Extension Highlights A year in review...

December 2015

rbarron@utk.edu Ronnie Barron, Director, Extension Agent

sknaus@utk.edu Sierra Knaus, Extension Agent

aglover8@utk.edu April Glover, Extension Agent

pbowman5@utk.edu Gayle Bowman, Administrative Assistant

http://cheatham.tennessee.edu Facebook: Cheatham County—UT & TSU Extension

Twitter: CheathamCoExt

UT & TSU Cheatham County Extension 162 County Services Drive, Suite 110

Ashland City, TN 37015 615-792-4420

Ronnie Barron 54 producers enrolled in the Advanced Master Beef Producer Class indicated by end-of-program survey, that they

had increased their knowledge and would be making changes, especially in their forage management, herd health, herd management, and food safety (as it pertains to the beef cattle operation). They also indicated in the survey that the training would create an economic impact on their operations in excess of $250,000.

36 Cheatham County tobacco growers indicated through surveys and “face-to-face” (one on one) interviews that they had increased their knowledge of disease management, pesticide safety, Dark-fired tobacco variety selection, and labor management, through the UT Highland Rim Tobacco, Beef and More Field Day, TN-KY Tobacco Expo., County Tobacco Growers Meeting, the Tobacco Patch Breakfast, and Pesticide Safety recertification training.

26 Fruit Pruning Demonstration participants improved their skills on fruit tree, grapevine, and blackberry pruning (as well as proper management techniques).

Over 200 homeowners made informed lawn

and garden management decisions due to

educational assistance provided by the local

extension agent.

Members of the Cheatham County Master Gardeners Association contributed a total of $33,000 worth of time, travel and monetary donations to the people of Cheatham

County. They work on various projects throughout the county to help beautify the county and educate the citizens.

Thirteen Master Gardener Interns graduated and are working towards the title of Master Gardener. As a result of the classes finished, they reported they are now able to identify pests and diseases affecting their landscape, select and care for ornamentals, properly take a soil sample, and maintain turfgrass.

4-H clubs were met during the months of January, February, March, October and November. The focus of the monthly club meetings was centered around workforce preparation. January-Communication and public speaking contest, February-Healthy Lifestyles and Walk Across Cheatham County, March -Communication and Demonstration Contest, October-Team building, November-STEM using the National 4-H Science Experiment called Motion Commotion. At the end of the year, teachers with 4-H Clubs in their classroom were given an evaluation to measure their view of the impact on 4-H in the classroom. The results are as follows: 65% increased their knowledge of parliamentary procedure. 76% increased their knowledge of decision making. 65% increased their knowledge of healthy lifestyles. 59% their knowledge of service projects and serving others. 89% their skill level in public speaking. 91% increased their skill level in giving a demonstration.

The 4-H camping program had 175 participants in both overnight and day camps. Camp is proven to increase a participant’s sense of responsibility and make them a more caring citizen. Over 35 youth receive financial assistance to make camp affordable.

April Glover

Sierra Knaus

Financial Education program On My Own was conducted with 7th and 8th grade students. Over 300 students participated in the program. Because of this program … Students know decisions over a lifetime about their education, jobs, and careers affect their incomes and job

opportunities. Students know a budget includes fixed and variable expenses, as well as income, savings, and taxes. Students are aware of tax revenue which is used to pay for government provided goods and services. FASOLA Grant provided underserved families life skills workshops in basket weaving, cooking, sewing and holiday workshops.50 participants have participated in this program (20 adults and 30 youth) Families are able to … Create artwork inspired by basket weaving Demonstrate how to weave a basket Communicate Native American History in relation to baskets Demonstrate appropriate methods for washing and drying apparel Know how to operate the sewing machine properly Create basic samples of varied sewing techniques Demonstrate basic sewing techniques using equipment safely Determine correct table settings based on the occasion and type of meal Determine how to shop wisely for food items Plan and prepare nutritious meals Use various styles of service to serve meals Store foods safely and use proper utensils for cooking Family Community Educator members give back to our county by volunteering for the fair, coordinating the yearly chili contest and helping families in need throughout the year. More than 10,000 hours of community service are provided through family community educator members.