BEDFORD – Grace Thompson of Lawrence County Purdue Extension presented the quarterly report Tuesday morning to the Lawrence County Commissioners.
The extension provided more than 13,705 minutes of education to more than 3,517 youth and adults, conducted more than 111 education programs, and posted more than 23,780 items on social media from April through June.
Bedford Garden Park
In partnership with Land of Limestone Master Gardeners and Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District garden supplies, plants, and seeds were purchased to build several garden plots at Bedford Garden Park.
The produce was harvested and donated to LIFE Food Pantry and Becky’s Place. By the end of June, more than 300 pounds of food was produced and harvested.
On August 30th there will be a garden open house at 6 p.m. to share their success story with the community.
Food As Medicine
The second year of the Lawrence County Food As Medicine Program began thanks to funding from the IU Center for Rural Engagement/iHOPE. A total of 15 participants attended and received two meal kits per week. During classes at Hamilton Court, Nutrition Education Program Advisor JJ Goldsberry taught nutrition education and demonstrated recipes that participants were able to sample.
Teen Cuisine
The Teen Cuisine program builds on what students already know about cooking and gives them the opportunity to gain more confidence in the kitchen. Mrs. Courtright’s health class in Mitchell Jr. High School learned about the sugar content in beverages teens drink while providing an opportunity to make nutritious smoothies in various ways. Students sampled five different smoothies and voted on their favorites. The students learned alternative ways to prepare smoothings including the use of a Ziplock bag.
Block Party
Building towers with blocks is a childhood experience that many can relate to but building with blocks helps children eight months to eight years old learn skills related to math, science, literacy, gross and fine motor skills development, and social skills. In May 21 children and 13 parents attended Block Party held at the Bedford Public Library.
Southern Indiana Beef Produce Tour
Southern Indiana is home to most of the state’s beef heard and Lawrence County is one of the leading counties in relation to beef numbers. In April, 25 participants visited stops in Northern Indiana and Michigan on a five-day trip during the Southern Indiana Beef Produce Tour. Those participating learned about breeding programs and protocols, handling facilities, marketing, alternative feeding, pasture management, forages and weed control, and more.
4-H Youth Development
4-H enrollment has grown by 10.4 percent in Lawrence County over the last year including an increase in 10 new volunteers. Two programs have returned – The County Tractor Operator’s Contest and Shooting Sports.
Animal enrollment also increased from 899 animals in 2022 to 1009 in 2023. This number does not include those participating in dog and cat or poultry projects.
An increase of teen leadership opportunities including Presidents’ Circle, Mini Day Camp Counselor Training, and Junior Leadership activities.
Lawrence County member was also selected as a State Junior Leader Council member, secured a competitive Staet 4-H Scholarship, and attended two national 4-H activities.
There was the creation of the Lawrence County 4-H Endowment.
