West V1rg1nlo Un'versily Exrens1on ono Pub l1 c SeN1ce

Volume / Number 2 Spnng/Summer /986

Extension

Guaranteed performance is what draws buyers to WVU's tested bull sales.

Beef, Dairy Cattle Specialists Provide Payoffs in Profits

Feedlot operators in Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa are buying West Virginia feeder calves sight unseen via teleauction.

State beef producers use a custom feedlot in Ohio to retain ownership of their calves longer, giving them more opportunities to market them at a profit.

Dairy producers in the national herd termination program get guidance on where to send their animals and on

their own future production possibi I ities.

All of these scenarios are the result of efforts by West Virginia University extension faculty to facilitate marketing of the state's beef and dairy cattle products. This assistance stretches from the large-scale beef producer to the family with "just a few cows."

Take the case of Hubert Nestor, a Barbour County man who has raised beef cattle for years while maintaining a full-time job off the farm . His cow-calf operation was not making any money for him, and the time demands were becoming burdensome. Yet, he hated the thoughts of giving up the cattle and he didn't want to abandon his pastures to weeds and brush.

His son, Roger Nestor, who is Barbour County's WVU extension agent, last year showed him how he could get out of the cow-calf business without giving up cattle . The elder Nestor is now a contract grazer-and he took in more than $11,000 last year from this seasonal undertaking .

Under the contract, Nestor kept 60 yearling cattle from Illinois on his pastures from April through October. He estimates he spent four to five hours a week tending to the cattle, rotating them to different feeding sites, checking fences, and maintaining the pastures.

In October, he sent the considerably fatter cattle back to their owner, who paid him $2,200, based on the amount of weight gained per animal. And, because he did not have to keep and feed cattle over the winter months, he was able to sell all his hay, for an additional $9,000 in his pocket.

The agent said his father's success has sparked the interest of other producers and made it easier for extension faculty to get producers to consider different management and marketing systems.

"Not everyone could do what he is doing. You've got to have high-quality fences, cattle handling facilities and pasture management for contract grazing to work. But most producers can get into different marketing plans instead of doing the same thing and selling in the same way year after year," Roger Nestor observed.

Phil Osborne, WVU extension livestock specialist, said his goal is to educate producers on the marketing implications of all of their management decisions.

(cont1nued page 8)

Viewpoint

Spring at West Virginia University is always an exciting and hopeful time. And this spring, West Virginia University's twentieth president, Neil Bucklew, began his duties. While the budget problems he confronts are substantial, West Virginia University has many strengths on which to build . The opportunities far outweigh the obstacles.

During this hopeful time of new beginnings, I want to share with you my message to the new president about the strengths upon which West Virginia University's Extension and Public Service programs will build. In my judgment, despite our budget difficulties, there is a strong base of people and resources of which you are a key part.

Strength #1: A Trusted Network of Community-Based Educators West Virginia University has an office in every county with well-educated and skillful professionals. Those professionals have a history of providing an educational program of value to the community. They connect West Virginia University with more than 10,000 volunteers who expand our capacity to educate. Through county extension service committees, West Virginia University is linked into a formal relationship with county commissions, boards of education, and other leaders in all 55 counties. Those leaders annually have legal obligations to review the program, budget and personnel of the university extension program and approve it for another year. That extension network, which most everyone takes for granted because it has been around for more than 70 years, enables West Virginia University to deliver educational programs to citizens. Our research indicates that West Virginia University Extension reaches 800,000 or 40% of West Virginia citizens annually.

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Strength #2: Traditional Campus-Based Faculty Support

Back on campus, translators of research are creating information that can be sent out through the extension network. In the Cooperative Extension Service, faculty specialists in agriculture, forestry, home economics, 4-H and youth development and community development prepare programs for delivery. Programs developed by those specialists frequently involve other faculty.

Strength #3: New Campus-Based Faculty Support

In addition to Cooperat ive Extension Service specialists, other units of the university are interested in outreach and are increasingly willing to use the statewide extension network to deliver their programs. For example:

a. The Small Business Development Center in the College of Business and Economics provides free technical assistance to businesses and those interested in starting businesses. Small Business Development centers also exist on many other higher education campuses in the state and are funded through the Governor's Office of Community and Industrial Development with federal Small Business Administration funds .

b. The Department of Industrial Engineering has created a Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development, which provides technical assistance to businesses, local governments and other institutions. The center involves faculty in engineering and other colleges in projects such as target industry studies, process innovation in manufacturing, and management analysis.

Strength #4: New Ventures in Fire and Labor Extension In this issue of Vision, we highlight a new venture of Fire Service Extension, a partnership with business and industry called FIRETAC, which brings university resources into one of the state's and nation's difficult problem areas-training in industrial safety and emergency procedures. In the last issue, we highlighted the Institute for Industrial and Labor Relations, which links West Virginia University's internal resources on labor/management relations to those seeking to improve the state's business climate.

Strength #5: New State Government Interest and Mandates

In the past two legislative sessions, the state has given West Virginia University some additional responsibilities and opportunities in applied research and public service. First, the Legislature created in 1985 and funded this year, a Center for Economic Research. The center is located in the College of Business and Economics and is headed by Dr. Tom Witt. This center will build and manage a data base about West Virginia which will enable short-term, practical research and long-term trend analysis on economic questions. The data base and publications developed from it will be valuable to both state government officials and academic researchers. Information generated from the center can be distributed in many ways, including through the county extension network .

The Legislature also created an Institute for Public Affairs at the university which , when funded, will link university-based resources with policy analysis, training, and technical assistance for state and local government officials. One of my responsibilit ies next year is to transform the institute from an idea into reality.

A third legislative creation in 1986 is a higher education-industry partnership for research and development, training, and entrepreneurial development. Based in large part on research conducted by university faculty for legislative committees, these partnerships, when funded, will provide higher education with great opportunities to carry out research designed to increase innovation and technological advancement for West Virginia industry.

We can allow the lack of resources and the fact that we are reducing staff in the Cooperative Extension Service to be an excuse for not moving forward. Or we can look at the strengths and resources that we have created and build on them. My mission is to encourage faculty and staff to build on the good we already do and to invite you to support our efforts at all levels of government. New resources will come if we capitalize on the strengths.

/..62rf'-Rachel B. Tompkins Associate Vice President for University Extension and Public Service and Director, Cooperative Extension Service

4-H Volunteers Go for the Gold With Kellogg Funds

4-H'ers select projects they like. Then, through project work, volunteers help youths develop personal, educational, and vocational skills.

There's a multi-million-dollar gold field in West Virginia that soon will be producing more than its weight in gold. That gold field spreads throughout every county in the state. And, it's rich . So far, it produces more than $4 million annually for the 4-H Youth Development Division of West Virginia University Extension and Public Service. But extension faculty members believe that greater riches are out there.

The gold they are mining is 4-H volunteer leaders. And, a $75,000 grant from the Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Mich., is giving WVU the tools it needs to strike it richer. The goal is not simply to recruit more volunteers. The WVU 4-H program now has more than 10,124 volunteers delivering guidance,

instruction, and support to 39,023 4-H'ers. However, that cadre of enthusiastic workers may not be able to give everything they want to give.

How do you match willing workers to the proper task? It requires more than having a name on a piece of paper. Such a large chore requires an informed network pursuing common goals. The opportunity to develop that network came recently when Kellogg selected WVU's grant proposal-and proposals from 11 other institutions­from among more than 50 grant applications submitted by universities seeking funds to strengthen volunteer leader programs.

Heading the West Virginia effort is Ronald Stump, former extension dean, who came out of retirement to work with the nine counties targeted to develop West Virginia's networking protocol.

Stump said the counties in the program are representative of the state through a combination of their economic base, rural or urban orientation, population, 4-H program, and 4-H volunteer leader organizations (4-H foundation, 4-H leaders' association , 4-H advisory committee, and 4-H All Stars) .

These organizations are the backbone of the 4-H system, with each working to bring 4-H experiences-competitions, field trips, workshops, clubs, and educational supplies-to 4-H'ers. However, the groups do not generally work in concert. Helping these organizations establish formal lines of communication to facilitate goal planning and resource identification is the primary goal of the networking plan, Stump said .

Each of the nine counties-Barbour, Berkeley, Cabell, Doddridge, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall , McDowell, and Tyler-selected representatives from each of their organizations to form a steering committee charged to learn about and then implement the network program at home.

What they do with the network will depend upon the local 4-H program's needs. Stump stressed that the system reflects the philosophy of WVU Extension and Public Service-help local people meet local needs. The new network will help volunteers first select issues they would like to address and then tackle the problem cooperatively .

A common problem, he said, has been the inability to capitalize upon volunteers' skills. Often new people want to become part of the 4-H program but don't see how they can be most helpful. Or, current volunteers­through training and experience-need to grow into new roles but have no way of "applying for" expanded responsi bi I ities.

Through the networking plan, the counties will be focusing on ways to identify, track, and use skills that will bring greater, better learning opportunities to 4-H'ers.

(continued page 8)

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\\We Can Do It!" That's the Spirit In Flood Recovery

Regroup. Rebuild. Recover. The spirit of "We Can Do It!" permeates flood recovery efforts.

West Virginia University Extension and Public Service faculty and staff responded in force to the critical needs of the disaster victims.

From November until March 1, faculty worked 24,780 hours and staff 3,640 hours in recovery operations. The dollar value in direct expenses comes to $50,110, explained Howard A. Shriver, director of administrative services.

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On-going assistance includes a contract through June 30 with the West Virginia Housing Development Fund to publicize the availability of funds and solicit needy victims for housing loans in the 29 flood ravaged counties.

The fund has no field offices whereas extension has an office in every county making the applications and information available to eligible families in the flood counties.

Coordinating the $10 million housing effort are Betty Lou Ralston , recruitment and faculty development specialist , and Jim Stiles, Tucker County extension agent. Direct liasion with the fund is maintained by Wesley Lynch, housing specialist, and longtime member of the fund's board of directors.

Stress did not evaporate when the waters receded . Extension has contracted with consultant Dr. Darnell Lattal to work individually with flood-

affected faculty and their families. Particular attention is given to reducing stress in children affected by the disaster. Weekend retreats are a major means of relieving anxiety.

Extension facilities taking the brunt of the flood waters were the Tucker County Extension Office and Jackson's Mill.

The Tucker office in the courthouse was basically walls after the flood. But the faculty and staff regrouped in temporary headquarters in the Parsons

City Hall one week after the flood. Later, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) paid the rent for a second temporary location .

Meanwhile a team of extension specialists assisted in debris removal.

By early summer the office expects to reopen at its refurbished courthouse location .

At Jackson's Mill, two user groups were meeting when the flood struck. "They were stranded, but we hardly missed a beat, " said Dan Tabler, unit coordinator.

Flood recovery forum presenters included, page 4 photo from the left, Dr. Richard Goldman, Tucker County director of development; Thomas Cain of Knight Associates of Elkins, architect for the new Parsons mall; and Robert Kistner, City of Parsons. As Shaver 's Fork receded, page 5 top photo, debris still covered the trestle but the highway bridge into Parsons was cleared. Parsons residents, lower photo, helped store owners salvage what had not washed away.

Cleanup at the mill museum was completed in early April by a volunteer group from Salem College. Water rose to the top of the reconstructed Blaker's Mill foundation also, Tabler said .

FEMA is providing for repairs to the block wall of the carpenter shop that also sustained damage to the wood floor.

At the Mill's sewage plant, wet motors and oxygen blowers required repairs.

In the flooded counties, the hay donation program response resu lted in enough hay to carry the cattle through the winter.

On campus, extension brought in experts on flood recovery and mit igation for a forum . Participants received an assessment of the flood , identified strategies to recover and integrate mitigation activities, and learned how to establish a network of persons involved in recovery and mitigation.

Through July, extension 's flood recovery emphasis centers on family stress, water/ sewage sanitation, sessions with local officials in use of disaster funds, community rebuilding , and assistance in decision-making . •

Vision is published winter, spring and summer by West Virginia University Extension and Public Service. Contributing writers are Rachel B. Tompkins, Florita S. Montgomery, Grace H. Barrett and Jerry Kessel ; graphic designer, Meredith Pearce. Printed by WVU Communications Services . Photo Credits: Ed Petrosky, Pg. 1; Ed Petrosky, Pg. 3; Greg Ellis, Pg . 4; John Warner of Otter Creek Photography, Hendricks, WV, Pg. 5; Ed Petrosky, Pg. 6; Texas A&M University and Greg Ellis, Pg . 7; and Ed Petrosky, Pg. 8.

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The West Virginia Association of Extension Home Economists invited legislators to a light lunch in the Capitol rotunda and an opportunity to see how home economics puts knowledge to work in helping to solve West Virginia's family and economic problems. An exhibit and information packets helped to explain the programs. Four hundred sandwiches, assorted fruit and vegetable breads, 350 cups of tea, and fresh vegetables provided a nutritious break for the senators and delegates.

Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, or handicap.

Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, West Virginia University and the United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperating. Rachel B. Tompkins, Director, Morgantown, West Virginia. Published in Furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

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Hands-on Training Targets Industrial Fires, Emergencies If the nearby factory , gasoline storage tank, or chemical plant caught fire , would local fire fighters and emergency personnel know how to contain the danger?

Many volunteer units in West Virgin ia lack the specialized training that industrial emergencies demand. Even for full-time fire and rescue workers , it's difficult to keep up with technological advances and hazardous substance handling procedures.

Seeing this need, industrial leaders in the mid-Ohio Valley formed a nonprofit foundation in 1982 to build a fire training center . They sought the assistance of West Virginia University's Fire Service Extension to spearhead the development of a permanent training facility for industrial emergency response.

The result: the Fire Industrial Rescue Education Technical Assistance Center, better known as FIRETAC.

J.T. Hodges, WVU Fire Service Extension specialist and FIRETAC project supervisor, said the facility is needed because many kinds of industrial emergencies cannot be prepared for through classroom instruction alone.

"FIRETAC will provide training through actual experience and simulations. Since many industries depend on their local fire departments for protection , such training is vital for the safety of the workers at the plant, as well as the fire fighters, emergency crews, and the communities they serve," he explained .

FIRETAC construction began this spring in Mountwood Park near Parkersburg. Members of the local Army Reserve unit's heavy equipment battalion donated their time and labor to clear and level the 69-acre site.

When completed and totally equipped , the training center will be valued at $3 to $5 million .

Industries and fire departments in West Virginia and Ohio are donating funds and equipment. Current FIRETAC supporters include 15 industrial plants, 25 fire departments and 1 hospital. Hodges said additional sponsors will be needed , and supporters are eyeing potential state and federal funding sources as well.

FIRETAC is being created in three phases. This will allow for immediate use of each phase as it is completed, explained Hodges.

J. T. Hodges of WVU 's Fire Service Extension is project manager for the FIRETAC training center being built near Parkersburg. At left is a training simulation at a similar facility at Texas A&M University.

Phase 1, with planned completion this fall , will include a training area for liquified petroleum (LP) gas fires ; smoke chamber for self-contained breathing apparatus training ; fire alarm laboratory; sprinkler system laboratory; and a fire extinguisher training area.

A structural fire training building, where actual fires will be set , is planned in Phase 2. Areas for simulating fires caused by ruptured pump seals and pressure pit piping ruptures are also in this phase.

In Phase 3, FIRETAC will add a piperack column system, multi-level process unit, and loading terminal, all to simulate fire evolutions in chemical and refining industries.

Hodges said FIRETAC will complement other training opportunities that WVU Fire Service Extension currently provides throughout the state. WVU is 1 of just 20 land-grant universit ies providing fire training , and its program is the second oldest , conducting fire schools since 1931.

For more information on FIRETAC or Fire Service Extension , contact Hodges at the Fire Training Center, Monongahela Boulevard, Morgantown, WV 26506, or call (304) 293-2106. •

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Payoffs

"Marketing is inherent in production, it's not a separate entity," Dr. Osborne emphasized. "It begins before the calves are born; the way that you breed your cattle determines your market."

He credits state producers' support of WVU's bull performance testing programs as an important marketing strength.

"The performance-tested bull sales are the premier markets for purchasing bulls in West Virginia," he explained. "We utilize more performance-tested bulls for the size of cow herds that we maintain than do most states around us. This means strong performance is built into our feeder calves genetically."

Osborne said West Virginia's reputation for high-quality forage also provides a marketing edge for state producers. He emphasizes the importance of "reputation" and the damage that the entire industry can sustain through the sale of unhealthy or low-quality calves.

Osborne and extension livestock specialist Wayne Wagner coordinate specific marketing activities to boost interest in West Virginia cattle. With the state Cattlemen's Association, they organize tours to get producers and feedlot operators together. They also use these tours to introduce producers to new markets and new ways of selling their cattle.

Osborne makes videotapes to show out-of-state buyers the type of cattle West Virginia can supply. During sales, he runs a teleauction by telephone,

Rachel B. Tompkins Associate Vice President for University Extension and Public Service and Director, Cooperative Extension Service 817 Knapp Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506-6031

Extension agent Brad Mallow takes bids at bull auction.

relaying the bids of these buyers. He estimates about $500,000 worth of cattle are sold annually through this teleauction service.

Marketing is quite different in the dairy industry, since the main product­milk-is a fresh fluid. Eighty percent of the milk produced here is homogenized and pasteurized out of state. So, emphasis is on speedy delivery to the nearest processing plant, a limitation to opening up new markets.

But Ellen Jordan, extension dairy specialist, said state and national efforts to promote the consumption of dairy products are paying off.

"We work with the media to try to increase consumer awareness as to the value of dairy products," she explained. "With research showing dairy product consumption associated with reduced incidence of osteoporosis, hypertension and colorectal cancer, people's attitudes are starting to

change. Dairy product consumption is increasing. And that helps the state's dairy farmers."

Dr. Jordan said the dairy herd termination program has brought about a two­pronged educational approach: helping those still in the dairy business to increase production efficiency to maximize their returns and helping those getting out of dairy farming to evaluate other options. •

Kellogg

Recently, the steering committees­with their community data in hand­met in Parkersburg for some 4-H learn­by-doing experiences of their own. Under the guidance of WVU extension faculty, the teams learned about identifying problems, setting goals, establishing group communications, getting and keeping people involved, and developing resources.

The steering committees, working with their county WVU 4-H agents, are now setting up those workshops for their leader organizations as the first step toward formalizing their local network.

Reita Marks, interim director of WVU's 4-H Youth Development Division, said that 4-H volunteers currently are a multi-million-dollar asset to extension's budget. But the program cannot afford to let additional rich talent go unmined-not as long as there are young West Virginians asking for programs that WVU and Extension and Public Service can deliver. • \

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