Alcorn State University Extension Program http://www.asuextension.com/asuep Town Hall Meeting at Petal, Mississippi http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=78

The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) primary goal is to facilitate greater access to stakeholders of our grassroot customers and communicate our planned programs that are in their best interest and have been developed in response to evaluation of the needs of the targeted population.
The Extension Program in conjunction with the Indian Spring Cooperative in Petal MS (Forest County) held a Town Hall meeting to identify the critical needs and or issues of the grassroots citizens as they see them. Petal is located outside of Hattiesburg, MS in the southeast portion of the state. Petal has a population of 10,266 according to the 2006 Census.
This meeting was a platform created for the citizens to give voice to their needs and concerns.  Efforts was made during Town Hall meetings to increase awareness of the mission of ASUEP, its capacity and collaborative efforts of the planned programs of Extension and Research at Alcorn State University as they relate. There were many issues that came out of the meeting, but the top five that the Action Committee will focus on will be:

1. Youth activities and prevention programs
2. Agriculture and establishment of a Farmers Market
3. Senior Citizens Activities and Transportation
4. Parenting Classes for Single Parents
5. Financial Aid/College Preparation

 Alcorn State University Extension Program Educator Earns Doctorate Degree http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=77
On Friday, December 8, 2006, Dr. Wandra Arrington of Jackson, Mississippi, received the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science with a Major in Agricultural and Extension Education and Minor in Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University. Dr. Arrington is currently working for Alcorn State University Extension Program at the Hinds County Extension Service office in Jackson, Mississippi.  
Dr. Wandra Arrington is the daughter of Dr’s Alfred and Josie Arrington and the twin sister of Dr. Shundra Arrington-Warren, who are all alumnus of Alcorn State University. She is a 1987 graduate of Leflore County High School and earned both her bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in agricultural economics from Alcorn State University. 
http://www.alcorn.edu/Bulletin/20061214/spotlight.htm

 New ASU Extension web-site design survey http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=76
        Our web-site is being constantly updated. We created some new templates recently and would like to know your opinion about witch design we should implement next. Please go through the following links and vote for the template you like the most. Give us your opinion using the attached survey form on the left side. Please hit the "Read More" button on the bottom of the news to see the survey.

Thank you
ASU Extension Administration


Template 1:
http://asuextension.com/2/
 Farmers Certification for Senior Program Participation http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=75
Date and Location: April 26, 2007 Natchez Extension Building
            Description: This training will provide current farmers and new  farmers with the certification needed to participate in the Senior Program with the Department of Agriculture and Commerce as well as changes if any in the program for this year production season.                                                                             
Contact person:    
 Mr. Pervie Green
            Department of Agriculture and Commerce
 

         Publications
 

q        Produce Calendar -           This calendar is used by the farmers to identify the produce that they will grow and the months that they will available for the Natchez Farmers Market.
q        Vendor Application-          This is the application that the Farmers and vendors use as a means of selling at the Natchez Farmers Market.
q        Vendor Information Packet-  The information package provide vendors with the brief overview of the market; offerings of the market; vendors participation; fees and membership guidelines; and some examples of produce and crafts that can be sold at the market.

q        Added Value and Other Products Request Form- This form is used to request added value and other products that are made as a result of certain produce and from the University that will be sold at the Natchez Farmers Market.
q        Memorandum of Agreement- This agreement identifies what the University will do for the grower as a means of him or her selling at the Natchez Farmers Market and what is expected of the producer.
q        Market Overview-   The information included in the document is an overview of the Natchez Farmers Market in more detail.  This gives an overview of Music Performance Guidelines; Guidelines for Non-Profit Participation (Rotational Basis); and Petitioning/Signature Gathering/Leaflet Policy

                         Inventory selling form- This form is a means of keeping track of the produce or 
                          products that are sold at the Natchez Farmers Market. Marketing Training: ?Tools and Techniques for Farmers Selling to Farmers Markets http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=74
Date and Location: April 12, 2007 Natchez Extension Building

            Description: This training will provide tips to the farmers/vendor on how they can increase the visibility and profitability by making changes in how they price, display their produce/product as well as pricing and signage. 

Training contact person: Helen D. Brooks Vegetable Production & Food Safety Program http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=73 Date and Location: April 12, 2007, Natchez Extension Building
Description: This training will be to educate farmers on safe post handling so they may apply practices to their farm

 Marketing Training: ?Tools and Techniques for Farmers Selling to Farmers Markets http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=72
Date and Location: February 14, 2007, Mound Bayou, MS
            Description: This training will provide tips to the farmers/vendor on how they can increase the visibility and profitability by making changes in how they price, display their produce/product as well as pricing and signage.           

Contact person: Helen D. Brooks Annual Fall Festival http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=71 Date and Location: December 2, 2006, Natchez Farmers Market 
Description: Educational demonstrations, Nutrition and Health Recipe Modification and
Educational Exhibits and Displays.
           Contact person: Helen D. Brooks Tools and Techniques for Farmers Selling to Farmers Markets http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=70
Date and Location: Natchez Farmers Market
Description: This training will provide tips to the farmers/vendor on how they can increase the visibility and profitability by making changes in how they price, display their produce/product as well as pricing and signage.

Contact person: Helen D. Brooks Small Farm Conference-Learning Sites http://www.asuextension.com/asuep/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=69 Description:
Date/Time/Location: TBA
Priority Area: Farm and Financial Management
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