Extensive Extension effort lauded

Each day at work is a learning experience for Kari Smith, office professional at Southwind Extension District’s Iola office.

Part of her job is to help people find answers. If local Extension agents can’t solve the problem, she’ll tap into a statewide network. If the answer can’t be found in Kansas, she’ll look at the federal level. The answer, backed by research, is out there.

And, sometimes, she’s surprised by what she learns.

For example, the Extension office can submit poultry litter (a.k.a. chicken manure) to test its quality for use as fertilizer.

“I did not know that was a thing. Apparently it’s very beneficial. People can test any kind of manure to get the values and know when it’s just right to put on the garden,” she said.

With the help of local agents or those in the more extensive K-State Research and Extension network, she’s helped people identify insects, plants and flowers. One man wanted to know why his cellular phone bill was so high.

“Honestly, I can’t think of a question that went unanswered. Extension is a really good resource. I don’t know if people realize that. You’re paying a little bit on taxes for it, so why not utilize it?”

And it’s not just trivia. In the seven and a half years she’s worked for the Extension District, Smith has gained an even greater appreciation for farmers, like her late grandfather.

“I didn’t know how much agriculture affects your daily life. That wasn’t really a concept I really understood prior to working here, but it’s true. They are helping to feed the entire world and there’s so much that goes into that.”

She grew up in town and always believed 4-H was something farm kids did, but now she sees how much 4-H benefits all local youth, especially in helping them develop public speaking skills. She plans to involve her son in the program when he’s old enough.

SMITH’S WORK at the Southwind Extension District earned state recognition last month, when she was named the 2018 K-State Research & Extension Office Professional of the Year. The award was presented at a banquet in Manhattan.

Carla Nemecek, district director, nominated Smith for the award for the past three years. Smith believes she was recognized this time because of programs she led last year. She organized a district-wide training for about 35 office professionals, after realizing no such training had been offered in at least five years. She also created a directory of office professionals to improve communication and share resources. She wants to organize an “eWaste” drive to collect obsolete electronic equipment like old computers, but hasn’t yet been able to make it happen.

Smith’s job comes with numerous obligations, from helping prepare for the annual Allen County Fair, supervising the summer internship program, sending in soil samples for tests to answering phones and helping customers with all those unusual questions.

She also handles finances for the district, with a variety of tasks that come with that. She’s known for her negotiating tactics and fiscal restraint.

“I don’t buy anything without a coupon,” she said. “I’m always trying to get the best deal.”

FINANCE and business attracted Smith from a young age. She’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When she was in school, she leased concession stands during the summer to help pay for college.