Nodaway County Extension presents awards

By Phil Cobb | March 11, 2021 |

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Randa Doty, University of Missouri Extension Nodaway County engagement specialist, speaks at Monday night’s University of Missouri Extension of Nodaway County meeting held at the Mozingo Event Center.

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Nodaway County Extension Council staff recognized outstanding leaders during Monday night’s meeting held at the Mozingo Event Center.

Not only did staff recognize three families with farms designated as Missouri Century Farms, but also two women who have supported the program in multiple ways over the years by naming them as the 2020 recipients of the University of Missouri Extension Leaders Honor Roll.

Nancy Greeley was elected to the council in 2017, and during her two terms she served as treasurer, advocated for MU Extension in the county and has had numerous good ideas for the program, according to information from the council.

She served in her role to the maximum capacity and is always looking for ways to connect MU Extension to the local community. She began her contributions as a 4-H leader for many years. Her three children were active members and Greeley was the leader of the North Nodaway 4-H Club.

Marcee Dougan, though not available for the meeting, also was recognized by Randa Doty, University of Missouri Extension engagement specialist who spoke of her support of Extension.

Her involvement with Nodaway County 4-H started in 1978 when she was a member of the Mozingo Valley and Lads and Lassies 4-H clubs. As a third generation member of her family to be involved in the Nodaway County 4-H, Dougan has spent many hours assisting with Nodaway County Achievement Day, co-club leading the Northeast Bluejays, Nodaway County Arts and Crafts Day, the Nodaway County Shooting Sports Shoot at Miller’s Range and being a part of the council.

“Nancy and Marcee, we appreciate your support that you provide MU Extension in Nodaway County,” said Doty.

Missouri Century Farms

Three Nodaway County family farms were added to the list of Missouri Century Farms which recognizes the accomplishments of long-term family farm owners.

This year’s families include the following:

Pat and Amy (Kemper) Ackley Farm – James Ackley – 80 acres near Conception Junction, in the family since 1914
Richard E. Greeley Farm – Gary Greeley – 160 acres near Burlington Junction, in the family since 1919
Max and Janet Medsker Farm – Max and Janet Medsker and Ryan and Erin Medsker – 80 acres near Graham, in the family since 1919

The Centennial Farm program started in 1976 when 2,850 Missouri farm owners in 105 of 114 Missouri counties were recognized as owning a centennial farm.

According to information from the Extension council, interest in the program continued after 1976, with several farm owners asking about having their farms recognized.

The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and University of Missouri Extension planned a 10-year update in 1986 called the “Century Farm” program. That update added 1,080 farms to the list of farms recognized for being family-owned for 100 years or more.

Even then, some farmers weren’t able to take part, so the university and Extension planned annual updates. The program has sustained as a yearly event with more than 100 farms recognized each year, according to Extension information.

Attending Monday night’s event were Gary Greeley and Mark Greeley. Gary’s twin brother Jerry was unable to attend the presentation.

For the Medskers, three generations of family were in attendance, albeit one has yet to be born. Max and Janet Medsker, Ryan and Erin Medsker plus one, were on hand for the presentation. Max smiled as he pointed out the impending addition to the family. Janet said she has another sign that includes the names of two other generations recognizing all the family members involved in the farm.

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
The Medsker family is shown Monday evening during a University of Missouri Extension of Nodaway County meeting at the Mozingo Event Center. Shown from left are: Ryan and Erin Medsker, and Max and Janet Medsker at the Mozingo Event Center. Eighty acres of the family farm established in 1919 near Graham, were recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. Max excitedly told The Forum there were three generations of family members in the photo, motioning toward Erin who is carrying a member of the next generation. Janet said she has another sign that includes the names of two other generations recognizing all the family members involved in the farm.

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Randa Doty, University of Missouri Extension engagement specialist, presents an award to Nancy Greeley for her long-term commitment and support of the program on Monday during an Extension meeting at the Mozingo Event Center.

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
The Richard E. Greeley Farm was recognized as a Missouri Century Farm at Monday night’s University of Missouri Extension Nodaway County meeting held at the Mozingo Event Center. Mark Greeley, left and Gary Greeley, right, and Jerry Greeley, not pictured, are the current generation to manage the 160-acre farm in production since 1919 near Burlington Junction.