On December 5, the ECOP Professional Development Committee sponsored a Learning for Leaders Session titled: Telling the Extension Story - making sure your institution is well represented in the National Impacts Database. The recording of the webinar is now available for asynchronous viewing.
The National Impacts Database (NIDB) is an important platform for documenting and demonstrating the collective impacts of land-grant university teaching, research, and Extension.
As 2025 comes to a close, the BAA Communications and Marketing Committee request that each institution begin planning and finalizing their 2025 submissions.
In early 2026, a group of land-grant university communicators will review all 2025 submissions and create educational materials highlighting exemplary impact statements.
To be included for consideration in this team's efforts, please submit your statements by Thursday, January 15, 2026. Any statements received after this date will be considered for the 2027 materials.
New Farm Journal Foundation Report Outlines “The Mean Sixteen”
A new Farm Journal Foundation Report was released last week: THE MEAN SIXTEEN – Major Biosecurity Threats Facing U.S. Agriculture and How Policy Solutions Can Help (By Dr. Stephanie Mercier). The threats include threats to livestock, aquaculture, row crops, and horticulture crops. In addition to the Mean Sixteen, the report also list dozens of “Dishonorable Mentions” and calls for greater investment in public research and development, including education for Cooperative Extension Agents.
Extension Foundation Releases National AI Report Highlighting Systemwide Priorities for Cooperative Extension and agInnovation
The Extension Foundation has released the 2025 National AI Report, presenting a comprehensive picture of how Cooperative Extension and agInnovation leaders across the Land-grant system are preparing for artificial intelligence. The report synthesizes a national landscape assessment, virtual focus groups, and an in-person convening in 2025, engaging leaders across the Land-grant system.
Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs
APLU’s Board of Agriculture’s interview series “Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs” showcases Presidents and CEOs of national agricultural associations, commodity groups, and other organizations and explores their powerful synergies with land-grant universities.
Adam Putnam, Chief Executive Officer, Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam is a fifth-generation Floridian and a graduate of the University of Florida where he obtained a bachelor's degree in food and resource economics. He has also been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and served as a Rodel Fellow at the Aspen Institute. In 2010, he was the E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Florida. Putnam and his wife of 20 years, Melissa, reside in Memphis, Tenn. with their four children.
He is a hunter, angler, conservationist, and third-generation farmer who owns Putnam Groves Inc. Putnam Groves is a family owned and operated citrus farm and cattle ranch located in Central Florida.
“I consider myself to be a land grant baby – I was a 10-year 4-H'er, grew up on a family farm, got a degree from the University of Florida, and truly benefited from all three legs of the stool - teaching, research, and Extension. I truly believe the U.S. land grant model should be replicated around the world.” - Adam Putnam
