2011 County Impact Statements

Strengthening Families and Communities

            The Meigs County Family Nutrition Program reached 1,076 participants by way of direct programming in the areas of Low Fat milk/milk equivalents, food shopping and preparation, fruits and vegetables, My Pyramid/MyPlate, Whole Grains and Food Safety. On hundred twenty programs were single lessons and 54 programs were part of a series of programs with 2-4 lessons. Seven hundred seventy six participants stated they planed on making some changes as recommended in the programming. One hundred seventy four stated they would make a lot of changes recommended in the programming. These changes were noted in the participant questionnaire and on the retrospective survey forms. For example, in the targeted message ‘Drink milk in place of another beverage’. Participants stated they would begin encouraging their children to drink more milk, they would serve milk at meals at least once a day and others stated they would buy less soda. In addition, on the retrospective survey participants indicated that before attending a series of lessons on Low Fat Milk and Milk Equivalents they drank milk in place of another beverage 2.55 and after attending the lessons they drank milk in place of another beverage 2.98 for a difference in 0.43. In addition to direct programming the Meigs County Family Nutrition Program reached 891 individuals through nutritional displays, fact sheets, newsletters and educational calendars.

            The Master Gardener program continues to add to the community's gardening efforts and exposure to fact based horticultural information. Ten Master Gardeners have shared nearly 100 hours (valued at $1900) with county citizens at holiday programs, spring & fall plant exchanges, county fair and homeowner gardening classes.

Preparing Youth for Success

In 2011, 1486 out of approximately 4500 available youth participated in some form of OSU Extension programming.  This is 32% of the youth population benefiting from Extension in Meigs County.  This includes community clubs, camping, day camps, quality assurance for livestock, afterschool, school enrichment, and special interest programming.

            In 2011, two youth from Meigs County earned State level Achievements.  Two youth members were selected for the Family Life and Food and Nutrition Awards.

            The Meigs Fashion Board members also continue to make a difference in the community.  Service has always been a major goal for the group.  This year the group took on a project to raise funds for the 4-H Endowment fund that supports 4-H College Scholarships.  A 100 manpower hours were donated by the group as they constructed a club t-shirt quilt that was auctioned off during the County Fair for a grand total of $2800!

            The Teen Leaders program in Meigs County continues to grow.  Teen Leaders have served as Camp Counselors, event volunteers, community volunteers, and much more.  Together the Teen Leaders have contributed over 1000 hours of community service to Meigs County.  Their activities in the community have gained them the reputation as a “go to” group to help with community events.

Enhancing Agriculture and the Environment

            Saved over $300 for four landowners in registering six parcels of farmland containing seventy-five acres under the property tax program Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV).       

            Provided soil test assistance to 38 agri-businesses and reviewed results involving 635 acres of grain crops, hay fields, pasture, vegetables, and wild life plots. Nutrient management was improved as only necessary nutrients were recommended to apply, reducing the environmental impact of excess nutrients washing into our waterways.  The testing increase enabled farmers to be eligible for EQIP dollars.

            Four pesticide recertification trainings were held for twenty-nine agri-businesses. They operate over 2,000 acres and two greenhouse ranges that earned over $3,000,000 of farm income. One Hundred percent of participants indicated that they had improved their personal safety, protected the local environment and improved their handling of pesticides. Two farmers commented they appreciated an update as to new insects that may affect their vegetable production.

            Fifty four horticultural firms were visited and advised as to how to improve their crop production, markets, and pest control. Over 350 Ohio produce growers were exposed to ways to improve their record keeping concerning: growing, harvesting, and marketing of food crops through produce food safety classes.  Eighty five growers received in depth training to develop their own produce safety plan. These efforts were supported by Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Produce Growers and Marketing Association & Ohio Department of Agriculture. Statewide research continued on trapping insect flight patterns (corn ear worm and beet army worm) to reduce pesticide sprays on sweet corn plantings. New research efforts to monitor the presence marmorated stink bug (a new introduced insect specie), which is causing millions of dollars of economic damage to fruits and vegetables.

            Nearly 120 landowners, college students, land managers, city employees and conservationists from two states attended a daylong program entitled; “In a Garden of Eden” The program emphasized the use medicinal and edible plants of the Appalachian Mountains and the need to save and restore these “useful” plants while there is still time.  Bringing attention to the importance of the native flora of the Appalachian Mountains and how certain species have played and continue to play a significant role in the development of our country.

Advancing Employment and Income Opportunities

Real Money Real World

            High School Seniors across the county have participated in the Real Money Real World course as part of their economics classes.  Youth completing the program reported increased knowledge and understanding of what they will be facing following graduation.

-  95% of youth indicated that participating in the Real Money Real World Program gave them a better idea of what’s involved in earning, spending and managing money.

-  94% indicated that participating in the program will help in the future.

- 69.1% indicated that they increased understanding of having a spending plan for both wants and needs.

- 61% made comments about increasing knowledge of child care cost or waiting until they are financially ready to have children.

            Real Money Real World is strongly supported by community volunteers.  Community supporters from the local banks, car dealership, insurance agencies, schools, and many more have donated their time and knowledge to the teens in the simulation portion of the program.  After volunteering one time, the adults ask to be on the list of volunteers for the next session and remark on the value of the program.