Monday, July 9, 2018

2018 Science-informed Decision Making and Policy Mid-term Update from ECOP Chair Chuck Hibberd



Robust Meeting Agenda in Mexico - ECOP will address a number of important topics during its meeting on July 16-17 in Guadalajara, Mexico as part of the Joint COPs meeting. Four Big Ideas are on the agenda, Land-grant University Mission Alignment, Plan of Work Reporting Themes, Extension Resource and Partnership Development and International Extension Work, as well as the kglobal contract, revisions to the ECOP operating guidelines and CES Rules of Operation, consideration of a number of issues from the 4-H Leadership Committee, a review of eXtension’s role with the Cooperative Extension Section, and a conversation with Doug Steele (incoming Vice President for Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources). This agenda and the associated conversations will form the basis for the upcoming national dialogue scheduled to take place during the CES Business Meeting at NEDA on October 2 in Portland, Oregon. Remember to register for NEDA at http://www.cvent.com/d/0gqxkw.


NC-FAR Cooperative Extension Seminar - Invitation - Jason Henderson, Purdue University, Extension Director, and former Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, will present a National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research  (NC-FAR) seminar titled: Ag Workforce Development – the Role of Cooperative Extension. With historically low unemployment rates, employers are scrambling to find workers with entry-level and advanced skills. Jason will address how Land Grant Universities are innovating and partnering to expand the technical, professional, and life skills training opportunities for America’s agricultural workforce. Directors and Administrator are encouraged to share the following details with staff members of their respective Congressional delegations:

NASS Thanks Extension for Contributing Data - The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) produces a weekly crop progress report during the growing season (April-November). Every Thursday and Sunday night NASS Regional Field Offices sends emails to about 4,000 respondents. Extension agents/educators are the biggest group of respondents to the weekly survey due to making visual observations and frequent contacts with farmers in their counties! All reports are reviewed and processed by mid-day Monday. State-level estimates are then compiled into a national report that is released at 4 p.m. E.T. the same day. In addition to the national report, each NASS Regional Field Office publishes a report specific to the states within their region. The results are highly anticipated by data users (e.g. farmers, agribusinesses, commodity traders, insurance agents, etc.) with these reports getting some of NASS’ highest web traffic. The reports as well as graphical products can be found on the NASS website. Response rates are high, but it’s important to maintain momentum! The better the response, the stronger the data. The stronger the data, the better it is for American agriculture. Thank you for your participation, and for helping to spread the word about the importance of this survey and survey response.
 

Seeding Success: Tools, Technology and Techniques for a Successful Extension Natural Resources Career - New Extension forestry and natural resource specialists, agents and associates are part of a national network of diverse, knowledgeable colleagues. This course will provide our new colleagues with a grounding in Extension theory and practice. Early career Extension employees will be able to connect with peers from across the nation and learn the ins and outs of how to get started on their work and how to navigate the particular challenges associated with these positions. For complete details go to https://sref.info/seedingsuccess/index.html/?searchterm=seeding%20success. A core theme of the CES Strategic Agenda is to enhance leadership and professional development.
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