Extensions honors ag partners, volunteers

Extensions honors ag partners, volunteers

Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council’s partners and volunteers were honored at the group’s annual meeting this week at First Baptist Church.

Jennifer Williams described the dinner as “a special opportunity for extension to show our appreciation for all the hard work, support and sacrifice given by our council members and volunteers, as well as their families.”

Williams is an extension engagement specialist serving the counties of Butler, Carter, Oregon, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne.

Among those honored were the Butler County commissioners, Butler County 4-H clubs and leaders, Farm Credit of Southeast Missouri, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation, Poplar Bluff Master Gardeners, Wheatley School and Hillcrest Animal Hospital.

Newly elected council members sworn in were David Leonard, Natalie Butler, Melody Dolle-Ducote, Brianne Riggin and Toni Stoner.

Officers installed were Doug Rose Jr., chairman; Miranda Fickert, vice chair; Kathryn Clark, secretary; and Riggin, treasurer.

As Williams was sharing about each, she said, “I don’t think I can adequately describe to you what things the 4-Hers do to help with the mission of Extension. The motto of 4-H is learning by doing and we are participating in 4-H programs for the purpose of giving kids those skills to grow up and be active in their community, to be servants of their community, and to get exposure to things that broaden their horizons so that they can learn and see and do.

“In return, 4-H members contribute back to the community.”

The group was reminded COVID nearly killed 4-H programs across the state. Youth weren’t able to get out and clubs weren’t able to meet. While 4-H tried to go online, in certain parts of the county there was no internet service.

The program is slowly but surely being rebuilt. Attending the event and recognized for their efforts were Phyllis and Ed Flanigan of the Royal Riders 4-H Club, Nancy Morse with the Twin Rivers program and Charlie and Christina Swint of Charlie’s Chickens.

Davida Pedigo, who works with the Wayne County 4-H and partners with Butler County 4-H, presented a plaque to Hillcrest Animal Hospital for sponsoring and enabling Wayne County 4-H to go to the national conference in Washington D.C.

Farm Credit of Southeast Missouri was honored particularly for the group’s work with Ag Connect.

The crowd was told by Clark, “They have been such a blessing and such a help to us. More than just Ag Connect, they are such a valuable resource to our Butler County farmers and ag producers. They are just an invaluable resource for the citizens of our county who are involved in agriculture as they contribute in ways that we couldn’t even begin to describe and we’re so thankful to have them as a partner for us.”

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department were praised as valuable resources for Butler County Extension and 4-H.

The park department partners on garden beds, activity kits and distribution for 4-H activities. They also have been part of Ag Connect.

Poplar Bluff Master Gardeners are community members who have an interest in gardening and learning the science behind gardening. The gardeners teach those skills to other people. They are involved in community service and are always looking for opportunities to give back and reinvest in Butler County Extension.

Wheatley School is a partner organization that has allowed classes and opportunities for children to do gardens and nutrition classes there.

Others who were recognized were Brittney McKay, Kathern Harris, Murray Hammond, Corretta Bishop, Keith and Alice Shelton, Betty Schalk and the Rombauer Rascals 4-H Club.