STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Council of Ste. Genevieve County held its Annual Meeting and Dinner on February 26, recognizing local leaders, agricultural families, and community partners for their service and contributions.
MU Extension Specialists Alyssa Bowyer and Sarah Barks, regarding the food drive
A highlight of the evening was a presentation by MU Extension Community Health Specialist Sarah Barks, who used a simple but powerful demonstration to illustrate how unequal access to resources affects food security. Each attendee received a paper bag of candy.
“Some of you received a lot. Some received a little. Some may have barely any,” Barks noted. “You didn’t choose your bag. You didn’t earn more or less candy. It was simply handed to you.” She explained that the activity “highlights an important truth: people do not all begin with the same opportunities, and access to food is often shaped by social and economic factors that limit choice and opportunity.”
Barks emphasized that “a box of donated food can do far more than fill empty shelves,” underscoring the importance of community support. Attendees were invited to contribute shelfstable items to the countywide food drive led by 4-H.
Honorees made up a significant portion of the annual dinner presentations.
This year, four Missouri Century Farm recipients were recognized for maintaining farms within the same family for 100 years or more:
- Steve & Dee Joggerst Farm (1883) owned by Dolores and Steven Joggerst.
- Zerwig Farms (1857) owned by William and Mark Zerwig.
- Roseann & Welton Schwent Farm (1910) owned by Roseann and Welton Schwent.
- Poggemoeller–Miller Farm (1886) owned by Rodney Miller.
In addition, there were two outstanding Leaders Honor Roll recipients:
MU Extension Regional Director Matt Herring and former Council Chair Missy Marberry presenting awards to Nick Hermann, a Leader’s Honor Roll recipient.
Tim Gegg and Nick Hermann. 4H members created a short video sharing their deep appreciation for the leaders’ commitment to youth in the county. As shared in the video, “In addition to leading regular club activities, Tim and Nick took on the major task of improving the fairgrounds’ show barn … These improvements now allow the facility to be used yearround, offering protection from weather, increased airflow and comfort for animals, and a safer environment for exhibitors and spectators during livestock shows.”
State Farm Family Jesse and Chrissy Gegg, pictured with Council Secretary Jill Naeger
Each year, the Missouri State Fair recognizes outstanding farm families who are dedicated to their agricultural heritage, their community, and the future of farming. The Council recognized the family of Jesse and Chrissy Gegg for representing Ste. Genevieve. The Geggs “hope to make a lasting contribution to the community by creating opportunities for others who share their interest in agriculture.”
Retiring Council member (middle) Corey Simmons pictured (left to right) with MU Extension Regional Director Matt Herring; Council member Mike Kertz, Jr; former Council Chair Missy Marberry; and MU Extension Engagement Specialist Kendra Graham
Retiring Council members Corey Simmons and Jerry Staab were honored for their service and contributions to MU Extension.
Newly elected Council members included Paul Arnold, Christine Gegg, Paul Lindell, Jill Naeger, Louis Naeger, Michael Naeger, and Joseph Simmons, along with appointed Farm Bureau representative Evan Weiler. New members joining the Council for the first time include Christine Gegg, Paul Lindell, and Joseph Simmons.
Finally, County Clerk Sue Wolk administered the oath of office to new slate of officers:
- Chair: Samuel Fischer
- Vice-Chair: Melissa Marberry
- Secretary: Jill Naeger
- Treasurer: Louis Naeger
MU Extension Regional Director Matt Herring; Council Chair Sam Fischer; MU Extension Engagement Specialist Kendra Graham; and Donna Hickman, the Farmington District Office Director for Rep. Jason Smith (Left to right)
For more information about MU Extension programs in Ste. Genevieve County, visit facebook.com/muextensioninstegencounty or call (573) 883‑3548.
For more information about the food drive, contact Alyssa Bowyer, 4-H Youth Program Associate, at abowyer@missouri.edu.