Our Mission… To serve Gasconade County by extending

researched-based knowledge and top quality educational pro-grams to address high priority needs to citizens at the local lev-

el. University of Missouri Extension faculty help individuals and or-

ganizations turn knowledge into action, thus improving the quality of life for all.

Gasconade

County

2012

Annual

Report

Gasconade County Extension Center 1106 West Highway 28

Owensville, Missouri 65066 (573)437-2165

gasconadeco@missouri.edu Office Hours: 8:00am to 4:30 pm

Closed for lunch 11:30 am to Noon

Monday through Friday

VICE PROVOST’S OFFICE

108 Whitten Hall

Columbia, MO 65211

PHONE: (573) 882-7477

FAX: (573) 882-1955

University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Local Extension Councils Cooperating

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA INSTITUTIONS

December 2012

Dear County Commissioners and Associated Friends of MU Extension:

At MU Extension, we know that citizens want their taxpayer-supported institutions to be responsive to their

needs. Our distinct land-grant mission is to provide relevant, reliable and responsive education that improves

Missourians’ lives, communities and the economy. We fulfill that mission by providing access to many re-

search-based resources of the University of Missouri, in partnership with local and statewide organizations and

groups.

Funded through the support of federal, state and county government; grants and contracts; fees for services; and

private gifts, MU Extension leverages every dollar received to create expanded educational opportunities. Eve-

ry dollar appropriated from county government is leveraged with $6 to create a significant return on investment.

MU Extension creates value for citizens – including those who do not participate directly in its programs. For

example:

The MU Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute teaches volunteer and career firefighters how to

handle or mitigate fires and disasters, resulting in safer firefighters, citizens and communities. In

FY2012, MU FRTI trained 17,096 fire and emergency service personnel through 217,000 instructional

hours of training. Enrollees were from all of Missouri’s 114 counties.

This summer’s severe drought put MU Extension faculty in an active leadership role in helping Missouri-

ans deal with the crisis. MU Extension developed educational materials and programs and provided

technical assistance for homeowners, businesses and the agricultural community. Social media, in-

cluding Facebook, YouTube and websites, were used to inform citizens on such topics as animal nutri-

tion, including nitrate poisoning; heat-related disabilities; government programs; wildfires; and more.

Extension faculty also worked with Soil and Water Conservation Districts to implement drought cost-

share practices, which allowed more than 11,000 landowners to apply for state assistance to access

adequate water supplies for livestock and crop production.

These are just two examples of MU Extension’s public value impact. I’m sure you will find many other exam-

ples in your local community.

I want to thank you for your support of MU Extension as a critical team player in your locale. Your ideas for

improving our partnership are always welcome.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Ouart

Vice Provost and Director

Gasconade County Extension Council

University of Missouri Extension Programs are designed by an elected council of citizens, representing a broad spectrum of occupations, interests, locations within Gasconade County. Also, MFA, Farm Bureau, City of either Hermann or Owensville and the Gasconade County Commission have a representative appointed to the Council. Council meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Extension Center in Owensville.

2012 County Council Officers Chair: Chad Peanick Vice Chair: Karen Schlottach Secretary: Jason Gross Treasurer: Jan Crook 2012 Elected Council Members Curtis Bruckerhoff Jan Crook Roxanne Borgerding Gilbert Nowack Sarah Powers John Nicks Keva Limberg Chad Peanick Jason Gross Karen Schlottach Appointed Members – MFA Jim Grebing – City of Hermann Matt Penning – County Commission Karen Schlottach – Farm Bureau

2012 Financial Summary County appropriations provide for clerical staff and support, office supplies, equipment and ser-vices, travel for work in the county and region, communications and facilities to house staff. Assets Liabilities & Equity Appropriations $44,500.00 Clerical $26,748.35 Course Fees 1,890.00 Supplies/Services 5,414.22 Investment Income 22.52 Travel 3,209.99 Resale/Educ. services 2,587.50 Communication 5,806.89 Postage Income 2,190.00 Space Rent/Utilities 4,800.00 Council Events 21.15 Council Events 66.44 Certificates of Deposit 9,426.15 Working Capital 1,989.04 Investments 9,426.15 Total Revenue $60,637.32 Equipment Purchase 3,176.24

Total Expenses $60.637.32

2012 Gasconade County Office Statistics Soil Tests 167 Canner Gauge Test 6 Proctor Exams 4 Private Pesticide Applicators License 59 Total Pieces of Mail 5924 Office Visits/Calls Agronomy 92 Horticulture 111 Livestock 47 Ag Business 70 Soil Test 115 Human Environmental Sciences 100 Business Development 1 Youth 587 County Fair 606 Wildlife & Forestry 25 County Publications 11 Pesticide Training 101 Extension Council 306 Miscellandeous Inquiries 229 Total Office Visits/Calls 2426

MU Faculty & Staff serving Gasconade County

during 2012

Chantae Alfred Shyla Baxter Virginia Buschmeyer Anthony Bratsch

Family Financial Education Pt. Time-Temp 4-H County Office Support Horticulture

Youth Educator (Left 8-2012)

Ted Cunningham Robin Loehner-Kliethermes Mick Gilliam

Livestock 4-H Youth Specialist Business Development

County Program Director (Left 3-12-12) (Retired in 2012)

Sarah Hultine Will McClain Ted Probert Debbie Raaf

Community Development Agronomy Interim Regional Nutrition Program Associate

Director

Bethany Schindler Sarah Traub Pat Snodgrass

Nutrition & Health Human Development Housing & Environmental Design

Rick Sparks James Thompson Ray Walden Laura Wemhoener

Regional Director Pt. Time Ag. Bus. & Pt. Time Bus. Dev. Administrative Assistant

(Retired Oct. 2012) County Program Dir. (Left in 2012) ( Retired Oct. 2012)

Flexible Program Access

Distance Education Classes Community Programs Community-based education Consultations Continuing education Demonstrations Media Web site Publications/guide sheets Workshop TeleCenter Networks Technical Assistance

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Programs

Master Gardener Class Helps Communities

Organized in September of 2008, Master Gardeners from Gasconade County are 25 citizens who completed 30 hours of classroom training and who then volunteer their time applying what they have learned to help others in their communities to learn about gardening and en-vironmental education. In the spring of 2012, a fourth course was offered which 11 people completed. On February 2,nd, a Vermiculture (Worm Composting) workshop was held at the Swiss Church Dining Hall with approximately 24 in attendance. On April 26th, the Master Garden-ers along with Bethany Schlindler, Food & Nutrition Specialist from Phelps County conducted an evening workshop on “Jams and Jellies”. Virginia Buschmeyer from the Gasconade County Extension Center was available was available to help with the preparation of the fruits and canning. Nineteen attended and learned how to safely preserve food and safe cooking techniques. Projects for 2012 were maintaining shrubs and two beds at the Owensville Lions Club, work-ing on some beds at the Owensville Middle School and planting daffodils on the west side of Highway 19 across from Owensville High School and helping water trees at the New Lions Club Sports complex in Owensville. The Master Gardener Program throughout Missouri promotes and raises public awareness of the University of Missouri Extension as a source of unbiased, research based gardening in-formation.

County Office Support Serves Citizens Virginia Buschmeyer, Gasconade County Extension Center County Office Support assisted with more than 2,426 requests for agricultural and natural resources information and other extension named programs during 2012. She is currently serving as Master Gardener Coun-ty Coordinator for Gasconade County. These topics included care of houseplants, grapes, stress management for babysitters, foods and food preservation, hay, fertilizer, lime, aerial spraying, hay and nitrate testing; fence laws; cattle brands, custom rates and cash rental rates. Due to the drought of 2012, many calls regarding nitrates were fielded and 50+ nitrate tests were done on corn and other feed sources. She also was very helpful with Missouri Century Farm applications, soil testing, water quality testing, farm record books, insect and weed/plant identification, the farmers tax guide, and absentee ballots.

South Central Missouri Cattlemen’s Tour

The 2012 South Central Missouri Cattlemen’s Tour was held July 16-20. The tour, spon-sored by University of Missouri Extension, included 39 participants from 6 counties in south central Missouri and made tour stops in 3 states. Tour stops included the University of Missouri Southwest Research Center, Mt. Vernon, MO; two SW Missouri Grass based dairy operations; Ratcliff Ranches, Vinta, OK; Gray G Bar Ranch, Grainola, OK; Oklahoma National Stockyards, Oklahoma City; the Nobel Foundation, Ardmore, OK; and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Drought of 2012 2012 will likely be long remembered for the extreme drought and heat that gripped the Mid-west. Gasconade County suffered from a deficit of approximately more than 6 sinches inch-es of rainfall, with the majority of that deficit coming in the first 7 months of the year. First cutting hay crops of cool season grass were estimated at 30—50% of normal. Due to a warm and dry winter of 2011-2012, stock ponds and other water sources were compromised, and even as of January, 2013, continue to be well below normal levels. MU Extension provided assistance to agriculture producers stricken by drought in a number of ways. Sourcing feedstuffs, forage testing for nutrient analysis as well as toxic nitrates, pasture renovation, consulting on herd reduction and drought mitigation strategies, water systems, etc. were a few of the common areas of assistance.

Winter Grazing Workshop:

This program is designed to provide education and training for livestock producers to extend their grazing season by utilizing stockpiled tall fescue as their primary winter feed. Topics covered included how to properly grow stockpiled tall fescue, nutrient requirements of differ-ing classes of livestock during winter, fertilization options for growing stockpile, and allocation and strip-grazing of stockpile. Additionally, participants toured two farms where beef cattle were currently being managed on stockpiled tall fescue as the primary winter feed.

Forage and Beef Conference:

This conference, held annually in Cuba, MO in February, provides education on current man-agement practices and techniques regarding forage/grazing/livestock production for the north central Ozarks. In 2012, this event attracted over 200 participants from more than 14 coun-ties, and featured numerous speakers, as well as a trade show. The Forage and Beef Con-ference is made possible through partnerships with not only University of Missouri Extension, but also area Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Ser-vice, and numerous other local businesses and organizations that financially sponsor the event.

Missouri Show Me Quality Assurance:

This program is designed to teach young livestock producers the importance of quality assur-ance, consumer acceptability and demand for meat products. Topics covered include food safety, proper animal handling, and good management practices for their livestock enter-prise. In 2012, a training was held in Owensville for all Gasconade County 4-H members who needed certification. There were approximately 65 youth in attendance.

Management Intensive Grazing School:

This series of workshops teach livestock producers how to improve management of their for-age resources for improved profits of their farming operation. Concepts regarding soil fertili-ty, plant health, forage species and suitability, animal requirements, water resources, fenc-ing, system design, and grazing economics are included in this course. Four Grazing Schools were held locally in 2012, at MU Wurdack Farm, Houston, Rolla, and Vienna

Soil Testing The Gasconade County Extension Center serves to assist landowners with understanding the nutrient needs of their soils. 192 soil test reports were reviewed for Gasconade County in 2012, belonging to Gasconade County residents. Soil testing helps producers determine the best course of action for fertilizing pasture and crop ground. While soil testing is unlikely to save producers money it does enable them to determine how best to spend their money in order to get the most bang for their fertilizer dollar.

Farmers Tax Seminar James Thompson, Part-time Ag. Business specialist presented a Farmers Tax Seminar in January which was attended by 12 people. These people were led through some of the changes that would affect the 2011 taxes. Fence Law Workshop A Fence Law workshop was held at the Gasconade County Extension Center in March and was attended by 10 people. This was a very informative program regarding Missouri’s Laws applying to fencing. This was facilitated by James Thompson, part-time Ag. Business spe-cialist.

Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT):

Private Pesticide Applicator Training is a program which trains Missouri farmers and land-owners proper safety and use of different chemicals, and enables them to purchase and use on their operations restricted use pesticides and herbicides. In 2012, 59 Gasconade County residents received PPAT and either were newly certified or received re-certification for their enterprises.

Additional Technical Services:

The Agronomy Specialist serves in a number of additional capacities. These include Soil and Water District Secretary, executive board member of area county cattleman’s associa-tions, member of the Advanced Grazier Group, and a member of numerous other agricultural organizations and sub-committees. Additionally, on-farm and office consultations, presenta-tions, radio interviews and news releases on current issues are technical services provided to citizens of Gasconade County.

MU Wurdack Farm:

Nearly 800 agriculture students from around Missouri took part in an extensive farm field day and approximately 80 producers attended the annual Fall Field day in 2012. The farm also hosted several educational programs/tours including the Advanced and Basic Grazing Schools, as well as programs for local schools, organizations, clubs, and organizations, high-lighting the ongoing projects, demonstrations and programs at the farm.

.

Business Development

Programs

As entrepreneurs and innovators, Missouri’s small businesses are becoming a more diverse group that continues to make the state’s economy productive. There are approximately 500,000 small businesses in Missouri. Nearly 98 percent of all businesses with employees are categorized as small businesses. In assisting the owners and managers of those businesses, MU Extension contributes to a county’s economic development through growth in jobs, sales, innovation, technology development and commercialization.

In Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, & Phelps Counties, during 2012, business counselors served 307 people and their companies with business start-up and management counseling, training, and other assistance. In addition, entrepreneurs and business owners in those coun-ties reported the following economic impact and activity as a result of the services provided by the MU Extension Business Development Program:

New jobs: 37

Jobs retained: 151

Sales increases: $3,030,264

Government contracts: $875,000

New businesses: 3

Investments: $18,793,491

Clients/companies receiving business counseling: 109 Business training attendees and conference participants: 198 Overall, the University of Missouri’s Business Development Programs (BDP) served 22,350 people and their businesses state-wide. The total impact for all businesses assisted by the BDP was:

New jobs: 6,531

Sales increases: $237,046,646

Government contracts: $198,200,000

New businesses: 303

Jobs retained: 2,784

Loans and investments in business: $245,575,470

Acquired assets: $32,205,965 Investment in commercialization:

SBIR/STTR proposals submitted $19,417,970 SBIR/STTR awards received $7,494,246

Clients/companies receiving business counseling: 8,452 Business training attendees and conference participants: 22,981 CONTACT INFORMATION Jackie Rasmussen, Business Development Specialist Camden County Extension Center P.O. Box 1405, Camdenton, MO 65020 Phone: 573-346-2644 http://extension.missouri.edu/camden OR www.missouribusiness.net

4-H Youth Development

Programs

Incubation and Embryology: Hatching Chicks in the Classroom 474 Gasconade County students witnessed a very exciting and wonderful miracle through the Missouri 4-H Science Project, Hatching Chicks in the Classroom. It has several objectives for students to learn: -Observe the development of the chick within the egg -Observe the actual hatching of a chick -Experience the birth and possible death of a chick -Observe social behavior of baby chicks -Experience a chick’s need for and response to care given by people -The opportunity to relate the development of the chick to the development of living creatures.

2012 4-H in Gasconade County

A community of 203 youth building life skills, engaging in science and connecting to communi-ty. One of every five Missourians between the ages of 5 and 18 participated in a Missouri 4-H program in 2012.

Gasconade County 4-H clubs offer long-term educational experiences in which members learn life skills such as decision making, public speaking and working with others. Members learn by doing under the guidance of adult volunteers, who teach projects ranging from aerospace and arts to veterinary science and sport fishing. Clubs also involve children and teens in community service, camping and educational trips.

4-H Connects Kids to College and a Higher Quality of Life

Missouri 4-H Members are twice more likely to have been on a college campus than their non-4-H peers. MU is by far the campus most frequently visited and 4-H is the second most report-ed reason to be on the MU Campus (Lerner, 2008). Being on a campus is a predictor of youth going on to higher education (Hoover, 2006)

Six Gasconade County young people ages 5-18 participating in 4-H events on the MU Campus These students are more likely to go to college and enjoy increased financial success for themselves and their offspring be better consumers improve quality of life through more opportunities for leisure and hobbies improve health for themselves and their children (Porter, 2003) more likely to vote as adults more likely to contribute to their community (Lerner, 2009; Zaff et al, 2003)

Youth, who earn their bachelor’s degree, increase annual earnings by $2.01 million over their lifetime (Porter, 2003). If 70% of the Gasconade County members participating in 4-H events on the MU Campus go onto earning their Bachelors, 4-H would help young people earn $25.10 million more of lifetime earnings.

Building Better Child Care Two child care provider trainings were held in Gasconade County in 2012. All of the partici-pants reported that they planned on using one or more developmentally appropriate activities from the classes with the children in their care.

Human Environmental Sciences

Programs

Mandated Class Assists Families in Transition In 1998, the state of Missouri passed a law that mandated any person in court for a divorce, motion to modify a decree, or custody/paternity with children 18 years of age and under must participate in a parenting class. Focus on Kids is a class that was developed by the Human Development and Family Studies Department at Mizzou to fulfill this need. In 2012, approximately one hundred fifty five parents participated in twelve workshops provid-ed in Osage and Gasconade Counties. The number of Gasconade County parents was forty-three. At the end of session evaluation, the majority of participants found the class worthwhile and helpful. Quotes from participants included: "The instructor was extremely helpful and open to discus-sion." And "Excellent program in helping parents realize what they put kids through." This program was developed not only to fulfill the mandate but also to reduce the number of parents that need to return to court for motions to modify their original decree. This saves money and time for the parents, the courts and therefore the community. With increased knowledge parents will also be more cooperative and therefore reduce the stress on their chil-dren and themselves. With reduced stress children and parents are more productive in school, work and home.

Family Nutrition Education Program University of Missouri Extension (UME) Family Nutrition Education Programs (FNEP) reached 4,481 low-income participants with nutrition education in Gasconade County during 2012. FNEP provides infor-mation on nutrition, food safety, and physical activity for lifelong health and fitness. Debbie Raaf is the Nutrition Program Associate in Gasconade County. Nutrition education for youths provides information in kid-friendly terms and lessons with hands-on activ-ities. Activities include opportunities for taste-testing healthy foods and practicing skills that lead to good health. Education for adults includes nutrition, food safety, physical activity, and food resource manage-ment. Back-to-school health fairs were also featured this year. During 2012, both youth and adults were served through schools, community groups and agencies. The following is a list of the locations where participants were served: Schools: Hermann Elementary, Hermann Middle, Gerald Elementary, Owensville Elementary, and Owensville Middle School. Agencies: Gasconade County Fairgrounds, Gasconade County Health Department/WIC, Gasconade 4-H, Helping Hands Food Pantry, and Owensville Senior Center. In summary, it has been a successful year in Gasconade County for FNEP.

Volunteers are Essential to 4-H Youth Development In 2012, Gasconade County recruited, trained, supported and rewarded 81 adult volunteer leaders to work with the 4-H members. Volunteers create, support and are part of the 4-H community. Missouri 4-H volunteers re-sponding to a survey report they contribute on average 100 hours per year. Valuing their time at $18.80 per hour, based on average Missouri incomes, the contribution of Gasconade Coun-ty 4-H volunteers was worth more than $153,000 in 2012! More importantly, these adults serve as mentors for our youth, priceless.

The “Hatching Chicks in the Classroom” Project was conducted with students in kindergarten thru eighth grades reaching 474 young people with the experiential learning. This year the 4-H Hatching Chicks in the Classroom project delivered 10 dozen eggs to the Owensville Elemen-tary School, 7 dozen to the Hermann Elementary School and 2 dozen to the Hermann Middle School.

Teachers and students spent about 10 hours working with the 1 dozen pre-incubated eggs delivered to each classroom. Responsibilities included turning the eggs; control and proper maintenance of the temperature, water, and air flow in the incubator; and the care of live chicks after hatching by feeding, watering and providing correct temperature settings. Lesson plans depended upon the grade level, however, such items as incubators, candling eggs, col-oring feathers, and the nutrition of the egg could be covered through this project.

This is one more approach to reaching new audiences and delivering positive youth develop-ment programs to the citizens of Gasconade County.

1st Year

Douglas Baumbach Alynda Bradley Dale Brehe Greg Jahnsen

Rhonda Lewis Amanda Mehrhoff Donna Mehrhoff Michael Mehrhoff

Jeannie Shepherd Stacy Smith Debbie Spurgeon Candi Starke

Mary Steiner Catherine Stewart Ronnea Vandegriffe

Sara Whelan Tracy Williams David Willis

5 Years

Virginia Abney Amy Aubuchon Dale Aubuchon Steven Blackwell

Ada Brehe-Krueger Eva Erickson L. Chris Fahrenholtz David Frey

Lance Gerloff Anita Hoener Andrew Lawton David Lottman

Christina Maciejewski -Bryant Daryl Rademacher Cheryl Schneider Darla Schneider

Jon Schnieder

15 Years — Ruth Vance

4-H Camp at the Lake of the Ozarks 4-H Residential Camp is a four-day residential camp for 8 to 13 years old youth. Gasconade County had nine 4-H members and six 4-H counselors attend this residential camp along with other 4-Her’s from Howell, Maries, Miller, Morgan and Moniteau counties. The University Ex-tension faculty and staff worked together to develop educational curriculum for campers, train permanent staff on duties and responsibilities, teach camp counselors how to work with young-er children, secure special resource people for special events and marketed the camping pro-gram, collected registrations and ordered necessary supplies. 4-H Camp is also a chance for young people to experience a camp setting where they will have the opportunity to make new friends, be a part of a group and share in memorable mo-ments with other 4-Hers. There are sixteen campers in each cabin. Two 4-H counselors (youth 14 -18) are assigned with each cabin group. There is a special two-day counselor camp prior to residential 4-H camp that focuses on training youth to be camp counselors. Children are grouped by age and gender and counselors work hard to make all children have a special time at camp. The 4-Hers practice life skills by learning cooperation through shared work and fun. Everyone gets a chance to help wash dishes, clean cabins and pick-up the campgrounds. Gasconade County 4-H Campers: Front Row: Kirsten Kurgas, Brooke Nowack, Kaylyn Powers, Justin Roethemeyer, Megan Roethemeyer, Derek Aubuchon, Sarah Estes, Adrienne Aubuchon, Lance Thomas, Drake Bradley, Back Row: Shelby Stiehr, Johannah ‘Thomas, Alicia Sharp, Colton Lottmann, Rex Bradley

.State Teen Conference

Left to right: Lance Thomas, Julia Witthaus (State 4-H Council Secretary from Gasconade County), Ashley Suttles, Johannah Thomas (State 4-H Council member from Gasconade County), Nick Hinch and Adam Koepke.

State 4-H Congress

Left to right: Julia Witthaus (State 4-H Council Secretary from Gasconade County), Alicia Sharp, Johannah Thom-as (State 4-H Council member from Gasconade County)

Gasconade County Events

4-H Lock-In—February 17-18—4-H members were invited to a night of fun, games and snacks at the 4-H Youth Building. The event started at 7 p.m. on February 17 and

ended at 8 a.m. on February 18th.

County Wide 4-H Square Dance —The Bay 4-H club sponsored a Square Dance on March 24th. Vernon Kohlbush of Hermann was the caller. Members of all the 4-H

clubs in the county were invited.

4-H Shooting Sports Program in Gasconade County The focus of the Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports program is the human growth and develop-ment of the young people. From this experience the 4-Hers learned patience, hard work and dedication. It took many hours of practice and teaching for the youth to be prepared for com-petition. They also learned to set goals regarding their scores. They met 4-H members from all over the state and were able to share ideas to build and expand the program. In 2012, the Gasconade County 4-H Shooting Sports Program had approximately 31 active Air Rifle/.22 Rifle members and 5 active Air Pistol members. Archery was introduced into the program in 2012 with 12 members signing up for this project. Members competed in the Cole County Shoot in July and the State Shoot in September. Very dedicated volunteer leaders who have completed a certification training worked with the participants every Monday and Wednesday evenings for the Air Rifle and Pistol and the 22 Rifle projects. The Archery leaders held practices each Wednesday evening It was a busy summer for the 4-H Shooting Sports members, but they are ready to plan for another busy year in 2013

Gasconade County 4-H Swine Team

A very dedicated volunteer (David Lottmann) with the Swine Project in the Drake 4-H Club has opened his project meetings up to the Swine Project members of all of Gasconade County. The members are learning proper selection of their animals, proper care and feeding, showing, and recordkeeping. This group sponsored a Swine Jackpot Show in June of 2012 that fea-tured 70 entries from 8 counties.

Gasconade County Horse Bowl Team

On Saturday, March 31, 2012, the Gasconade County Horse Bowl Team participated in the Regional Horse Bowl Contest at Mountain View, Mo. The team consisting of Rebecca Goggin, Joyce Stewart, Jodi Campbell, Mercedes Lansford, Garrielle Lansford, and Jordan Brush placed 1st in the contest. Rebecca received 1st place high individual and Joyce received 3rd place high individual. Cathy Stewart is their coach

Gasconade County Government Day Gasconade County Government Day was held on April 27, 2012 at the courthouse in Her-mann. Approximately 40 high school youth from Owensville High School and Hermann FFA attended. The youth were present in the courtroom during the county law day. While the judge was in conference with the prisoners, the youth met with the County Sheriff and Coun-ty Prosecutor. They talked to the youth about the process of what was happening in the courtroom. Some youth asked the Sheriff about the crime rate and whether it has increased or decreased in the county within the past couple of years. After law day, the youth enjoyed a light meal that included pork burgers that were prepared by the County Commissioners. This was also the county employee appreciation day, so county employees were awarded for their years of service. After the luncheon, the youth toured the county offices and participated in a mock trial facilitated by the government class of Owensville High School.

65th Annual Gasconade County Fair

Thanks to many volunteers that helped to make the 65th Annual Gasconade County Fair a success for the youth of the county and surrounding communities. Without this support, many young people would not have the opportunities to grow and expand their world. Results of the exhibits are: 4-H Bucket Calf 6 Beef Cattle 75 Dairy Cattle 34 Goats 27 Market Hog 161 Market Lamb 10 Market Steer 41 Pee Wee Bucket Calf 10 Poultry 57 Rabbits 28 Sheep 42 Swine 25 Total 524 Note: 466 head in 2011 514 head in 2010 578 head in 2009 555 head in 2008 612 head in 2007 Approximately 552 items were entered in the 4-H Department in the Youth Building during the 2012

Gasconade County Fair. Several of these were selected to go to the State Fair.

Livestock Judging Contest

The annual Livestock Judging Contest was held on Saturday morning of the Gasconade County Fair

with approximately 15 participants. The participants judges several species of animals and gave

reasons for why they placed the animals in the order they did.

Top Carcass from County Steer Show is Selected

For Gasconade County 4-H and FFA members involved in the market steer project, the fair is not over at the end of the sale. After the sale several steers are sent to slaughter. On the Friday follow-ing the fair a judge, chosen by the Livestock Committee, will go around to the slaughterhouses and judge the carcasses. The purpose of the beef carcass evaluation is to assist beef producers in: pro-ducing high-quality beef carcasses; producing high-yielding beef carcasses; identifying superior lines of breeding stock; and promoting a desirable, marketable product. This year’s top carcass from the Gasconade County Fair Steer Show was owned by Gretchen Ko-elling of Owensville, MO. Dennis Engemann of Tri-County Trucking & Excavating Inc. sponsored the award. Complete lists of the 22 steers and their placing and scores are available at the Gasconade County Extension Center in Owensville. The Extension Service also has a UMC Guide Sheet, G2220, Beef Carcass Grading and Evaluation. This guide provides information about standard U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture beef carcass yield and quality grading systems.

Gasconade County Recognizes 4-H Members Gasconade County Recognition Night was held on October 11th at the Swiss Ev. Church dining hall at Swiss. The Extension Council Fall Picnic was held in conjunction with 4-H Recognition night. Outstanding members were recognized, as well as 4-H volunteers for their years of service to the county 4-H program. The program would not be as strong as it is without the help and support of the many 4-H volunteers.

Kaylyn Powers received an award for her project records. Chesney Fries and Courtney Williamann received Graduating 4-H Member awards for completing 10 years of 4-H club work.

The program ended with the Service to Communities Awards. Buckles & Bows and Little Berger 4-H were awarded a certificate recognizing their efforts in a variety of community service projects for 2011. This award was awarded by the Missouri State 4-H Office.

This event was sponsored by FCS Financial - Carol Meyer, First State Community Bank - Doug Dunlap, Legends Bank - Linda Stratman, People’s Saving Bank in Hermann, Gasconade County Extension Council, Gasconade County Farm Bureau and Gasconade County 4-H Council. Many events followed, including a light meal and a live auction of creative baskets designed by the 4-H Clubs. There were approximately twenty-five youth in attendance.

Extension Fall Picnic

Missouri Century Farm recipients from Gasconade County were also honored at the picnic. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and Missouri Farm Bureau jointly sponsors the Missouri Century Farm program with University Extension. Guidelines for the program are: the same family must have owned the farm for 100 years or more as of Dec. 31, 2011, the family shall consist of direct descendants, and the present farm shall consist of no less than 40 acres.

Conrad and Dorothea (Homeyer) Block Farm – Thomas L. Block – Acquired 1863

William Fricke Farm – Edwin C. Bohl – Acquired 1906

Johann & Elizabeth Glatz Farm – Sherri Gerlemann – Acquired 1882

Richard & Lena Gerloff Farm – Charles Gerloff – Acquired 1906

Charles G. Naegelin Farm – Gloria Wagstaff – Acquired 1840

Roland Strassner Farm – Mark Strassner – Acquired 1905

Green B. Lee Farm – Jenny Touhey – Acquired 1838

State Fair Farm Family for Gasconade County

The 2012 Missouri State Fair Farm Family for Gasconade County went to Ronald and Sherri Ger-lemann family of Hermann was recognized. They were selected as the Gasconade County Missouri State Fair Farm Family by the Gasconade County Extension Council. The family includes a two daughters Ashley and Erin and son Austin. Each year the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families who are active in their community, involved in agricultural activities and who partici-pate in local outreach and extension educational programs such as 4-H and FFA. The annual event was sponsored by Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Department of Agricul-ture, Missouri State Fair, University of Missouri Extension and the University of Missouri Col-lege of Agriculture, Food and Natural Re-sources.

2012 Gasconade County Century Farms

William Fricke Farm –

Edwin C. Bohl – Acquired

1906

Johann & Elizabeth Glatz Farm –

Sherri Gerlemann – Acquired 1882

Richard & Lena Gerloff Farm –

Charles Gerloff – Acquired 1906

2012 Gasconade County Century Farms

Green B. Lee Farm – Jenny Touhey – Acquired 1838

Charles G. Naegelin Farm –

Gloria Wagstaff – Acquired 1840

Roland Strassner Farm –

Mark Strassner – Acquired

1905

AN INVITATION

FOR YOU

TO PARTICIPATE

A Unique Opportunity

We extend this invitation to you to become a nominee for the University of Missouri Extension

Council of Gasconade County because we feel you are in tune with your community, have your

community’s best interests at heart and are willing to open the doors of opportunity for

Gasconade County residents through University of Missouri Extension.

As a member of the Gasconade County Extension Council, you can put any issue, interest or

concern on the county’s educational agenda. State laws confer this right to extension councils.

County extension council members and MU Extension faculty act as educational brokers,

putting the interests and concerns of local people together with the resources of our land-grant

university so people can obtain their goals. Throughout Missouri, extension councils and MU

Extension professionals have identified an array of issues and have found ways University

facilities and people can help.

Because extension councils, through federal and state laws, have a legal foundation for

operation and a working partnership with MU Extension, the variety and scope of educational

programs are nearly unlimited.

University of Missouri

Extension council members make

a positive difference

in our communities.