opportunity. Many people stated that they would like additional sessions focusing on stress reduction practices.
Perquimans County: Using American Red Cross Curriculum, 53 individuals have become certified in life saving skills that will help them manage emergencies in the home. Certification involves testing and demonstration of skills in front of the group The importance of an action plan is key in helping these families understand what to do for the unexpected situations. These participants (132 total) are primarily parents, grandparents and child care staff. Child Care Workshops were offered to teach Asthma Awareness, Sesame Street Curriculum, Playground Safety, Child Abuse Prevention, Anger Management and Between the Lions Programming. Nineteen credit hours were given over a four month span at a minimal cost to those registered.
Impact Bullets:
Of the 11,130 parents attending Extension training programs, 6,301 reported adopting effective parenting practices and 3,825 reported spending increased time with their children
As a result of Extension parent education programs, 3,563 parents reported increased involvement in educational and community functions.
Of the 6,689 persons participating in Extension family life training programs, 3,109 reported adopting effective family education practices, and 3,333 reported an increased quality of life as a result of the training.
The estimated net value of parent education programs conducted during 2001 is $ 1,611,538.
The estimated net value of family life education programs conducted during 2001 is $ 69,662.
CEMP Committee Members:
Georgia Kight, Co-Chair Carmen Long
Wayne Matthews, Co-Chair Verlene D Stephenson
Karen DeBord Karen Wicker
Jackie Roseboro Sandra Brown
Nancy Abasiekong Stephanie Tatum
Marilyn Gore Candy E Underwood
Melissa Hight Gloria H Baker
CEMP 10 - Forest Products Manufacturing
Program Description:
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service via the Department of Wood and Paper Science works to increase the competitiveness and profitability of North Carolina's wood products industry, improve markets, and increase consumer understanding of wood products and their proper use. The continued long-term expansion of the State's primary and secondary wood products industries not only depends on the national and international economy, but on the individual firm's abilities to compete by obtaining and efficiently using raw materials and utilizing existing and new technology. Wood Products Extension concentrates its efforts on providing educational opportunities for managers and personnel of primary and secondary wood products firms and the consumers of wood products. These opportunities allow clientele to develop their knowledge and skills to further their effectiveness in the assembly, processing, distribution, and use of wood products. The modernization of the wood products industry will increase their competitiveness in our growing international economy.
Abstract/Overview:
The main theme of Cooperative Extension Major Program 10, Forest Products Manufacturing is to increase the competitiveness and profitability of North Carolina's wood products industry, improve markets, and increase consumer understanding of wood products and their proper use. To meet this goal, faculty conducted, organized or participated in 67 workshops, conferences, seminars, short courses, and classes for the wood products industry and consumer audiences. These efforts reached an estimated 3,710 individuals. An additional 50,000 individuals were reached via referred publications, brochures, reports, pamphlets, nonrefereed publications, computer software, popular press articles, and the web. These activities resulted in 100 firms adopting new manufacturing techniques, 91 consumers adopting practices related to the selection, use, and maintenance of wood products, 1,695 individuals increasing their knowledge of the economic importance of the wood products industry, and 795 consumers increasing their understanding of forest products and their proper use. In economic terms these activities resulted in the following impact: $1,201,500 saved through improved utilization or productivity.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Department of Wood and Paper Science Extension Specialists
Urs Buehlmann, Joe Denig, Larry Jahn, Phil Mitchell
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Objective 1: (A) Forest products manufacturers will increase their competitiveness, productivity, profitability, and utilization of innovative technology, and (B) North Carolina citizens will increase their knowledge of wood products, their proper application, and maintenance.
Adoption of new manufacturing techniques
Number of firms adopting: 100
Consumer adoption of practices related to selection, use, and maintenance of wood products
Number adopting: 91
Increased knowledge of economic importance of the wood products industry
Number increasing knowledge: 1,695
Increased consumer understanding of wood products and their proper use
Number increasing understanding: 795
Statewide Impact Totals:
Objective 1: (A) Forest products manufacturers will increase their competitiveness, productivity, profitability, and utilization of innovative technology, and (B) North Carolina citizens will increase their knowledge of wood products, their proper application, and maintenance.
Dollars saved through improved utilization or productivity
Dollars: $1,201,500
Success Stories:
There is a great need to increase consumer understanding of wood products, their proper use, and protection. A specialist worked with a warehouse manager about the proper procedures to follow in correcting moisture and decay problems. Based on his recommendations and information, this individual was able to avoid unnecessary and expensive treatments to solve moisture problems. Estimated savings were $1,500. This one example is indicative of the many impacts occurring as a result of useful educational opportunities being provided in a timely and inclusive manner.
There is a great need to increase the competitiveness and profitability of North Carolina's wood products industry. Extension programs focused on educational and technical assistance to North Carolina wood products manufacturers resulted in one furniture company switching from purchasing an imported tropical wood to a domestic wood species. Wood Products Extension was able to help the company focus on the fact that although the rough mill yield for the imported wood was higher, the plant yield for that wood was lower and the overall cost was much higher than using the available domestic wood. The bottom line was the company was able to reduce their manufacturing cost even though the purchased price of the domestic lumber was $300/MBF greater than the imported wood. This one example is indicative of the many impacts occurring as a result of useful educational opportunities being provided in a timely and inclusive manner.
There is a great need to increase the competitiveness and profitability of North Carolina's wood products industry. A one-day Wood Gluing Operations Workshop was held in Raleigh. On a 5 point scale (1=not helpful, 5=very helpful) the average overall score for the workshop was 4.4. Sample comments on the workshop included: I can use the information to help our customers use our product (glue) more efficiently; the workshop was great; all instructors did a very good job; and material was presented in a very easy to follow and understandable way. While the entire wood products industry is served by Wood Products Extension, this one example is indicative of the many impacts occurring as a result of useful educational opportunities being provided in a timely and inclusive manner.
There is a great need to increase the competitiveness and profitability of North Carolina's wood products industry. Extension programs focused on educational and technical assistance to North Carolina wood products manufacturers resulted in one upholstered furniture manufacturer deciding against investment in a large capital project due to a negative cash flow. The results reported by this furniture firm indicated a savings of $1,200,000. While the entire wood products industry is served by Wood Products Extension, this one example is indicative of the many impacts occurring as a result of useful educational opportunities being provided in a timely and inclusive manner.
Impact Bullets:
A warehouse manager was able to avoid unnecessary and expensive treatments to solve moisture problems. Estimated savings were $1,500.
A furniture manufacturer decided against an investment in a large capital project which resulted in savings of $1,200,000.
CEMP Committee Members:
Urs Buehlmann
Joe Denig
Larry Jahn, Chair
Phil Mitchell
CEMP 11- Food Safety, Quality and Manufacturing
Program Description:
This CEMP covers a range of Food Safety programs, both county and specialist. The greatest portion of the contacts come from individual county programs which include training of consumers, daycare and food service managers. Specialist programs center on industry training for HACCP and related subjects for industry. In addition, the CEMP covers the training for agents and entrepreneurs in setting up a food business and provides assistance for entrepreneurs.
Abstract/Overview:
Almost all levels of the food industry plus consumers are targeted by the Food Safety, Quality and Manufacturing CEMP. Most consumer-targeted work is delivered by County food safety agents. This includes programs so diverse as home food preservation, home food safety, and cooperative programs with other state and county agencies. New entrepreneurs are identified and directed to the Department of Food Science for assistance in labeling, compliance, packaging and shelf life issues. This year, the potential of terrorism against food industry has occupied the later part of the year.
A major portion of the County effort is directed toward food service managers and employees. Cooperative efforts with the restaurant association, environmental health specialists, and food service establishments have made this a very successful program. This year over 1400 managers passed the ServSafe course. This represents a small portion of the total restaurants in the state, but due to rapid turnover and moving from restaurant to restaurant, it is anticipated that this impacts almost double the enterprises involved.
Unfortunately, last year, Forsyth County was the site of a food borne illness outbreak which caused 10 illness and the deaths of 5 infants. The outbreak was complicated due to a language barrier with the Hispanic community and resulted from the consumption of illegally- made dairy product. A major cooperative effort was undertaken with regulatory authorities to decrease the potential of further outbreaks.
A major effort in this CEMP results from specialist programs largely along commodity lines, however the Graduate School approved the establishment of a Graduate Food Safety Minor. One of the primary objectives of the food safety minor is provide students with a broad scientific perspective of food safety from farm-to-table. This compliments major food safety efforts already underway in poultry, red meats, seafood, dairy and fruits and vegetables.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments: 69
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
OBJECTIVE 1: Participants will adopt behaviors that decrease the risk of foodborne illness.
1. Number of Programs - Food safety and quality programs held?
NUMBER FOR CONSUMERS:1200
NUMBER FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS (managers, supervisors & employees):600
NUMBER FOR FOOD HANDLERS (day care workers, food processors, etc.):700
NUMBER FOR FOOD REGULATORS:8
NUMBER FOR OTHERS:1000
2. Number of Programs - Food Handler Certification programs held?
NUMBER FOR CONSUMERS:21
NUMBER FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS (managers, supervisors):130
NUMBER FOR FOOD HANDLERS (day care workers, food processors, etc.):80
NUMBER FOR FOOD REGULATORS:5
NUMBER FOR OTHERS:9
3. Number of Programs - Number of train the trainer programs held?
NUMBER FOR CONSUMERS (i.e., MASTER FOOD PRESERVER):4
NUMBER FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS :1
NUMBER FOR FOOD HANDLERS :16
NUMBER FOR FOOD REGULATORS:0
NUMBER FOR OTHER PROFESSIONAL (including agents):2
4. Number of Participants - Number of participants in the train the trainer programs?
NUMBER FOR CONSUMERS (i.e., MASTER FOOD PRESERVER):90
NUMBER FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS (managers, supervisors) :150
NUMBER FOR FOOD HANDLERS (day care workers, food processors, etc.):250
NUMBER FOR FOOD REGULATORS:0
NUMBER FOR OTHER PROFESSIONAL (including agents):33
5. Number of Participants - Increased knowledge about safe food handling?
NUMBER FOR CONSUMERS:16500
NUMBER FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS (managers, supervisors & employees): 3700
NUMBER FOR FOOD HANDLERS (day care workers, food processors, etc.):11000
NUMBER FOR FOOD REGULATORS:3
NUMBER FOR OTHER PROFESSIONAL (including agents):150
6. Number of Participants - Number of participants successfully completing
certification?
NUMBER FOR CONSUMERS:121
NUMBER FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS (managers, supervisors & employees): 1600
NUMBER FOR FOOD HANDLERS (day care workers, food processors, etc.):16
NUMBER FOR FOOD REGULATORS:104
NUMBER FOR OTHER PROFESSIONAL (including agents):110
OBJECTIVE 2: Target audiences will increase knowledge of and confidence in the safety and acceptability of the use of biotechnology in our food supply. [Due to the continuing changes in food technology other areas not yet known will need to be addressed in the future. The first year of the plan will address biotechnology. Other selected topics in future years will be addressed in the same manner.]
1. *Increased consumer knowledge about the application of biotechnology (or other new food technologies) on the food supply.
NUMBER INCREASING KNOWLEDGE :3100
NUMBER IMPROVING ATTITUDES : 1500
OBJECTIVE 3: Food processors will adopt new technology, hire and train qualified personnel, and develop in_house quality systems to ensure regulatory compliance along with sustained growth and profitability.
1. *Increased participation in training
NUMBER PARTICIPATING :780
2. *Adoption of quality strategies
NUMBER ADOPTING :250
3. *Adoption of new technology
NUMBER OF FIRMS ADOPTING :10
OBJECTIVE 4: New and potential entrepreneurs in the food products manufacturing areas will benefit from programs in business setup, management, quality, technology and regulations by entry into the marketplace showing sustained growth and profitability
1. *Requests for assistance from small business and entrepreneurs
NUMBER :210
2. *Establishment of county manufacturing/entrepreneurial clubs
NUMBER :1 new county programs
3. *Numbers of new companies in food products manufacturing
NUMBER :70, mostly startups
Statewide Impact Totals:
1. *Adoption of safe food handling practices by consumers. Adoption of these
practices has the potential to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness in homes?
NUMBER FOR CONSUMERS: 11,000
NUMBER FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS (managers, supervisors & employees):
2500
NUMBER FOR FOOD HANDLERS (day care workers, food processors, etc.): 900
NUMBER FOR FOOD REGULATORS: 5
NUMBER FOR OTHER PROFESSIONAL (including agents): 110
2.*Total funds invested in food safety programs (not including salary)?
DOLLARS IN LOCAL FUNDS: 21000
DOLLARS IN STATE FUNDS: 12000
DOLLARS IN FEDERAL FUNDS: 5000
DOLLARS IN INDUSTRY FUNDS: 10000
DOLLARS IN OTHER FUNDS: 2400
Objective 2
1. *Improved consumer attitudes about the safety and acceptability of the use of
biotechnology (or other new food technologies) in the food supply.
NUMBER IMPROVING ATTITUDES : 208
Objective 3
1. *Increased value of industry
DOLLARS : $2,000,000
2. *Increase in industry employment
DOLLARS :$4,000,000
3. *Increase in construction and purchase of food processing equipment
DOLLARS : $10,000,000
4. *Number of new companies in the state
NUMBER : 11
5. *Increased jobs in industry
NUMBER : 300
Objective 4
1. *Increase in number of small businesses in food manufacturing
NUMBER : 80.
*Entrepreneurs will become established, hire new employees, and improve probability of success
NUMBER : 10
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Objective 1
Number: 1000
Hours: 4000
Dollar Value at $ 10/hr:$ 40,000
Objective 2
Volunteers Involved
Number:0
Hours: 0
Dollar Value at $ 10/hr:$ 0
Objective 3
Volunteers Involved
Number: 0
Hours: 0
Dollar Value at $ 10/hr0
Objective 4
Volunteers Involved
Number:20
Hours: 250
Dollar Value at $ 10/hr: $ 2500
Success Stories:
Success Story #1
Fourteen workshops on the mandatory Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety inspection approach have been conducted in North Carolina since 1997 with 439 industry, regulatory and education personnel certified by the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). The workshops have improved the safety and quality of fish and fishery products through education and training of people. North Carolina companies adopted industry demonstrations such as the cold-binding technology used to enhance the value of traditional seafood products for domestic and export markets. One example is Wanchese Fish Company, Inc., who revolutionized the scallop industry with their scallop medallion products. Wanchese is expanding into other value-added products with the opening of a 170,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art seafood processing facility in Suffolk, Virginia. Additional applied research projects focused on adding value have enabled several North Carolina seafood processors to pursue value-added strategies to grow their customer base.
Industry is more knowledgeable today concerning food safety issues and regulatory requirements as a result of their participation in seafood safety workshops. Processors are better prepared to compete in the marketplace by adopting new processing, packaging and distribution methods. Several North Carolina processors have expanded their businesses into value-added product lines that them to become increasingly competitive in consumer markets thereby reducing their dependence upon commodity driven markets.
Success Story #2
Increased regulatory requirements for food processing plants have produced a need for an advanced HACCP training program. In response to this need extension specialists in the Food Science Department at North Carolina State University have developed a two day advanced Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) training program. This training provides in-depth discussion about setting up a HACCP program in a poultry processing plant and how to validate and verify its effectiveness in reducing foodborne illness. At the completion of this workshop, plant personnel will have gained a global perspective of HACCP and will be further prepared to meet future regulations. In addition, these individuals can perform in-plant audits of existing HACCP programs. This advanced HACCP training can save an average poultry processing plant approximately $15,000 per year in training and consulting fees.
Success Story #3
North Carolina poultry processors have increased water use by 25% to 50% since the implementation of HACCP. These facilities use millions of gallons of water each day and current municipal waterworks do not have the additional capacity to handle the increased water and waste demands. Much of the increased water use is the result of adding additional washer systems to comply with HACCP regulations. Limited studies have been done evaluating the effectiveness of washer systems in removal of visible and microbiological contamination on raw poultry. To address this concern, we have begun a research project on quantifying the effectiveness of washer systems in removal of visible and microbiological contamination on raw poultry. Preliminary results suggests limited effectiveness of washer systems in removing pathogenic bacteria. In addition, an evaluation of chemical agents: (trisodium phosphate, sodium citrate) sometimes added to washer systems for improved microbial reduction are also being evaluated. Preliminary results suggest that adding a chemical agent to washer systems can reduce surface microbial levels by a factor of two compared to chlorine alone. The results from the completed study will be utilized to design improved washer systems for poultry processing plants. In addition, this information can be used to justify the removal of unnecessary washer systems and save water.
Success story #4
All seafood dealers, packers, and processors have been legally required to have a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) and/or a sanitation plan in force since December 1997. Yet some businesses have been operating without procedures to ensure the safe handling and distribution of their products. Other firms attempted to comply with the FDA?s seafood safety regulation; however, the flaws in critical control point monitoring procedures and verification methods rendered some businesses? HACCP plans ineffective. Continued to deliver National Seafood HACCP Alliance training to seafood processors and regulatory personnel. As a result of these workshops, processors gained the competence to design and implement a HACCP system for their operations. Supervised or participated in 10 HACCP and 3 sanitation workshops since 1998 allowing 222 individuals to receive their certification in seafood safety and sanitation monitoring from the Association of Food and Drug Officials. Provided on-site assistance to 20 businesses since 1998 to develop HACCP and / or sanitation protocols for individuals who had not or could not attend a HACCP training workshop. Also provided process verification evaluations, as mandated by the HACCP regulation, to 9 businesses manufacturing ready-to-eat seafood. Compliance to HACCP is mandatory. The FDA can close businesses that are subject to the seafood safety regulation but do not operate under a HACCP program. The HACCP Alliance workshops enabled companies to acquire FDA-recognized HACCP training so they could remain in business.
Success story #4
On November 13, 2000, local and state health departments were notified that 3 Winston Salem Hispanic patients had been diagnosed with Listeriosis within 2 weeks and there were 4 other suspected cases. It was reported that a patient might have consumed fresh Mexican style cheese. A Statewide Foodborne Illness Outbreak Taskforce was formed in response to the foodborne outbreak of Listeriosis in Forsyth County, North Carolina. In the end, there were a total of 12 cases, 11 were women with a median age of 21 years and one was a 70-year-old immuno-compromised man. The outbreak ultimately resulted in five fetal deaths. Mexican-style fresh soft cheese produced from contaminated raw milk sold by a local dairy farm was determined as the causative agent. On December 6, 2000, a meeting was held with individuals from industry, academia, extension and regulatory agencies with direct involvement or interest in the Listeriosis outbreak. Group members discussed the following interventions at their meetings:
The need for public education of health care providers, at risk individuals, queso fresco makers, cheese vendors, and dairy farmers as well as the importance of elimination of Listeria from raw milk at the dairy farm. Meetings with community group leaders and health care personnel in the involved county of Forsyth were planned. Announcements were sent to; NC Medical Association, NC Local Health Departments, surrounding hospitals and laboratories. Information was disseminated through radio announcements, press releases, posters to markets and churches and pamphlets to health services. Cheese makers were educated about laws prohibiting making and selling unregulated dairy products, though it was difficult to identify cheese makers. Revised milking procedures, focused on teat preparation and equipment cleaning which allowed the suspected farm to get raw milk free of Listeria. Challenges included: Getting public health information to Winston-Salem Hispanic population, as many individuals had just arrived in the U.S. and do not speak English Most do not routinely visit health care providers and do not attend events regularly. Local Latino markets proved to be an important place to have information displayed.
One of our own FCS Extension agents that had been through our food safety training program proved to be a key player in the outbreak investigation and the educational intervention. You can read more about her involvement at: http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/univ_relations/news_services/ebulletin/01_01/15/article3.htm or http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/agcomm/writing/2000/121100e.htm
Public Service Announcements Developed by The NC Statewide Foodborne Illness Outbreak Taskforce are located at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/taskforce/psa.html
The following websites were created for taskforce members and the general public:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/taskforce/
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/taskforce/queso/
The largest educational opportunity occurred at the La Fiesta del Pueblo festival held in Chapel Hill, NC - Sept. 8 and 9th 2001. Members of the taskforce created a Spanish food safety exhibit and handed out jar grips shaped like tortillas with information about Listeria and a website as giveaways. The exhibit panels can be viewed at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/taskforce/spanishdisplay.pdf There have been no further cases of Listeriosis linked to raw milk queso cheeses at this time. Numerous States and organizations have requested more information about how our taskforce worked together to control the spread of this outbreak and our educational efforts.
Including: Presentation to NC Public Health Association (NCPHA) - Winston Salem, NC - September 13th 2001. Presentation to Southeast Regional Milk Seminar in Baton Rouge, LA - October 2001. Presentation at FDA Southeast Regional Meeting - Charleston, SC - November 1st 2001. Seminar to NC State University Department of Food Science - Raleigh, NC - November 5th 2001. Presentation to Carolina Association of Food Protection (CAFP) - March 2002. An article in Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report can be located at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5026a3.htm
Success story #5
Food Safety Education and Training: Fresh Produce Food Safety
The issues associated with food safety are becoming increasingly complex and involve all segments of the food chain (production to consumption). One segment that has become the focus of increasing scrutiny is the production of fresh produce. Fresh produce has been touted for its dietary benefits and thus has become a major component of the U.S. diet. However, fresh produce is often eat raw, thus microbial contamination introduced at any point from production to consumption is a concern. In efforts to minimize microbial contamination, production practices have become an area of intense investigation. Producers have been asked to voluntarily implement a variety of tactics and techniques that fall under the banner of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). Through implementation of GAPs the risk of introducing human foodborne pathogens can be reduced. Faculty from departments of Horticultural Sciences and Food Science obtained a USDA grant to develop a training program and associated training materials for extension agents in the southeast. In addition, twelve other academic institutions in the southeast are cooperating. Four training programs were conducted and over 200 agents trained. In addition commodity specific brochures have been developed. This program, a collaborative effort between the Horticulture and Food Science Departments, has raised the awareness of extension agents as well as the producers of fresh produce regarding the significance of on-farm production practices and food safety. In addition, these individuals are now aware of the appropriate agricultural practices necessary to reduce the foodborne illness risk associated with fresh produce.
Impact Bullets:
Fourteen workshops on the mandatory Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety inspection approach have been conducted in North Carolina since 1997 with 439 industry, regulatory and education personnel certified by the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). The workshops have improved the safety and quality of fish and fishery products through education and training of people. North Carolina companies adopted industry demonstrations such as the cold-binding technology used to enhance the value of traditional seafood products for domestic and export markets. One example is Wanchese Fish Company, Inc., who revolutionized the scallop industry with their scallop medallion products. Wanchese is expanding into other value-added products with the opening of a 170,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art seafood processing facility in Suffolk, Virginia. Additional applied research projects focused on adding value have enabled several North Carolina seafood processors to pursue value-added strategies to grow their customer base.
Industry is more knowledgeable today concerning food safety issues and regulatory requirements as a result of their participation in seafood safety workshops. Processors are better prepared to compete in the marketplace by adopting new processing, packaging and distribution methods. Several North Carolina processors have expanded their businesses into value-added product lines that them to become increasingly competitive in consumer markets thereby reducing their dependence upon commodity driven markets.
Increased regulatory requirements for food processing plants have produced a need for an advanced HACCP training program. In response to this need extension specialists in the Food Science Department at North Carolina State University have developed a two day advanced Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) training program. This training provides in-depth discussion about setting up a HACCP program in a poultry processing plant and how to validate and verify its effectiveness in reducing foodborne illness. At the completion of this workshop, plant personnel will have gained a global perspective of HACCP and will be further prepared to meet future regulations. In addition, these individuals can perform in-plant audits of existing HACCP programs. This advanced HACCP training can save an average poultry processing plant approximately $15,000 per year in training and consulting fees.
North Carolina poultry processors have increased water use by 25% to 50% since the implementation of HACCP. These facilities use millions of gallons of water each day and current municipal waterworks do not have the additional capacity to handle the increased water and waste demands. Much of the increased water use is the result of adding additional washer systems to comply with HACCP regulations. Limited studies have been done evaluating the effectiveness of washer systems in removal of visible and microbiological contamination on raw poultry. To address this concern, we have begun a research project on quantifying the effectiveness of washer systems in removal of visible and microbiological contamination on raw poultry. Preliminary results suggest limited effectiveness of washer systems in removing pathogenic bacteria. In addition, an evaluation of chemical agents: (trisodium phosphate, sodium citrate) sometimes added to washer systems for improved microbial reduction is also being evaluated. Preliminary results suggest that adding a chemical agent to washer systems can reduce surface microbial levels by a factor of two compared to chlorine alone. The results from the completed study will be utilized to design improved washer systems for poultry processing plants. This information can be used to justify the removal of unnecessary washer systems and save water.
All seafood dealers, packers, and processors have been legally required to have a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) and/or a sanitation plan in force since December 1997. Yet some businesses have been operating without procedures to ensure the safe handling and distribution of their products. Other firms attempted to comply with the FDA?s seafood safety regulation; however, the flaws in critical control point monitoring procedures and verification methods rendered some businesses? HACCP plans ineffective. As a result of workshops, processors gained the competence to design and implement a HACCP system for their operations.
November 13, 2000, local and state health departments were notified that 3 Winston Salem Hispanic patients had been diagnosed with Listeriosis within 2 weeks and there were 4 other suspected cases. It was reported that a patient might have consumed fresh Mexican style cheese. A Statewide Foodborne Illness Outbreak Taskforce was formed in response to the foodborne outbreak of Listeriosis in Forsyth County, North Carolina. In the end, there were a total of 12 cases, 11 were women with a median age of 21 years and one was a 70-year-old immuno-compromised man. The outbreak ultimately resulted in five fetal deaths. Mexican-style fresh soft cheese produced from contaminated raw milk sold by a local dairy farm was determined as the causative agent. Information was disseminated through radio announcements, press releases, posters to markets and churches and pamphlets to health services. Cheese makers were educated about laws prohibiting making and selling unregulated dairy products, though it was difficult to identify cheese makers. Revised milking procedures, focused on teat preparation and equipment cleaning which allowed the suspected farm to get raw milk free of Listeria.
The issues associated with food safety are becoming increasingly complex and involve all segments of the food chain (production to consumption). One segment that has become the focus of increasing scrutiny is the production of fresh produce. Fresh produce has been touted for its dietary benefits and thus has become a major component of the U.S. diet. However, fresh produce is often eat raw, thus microbial contamination introduced at any point from production to consumption is a concern. In efforts to minimize microbial contamination, production practices have become an area of intense investigation. Producers have been asked to voluntarily implement a variety of tactics and techniques that fall under the banner of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). Through implementation of GAPs the risk of introducing human foodborne pathogens can be reduced. Faculty from departments of Horticultural Sciences and Food Science obtained a USDA grant to develop a training program and associated training materials for extension agents in the southeast. In addition, twelve other academic institutions in the southeast are cooperating. Four training programs were conducted and over 200 agents trained.
The issues of biotechnology are better understood by consumers through the use of newsletters, workshops and public service announcements.
The senior population is at a high risk of foodborne illness due to their lifestyles and their health conditions. Programs directed to seniors by CES agents vary from handwashing to temperature control.
Foodservice workers from restaurants, institutions, bed and breakfasts, and day care centers learn proper food handling techniques from CES training.
Due to a serious listeriosis outbreak in the Hispanic population, special outreach efforts have been targeted toward Hispanic consumers to teach them to use pasteurized milk to make Latin-style cheeses and to avoid high moisture and raw milk cheeses during pregnancy.
Coordination between the NCIMS HACCP Pilot and the National Juice HACCP Alliance was instrumental in ensuring dairy plants did not require two separate HACCP programs to comply with regulations.
CEMP Committee Members:
Campus: Melissa Taylor, Pat Curtis, Kevin Keener, David Green, Donn Ward, Lynn Turner, Angela Fraser, Counties:(listed as all reporting) Allsbrook, Margaret P,Baker, Denise M ,Baker, Geissler, G, Beasley, Glennie C, Beauchamp, Celia, Beck, Cheryl A, , Childers, Lisa B., Carter, Lucille M, Condlin, Susan C, Cox, Debbie L, Edsel, Donna B, Evans, Agnes, Farless, Shari T, Gagtewood, Diane S., Goldmon, Suzzette S, Goodman, P C,Greene, Christine, Greene, Connie B, Hamilton, Susan C, Henderson, Judith S, Houser, Melinda M, Johnson, Eloise T, Jones, Mary H, Judge, Martha P, Knapp, Renay C., Latour, Janice, Long, Carmen J, McCombs, Kelly L, McNamara, Cathryn A, McNeill, Sally E, McRae, Clinton, Mitchell, Carol, Malaro, Alicia, Morgan, Susan M, Myatt, Deborah B, Noble, L S, Owen, Lois, Pagett, Charlotte, Patton, Rosie, Pettitt, Alice L, Pointer, Donna P, Rawls, Jean S, Roberson, Jessica, L., Rothwell Shenile, Rushing, Sharon, Shaffer, Megan, Simmons, Ann, Simpson, Olivia, Smith, Christine W, Smith, Marsha M, Smith, Nancy K, Spivey, Stroud, Debra L, Lynda P, Tallant, April C, Thompson, Betty Thorpe, Kathleen, Underwood, Candy, Votaw, Ann M, Whitaker, Elaine W, Wynne, Tanya,
Co- chairs: Sandra E. Woodard, John E. Rushing
CEMP 12 - Health and Human Safety
Program Description:
The Health and Human Safety CEMP addresses pressing health concerns at the individual, family and community level. NCCES community-based outreach health promotion and disease and injury prevention education programs serve to increase the capacity of North Carolina's families and communities to make informed health and health care decisions resulting in improved physical, mental and social health. CEMP 12 also includes programs providing outreach education to prevent the approximately 50 deaths and 2,000 disabilities that are suffered each year by North Carolinians as a result of agricultural injuries.
Abstract/Overview:
One-hundred and fifty four agent-conducted health programs were held in the nineteen reporting counties. 52,921 health and human safety program participants reported gaining increased knowledge about health and health related practices for improving health status. 18,407 reported adopting best health practices. Participants reported $2,457,950 in cost avoidance from reductions in high risk behaviors and reduced illness and injury. County program costs totaled $36,422. Additionally, 849 volunteers contributed 5,204 hours valued at $43,570 to support Extension health programs in 2001.
CEMP Objective 1:
Nineteen locations reported on CEMP 12, Objective 1.
21,617 program participants reported increasing their knowledge of the determinants of health and recommended health practices. Another 10,691 reported an increased knowledge of the appropriate use of health care services, current issues and options.
Impacts: There were 850 health screenings conducted by 149 community-based, Extension or Extension-allied organizations. Seventy-three communities reported increased participation in health and health-related coalitions or alliances, or in health care policy-setting arenas while 30 communities reported improved availability of appropriate health care for all residents.
CEMP Objective 2:
Seventeen locations reported on CEMP 12, Objective 2. 20,997 individuals reported increasing their knowledge of best management practices for creating a safe and healthy home or work environment. 5,602 program participants reported adopting these practices.
Impacts: 7,007 individuals reported healthier and safer environments either at home, at school or in the workplace as a result of having implemented best management practices. 6,208 individuals reported improved health as a result of these improvements.
CEMP Objective 3:
Seventeen locations reported on CEMP 12, Objective 3, an increase of almost a third over the previous year. 9,039 individuals reported increased knowledge of agricultural health and safety issues with 3,402 adopting best management practices.
Impacts: 560 individuals reported reduced illness as a result of program participation and 906 reported that they had avoided health-related costs. 474 program participants reported that they had responded effectively in an emergency situation as a result of their new knowledge. Forty health professionals indicated that they have provided better service to patients as a result of increased awareness and knowledge regarding agricultural health.
Impact Bullets:
The Blue Ridge Cancer Coalition (formerly NC SALIC) received $90,000 from the NC Department of Health and Human Services to continue and expand cancer outreach prevention education in western North Carolina.
CEMP Committee Members:
Barbara Garland, Co-Chair Robert Mclymore
Bobby Edwards, Co-Chair Judy Mock
Donna Edsel Sharon Rowland
Wilma Hammett Ellen Smoak
Sarah Kirby Mich Smith
M Bullock Julia Storm
Stephen Lilly S. Scherff
Donna Mull Cassandra, Wiggins
Robert Mustian Fred Yelverton
Nolo Martinez
CEMP 13 - Leadership and Volunteer Development
Program Description:
Leadership and Volunteer Development are unique in that this focus applies to all Extension education programs. Each program has the potential for developing leadership competencies as well as volunteer development. Leadership and volunteer development provides benefits to the individual as well as the local county staff. It gives staff members a base from which to extend their on-going programs and involve new leaders in existing leadership and volunteer systems in the organization.
Leadership development builds the capacity of individuals, groups and organizations to address issues in a community. Volunteer development enhances the potential forbeneficial community service. Leadership and volunteer development are separate disciplines with unique purposes and methodologies, but they share a common focus that deals with human capacity building for the public good. It is this common focus that the Leadership and Volunteer Development State Major Program addresses.
Abstract/Overview:
Results reported in this major program for 2001 show that individuals and groups have used their leadership skills to aid others and their community as they adjust to the impact of downturns in the economy locally and nationally. Volunteers contributed 199146 hours of service valued at $2527098. Volunteers used their time and skills to fill gaps left due to layoffs in public service agencies, decreased revenue and increased demand for services by families affected by the economy. Volunteers and community groups launched innovative projects to supplement program funds. Staff and volunteers conducted training with local residents that could be used to supplement lost income.
Communities are increasingly expected to design more local solutions to problems and issues as the government continues to decentralize. Many individuals (1500) used their leadership skills to tackle problems facing their community. One hundred fifty five (155) issues were addressed resulting in $128500 of cost being avoided due to community based resolutions to issues. Community based groups and limited resource families also increased their leadership skills (8600). The number of projects completed and problems resolved totaled 1120. The economic value of their involvement in solving these issues equaled $1093341. One hundred (100) community organizations were developed to continue to resolve community problems.
Objective 1
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments : 27
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Number of participants who increased knowledge and awareness of leadership skills
NUMBER : 8600
Number of participants who developed and implemented action plans to resolve problems
NUMBER : 1548
Number of projects completed/problems resolved
NUMBER : 1120
Statewide Impact Totals:
Increase in the number of limited resource and non-traditional individuals with the capacity to provide valuable service to the community (assume some leadership roles in church, school, community etc., volunteer)
NUMBER : 2581
Dollars of economic value to community/county for community projects/solving community problems
Dollars $ : 1093341
Community organizations developed to continue resolving community problems
NUMBER : I00
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Number : 5565
Value : $483,380
Objective 2
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments : 64
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Increase knowledge of opportunities for volunteers to contribute
Number increasing in knowledge : 30725
Statewide Impact Totals:
Economic value of volunteer intervention
DOLLARS $ : 2527098
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Number : 21846
VALUE $ : 1,991,460
OBJECTIVE 3
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments : 34
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Number of persons who demonstrated acquired/improved facilitation knowledge and skills
NUMBER : 921
Number of community issues addressed (in progress)
NUMBER : 155
Statewide Impact Totals:
Costs avoided through the resolution of (a) community issue(s).
DOLLARS $ : 128550
Dollars saved as a result of achieving successful resolution of (a) community issue(s)
DOLLARS $ : 173000
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Number : 1575
Value: $ : 214,770
Success Stories:
Brunswick County
Community Voices graduates in the Northwest Community Organization, now participating in the Voices Reaching Visions program continue to use skills acquired to enhance their community. They have obtained their 501(c)3 non-profit status and opened a community Food Pantry. To date the pantry has registered 223 families and given away 3,500 meals. The pantry is run by community volunteers and funded by churches, mini-grants and civic organizations.
Macon County
Macon County Extension and Community club members adopted the goal of providing needed supplies to HeadStart and EarlyStart programs in the county. They constructed 38 nap quilts and collected 57 children's books resulting in a savings of $570.00 to the local HeadStart program.
Watauga
Involvement in community service is an important part of youth development. Watauga County 4-H in conjunction with the Volunteer Outreach Center worked to make sure that Youth Service Day was held successfully. Pooled expertise and resources resulted in over 400 youth and adult volunteers providing volunteer service at over 20 non-profit sites across the community.
Mecklenburg County
Members of the Huntersville Community Development Association used their leadership skills and desire to preserve a community asset to fuel a project to renovate a Rosenwald school building to become a community center. Community members researched sources of funds to renovate the school, which resulted in obtaining a USDA Rural Development loan. The group, which consists of a strong 40 member core recently held a grand opening for this community facility after a two year planning and construction process. The group has recently made their first loan repayment in the amount of $17,928. A large part of the amount repaid was obtained through a proposal to the town of Huntersville, which was funded for $15,000.00.
Randolph County
Habitat for Humanity in Randolph County found themselves in a money crunch that would prevent them from meeting the need for affordable housing in the community. The organization had two houses under construction and volunteers ready to work, but lacked the financial resources to complete the homes. That's when the Randolph county Extension and Community Association stepped in and implemented an innovative fund raiser called ?Soups on for Habitat?. Potters from across the state donated over 200 soup bowls and the volunteers prepared the food served. The project raised $5,250.00. The homes were completed and two families realized the dream of owning their own home.
Impact Bullets:
Limited resource and non-traditional leaders were involved in the completion of projects and the resolution of community issues that totaled 1120.
28986 volunteers used their leadership skills to help launch innovative efforts to raise money to fill funding gaps experienced by local agencies and to provide local agencies with manpower and materials needed for program success.
Resolution of community issues by community leaders resulted in a savings of $128550.
CEMP Committee Members:
Claudette Smith - Co-chair Pat Peele
John Gibson Ellen Miller
CEMP 14 - Marketing and Production of Alternative Income Opportunities
Program Description:
The goal of the work of CEMP 14 is to assist commercial (objective #1), and small, part time and limited resource producers (objective #2), to learn about, select and implement alternative opportunities so as to increase their income. Program efforts have been made in developing and disseminating information on specialty crops, niche markets (including organic, herbs and livestock), and direct marketing. The CEMP 14 team continues to focus on business planning for risk management in production and marketing. It also has helped develop those various partnerships and cooperative efforts needed to insure success with alternative enterprises.
Abstract/Overview:
County Extension faculty in collaboration with farmers across the state, worked with specialists from the university, local officials and NCDA&CS staff to develop a strategic approach to developing marketing and production of alternative income opportunities. That approach this year focused in three directions: building on the Specialty Crop Program of NCSU and NCDA&CS, using Golden LEAF and SARE funded grants which explore alternative enterprises, and continuing to employ more traditional Extension programs such as the Vegetable Expo, the Farm Show and other county program venues. Through these approaches new crops, such as the Sprite melon continued to show production and market success, income for farmers selling at direct markets continued to expand and new marketing outlets through cooperatives and other channels were expanded.
Marketing, Production & Cooperative Successes. The universities and field faculty conducted research to identify and test appropriate production information. Variety trials and educational programs were held in grapes-for-wine production, the acreage for which has expanded very rapidly in the north west part of the state. On farm research continues on fall strawberry production. This year saw significant marketing success with specialty melons from eastern North Carolina. Research on sunflowers for mazes was conducted as agro-tourism continued to expand with corn mazes found across the state. In the mountains on-farm research has begun to protect ornamentals previously wild-crafted. Direct marketing opportunities continued to expand with new markets in several counties and additional market days in others. These farmers markets have worked to obtain political support and understanding as well as community involvement. Several marketing cooperatives have been established, one by goat producers and others in by vegetable and fruit growers. These cooperatives \require a degree of trust and collaboration among farmers that is significantly different from ordinary business methods. Extension is working with non-government groups, federal and local agencies to enhance local agricultural marketing opportunities.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Objective #1: 28 units.
Objective #2: 15 units.
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
Objective #1
1. *Producers indicating interest in developing alternative enterprises
NUMBER 2053
2. *Number of producers who try alternative enterprises, methods and practices
NUMBER 1323
Objective #2
1. *Number of producers interested
NUMBER 1033
2. *Number of producers who try alternative enterprises, methods and practices
NUMBER 478
Statewide Impact Totals:
Objective #1
1. *Dollars of new investment in production and marketing of alternative enterprises
NUMBER $2,752,889
2. *Dollars of gross income resulting from new investment and marketing of alternative enterprises.
NUMBER $4,236,266
3. *Number of producers who gain knowledge about alternative production and marketing practices.
NUMBER 2030
Objective #2
1. *Number of producers who gain knowledge about alternative production and marketing practices
NUMBER 1497
2. *Funding support obtained
NUMBER $28,300
Volunteers Involved and Value:
Objective #1
254 Volunteers provided 2007 hours of volunteer assistance valued at $20,070.00
Objective #2
207 Volunteers provided 1433 hours of volunteer assistance valued at $14,330.00
Success Stories:
Many Sandhills tobacco farmers have replaced their lost tobacco income with strawberry crops. These are sold on the farm to local customers. Once the strawberry season ends in early June, however, this income stream dries up. A new crop to extend the season is needed. Cooperative Extension initiated a program to revive a once thriving bramble industry, and to introduce growers to blueberries. . Since 1996, twenty growers have planted over 15 acres of blueberries and 8 acres of blackberries. Derelict plantings of blueberries have been renovated back into production. One new blackberry grower earns $10,000 per year, and is expanding. Now, blackberries and blueberries has increased from less than $100,000 to over $300,000 in income in three years in the three Sandhills counties.
Over 170 people participated in the SE Vegetable School and Agricultural Alternative Agriculture Seminar. 34 Farmers and their spouses learned 3 new ideas of ways to increase their family's income through agricultural alternatives. Eighteen farmers using alternative income ideas increased their incomes by over $220,000. Over 120 farmers, landowners and their spouses learned 3 new agricultural alternative or ways to improve their financial management. Thirty farm families learned ways of improving their financial management.
Vance and Warren County farmers have traditionally relied on tobacco as their main source of farming income. With the recent decline of the flue cured tobacco quota in North Carolina, tobacco farmers are searching for alternative crops to add to their farm business in order to keep their farms profitable. One successful alternative crop for local farmers is strawberries. NC Cooperative Extension assisted one Vance County tobacco farmer and one Warren County tobacco farmer in successfully and profitably producing four acres of strawberries. These four acres of strawberries produced an estimated sixty thousand dollars net income. These farmers consider strawberries to be an excellent alternative crop and plan to continue growing them.
Twenty-six business oriented producers tried new alternative enterprises, methods such as irrigation and practices such as scouting to improve their farm income. An estimated $90,000 in added income was earned by all-these farmers together. One farmer alone earned $31,000 in his agri-tourism enterprises and has become a leading tourist destination for the region.
Access to the many miles of waterways in Pamlico County was unknown to many from outside the area. Through a local program, four grants of $5,000 each were applied for through the "Adopt-A-Trails" program. Agri-tourism marketing brochures were printed and distributed across the state to visitor's centers and welcome centers. As a result of these one canoe outfitter has begun business and expanded. From survey of motels and outfitter and observation, there has been an increase of from 12-15 more canoes and kayaks per weekend. With the income for rooms fuel, supplies and food, It is estimated that these trail guides are helping to generate an increase of over $50,000 additional income for the county's businesses.
Impact Bullets:
A mountain county Farmer's Market had sales of over $ 40,000 in sales this season. The market has become the community "Place to Be" on Saturday mornings with community leaders, teachers, farmers, children, all enjoying themselves, visiting with friends, while listening to live bluegrass music.
A piedmont county Farmers Market and Growers Co-op provided marketing outlets for farmers to sell alternative crops (fruits and vegetables). Estimated sales were $85,000, respectively. The Growers' Co-op completed construction of building for storage and processing of vegetables and began using facilities in January 2002.
In northeast North Carolina, several growers tried more diverse crops and cropping methods. The range of return for each venture was from a few hundred dollars saved or earned to $31,000 earned by a single producer.
A central piedmont Cooperative Extension Office conducted a county Agricultural Summit which eighty-five farmers and other citizens. As a result of this educational program, a new pick-your own strawberry operation, a CSA (community sustained agriculture), an agricultural tourism enterprise including pumpkins farm and school tours, another grower planting a corn maize for farm tours, a small egg producer at local farmers markets, a new on-farm ice cream parlor at a dairy farm and a small cheese dairy have started operations. In addition two growers are planting vines for wineries.
A southeast county has seen more than 120 new acres of sod planted. A first time strawberry grower successfully grew an acre of berries on plastic this spring and expanded to 1.5 acres this fall. A new grape grower has expanded production of muscadines this fall to 5 acres. In addition, data is being collected on new specialist melons and on the feasibility of growing marsh plants for surface water run-off retention ponds, constructed wetland hog lagoon systems and mitigation projects.
CEMP Committee Members:
John M. O'Sullivan (co-chair) Ray McKinnie
Bill Jester (Co-chair) Doug Sanders
Jeanine Davis Wick Wickcliff
Morris Dunn Taylor Williams
Bob Edwards Ada Wossink
Ed Estes
Rick Hamilton
CEMP 15 - Natural Resources Conservation and Management
Program Description:
The Natural Resource Conservation and Management program encompasses environmental and natural resource fundamentals and management of natural resources to benefit society. Educational programs span the range from understanding ecosystems, dealing with community decisions regarding environmental concerns, to managing forest and agricultural properties and wildlife and fishery populations to attain landowner, economic, and societal benefits.
Abstract/Overview:
The Natural Resources Conservation and Management program focuses on the significant forest, wildlife, water and fishery resources in the state of North Carolina. Particular programmatic emphases are on environmental education, youth and adult, that improve understanding of ecological processes and management techniques that conserve the environment, provide economic return, or provide other benefits to society. Over 5,698 youth and adults participated in Extension environmental education programs. Many of these were programs conducted at schools, field days, 4-H and scout meetings and camps as well as traditional workshops and demonstrations. Another area is in the enhancement of decision-making regarding natural resources issues. The intent is to assist in this process as well as provide programs that improve the quality of the decisions being made. This resulted in over 3,272 people participating in programs that increased their awareness of people's involvement in the environment. A result is that there has been an increase in 1,984 people participating in forums and public meetings related to land use and natural resources planning. The forest resource in North Carolina is a significant economic and natural resource. Landowners and professionals benefit from learning about new management techniques, marketing strategies and tax laws. Over 92,000 acres of forest land have protected water quality because of Extension-endorsed "Best Management Practices." Almost 1,000 people increased their knowledge of wildlife and fishery management. All totaled, this "Major Program" produced over 6.6 million dollars in value to our clients and utilized 987 volunteers as they invested 7,030 hours of their time.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Objective 1 - 16
Objective 2 - 10
Objective 3 - 17
Objective 4 - 9
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
OBJECTIVE 1: ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
1. Participation in environmental education programs (such as Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, Catch Clinics, Wildlife Habitat Judging, etc.)
NUMBER PARTICIPATING: 4,726
2. Increased knowledge and awareness of environmental realities (pre and post
tests)
NUMBER DEMONSTRATING: 5,698
3. Demand for environmental education programs (# of requests)
NUMBER OF REQUESTS: 186
OBJECTIVE 2: NATURAL RESOURCE DECISION MAKING
1. Increased awareness, knowledge, and understanding of people's relationship to
the environment.
NUMBER DEMONSTRATING: 1,598
2. Increased participation in educational programs on land use planning and natural
resources management.
NUMBER PARTICIPATING: 983
OBJECTIVE 3: FORESTRY CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND MARKETING
1. Number of acres protected with Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP) to protect water quality.
NUMBER OF ACRES: 92,925
2. Number of landowners increasing after tax income due to increased knowledge of estate, income and property tax laws.
NUMBER OF LANDOWNERS: 471
3. Number of forestry professionals certified/trained to provide specialized services
such as prescribed burning and pesticide application.
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONALS: 60
4. Number of landowners enrolled in forest resource management cost-share
programs.
NUMBER OF LANDOWNERS: 522
5. Number of people demonstrating understanding of federal, state, and local
policies such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Sedimentation
and Pollution Control Act and State Water Quality Laws.
NUMBER DEMONSTRATING: 788
6. Number of County Forest Landowner Associations formed.
NUMBER OF ASSOCIATIONS: 5
OBJECTIVE 4: WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
1. Increased awareness and knowledge of wildlife and fishery management.
NUMBER OF DEMONSTRATING: 929
2. Adoption of wildlife and fishery management practices.
NUMBER ADOPTING: 476
Statewide Impact Totals:
OBJECTIVE 1: ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
1. Increase in awareness and consciousness of effects of society's actions on the environment.
NUMBER DEMONSTRATING: 4,175
OBJECTIVE 2: NATURAL RESOURCE DECISION MAKING
1. Number of people adopting practices/techniques to promote sustainable ecosystems with reduced health risks.
NUMBER ADOPTING: 1,598
2. Increased involvement in forums and public meetings held on make decisions
related to land use and natural resource planning.
NUMBER PARTICIPATING: 983
OBJECTIVE 3: FORESTRY CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND MARKETING
1. Dollar increase in pre and post-tax income resulting from improved reforestation, timber management and timber marketing practices adopted by forest landowners.
DOLLAR INCREASE: 5,532,000
2. Increased income from fee hunting, recreation and other non-traditional forest
uses such as pine straw, firewood, etc.
DOLLAR INCREASE: 295,200
3. Number of acres of forest land afforested, reforested, or placed under
recommended forest resource management program by Extension program
participants.
NUMBER OF ACRES: 62,482
OBJECTIVE 4: WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
1. Acres managed for wildlife and fishery resources.
NUMBER OF ACRES: 52,400
2. Acres impacted by adoption of wildlife and fishery practices.
NUMBER OF ACRES: 36,840
3. Acres leased for hunting, fishing, and enjoyment of wildlife and fishery
resources.
NUMBER OF ACRES: 106,500
4. SUMMARY
Volunteers Involved and Value:
OBJECTIVE 1: ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
Number: 554
Hours: 1,511
Value: $15,110
OBJECTIVE 2: NATURAL RESOURCE DECISION MAKING
Number: 242
Hours: 1,050
Value: $10,500
OBJECTIVE 3: FORESTRY CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND
MARKETING
Number: 123
Hours: 3,198
Value: $31,980
OBJECTIVE 4: WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
Number: 68
Hours: 1,271
Value: $12,710
Success Stories:
A retired landowner(farmer) visited the Ag Center requesting a list of loggers. He planned to allow three loggers to submit bids to him for 65 acres of timber. He mentioned the timber probably was not worth much, but he wanted to get something out of it. I encouraged him to allow me to call the Forest Service for advice, and for him to hire a Registered Consulting Forester instead of arranging the bids himself. He agreed, the County Ranger, District Ranger, and I walked the tract. Their recommendations were the same as mine to hire a RCF. The rangers estimate our efforts may have earned the landowner an additional $150,000 to $200,000.
The forestry program is continuing to make an impact on Wayne County. With our partners in the program over 450 acres will be protected with forestry best management practices. Seventy-three landowners are enrolled in forestry cost-share programs and are receiving assistance with forestry management practices. Over $2,000 of income has been generated from fee hunting. An increase of $47,000 in pre and post tax income resulting from improved reforestation, timber management and timber marketing practices adopted by forest landowners.
A client had been offered $26,000 for 18 acres of standing timber. After reading a news article about selling timber which was provided by Cooperative Extension, he contacted this office for more information. Advised client to talk to a professional forester and seek assistance in marketing timber. Client hired a professional forester to appraise and sell his timber. He made a special visit to my office to thank me, since by using the forester he received $42,500 for his timber, or $16,500 more than what the would have received if not taking Extension's recommendations.
Our office was called by an out-of-state landowner that wanted help on determining what their timber was worth and how to sell it. A buyer had been trying to purchase their trees using "high pressure" tactics. We sent them information on how to market timber as well as stressing the importance of using a forestry professional. This client called a consultant from our referral list to look at the timber. The day the consultant arrived he found a logger was cutting her timber illegally. He captured this on video tape and called the authorities. An arrest was made and the landowner will be reimbursed for three times the value of their timber. Extension assistance resulted in around a $100,000 savings.
Landowners and farmers have faced reduced income from the land due to depressed agricultural prices along with higher tax rates. Anson County is recognized for quality deer and turkey hunting. Cooperative Extension has provided local tours and meetings for landowners and hunters about how to improve food plots and manage wildlife. As a result of these programs, eighteen local landowners have purchased liability insurance and hunting leases have increased by $3/acre on approximately 10,000 acres, and 24 landowners have requested more information on wildlife plantings as well as 19 landowners and hunters have developed plans for burning and forestry planning to increase wildlife production. The local deer hunting tournament had 184 participants and it is estimated over 600 hunters from outside the county conservatively spend $100/hunter for economic benefit of $60,000.
Environmental stewardship awareness has increased dramatically over the past several years. Many local schools request programs for individual classrooms and "Science Days." Extension provided a water quality and conservation program to 552 students. Throughout the program, students gained an understanding of the hydrologic cycle, importance of water, water usage and conservation measures.
Due to the fact that women live longer than men, many women become sole owners of forest land. Many of these women have little knowledge of timber management or marketing. In response to this need, Lee County Cooperative Extension conducted an educational meeting geared specifically to women landowners. Topics included identifying boundary lines, developing forest management plans, managing timber, resources available to landowners, and how to select a consulting forester. Sixty-five women landowners participated in the program. Feedback from participants indicate they learned for the first time how to establish a basis for their timber, how to document tax credits, and how to market their timber to maximize income. Most participants indicated they will use the resources of Cooperative Extension, the N. C. Division of Forest Resources, and consulting foresters in the future. All participants requested a follow-up meeting to gain further information.
The Forestry Issues Forum Teleconference on February 14, 2001 resulted in a cost savings of $18.84 per $1.00 invested in continuing education per participant. A total cost savings of $13,470 was obtained. Three hundred fifteen Continuing Forestry Education credits were awarded.
Impact Bullets:
Nine hundred eighty-seven volunteers took 7,030 hours of their time because of the importance they place on the Extension major program of "Natural Resources Conservation and Management."
Fifteen hundred ninety-eight people are now more aware of the importance of natural resource decision making and are now able to be a participant in the discussion of these issues.
Over 3,000 people adopted practices that will promote sustainable ecosystems.
Four thousand seven hundred twenty-six citizens participated in formal Extension programs targeted towards our youth in the area of environmental awareness.
Extension "Forest Conservation, Management and Marketing" efforts had a value to the target audience of 2.48 million dollars. The total value to society was 5.53 million.
Because of Extension Natural Resources Conservation and Management efforts, North Carolina now has 92,925 more acres of forestry protecting water quality through "Best Management Practices."
Seven hundred eighty-eight more North Carolinians now understand targeted environmental policies such as the Clean Water Act.
Six new local forestry associations were formed in 2001 to assist local landowners in receiving the latest in environmental information and timber management strategies.
Fifty-two thousand four hundred new acres of North Carolina land are now managed specifically for wildlife and fisheries as a result of this Natural Resources Conservation Management program.
Landowners are enjoying the aesthetics and/or income on 106,500 more acres through this educational program.
Extension programming in "Natural Resources Conservation and Management" contributed 3.15 million dollars directly to our targeted audience and 6.68 million to society as a whole in 2001.
CEMP Committee Members:
Rick Hamilton, Forestry Extension Specialist (Co-Chair)
James Pearce, County Extension Director, Edgecombe County (Co-Chair)
Bob Bardon, Forestry Extension Specialist
Claire-Marie Hannon, 4-H Center Director, Reidsville
Bill Gardner, Forestry Extension Specialist
Scott Payne, Forestry Extension Specialist
Jim Rice, Fishery Extension Specialist
Peter T. Bromley, Zoology
Bob Williamson, Natural Resources Extension Specialist
Bill Lord, Neuse River Environmental Education Specialist
Janine Rywak, 4-H Agent, Anson County
CEMP 16 - Nutrition and Wellness:
Program Description:
CEMP 16, Nutrition and Wellness, is the conduit through which all nutrition education flows to North Carolinians from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. The goal is to promote optimum nutrition and healthy lifestyle management for positive outcomes throughout life. Grounded in research, nutrition education and improved health behaviors have impacts upon health and wellness, quality of life and the ability to achieve physical and mental potential. Diet-related risks involved in chronic diseases and risk of malnutrition can be lowered through improved health behaviors, healthy growth of children can be promoted by improved eating and exercise habits, and healthier pregnancy outcomes can result from better prenatal nutrition.
Abstract/Overview:
Promoting optimum nutrition and health through diet and lifestyle in all North Carolinians regardless of gender, income, age, or race/ethnicity formed the main focus of the Nutrition and Wellness Cooperative Extension Major Program. Education programs addressing diet, health, and chronic disease prevention were offered to North Carolinians of diverse income levels, age groups, genders, and/or cultural backgrounds across the state. Programs offered included Partners in Wellness, Give Your Heart a Healthy Beat, Healthy Heart, Our Destiny Is Our Decision, Be Active Kids, NoonLiting, Out For Lunch, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education program and the In-Home Breast-feeding Support Program. Programs were held in many different settings including congregate nutrition sites, senior centers, schools, churches, government buildings, businesses, daycare centers, work sites and outdoors. Various methods included using the Internet, mailed materials, media, one-on-one contacts, and public meetings. Audiences reached included children, adults and the elderly, day care workers, hospital employees, housing authorities, Head Start, Red Cross, food banks, and community coalitions. In support of these activities CEMP members brought in more than 6,245,001 dollars in grant and contract funds. As a result of the CEMP programming, over 84,473 participants increased awareness of their need to have good nutrition habits and over 31,863 changed diet and lifestyle habits, and improved their quality of life and the quality of life of others. Over 14,000 decreased dietary fat consumption, over 11,000 decreased dietary sodium consumption, over 11,000 increased fruit and vegetable consumption and over 12,000 increased dietary calcium consumption. As a result of the changed diet and lifestyles over 1700 decreased high blood cholesterol levels, over 1277 decreased high blood glucose levels, over 1800 decreased high blood pressure levels, over 2000 decreased excess body weight and over 2000 adopted behaviors to improve their chances of delivering a normal weight baby.
Number of Units Reporting Accomplishments:
Obj. 1: 76 units reporting
Obj. 2: 38 units reporting
Obj. 3: 16 units reporting
Obj. 4: 43 units reporting
Statewide Measures of Progress Totals:
84,473 participants increased awareness of need to have good nutrition habits
69,608 participants increased knowledge that promotes health
52,402 participants increased attitudes/aspirations that are indicative of need for good health
14,496 participants decreased fat consumption
11,016 participants decreased sodium consumption
11,387 participants increased fruit and vegetable consumption
12,435 participants increased calcium consumption
20,546 gained in knowledge that leads to reduced risk for chronic disease
17,302 increased skills that lead to reduced risk for chronic diseases
5613 parents increased awareness and knowledge of importance of good nutrition for children
5446 parents increase knowledge about good eating habits for children
3084 parents and children participated in food and nutrition activities together
5,704 participants increased awareness of available programs such as Food Stamps, WIC, free/reduced school meals
27,575 increased knowledge of nutrition and diet
Statewide Impact Totals:
31,863 participants improved diets to be more consistent with dietary guidelines for good health and the Food Guide Pyramid
1720 participants decreased their high blood cholesterol level
1277 participants decreased their high blood pressure level
1862 participants decreased their high blood glucose level
2011 participants decreased excess weight
4832 children adopted food behaviors consistent with the Dietary Guidelines and Food Guide Pyramid
4692 parents adopt food behaviors consistent with the Dietary Guidelines and Food Guide Pyramid
2352 women practiced behaviors to help improve their chances of delivering a normal weight baby
3653 adopted behaviors such as seeking prenatal care
11,002 participants changed their meal planning to improve their diets
Volunteers Involved and Value:
12,193 volunteers gave 43,221 hours at $10.00/hr giving a dollar value of $432,210.00.
Success Stories:
In an effort to increase awareness of the obesity rate, poor diet and inactivity of our county's youth, Rutherford County CES and the local health department conducted a seventh grade nutrition and fitness project in three middle schools. 464 students participated in five sessions designed to increase knowledge and skills in making healthy food choices and being physically active each day. Post tests showed that 243 students had altered attitudes about healthy lifestyles and indicated a desire for making changes. 135 students adopted new practices consistent with a healthy lifestyle. These changes included being physically active longer and more often, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, decreasing sugars and fats, and eating foods from groups daily.
A three day food recall of 82 Noonliting participants indicated that their diets were very high in calories from simple carbohydrates and fats. They also had diets low in vegetables and foods high in calcium. During the 15 week Noonliting workshop, participants changed their diets by focusing on the dietary guidelines and the food guide pyramid. They increased exercise and learned how to use the nutrition facts label to make wise food choices in the grocery store. Evaluations showed that 55% met their weight loss goal. They also decreased sodium, fat and cholesterol intake. Three persons had a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
According to statistics from the Bone Health Body Health Coalition, one out of every two women will be diagnosed with osteoporosis after menopause. After being certified as a Osteoporosis Educator by the BH/BH Coalition, I n implemented \"Bone Up On Osteoporosis\" at North Carolina Cooperative Extension.. Eighty-eight ladies learned how osteoporosis occurs and lifestyle changes that can help to prevent the disease. They also learned what ladies need to do once they have been diagnosed with the disease. They were encouraged to get a bone density test and talk with the doctors about treatments that could lower their risk. Program evaluations showed an increase in knowledge. Since the program three ladies have had bone density test and were diagnosed with osteoporosis. They are being treated and have changed their eating and
exercise habits to fight the disease.
Seventy year old Sis is a regular participant at the congregate nutrition site where Partners in Wellness programs are conducted. One focus for a recent series was dental problems, a recognized risk factor for malnutrition among senior adults. But with limited income and transportation, visits to a dentist were a luxury Sis could not afford. Her mouth pain and difficulty chewing would have to be accepted. She understood that the closest dentist accepting Medicaid patients was an hour away, with a waiting list of several months. During the series, information about dental health helped Sis recognize the seriousness of her symptoms. The visit from a local dentist and list of local dental care options helped her identify and access immediate help. A diagnosis of mouth tumors was followed by appropriate treatment and a full recovery is anticipated. Sis attributes the encouragement and information from PIW to saving her life.
Over the last year, three Be Active Kids workshops have been offered for day care providers. Be Active Kids programs promote nutritional eating habits and physical activity for 4 and 5 year olds. On a followup survey, day care providers indicated the following changes as a result of using the curriculum in their center: the children are eating more different kinds of food, they have seen changes in healthful eating, fruit and vegetable recognition, and physical activity, the children are more likely to try new foods, and taste all foods, they have tried some vegetables and some of them now like certain ones that they thought they wouldn't.
Twenty clients with diabetes referred by local physicians have maintained blood sugar within normal limits and lost an average of 10# each. Maintaining blood sugar wnl minimizes long term risks of blindness, renal failure & circulation problems causing loss of limbs.
Diabetes affects an estimated 7,200 people in Gaston county. It can be controlled by diet, exercise and medication. A man diagnosed with diabetes contacted the Food and Nutrition Agent for help in understanding the diet his doctor gave him. He was a widower and ate out with his friends. He was frustrated in trying to follow the prescribed diet. The agent helped him decide what he could from the local cafe and assured him he could still enjoy the occasional pig pickin'. He was able to follow the diet, started a walking program and lost weight. As a result his blood sugar dropped from over 300 to within the normal limits.
Partners In Wellness has maintained its popularity with the congregate nutrition sites with participation increasing 17 percent (from 88 to 107) this fall. At least seventy-five percent (80) exhibit increased knowledge and/or improved behaviors impacting better nutrition and wellness. Reports of weight loss, use of dental floss, greater water consumption, current lists of medications kept on person, reduced salt in diet, etc. are regularly shared with agent at sessions. One participant reported a year after starting to keep her medications list with her that it became invaluable when she was rushed to the hospital and could not verbalize answers to medical questions for immediate care. She will "never" be without it!
During the spring session of this year's Give Your Heart a Healthy Beat, a participant from previous years visited the Extension Office to let us know of her progress. At the end of her sessions, she saw little difference in blood levels, weight, or blood pressures. Determined to make herself healthier, she continued to put into practice the information she received during the program. As a result of truly adopting practices and changed behavior, she has lost 30 pounds, and lowered both blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels from a high risk to a healthy range. This visit provided a real life story for current program participants!
Often time childcare providers face a monumental task to implement educational programs that stimulate and excite young children. Partnering with Wayne Action Team For Community Health, County Healthy Department and 4-H Wayne County Cooperative Extension provided a three-hour Be Active Kids training for 65 childcare providers representing 23 centers. This invigorating program is designed to help providers incorporate nutrition and physical fitness into the classroom. Childcare providers indicated they need not only training, but also educational tools to implement creative programs to enhance learning. All participants received an educational tool kit valued at $100 each containing all the tools to successfully implement the program. Comments from participants included: "Best workshop I ever attended!" "Excellent program, the presenters were wonderful and the resource kit is FANTASTIC!" "Great activities for kids and adults!" "...the workshop was informative, fun, and exciting. I can't wait to implement with the kids!"
This year's Give Your Heart a Healthy Beat may have been the most successful overall yet. Four of fourteen particpants had perfect attendance and all participants continued with the program from start to finish. As a result, 33 % of participants lowered waist hip ratios, 42% lost weight, 75% lowered blood pressure, 82% lowered blood cholesterol, 73% lowered LDL while 41% raised HDL cholesterol levels. 71.4% of participants had 2 or less absences in the 14 week program series. All program participants reported knowledge gained while it is evident that change has occurred in the lifestyles of these participants!
Nutrition Program Assistants delivered the program to a total of 6,441 families in 43 North Carolina counties with the following changes in dietary behavior and food purchasing:
49% more families had enough food to last the family until the end of the month
53% more consumed the recommended two or more servings of fruits
55% more consumed the recommend three or more servings of vegetables.
51% more consumed the recommended 6-11 servings of breads and cereals.
86% of participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices (i.e. plan meals, compares prices, does not run out of food or uses a grocery list)
90% of participants showed improvement in one or more nutrition practices (i.e. plans meals, makes healthy food choices, prepares foods without adding salt, reads nutrition labels or has children eat breakfast)
74% of homemakers showed improvement in one or more of the food safety practices (i.e. thawing and storing foods properly)
68% or participants more often followed the recommend practices of not thawing foods at room temperatures.
CEMP Committee Members:
Co-Chair: Jackie McClelland Lynn Hoggard
Co-Chair: empty since Spring, 2000. Doris Sargent
Carolyn Lackey Susan Baker
Carolyn Dunn Sarah Ash
Susan Velazquez Sheri Farless
CEMP 17 - Residential and Community Horticulture, Turf, Forestry, and Pest Management - 2001 Summary Report
Program Description:
The educational programs of CEMP-17 aim to increase the knowledge of North Carolina citizens and nonprofit organizations in consumer horticulture and structural pest management. Programs target gardeners and homeowners concerning: control of structural pests, installation and maintenance of home landscape and production of vegetables and fruits. Programs are also provided on community gardening, water conservation, beautification projects, youth and school gardening, and for caretakers of community property such as schools and parks and recreation grounds personnel. Through increased knowledge and adoption of practices, this program aims to improve the economic and aesthetic value of private and public property while ensuring environmental stewardship.
Abstract/Overview:
Objective 1 - Target audiences will adopt best management practices for residential
and public facility pests.
Public concern about exposure to pesticides continues to increase. People are demanding "safer" or "less toxic" solutions to pest problems in residential, recreati