The University of Missouri Extension Councils of Daviess and Caldwell Counties held a joint annual meeting on Feb. 18. The meeting was held at and catered by the United Methodist Church in Hamilton
A highlight of the evening was a speech by Breanne Brammer, Gallatin High School junior and member of the Knee-Hi 4-H Club. Brammer was the 2009 FFA Missouri Sheep Producers Association state winner.
Special guests were Janie McKinsey, Raymond Heldenbrand, and Gerald McBrayer, the recipients of inclusion in the University of Missouri Leaders Honor Roll. Members of the honor roll are recognized for going beyond expectations, while generously giving of their time and energy to MU Extension programs.
Daviess County presented the "Friend of Extension" award to the First Baptist Church of Gallatin and its pastor Marty Harkey for their continued support of extension programming and improving the lives of the citizens of Daviess County. The church has hosted numerous trainings for 4-H leaders as well as the annual Daviess County Water Festival held each spring for elementary students.
Two Century Farm families were recognized at the meeting. The Kenneth F. and Mary E. Dunnington farm of Daviess County was recognized as were the Stafford Family Farms of Caldwell County, represented by Burle, Karen and Brandon Bezet.
To qualify as Century Farms, they must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
"It is important to honor and respect our history," said Michael Ouart, vice provost for University of Missouri Extension. "These farms represent both Missouri’s cultural heritage and the good stewardship that our farmers strive for."
In 2008, the Missouri Farm Bureau joined MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources as a program sponsor.
The 2009 Missouri State Fair Farm Families were recognized; they included the Bill and Chretta Mastin family from Daviess County and the Joe and Marla Barnes family of Caldwell County.
Daviess County Clerk Linda Steward swore in the newly elected council members who were present, they included Chase Hiley, Chretta Mastin, Collena Johnson, Lisa Prater, Regina Burnett, Mike Pollard, James Dotson, Gerald McBrayer, and Jerry Creason. Unable to attend, but recently elected is Marcia Bird.
Following the swearing in the councils held their meetings to elect officers and set meeting times and dates.
Kevin Hansen is the County Program Director for Caldwell County, while Becky Simpson is the County Program Director for Daviess County.
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