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Going from Extension Agent to full-time farm wife
For longtime Kansas Extension Agent Ann Ludlum, there are many memories she'll take with her when she retires on Jan. 17. Her tenure spans 18 years, 14 of them in Fort Scott.
"The best memories of my tenure involve the people I've met and worked with," Ludlum said. "Over the 14 years I've worked in (Bourbon) county I've observed youth throughout their entire 4-H career and into collegiate and career experiences.
It is particularly gratifying to watch shy youth develop into a self-confident and responsible young adults. Whether it is their first experience away from home as they attend county 4-H camp, or as they develop poise and self-confidence in public speaking or the fashion revue, or their pride in mastering new skills, I've seen amazing transformations in youth. And that is the goal of 4-H -- to help young people become adults who can take their places as productive contributing citizens in their community," Ludlum said.
Ludlum has been the Family and Consumer Science Extension agent in Fort Scott since January 2000. The focus of her duties has been health and wellness, along with the Bourbon County 4-H program. Prior to that she held a similar position in Allen County for four years.
Ludlum is the daughter of Lloyd and Martha Callow,lifelong farmers near Hiattville.
She is married to Joe Ludlum, and they farm south of Uniontown. They have two daughters, Kelli Ludlum, who works in Washington D.C. for American Farm Bureau, and Beth Ludlum, who works for the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn. Beth is also a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., and is pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church. Both daughters are K-State graduates.
Ludlum's entry into her career began as a child.
"My appreciation for Extension began as a young 4-H member," she said. "Our family was new to 4-H when my sister and I joined. My parents were quickly convinced of the value of 4-H. In fact, Dad became a community leader of our Hiattville 4-H Club and continued in that role for 25 years. Mom was a longtime clothing project leader, teaching several youth in the community to sew long after my sister and I were out of 4-H. 4-H provided me with many opportunities including travel to the National 4-H Congress in Chicago and a trip to Washington D.C. I developed public speaking skills, self-confidence and a curiosity for learning."
K-State Extension played a pivotal part throughout her family.
"I have memories as a young child of attending Extension programs with my mom," Ludlum said. "State clothing specialists from Manhattan would teach sewing techniques in the basement of the courthouse, and Mom put the skills she learned into practice as she sewed clothing for the family. Both my Dad and husband have relied on Extension for the latest research-based information on farming practices. So, my own childhood had a deep impact on my choice of careers and interest in Extension," Ludlum said.
"The interests I developed in 4-H projects led to my college degree. After graduation I worked for seven years as home economist for Kansas Gas and Electric in their Fort Scott office," she said.
The Ludlum daughters were also active in 4-H, with Ann as a project leader,and coaching judging and quiz bowl teams.
When her daughters were in high school and college, she decided to seek full time employment again.
"I was fortunate to be hired by the Allen County Extension board to replace a long-time agent, Jeanice Cress, who was very supportive of my work and remains one of my best friends. Allen County was a great place to start my Extension career. It had a very strong 4-H program with great community support, strong support for the entire Extension program, and dedicated volunteers. But, when an opening occurred in Bourbon County, I took advantage of the opportunity to work in my home county with a shorter commute each day. That too has been a very rewarding experience."
The best part of the job for Ludlum was the variety.
"The variety in the job keeps it interesting. No two days are ever the same. Whether in a group program, or on an individual basis, it is always gratifying to be able to provide people with information and answers to their questions. I also enjoyed administrative responsibilities as the county director," she said. "The same diversity that makes the job interesting can sometimes lead to the feeling that there's always something else that needs to be done."
Ludlum is particularly proud of the Walk Kansas program, which she led.
"It has been popular in the county for the past 12 years, with about 300 people participating each year," she said. "The past two years I've coordinated the program for the Southwind District. It's been a popular program state-wide, as well, as people realize the importance of eating healthfully and of getting regular physical activity. I've had a great support team locally in the task force of individuals who have helped in planning and organizing the events and activities of the eight-week program. And I'm pleased that this year two of our agents, Carla Nemecek from the Iola office, and Jennifer Murphy, Erie, will coordinate the program in the district."
People may not know the Extension program is a vital part of the land grant university in the state, Ludlum said.
"Extension agents working in each county are the link between Kansas State University and the citizens of Kansas, providing up-to-date research-based information on a wide range of topics," she said.
Ludlum said she will always remember the people she has met along the way.
"An Extension agent depends on volunteer help and I've been blessed to know and work with many great volunteers," she said. "It has been a privilege to work with many of the citizens of Bourbon County. Whether in collaborating with other agencies, presenting programs to groups, or providing information to individuals, I have enjoyed the opportunities. Also, Extension has a strong network of staff in every county and on the K-State campus who have been valuable resources for information and have been great mentors."
In spite of enjoying her job, Ludlum is looking forward to retirement.
"My husband and I are looking forward to slowing down a bit, and spending more time together," Ludlum said. "For the immediate future, I'm going to enjoy being the gate opener, errand runner, and assistant to my farmer husband as we work on our farm. I am also anxious to spend more time working in my vegetable garden and flower beds. We hope to take more spur-of-the-moment short trips and to visit our daughters more frequently. I'm looking forward to having more time for church activities."
Ludlum has other interests as well.
"I love reading, cooking and gardening. I have many half-finished and not yet started projects around the house that I'm anxious to complete," she said.
The Southwind Extension District board will soon be starting the hiring process for her position.
"It will be some time before a new person is on board," Ludlum said. "In the meantime, the other four agents in the district will be taking turns staffing the office on most days of the week, except Fridays. In addition, Pat Simpson, our office professional, is quite knowledgeable of resources at K-State and other Extension offices where clients can be directed for information."