NORTHWEST MISSOURI – The University of Missouri Extension County Council of the Year award is a recognition given during Extension and Engagement Week, held each October, to build relationships between MU Extension, campus, and community partners. The award recognizes the central role Extension Councils have in:

• Identifying local opportunities and challenges around agriculture, economic opportunity, education and health.
• Engaging local communities and representative voices.
• Connecting MU Extension faculty, staff and campus with local partners.
• Supporting initiatives that create measurable, lasting impact.

Holt County was selected as the Northwest Missouri winner for 2024. The council’s application showcased how MU Extension in Holt County addressed more than one grand challenge, involved community partners and voices and created a positive impact in the community. Holt County now advances to the statewide competition in which council members will give a 5–7-minute presentation.

The Holt County MU Extension Council’s Garden Tour in July 2023 featured four gardens with educational sessions on soil sampling, composting and stress management. The event raised awareness of MU Extension’s services, engaged the community and connected with local businesses and officials. Building on this success, the council organized the “Hidden Gardens of Loess Bluffs” tour for June 22, 2024, showcasing six unique gardens with topics including permaculture and poultry raising. The 2024 tour also included a tai chi demonstration and a 4-H scavenger hunt supported by community partners Friends of Loess Bluffs, Missouri Master Gardeners and MU Extension faculty. Council initiatives have also strengthened relationships with county commissioners, local high schools and high school agriculture teachers. The council also coordinated community projects for the local Hope House and Blessing Boxes, demonstrating the its dedication to community impact through educational and fun activities.

Three other county councils in northwestern Missouri were selected as regional finalists for the 2024 MU Extension County Council of the Year award.

Caldwell County: Recognizing the opportunity to strengthen community engagement and provide a stable presence, the Caldwell County Extension Council resolved to establish a permanent local MU Extension center. With support from community partners, local MU Extension faculty and staff, a land donation from the county commission and financial backing from MU and the Wallace Foundation, the council broke ground on the new facility in late 2021. Completed in 2022, the new office has revitalized local programming and community connections. The grand opening, during the July 2023 county fair, marked a new chapter for MU Extension in Caldwell County, which now boasts an increase in local collaborations, flourishing service projects and houses a content specialist to further enhance outreach and impact.

Clinton County: Over the past year, the MU Extension Council in Clinton County expanded its programs to address community health, youth activities, and agricultural education. Tailoring initiatives to the county’s unique blend of urban and rural characteristics, the council introduced programs for at-risk populations, veterans, seniors and children, including stress management, suicide prevention, CPR training and nutrition classes. The Master Gardeners program expanded with a new grow barn for year-round education and community projects. The 4-H program launched “Adulting 101” workshops and financial literacy simulations. Small Farm Days continued to support both full-time farmers and hobbyists, covering topics from cattle production to entrepreneurship.

Lafayette County: The Lafayette County Extension Council successfully passed a $0.07 tax levy in April 2023, significantly boosting the annual budget for MU Extension programs. This increased funding has had a profound impact on the county, allowing for the expansion of 4-H programs, enhanced in-school educational initiatives, and the initial development of new, ADA-compliant facilities. The campaign, led by the Friends of Lafayette County Extension, effectively highlighted the benefits of MU Extension’s work, resulting in widespread community support. The levy’s passage has enabled the council to better address the county’s agricultural, economic and health education needs, ensuring that MU Extension can continue to positively impact Lafayette County.

The County Council of the Year Award is a way to honor the community work and elevate council members as powerful advocates for MU Extension as it works to serve Missouri and deliver Mizzou. Clinton County was selected as the Northwest Missouri winner in 2023, with Livingston County recognized as a regional finalist.

To learn more about how MU Extension can assist or collaborate with a local organization, call or email your nearest county MU Extension center.