National 4-H Council CEO Shares Vision

Today marks Jill Bramble’s first day as President and CEO of National 4-H Council. As she steps into this new role, Jill shares the video message found below on her priorities: growing resources to support Cooperative Extension, embracing the digital transformation, and preparing youth for the workforce of the future. Jill is a fourth-generation 4-H alumna who rose through the ranks of National 4-H Council, starting as a grant writer 18 years ago. Throughout her time at National 4-H Council, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to empowering young people, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships.

JOE Job Board Service Input Request - The Journal of Extension (JOE), the official refereed journal of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System, is seeking input from its partners on its Job Board service at jobs.joe.org. This fee-based service is available to those wishing to promote Extension job openings on the JOE website. Revenue received from this service helps support the production of the Journal of Extension. The feedback will be used to improve the Job Board. Even if institutions have not used the service in the past, the Board of Directors of JOE would like to receive responses to a survey. Please forward this survey bit.ly/45myD8h to Extension administration, human resources department personnel, or others who are responsible for advertising positions for completion by September 15, 2023. Thank you.

Conservation Districts Association Offer $38M for Climate-Smart Commodities Project Implementation – The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) will be investing $80 million in projects that scale the production, Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV), and marketing of climate-smart commodities. Approximately half of the budget is dedicated to producer payments and financial incentives. However, approximately $38 million will be available for project implementation, which may be used for activities such as:

    • Outreach and education
    • Technical assistance, including climate-smart conservation planning
    • Activities relating to measurement, quantification, monitoring, and verification of associated carbon and greenhouse gas sequestration
    • Facilitating access to markets and promotion of climate-smart commodities, including enrollment in programs or opportunities
    • Project management

NACD recently issued a Call for Concept Papers, seeking innovative ideas that scale implementation of climate-smart practices, advance MMRV, and support producer participation in markets. Concept Papers are due October 13, and are the first phase of a three-phase process, which will include submission of full proposals in response to a Fall 2023 RFP. The most complete details are available in the program’s frequently asked questions document. Consider registering for the applicant webinar, regarding this opportunity set for August 31. 

Funding for 2 Military Youth Programs - NIFA recently announced two competitive youth development funding opportunities under its 4-H Military Grant Programs in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), which are listed below. Both funding opportunities close on September 5, 2023. Access to recordings of RFA technical assistance webinars are available at the links provided.

• 4-H Military Extension Educator (MEE) Program
  The MEE program coordinates with 4-H Cooperative Extension faculty and staff throughout the Land-grant University system and supports DoD and Military Service Child and Youth Programs staff in delivering and promoting positive youth development programs and activities. DoD Child and Youth Programs supports 396,000 children at over 760 child and youth facilities worldwide. For more information, read the 4-H Military Extension Educator (MEE) Program funding opportunity. 

• Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, Youth Support Internship Program (YSIP)
  YSIP is a nation-wide internship program that provides practical work experience for college students and recent college graduates motivated to serve the needs of National Guard and Reserve Component military families. More than 192 students from across the nation have participated representing over 100 colleges and universities. YSIP interns facilitate youth development programs specifically designed to address the challenges associated with military deployments and family absences. This program supports DoD’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. For more information, read the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Youth Support Internship Program (YSIP) funding opportunity. 

Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network RFA Webinar July 9

The ECOP Monday Minute will return on July 15, 2019.
Have a safe and pleasant Independence Day holiday!

The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network funding opportunity is intended to provide resources to address the challenging issue of farm and ranch stress. The closing date is July 25! Applications must be submitted by a collaborative state; tribal; local or regionally-based network, or partnership of qualified public and/or private entities, as determined by the Secretary. These collaborations may include the following entities: Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); State departments of agriculture, State cooperative extension services; and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). An interested applicant webinar will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 2:00 PM-3:30 PM ET. Click Here to join webinar or Here to listen to webinar recording after July 9; meeting number 967 884 412, or by phone at 1-888-844-9904 (US/Canada), Access code 584 544 7. Learn more at NIFA Funding Opportunity Page and apply at the Grants.gov Page.

NACD Offers Free, Electronic Publications - The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is a nonprofit representing America's 3,000 locally-led conservation districts, that helps millions of landowners and operators to manage and protect land and water resources on private and public lands through grassroots advocacy, education and partnerships. NACD offers free publications covering a range of agriculture, conservation and natural resource related topics, including NACD's activities, the latest conservation news affecting conservation districts and their customers, and newly available tools and resources. Click Here to view the list of NACD’s free publications to which Extension specialists and leader may subscribe.

Latest Census of Agriculture Product - USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently released Congressional District Profiles and Rankings with an interactive data visualization. These profiles are often used by producers, congressional leaders, and others in support of agriculture in their districts. Still to be released is the Watersheds Report on July 25; the American Indian Reservations Report on August 26; Zip Code Tabulations on September 18; and Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Profiles on October 1. All products are or will be available at www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. Other products to be released this summer include weekly, state-specific Census blogs are showcased on www.usda.gov and additional Census Highlights publications on the NASS website. Already preparing for the 2022 Census of Agriculture, NASS is asking for content change suggestions and for new producers who did not receive a 2017 Census of Agriculture form last year to sign up to be counted in future censuses and surveys. Both forms can be found at www.nass.usda.gov. NASS appreciates Extension leaders consideration to spread the word!

NACAA Annual Meeting - The National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) 104th Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AM/PIC) will be held in Fort Wayne, IN on September 8 - 12, 2019. Registration is now open. Early, discounted registration ends July 15! Five “super seminars” will provide in depth focus on current, relevant topics. Poster session will feature 140 Extension educators presenting their research and education posters and another 130+ members will deliver oral presentations during the week. Four pre-conference educational subject matter tours are offered, and  24 professional improvement tours covering a wide array of agricultural topics and enterprises will be available to participants.