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Purdue Extension presents 4‑H participation, barn‑quilt and local‑food initiatives
Summary
Purdue Extension staff reported outreach results — including 591 youth reached by 4‑H, livestock auction proceeds that benefited local youth, barn‑quilt workshops funded by a $5,000 grant, and multi‑year nutrition programming supported by a three‑year $200,000 grant — and described regional grant work and a proposed Rural Health Transformation application.
Extension staff described a year of activity and new programming that officials said supports local agriculture, youth development and nutrition education.
An Extension presenter said Purdue Extension 4‑H and youth development “reached 591 Washington County youth supported by 100 4‑H volunteers,” noting hands‑on classroom agriculture lessons and dozens of fair entries. The presenter also said the county’s livestock auction sold 102 lots, “generating $232,965 for Washington County youth.”
Staff highlighted three programs: barn‑quilt creation workshops funded by a Washington County arts grant of $5,000; an annual bull breeding soundness evaluation they said typically identifies about 10% of bulls as failing and estimated local producer savings tied to higher fertility; and a local foods tour developed with ARP funds and other grants that cost roughly $10,000 per tour to operate. Extension staff said the local foods tours included vendor reimbursements and educational speakers from statewide organizations.
Another Extension educator described a three‑year nutrition and healthy‑living program funded at a bit more than $200,000 that delivered a 12‑week class series (meal kits, demonstrations, and tools) and said participants reported measurable behavior changes. The presenter also said Extension staff are participating in a statewide Rural Health Transformation grant proposal and had requested roughly $231,000 for local program delivery if the larger grant is awarded.
Extension staff thanked commissioners for help on infrastructure issues (noting a repaired sewer line before the fair) and urged continued grant partnerships and local procurement when practicable.
