LEAD21 Applications Open Until November 15, 2025

LEAD21 is currently accepting applications for Class 22 (2026-2027). The primary purpose of LEAD21 is to develop leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners to link research, academics and extension to lead more effectively in an increasingly complex environment, either in their current position or as they aspire to new roles.

 The LEAD21 Board of Directors (BOD) consists of representatives from the various Board of Agriculture Assembly Section's Committees on Organization and Policy (headquartered at APLU) and strategic partners. More information and the link to apply is found here.

The ECOP appointees to LEAD21 BOD are Amy Loader, University of New Hampshire, and Program Chair Quentin Tyler, Michigan State University.

2025 Team Excellence in Extension Award – University of Wisconsin Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve team

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater surface on earth. There is 325 miles of Wisconsin coastline along this superlative body of water. Since Wisconsin Cooperative Extension led the federal designation in 2010, the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve team has led research, stewardship, and education efforts along the coast and the St. Louis River estuary. This exceptional place has drawn together a uniquely dedicated team. Staff believe their strong connections to the watershed and to their community resulted not only in this honor, but a better tomorrow for the estuary. Director Deanna Erickson, who is accepted this award at the 2025 NEDA conference, says that the collective commitment to land and water, especially in Wisconsin, will endure beyond our lifetime and the next.

Click to view video

JCEP Public Issues Leadership Development Conference Save the Date

The Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Public Issues Leadership Development Conference (PILD) will take place April 20-22, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, MD.

Extension Leadership Conference Call for Proposals – Due October 17

Extension professionals, specialists, and administrators are invited to share their expertise at the 2026 Extension Leadership Conference (ELC), which will take place February 4^th and 5^th in Savannah, GA. This national event is designed to support, challenge, and inspire Extension professionals across all disciplines as they grow in their leadership journey. The conference will provide education and training in leadership and management skills essential for building confidence and capacity in today’s Extension leaders.

Important: Proposals should focus on building leadership skills rather than replicating subject-matter Extension programs.

Presentation Topics

Presentations should highlight leadership while drawing from diverse perspectives, which may include, but are not limited to:

• People skills and team development

• Planning tools and processes

• Effective communication strategies

• Leadership in a changing environment

• People management and supervision

• Incorporating both in-person and virtual program components

Congratulations Chris Sneed, University of Tennessee, your 2025 National Excellence in Extension Award Winner

Dr. Christopher Sneed is a tenured Associate Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist at the University of Tennessee. He began his UT career as an Employment Career Specialist and has since served in roles including Extension Agent, SNAP-Ed Social Marketing Specialist, Acting Director of SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, and Assistant Professor. He now leads statewide Extension programs in consumer economics for youth and adults. His work focuses on behavioral economics, workforce development, financial capability, and family resource management. Dr. Sneed also serves as Co-Principal Investigator of Skill Up Tennessee, UT Extension’s SNAP Employment and Training initiative. Promoted with tenure in 2024, he is nationally recognized for his contributions to teaching, research, and service. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles, over 80 Extension publications, and secured more than $36 million in external funding. Dr. Sneed remains active in the academic community through peer review, professional service, and leadership in national Extension and consumer economics organizations.

Please click here to view the video

Dr. Ben Carson accepts position at USDA, will lead Nutrition, Health, and Housing

Last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., was sworn in as the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“There is no one more qualified than Dr. Carson to advise on policies that improve Americans’ everyday quality of life, from nutrition to healthcare quality to ensuring families have access to safe and stable housing,” said Secretary Rollins. “With six in ten Americans living with at least one chronic disease, and rural communities facing unique challenges with respect to adequate housing, Dr. Carson’s insight and experience is critical. Dr. Carson will be crucial to implementing the rural health investment provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill and advise on America First polices related to nutrition, health, and housing. As the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the first Trump Administration, Dr. Carson worked to expand opportunity and strengthen communities, and we are honored to welcome him to the second Trump Administration to help lead our efforts here at USDA to Make America Healthy Again and ensure rural America continues to prosper.”

Grants Modernization Update: Upcoming Training Opportunity and Key Updates for Applicants

NIFA is hosting training sessions in preparation for the transition to the eRA grants management system.  

Upcoming Training Opportunity – eRA Commons Account Management Webinar. 

In the first training, NIFA’s Grant Modernization Initiative (GMI) team and the National Institutes of Health eRA team will review eRA Commons account management. These sessions will cover account setup, user roles and system navigation. 

• When: Thursday, Oct. 7

• Sessions: 

• 2 p.m. EDT - Administrative Staff Only. Register here.

• 3 p.m. EDT - All Users. Register here.

Important: Choose the appropriate session for your role. If you are a Principal Investigator (PD/PI), register for the “All Users” session. The Administrative Staff session is specifically designed for staff responsible for managing user accounts within their organizations. 

Programs Transitioning to eRA in Q1 2026. Only some NIFA programs will be affected.  

2026 National 4-H Conference Information Session

NIFA will host the 2026 National 4-H Conference on April 10-15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. Known as “the Secretary’s Conference,” this Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  

Visit the National 4-H Conference webpage to learn more. Join us for an Information Session about 2026 National 4-H Conference on Nov. 20 at 4:00 p.m. EST. Register Online. 

Smith Lever 3 (b) & (c) & 1890's Extension Request for Applications Expected out in two to three weeks

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture provided an update on the progress of the FY 2026 Smith Lever 3 (b) & (c) and 1890s Extension Request for Applications (RFA) late last week. The Cooperative Extension System can expect the capacity RFA’s to be published within the next two to three weeks, including the Smith Lever 3 (b) & (c) and 1890s Extension RFAs.

AI Convening Report Available from the Extension Foundation

The Extension Foundation thanks Extension and agInnovation Directors and Administrators for their participation in Part I of the National AI Convening this past July.  The Extension Foundation has prepared a report summarizing key findings from the AI Landscape Survey and Part I of the Convening. 

National Impacts Database Training

There will be a virtual National Impacts Database (NIDB) training. For administrators and new and returning inputters, it will cover the basics of the NIDB, how submitted statements are used, and how to write effective impact statements. Register now for the training set for 2 p.m. EDT, Oct. 15.

Scott Huchins confirmed as USDA Research, Education, and Economics Under Secretary

The Senate has confirmed REE Under Secretary nominee, Scott Hutchins. Hutchins is one of three Under Secretaries confirmed late last week.  

APLU Announces 2025 National and Regional Extension Winners

2025 National Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual

Dr. Chris Sneed, University of Tennessee

Dr. Christopher Sneed is a tenured Associate Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Tennessee. He began his career with the University of Tennessee as an Employment Career Specialist, assisting individuals in transitioning from public assistance to sustainable employment. Since 2004, Dr. Sneed has served UT Extension in a series of progressive roles, including Extension Agent in McMinn and Blount Counties, Social Marketing Specialist for the SNAP-Ed program, Acting Director of SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, and Assistant Professor.

In his current role as an Associate Professor, Dr. Sneed provides statewide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based Extension programs in consumer economics for both youth and adult audiences. His scholarship focuses on behavioral economics, workforce development for limited-resource populations, financial capability, and family resource management. He also serves as Co-Principal Investigator of UT Extension’s SNAP Employment and Training initiative, Skill Up Tennessee.

Dr. Sneed was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2024, a recognition of his sustained excellence in teaching, research, and service. He is a nationally recognized educator, with numerous state and national awards honoring his innovative and impactful teaching and scholarship. His scholarly contributions include 40+ peer-reviewed journal articles, more than 80 Extension publications, and over $36 million in competitive external funding secured as PI or Co-PI. Dr. Sneed is an active contributor to the academic community through professional service, peer reviewing, and leadership in national associations dedicated to advancing Extension and consumer economics.

2025 National Excellence in Extension Award for a Team

Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is a program of University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Division of Extension based on the UW-Superior campus in Superior, WI. The program works with rural communities and schools to provide workforce development, empower educators, and drive innovative research and environmental monitoring of Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Estuary. 

The Reserve, one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is organized around core programs guided by a five-year management plan, an annual plan of work, and collaboration with over 45 partners, including Tribal Nations, municipalities, school districts, universities and a regional tribal college, as well as volunteers with the non-profit Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve. The Reserve is nationally unique - it is the only one housed within an Extension program, bringing Extension principles and values to the NERR system. As such, it offers a collaborative mechanism to connect across Land Grant institutions to address issues and opportunities faced by communities including flooding, harmful algal blooms, and STEM education.
The Reserve team collaborates across disciplines and jurisdictions, meeting their mission to help communities address pressing Great Lakes coastal issues through integration of research, monitoring, education, training and stewardship. 

The list of team members with titles and email addresses:

1. Deanna Erickson, Director, deanna.erickson@wisc.edu
2. Ryan Feldbrugge, Education Specialist, ryan.feldbrugge@wisc.edu
3. Karina Heim, Training Program Coordinator, karina.heim@wisc.edu
4. Hannah Nicklay, Monitoring Coordinator, hannah.nicklay@wisc.edu
5. Luciana Ranelli, Education Coordinator, luciana.ranelli@wisc.edu
6. Dr. Kaitlin Reinl, Research Coordinator, kreinl@wisc.edu
7. Cecile Renfro, Coastal Wetland Research Intern, cecile.renfro@wisc.edu
8. Kirsten Rhude, Stewardship Coordinator, kirsten.rhude@wisc.edu
9. Addison Knoll, Water Quality Technician, knoll4@wisc.edu
10. Melissa Burke, Climate Resilience Specialist, melissa.burke@wisc.edu
11. Jim Gharrity, Financial Specialist, james.gharrity@wisc.edu

2025 ECOP National Extension Award for Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audiences

Dr. Dwayne James, University of Missouri

Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) is a 9-month, highly selective leadership program comprised of 18 sessions that provides advanced training to increase and amplify the voices of residents to work towards local systems change through advocacy skills and the knowledge needed to gain access to civic leadership tables and halls of power.

NLF was created to address the well-documented needs for more targeted investment in specific neighborhoods throughout St. Louis City and County. This footprint has remarkably dedicated and passionate residents who are assets to their neighborhoods. Because of their lived experience, they have unique and valuable insights and heightened investment in cultivating positive place-based outcomes. Unfortunately, these residents historically lack power (as defined here by access to the civic decision-making table) due to a history of exclusionary policies. The significant absence of resident voice in policy discussions results in minimal advocacy for the challenges facing the community, producing ineffective outcomes and neighborhoods that continue to decline.

The NLF curriculum includes educational workshops on policy, research, and advocacy; tactical trainings on communication and organizing; positional power trainings for decision making positions; and collaborative learning through dialogue and presentations among fellows and experts. Fellows create an individualized 10-year Personal Leadership Plan and work in groups to develop policy-based opportunities to address social determinants of health in their area.

Individuals selected to participate in Neighborhood Leadership Fellows will receive a stipend and UMSL Chancellor's Certificate in Civic Leadership.

More information can be found here. 

2025 1890s Region Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual

Dr. Kristin Woods, Tuskegee University 

Dr. Kristin L. Woods is a Food Systems Resource Specialist at Tuskegee University, where she serves on a talented team of Extension professionals who are dedicated to community wellbeing, sustainable agriculture, and experiential education across the Alabama Black Belt Food Corridor and beyond. With more than 27 years of experience in the food industry and outreach, Dr. Woods combines technical expertise with a passion for empowering farmers and improving local food systems. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Poultry Science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Guelph, and a Ph.D. from Auburn University.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Woods has served in roles with Auburn University, Cornell University’s Produce Safety Alliance, Kraft Foods, Wayne Farms LLC, and Baskin Robbins. She has completed over 65 specialized trainings and certifications, making her a nationally recognized expert in produce safety, food systems leadership, and experiential agricultural education.

Dr. Woods has secured more than $9.5 million in funding for initiatives such as the Black Belt Food Corridor, which provides training, resources, and market opportunities for farmers in the Alabama Black Belt. She has delivered hundreds of presentations nationwide, published extensively, and developed educational tools that continue to serve diverse communities.

Known for her collaborative spirit and culturally inclusive approach, Dr. Woods is a true advocate for advancing agriculture and public health. She enjoys a lifelong love for agriculture and currently resides in Marengo County Alabama on a small goat farm.

2025 Western Region Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual

Ms. Nancy Ooki, University of Hawai’i at Manoa

2025 Northeast Region Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual

Mr. Richard Kralj, Penn State University 

Richard Kralj, M.Ed., RDN, LDN, is a distinguished Food Safety Extension Educator at Penn State Extension for 25 years. With a diverse educational background, Richard holds an Associate of Applied Science in Animal Science from the State University of New York at Alfred, a Bachelor of Science in Human Foods and Nutrition from Mercyhurst College, and a Master of Education in Adult Education from Penn State University.

Richard's expertise spans various critical areas, including food safety, nutrition, and regulatory compliance. He is a Lead Instructor for the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) in Human Foods and Animal Feeds, Lead Instructor for the Produce Safety Alliance, and a certified instructor and proctor for ServSafe, a leading food safety training program. He educates and guides food industry professionals on best practices to ensure food safety and quality, safeguarding public health.

In addition to his instructional roles, Richard is actively involved in community outreach and education. He frequently conducts workshops and seminars on home food preservation and the legal and regulatory considerations for small-scale food business entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania. His dedication to public education is evident in his efforts to make complex food safety regulations accessible and understandable to a broad audience.

Richard's contributions to Penn State Extension are invaluable, as he combines his extensive knowledge with a passion for teaching and community service. His work enhances food safety standards and empowers individuals and businesses to achieve excellence in food handling and processing.

2025 North Central Region Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual

Dr. Jane Strommen, North Dakota State University

Jane Strommen has served as the Gerontology Extension Specialist in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at North Dakota State University.  Her work has involved outreach education in the areas of health and well-being, family caregiving and aging in place.

Over the past 5 years, Strommen has secured $1.4 million in annual contracts from the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services for statewide administration and implementation of five health promotion evidence-based programs for older adults.  Efforts have included planning, training, marketing/outreach, developing tools/resources, evaluation, reporting and establishing an infrastructure to administer the programs effectively.  Approximately 1,400 older North Dakotans have participated in 28,000 hours of education and physical activity classes.

In Summer 2021, Strommen began work on a rural community-based project to assist older adults to remain safely and independently in their homes and communities called North Dakota Aging in Community (AIC) Project.  A $1.6 million grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies was awarded to implement the project in two rural communities.  During the 4-year grant period, a team of 5 staff members and dozens of trained volunteers provided over 9,000 direct contacts with older adults through educational and social engagement offerings, volunteer transportation, care coordination and individual client meetings.
  
Recently, Strommen received a $2.4 million Phase II grant to expand the AIC project to 10 additional rural counties and has transitioned to serve as Program Director of the AIC Project.  

Strommen earned her bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. degree from North Dakota State University.

2025 Southern Region Excellence in Extension for an Individual

Ms. Nelly Nelson, University of Florida

Nelly Nelson serves as the Family & Consumer Science Agent for UF/IFAS Extension in Manatee County, where she has devoted more than 9 years to advancing the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. With a focus on financial management, building healthy relationships, promoting wellness, and food safety, Nelly has earned a reputation as a trusted educator and advocate for sustainable living. Her educational efforts have generated a total continuing education and certification value of over $1.8 million in 2024 alone.

With her ability to communicate fluently in three languages, Nelly designs and delivers community outreach and educational programing tailored to the specific needs of diverse audiences. These individuals might otherwise go underserved. Since 2023, when the UF/IFAS Communications Department launched its Spanish Media Outreach Initiative, Nelly has also become the go-to spokesperson for Spanish-language media interviews on a variety of topics in Family and Consumer Sciences. 

Nelly’s leadership extends beyond the local level. She is a former President of the Florida Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (FEAFCS), an active member of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) and is a member of the UF/IFAS Global Food Systems Institute. 

Whether she is working with individuals on how to create a budget, empowering them to make healthier lifestyle choices, or fostering stronger family relationships, Nelly Nelson exemplifies the mission of UF/IFAS Extension - using research-based knowledge to improve the quality of life in Florida communities. 

Last Day to Reserve NEDA Hotel Room at Conference Rate

Today is the last day to reserve a hotel room at the Sheraton Westport Chalet at the conference rate.

Dr. Nancy Cox to Deliver 2025 William Henry Hatch Memorial Lecture

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Director Dr. Jaye Hamby has announced that Dr. Nancy Cox, retired vice president for Land-grant engagement at the University of Kentucky, will deliver the 2025 William Henry Hatch Memorial Lecture Sunday, Nov. 9 in Philadelphia at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) annual meeting.

Make Our Children Healthy Again Document Leaked to Politico

While not a final version, a document titled “Make Our Children Healthy Again” has been leaked to Politico. That publication reports that the document does not go as far as some MAHA supporters would like to decrease processed foods. It does mention the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program by name. Further, the report calls for long pursued Cooperative Extension deliverables, including:

• Foster a better “health informed” public, armed with unbiased information
• Reduce ultra-processed food consumption, favoring minimally processed foods and a balanced diet
• Use diet to reduce medical interventions
• Increase physical activity, particularly in youth, and reduce screen time
• Improve drinking water quality
• Increase precision in agriculture, particularly weed control
• Create opportunities for local, value-added and direct marketing, particularly for smaller operation

Preview of Joint agInnovation/Cooperative Extension Meeting in St. Louis

Navigating changes in national priorities, using AI in research and Cooperative Extension, food and health are three of the topics that will be addressed at this year’s agInnovation and Cooperative Extension Joint Meeting in St. Louis, September 15 to 18. Additionally, this year’s Excellence in Extension Awards will be presented at this meeting rather than the APLU annual meeting in November. Please make sure to book your hotel room and register by August 25.

National Digital Extension Education Team (NDEET) Update

The Extension Foundation hosted 27 leaders from 17 states in Denver for the National Digital Extension Education Team (NDEET) Strategic Planning Convening. Leaders set priorities in Economic Development, Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technology, and Cybersecurity to advance digital opportunity. Plans include mapping AI hubs, building a tech-ready workforce, expanding safe AI use, creating local cybersecurity networks, launching a national cyber curriculum, developing workforce training guides, and releasing a tool to assess local digital gaps. Learn More.

Bill Directs FCC to Incorporate USDA Farm Field Location Data into the National Broadband Map

Last week, Republican Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4950 – the Data BRIDGE Act – to improve how the FCC’s broadband map accounts for agricultural lands.

Today, barns and other farming structures located across the rural countryside are included in the FCC’s broadband map, but the surrounding cropland, pastures, and acreage where farming happens are not.

The Data BRIDGE Act directs the FCC to integrate USDA’s existing cultivated land data layer into its broadband map, with no new cost or mandates, ensuring federal broadband funding “reaches the fields that power America’s food supply.” 

Here is a link to the proposed bill at Congress.gov. The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It would need to be voted on and passed by both the House and the Senate before making its way to President Donald Trump’s desk. The president could then veto the bill or sign it into law.

The bill currently has seven cosponsors, including four House Democrats and three Republicans. One of the Republicans is Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson.

Extension Focused AFRI Commodity Board Projects

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has invested more than $10.6 million in research projects co-funded by commodity boards that aim to improve crop production efficiency and advance solutions to critically important problems in U.S. agriculture, thereby increasing farmer profitability and sustainability. In FY2024, boards that submitted topics for co-funding support included the American Egg Board, California Prune Board, The Cotton Board, Dairy Management, National Peanut Board, National Pork Board, United Sorghum Checkoff Program and United Soybean Board.

Notable among these projects:

• TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION PORK PROGRAM: Increasing Consumer’s Understanding of Pork Production and Its Role as Nutritious Protein Source
• ARKANSAS: The Role of Dietary Protein in Healthy Dietary Patterns Across the Lifespan

Registration for Joint NEDA/agInnovation Annual Conference Now Open

Registration for the joint NEDA/agInnovation conference is now open! The conference will take place in St. Louis, MO from late afternoon September 15 and will conclude on September 18 with Northeastern and Western regional meetings. Please see the general agenda and room reservation information at the registration site.

We are looking forward to seeing you in St. Louis!

NIFA Publishes RFA for Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Program (AFRI) 

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science Program Request for Application (RFA) is now available on the NIFA website.

The AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture. The priority areas are Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Food Safety, Nutrition and Health; Bioenergy, Natural Resources and Environment; Agriculture Systems and Technology; and Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. Each program area priority has its own deadline. Find the deadlines for specific priority program areas here.

Research-only, Extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or Extension projects are solicited in this RFA. See Foundational and Applied Science RFA for specific details.

USDA Opens Public Comment Period on Department Reorganization Plan

A 30-day public comment period has opened so stakeholders may provide feedback on USDA’s reorganization plan, as outlined in Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins’ memorandum issued July 24. All stakeholders, including USDA employees, members of Congress and agricultural and nutrition partners, are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing reorganization@usda.gov. The comment period closes Aug. 26.

Lawmakers ‘in the very early stage’ of Skinny Farm Bill Discussions

In a Ryan Hanrahan article, published by the University of Illinois’ Farm Policy News: “House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson (R-Pa.) hopes to release some legislative text in September — though it depends on staff work this month, according to a committee aide,” Handler reported. “…It’s an aggressive timeline to get a farm bill together so quickly in the fall. While these leftover provisions aren’t as challenging as a full-scale farm bill, Congress still has so much more on its plate. Government funding will take up all the oxygen on Capitol Hill when lawmakers return in September.” The article goes on to say that some legislators are less optimistic about a farm bill getting passed before 2026. This article is based partially on a Punchbowl News article by Samantha Handler.

Hanrahan’s article also appears in Successful Farming.

Students and educators can participate in a unique opportunity to advance AI education for American youth!

The Trump Administration is launching a year-long challenge for K-12 students across the country to spark interest in Artificial Intelligence, promote creative thinking using AI tools, and demonstrate how AI technology can be used in beneficial ways. Early training and experience in responsible AI use can demystify the technology and support America’s youths in cultivating skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an AI-driven workforce.

Students who join the Presidential Challenge can access training and resources to help them complete a project that can either be a study or development of an AI method or tool to solve a local community problem. Educators are also invited to participate and focus on creative approaches to teaching or using AI technologies in K-12 learning. Participants can choose to enter their projects into a competition for the chance to showcase their work at a White House event next summer.

Registration for the Presidential AI Challenge will open to students and educators in late August 2025. Organizations may also pledge their support for advancing AI education for American youths.

Find the fact sheet and flyers here:

• AI Challenge Fact Sheet
• Flyer for Students
• Flyer for Educators

More information to follow. Visit AI.gov to learn more.

Deadline August 31: AgriProspects Mini-grants Applications

AgriProspects, an Extension Foundation program, has announced their second round of grants aimed at advancing Extension-led adult agricultural workforce development.

Supported by NIFA, AgriProspects will award grants to support regional or national-scale projects that build Cooperative Extension’s capacity and readiness in digital credentialing and artificial intelligence tools and resources.

Applications are due Aug. 31. Learn more about the program and how to apply.

Positioned for Impact: Aligning Institutional Strengths to Advance Food, Nutrition, and Human Health

The webinar, hosted by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, explored strategies to address challenges in food, nutrition, and human health, with discussions centered on the Trump administration's impact on public and land-grant institutions. Dr. Dominique Carter provided an overview of the current policy landscape and its implications for universities, highlighting significant structural realignments in Washington and the need for universities to align their proposals with administration priorities. The panelists discussed the potential long-term consequences of proposed budget cuts and policy changes on research capacity, innovation, and workforce development, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and nimbleness in response to the changing political and funding landscape. 

PASSCODE: &$0mq?p7 

Secretary Rollins Announces USDA Reorganization

On July 25, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), refocusing its core operations to better align with its founding mission of supporting American farming, ranching, and forestry.

The reorganization consists of four pillars:

• Ensure the size of USDA’s workforce aligns with available financial resources and agricultural priorities
• Bring USDA closer to its customers
• Eliminate management layers and bureaucracy
• Consolidate redundant support functions

USDA will vacate and return to the General Services Administration the South Building, Braddock Place, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, and revisit utilization and functions in the USDA Whitten Building, Yates Building, and the National Agricultural Library. The George Washington Carver Center will also be utilized until space optimization activities are completed. These buildings have a backlog of costly deferred maintenance and currently are occupied below the minimum set by law. For example, the South Building has approximately $1.3 billion in deferred maintenance and has an average daily occupancy of less than 1,900 individuals for a building that can house over 6,000 employees.

According to the Secretary’s memorandum issued July 24, the Department currently employs approximately 4,600 individuals in the National Capital Region (NCR). To ensure USDA is located closer to the people it serves while achieving savings to the American taxpayer, USDA will relocate much of its Agency headquarters and NCR staff from the Washington, D.C. area to five hub locations. At the conclusion of implementation, it is USDA's goal to retain no more than 2,000 employees within the NCR.

USDA’s five hub locations and current Federal locality rates are:

1. Raleigh, North Carolina
2. Kansas City, Missouri
3. Indianapolis, Indiana 
4. Fort Collins, Colorado
5. Salt Lake City, Utah

In addition to these five hubs, USDA will maintain two additional core administrative support locations: Albuquerque, New Mexico and Minneapolis, Minnesota. These two locations have substantial concentrations of human resources staff that support the delivery of critical public safety functions. USDA will continue to maintain critical service centers and laboratories including agency service centers in St. Louis, Missouri; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Missoula, Montana.

The memo goes on to say that many agency and mission area functions will be consolidated at the department level. Further, the reorganization will eliminate some area offices of many agencies, including the five Agricultural Research Service Area Offices. Finally, USDA Deputy Secretary Steven Vaden will implement the reorganization. Vaden was the USDA Chief Counsel when NIFA and ERS were relocated to Kansas City.  

Are your clients raising backyard flocks? This survey is for them!

Since March 2024, 70 cases of avian influenza A(H5) (H5 bird flu) have occurred in humans in the United States, mostly among workers exposed to infected dairy cows and commercial poultry farms. However, cases have also occurred among people exposed to birds kept in non-commercial, backyard flocks.

CDC is interested in learning more about backyard flock owners and their flocks. The anonymous survey asks about:

•  Characteristics of backyard flock owners, their families, and their flocks.
•  Knowledge of H5 bird flu and signs and symptoms of H5 bird flu in birds and humans.
•  Perceived risk of and concern about H5 bird flu to their backyard flock and themselves/families.
• Attitudes towards reporting sick or dead birds and protective measures like vaccination of their flock.
•  Practices they use to protect their flock and themselves from H5 bird flu.

CDC will use the survey results to improve H5 bird flu prevention activities. Questions can be sent to h5flustudy@cdc.gov.

QR code to the survey: 

URL link to the survey:

https://redcap.link/backyardflock

Save the Date! 

The joint NEDA and agInnovation fall meeting will take place in St. Louis from September 15 to September 18 at the Sheraton Westport Hotel. Please keep an eye out for the registration link later this week. 

NIFA Leaders Discuss FY 2025 Funding Strategy

At last week’s BAA Summer Leadership Meeting in Washington, DC, NIFA Director Jaye Hamby and other leaders discussed the agency’s strategy for distributing funds that must be obligated by September 30th. For programs where enough fundable applications were submitted for the previous funding cycle, those prior year applicants may be contacted and offered awards. For programs where the current year funding can be completely utilized in this manner, those programs will not publish an FY 2025 request for applications (RFA). For programs where this is not a viable strategy, RFAs will be published. However, deadlines will be 30 days or fewer after the date of the RFA publication. The NIFA leaders noted that while awards for these programs will be made by September 30, the availability of funds may be delayed. Not all FY 2025 competitive programs must obligate their funding by September 30. For example, the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) can carry over into successive fiscal years. For the latest information from NIFA, follow the agency on X, Facebook, or sign up to receive updates via email.

Empowering Innovation, Transforming USDA's Future: Register Now for the 2025 USDA Innovation Symposium

Scheduled for Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, this Symposium is a unique opportunity for technologists, business program leaders, researchers, and innovators to come together and discuss the latest advancements in technology and digital transformation within the USDA.

To ensure you don't miss out on this exciting event, USDA encourages you to visit the Innovation Symposium website and register for the USDA Innovation Symposium. By registering, you'll not only gain access to all the live sessions and panels that the symposium has to offer, but you’ll also be given access to recordings and offline content that can be accessed after the event.

Appropriations Update: Senate Appropriations Committee Advances FY 2026 Agriculture Bill

On July 10, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The bill’s topline discretionary allocation is $27.1 billion, $1.577 billion more than the House bill and provides a $400 million increase above FY 2025. The full Committee approved the bill on the same day by a vote of 27 to 0. At this time, there is not a clear timeline on if or when the bill will go to the Senate floor.

Per the report accompanying the Senate Agriculture appropriations bill, NIFA would receive $1.679 billion, flat with the FY 2025 enacted level, rebuking the dramatic decreases proposed in the President’s Budget Request (PBR). As in the House version, capacity programs and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) are flat funded. The Senate version actually provides level funding for all NIFA programs—including those subject to proposed reductions or eliminations in the PBR.

As in the House bill, the Senate bill once again allows the matching requirement for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to be waived by the Secretary of Agriculture. Like the House, report language encouraging NIFA to continue supporting the work of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes funded through USDA is included. Additional directions are given for Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards, agroacoustics, citrus disease research, genome to phenome, Extension Design Initiative, the Farm and Stress Assistance Network program, and numerous other programs. 

The Senate report acknowledges the delays from NIFA in issuing FY 2025 solicitations and directs NIFA, once the bill is signed into law, to report to the Committee on a regular basis the expected timelines for FY 2026 funding opportunities. Within AFRI, the Senate report encourages the Secretary to consider junior or community colleges applying via the AFRI Education and Workforce Development program. The report further directs that AFRI, “make regionally adapted, publicly held cultivar development a distinct funding priority within AFRI for fiscal year 2026.”

With respect to cooperative extension the report validates the role of extension by stating, “The Committee recognizes the essential function that extension plays in ensuring that farmers, ranchers, and communities of all sizes are empowered to meet the challenges they face, adapt to changing technology and a changing climate, improve nutrition and food safety, prepare for and respond to emergencies, and protect our environment. The Committee is concerned that the Federal investment in this critical Federal, State, and local partnership has lagged in recent years, just as extraordinary stresses have been placed on farmers, ranchers, rural businesses, and communities.”

The report also expresses the Committee’s concerns that extension services do not reach disadvantaged populations and includes the following language, “The Committee is concerned that extension service resources do not reach minority, socially disadvantaged, and Tribal communities in proportion to their participation in the agricultural sector. All institutions that receive extension funding should seek to ensure that an equitable percentage of their overall extension work reaches minority, socially disadvantaged, and Tribal communities. The Committee directs NIFA to evaluate distribution of extension resources to these three populations and report to the Committee no later than 90 days after enactment of this act.”

While not funded within NIFA, the report has a funding table that still includes funding for the SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) program. SNAP-Ed was eliminated during reconciliation and due to the timing of reconciliation passage and consideration of this bill, the report table was not updated. Currently, there is no further funding for SNAP-Ed.

Commission on Food, Environment, and Renewable Resources (CFERR) Webinar

APLU Commission of Food, Environment, and Renewable Resources (CFERR) is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, July 22, moderated by University of Missouri President Mun Y. Choi, to explore how universities are leveraging their interdisciplinary strengths to address health challenges through research, education, and Extension. Opening federal insights from Lewis-Burke Associates will frame the conversation, followed by university leaders offering commentary on innovative strategies, emerging opportunities, and the expanding role of public research institutions in this space. Please click here for more information and registration.

Survey Conducted Across Three U.S. Regions Shed Light on Household and Community Well-Being

Supported by USDA NIFA, Regional Rural Development Centers are a trusted source of economic and community development data. 

The regional centers partnered to conduct a multi-region Baseline Survey in 2024 and recently published the open-access data. This data establishes an important baseline for future research and can inform policy decisions, community development strategies and targeted interventions to address regional challenges and opportunities. 

The survey explored topics related to household, business and community well-being. When the fourth and final regional survey is completed, survey data will be available for the entire United States. Read more about the survey results.

2025-2035 Land-grant University Roadmap Available

The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) and agInnovation have teamed up to further develop the 2025-2035 Land Grant University Roadmap. There is a two-page summary of the Roadmap, along with one-page summaries regarding Positive Youth Development, Community Economic Development, Nutrition and Health, Sustainable Food Systems, Resilient Lands, and Water Resilience. ECOP and agInnovation have hired an outside contractor to further develop this messaging to lead stakeholder groups in promoting Land-grant University Extension and research.

USDA Blog: Extension Disaster Education Network Helps Prepare Nation for Hurricane Season

June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60% chance of above-average hurricane activity this year. NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms with six to ten hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes.

The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) is a collaborative multi-state effort by Cooperative Extension Services across the country to improve timely information delivery to people affected by disasters, including hurricanes. EDEN's mission is to reduce the impact of disasters through research-based education. Supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the conception, development, and growth of EDEN were a direct result of lessons learned by the Land-grant University System responding to the catastrophic Mississippi and Missouri river floods of 1993. Funded through USDA NIFA’s Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative, EDEN ensures that Extension can respond to local, state, regional, and national education needs during a crisis. Read the full article here.

New Online Course Available! Roots to Results: An Overview of the Cooperative Extension System

The Extension Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a new self-paced online course: “Roots to Results: Overview of the Cooperative Extension System.” This course is open to anyone who wants to better understand Cooperative Extension, whether you’re new to the system, need a refresher, or are working with Extension in a partnership role. It’s a flexible resource designed to support onboarding, professional development, and increased awareness of Extension’s unique role and impact, and takes around 30 minutes to complete. To access the course on Campus, login with your existing credentials, or create a new account and search for “Roots to Results,” or browse the Professional Performance category and locate the course there. Feel free to share or adapt this announcement for your own networks! Find the full course announcement here.

NOTICE: Gain of Function Research Reporting

NIFA has posted on its website important information for universities and other grant recipients to report Gain of Function Research in a timely and effective manner. As part of USDA’s response to Executive Order (E.O.) 14292 on Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research, USDA is asking grant recipients to self-identify any USDA-funded projects, inclusive of all source(s) or type(s) of funding, including in-kind support, that is believed to meet or has the potential to meet the gain-of-function definition.  Read more about how, what and when to report this information.

#SaveSNAPEd: SNAP-Ed Advocacy Webinar

On June 18, a SNAP-Ed Advocacy webinar was hosted by Southern California based Leah’s Pantry, the Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators (ASNNA – which includes many Cooperative Extension Educators), and a Philadelphia based organization, The Food Trust. The goal of the webinar was to coordinate efforts to communicate with United States Senators to delay the elimination of the SNAP-Ed program.

The Senate reconvenes today and aims to finalize their reconciliation spending bill soon, no later than the 4^th of July. The group’s strategic ask is a two-year delay in implementation/elimination, to secure Republican support, and to share language that would provide such a delay. The call to action includes scheduling a meeting with Republican Senators or staff as soon as possible, making the ask outlined in the group’s talking points and advocacy toolkit, secure a clear commitment from Senator(s) to support the delay, and report back using the following form.

Lewis-Burke and other members of the advocacy team at the national office have been coordinating with ASNNA. This includes, but is not limited to, the national office co-signing a letter to Senators Thune and Boozman in support of the above strategy.

Coming Soon: Artificial Intelligence Survey

Be on the lookout for an Artificial Intelligence activity survey, which will be directed to Cooperative Extension Directors and Agricultural Experiment Station Directors. The Extension Foundation is a key cooperating entity within this effort.

SARE Seeks Outreach Products to Advance Sustainable Agriculture

Do you have an idea for an outreach product or project that could help farmers or ranchers improve their profitability, environmental stewardship and/or quality of life?  Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Outreach is seeking recommendations for information products or outreach initiatives that extend research-based innovations to improve the sustainability of American agriculture. Submit your ideas by June 30. 

Congressional Update: Senate Agriculture Committee Releases Reconciliation Proposal

Following the passage of the House of Representatives' comprehensive reconciliation bill, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), Senate committees have begun to release pieces of their own reconciliation package, including the Senate Agriculture Committee. The Senate Agriculture proposal functions like the House version in that it achieves cost savings by reducing funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and includes mandatory funding for numerous Farm Bill programs. While the two bills are similar, the Senate version would have net savings of $144 billion in comparison to the Congressional Budget Office estimate of $238 billion for the House Agriculture proposal. The difference in cost savings is one of the numerous deviations Senate committees are making from H.R. 1 and may prove challenging in brokering a final agreement between the House and Senate.

By making steep cuts to mandatory nutrition programs and addressing certain pressing commodity payment and reference price issues, both usually considered in the Farm Bill, this package, like the House version, puts at risk the delicate balance of Republican and Democratic priorities required to build momentum for a Farm Bill every five years. The current Farm Bill is in its second one-year extension. 

Similarly, SNAP changes which propose to shift a portion of benefit costs to states could have a major impact on state budgets.

One key provision in the bill includes SNAP and SNAP Education:

• SNAP-Education would lose mandatory funding for the program in FY 2025, in alignment with the House proposal.
• In addition to policies that would shrink the pool of eligible recipients, the bill requires future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which sets benefit rates, to be cost-neutral and matches the House proposal to limit benefit indexing.
• Differing from the House, the Senate removes the 5 percent baseline cost care for states and caps cost-share at 15% based on states’ error rates rather than the House plan which has a 25% cap. This would be the first time SNAP benefit costs have been delegated to states and would have a very large impact on state budgets.

 

Extension Foundation's AgriProspects Workforce Development Network Launches 2nd Round of Grants to Boost CES Workforce Capacity in Digital Credentials & AI

Supported by USDA-NIFA through the AFRI-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce (NECIW) (2023-67037-40533), AgriProspects will award up to five two-year grants of $200,000 each to support regional or national-scale projects that build Cooperative Extension’s capacity and readiness in two focus areas: 1. Digital credentialing initiatives for adult agricultural workforce development in rural and urban areas; or 2. Artificial Intelligence tools and resources to support the agricultural sector and supply chain and the adult agricultural workforce in rural and urban areas. Learn more here. 

Bipartisan 4-H Caucus Launches in 119th Congress to Equip Youth for Work and Life

On June 10, U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA-15), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Andy Harris (R-MD-01), and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), have formed the bipartisan 4-H Congressional Caucus in the 119th Congress.

The Caucus will serve as a platform to advance federal policy and investment in Cooperative Extension’s 4-H programs, which reach nearly 6 million youth around the country through hands-on learning in agriculture, STEM, health, and civic engagement. With strong bipartisan leadership, the Caucus will elevate the importance of positive youth development and build a workforce and society that’s prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Caucus leaders are united in their support of 4-H’s Beyond Ready initiative—a bold effort to equip 10 million young people with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in work, life, and community. From career readiness to civic leadership, 4-H youth are gaining real-world experience through locally rooted programs led by Land-grant Universities and their Cooperative Extension partners.