For nearly 100 years, the Barton County Extension service has brought research based, unbiased information and education home to the people of the county.  The Smith-Lever Act which established the Extension service throughout the country, marks it’s first century in 2014.  While the world has changed, the mission hasn’t, said Extension Agent Berny Unruh.  
“We’re constantly letting people know how Extension can help make their lives better,” she said.  Unruh administers the county’s 4-H clubs for youth.  Donna Krug brings parenting, budgeting and nutrition information to adults, and Alicia Boor, the new Ag Extension agent, is the one residents turn to with questions concerning livestock or crops, home gardens, or landscaping plants.
The service was created in order to help spread research-based knowledge that could improve improve the lives of the majority of citizens, who at that time were not able to attend college.  By providing learning opportunities to children, new developments in agriculture and home economics, as well as community and economic development was passed on to parents.

Clubs, not classes
“Extension started with the corn and canning clubs,” Unruh said.  Boys were given a small plot and some seed corn, while girls were encouraged to grow tomatoes in the home garden and taught proper techniques for canning.  They were allowed to keep any profit they made from the sale of their efforts, and that went to help with extras the family had no budget for.  “Parents saw how successful their kids were with their projects, and began to come as observers so they could learn too.”
Eventually, the project clubs became community clubs, and later evolved into the 4-H and Family Community Education, FCE, units of today.  
While the practical information that is passed on by Extension is valuable to communities, what’s even more important is the leadership training that goes on when kids in 4-H learn to present talks about the projects they are working on, Unruh said.  As they grow with the program, they gain opportunities to lead their clubs and learn how to conduct meetings and be representatives of government.  
Adults learn too, Unruh said.  Through judge training and project leadership, adults from all walks of life also have the opportunity to gain skills and guide youth, which in turn helps to build community.
One of the most gratifying parts of her job is watching the progress of 4-Hers as they blossom into leadership roles that include 4-H Council positions, or even roles in clubs outside of 4-H.  
“These kids go from shy kids who hold their parents’ hands while they present project talks, to amazingly responsible, well rounded citizens who go on to hold important positions as adults,” she said.  Some Barton County 4-H alumni include an agent with the Secret Service, a fashion merchandiser with a national sporting goods company, and a contestant in the Miss Kansas pageant.  And many, like Boor and her husband, grew up in the county and look forward to moving back so they can raise their children here.
 
Serving diverse communities
The position of Family and Consumer Extension agent carries the most diverse responsibilities and serves the most diverse population.  
In any particular week, Donna Krug will find herself offering information on parenting to migrant parents, nutrition information to WIC mothers or seniors, or sewing classes for elementary school students.  
“Not many agencies are currently providing parenting workshops so the needs are great. Some don’t give talks on parenting information anymore,” Krug said.  “Through Juvenile Services, there are required classes offered, but even those are few and far between.”  Demand is high, but Krug is stretched by requests for other types of information.
Information on home weatherization is a seasonal issue.  Another service provided is information on radon.
“Some people have taken advantage of the fact that there is radon in many people’s homes,” she explained.  “We offer unbiased information about radon, and we sell test kits for the same $5.00 they cost us.”  Krug also educates people on what different readings mean, and provides a list of approved contractors.
“Many questions this time of year have to do with food preservation and food safety,” she said.  Krug offers classes in canning, something that is gaining popularity again as more people become interested in growing their own and buying local produce.  
With so many recipes being circulated on social media websites lately, Krug is also finding she needs to educate home canners and cooks on the proper temperatures and techniques to ensure safety, as many of the recipes do not provide safe and proven instructions.
Krug also tests canner lids to make sure they are registering correctly, a service the agency offers for free.  
Basic nutrition education is another hot topic she receives requests for.  
“I’ve fielded more and more questions about gluten free and diabetic diets,” she said.  “Doctors and dieticians aren’t able to spend enough time with their patients to get them the information they need, so we get the call.”  She also provides resources for WIC clients that have questions about their infants’ and toddlers’ eating habits.  

Tree advice
“On a daily basis, we have people who walk in the door with questions about lawns and trees,” Unruh said.  They turn to Ag agent Alicia Boor.  Lately, it’s not uncommon for Boor to drive 50 to 100 miles in a day making home visits to help county residents identify what is ailing their trees, as the drought lingers.  
“I wanted to talk to you, because I know you aren’t making money,” is a common refrain Boor hears from homeowners, who she visits often, she said.  “They call me to hear what someone who has no dog in the fight has to say about it.”
She’s also called upon to identify plants, insects and other pests.  And it’s not only individuals who need her expertise.  
“Some stump crop consultants and Co-op staff, and we’re that leap to K-State that they rely on,” she said.  She defers to the experts at the university when she needs to, and can be relied on to get the information needed quickly.