LEAD21 Applications Open Until November 15, 2026

LEAD21 is currently accepting applications for Class 23 (2027-2028). 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.

https://lead-21.org/apply/instructions/

The ECOP appointees to LEAD21 BOD are Program Chair Amy Loader, University of New Hampshire, and Andrew Turner, Cornell University.

New Technologies for Ag Extension Funding Opportunity

The Extension Foundation (EXF) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for Incubation and Accelerated projects across the Cooperative Extension System (CES). This funding opportunity is made available through NTAE (New Technologies for Ag Extension), a grant from USDA-NIFA (United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture) to fund new and high impact potential projects within CES. Projects should have focus areas that lead to local impact and align with USDA Research Priorities. Project leaders can apply for one of the two types of projects this grant will support: Incubation and Acceleration.

Applications are due November 11, 2026.

See the full announcement.

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.

Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO, The Fertilizer Institute

Corey Rosenbusch serves as The Fertilizer Institute’s (TFI) President and CEO, where he is responsible for leading efforts to advance the fertilizer industry. Since joining TFI in 2020, Rosenbusch has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at strengthening TFI’s voice with the agriculture community and increasing member value through innovative programs, such as the Biostimulant Certification and low-carbon ammonia manufacturing standard.

"Land-grant universities are essential partners in advancing solutions that help producers remain competitive while meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. The greatest opportunities exist where research, education, and implementation come together." - Corey Rosenbusch

Read the full interview.

USDA NASS to Host Virtual Data Users’ Meeting for Public Input on Statistical Programs

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users’ Meeting virtually Oct. 14 from Noon to 4 p.m. ET. The event is free and open to the public. The meeting provides updates on recent and pending changes to statistical programs and invites feedback from stakeholders on programs important to agriculture. The agenda includes agency updates followed by a question-and-comment session. Find detailed agenda and registration information here.

ERS Releases Publication on Cooperative Extension

In mid-September, the Economic Research Service released a study titled "Cooperative Extension in Transition: Trends Through 2024.” The study discusses funding, personnel, and allocation of resources across program areas. The ECOP National Office consulted with the authors in 2024.

 

Innovation Proposals Being Accepted for Ag Outlook Forum

Innovation proposals for USDA-funded projects are now being accepted for the 2027 Agricultural Outlook Forum’s Science Innovation Exhibits, taking place Feb. 18–19 in Arlington, VA. Applicants must submit a one‑page proposal by Oct. 9 describing their innovation, its alignment with USDA priorities, its USDA funding support, and its current and projected impact. Send proposals to Dr. Rich Derksen (rich.derksen@usda.gov) and include the subject line 2027 AOF Science Innovation Proposal.

 

ECOP National Office on Capitol Hill

As a part of the Annual NCFAR Fly-In, Bill Hoffman met with staff from three Congressional offices:

• Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL)
• Rep. April McClain-Delaney (D-MD)
• Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA)

These were three of 39 visits conducted by NCFAR members. APLU was one of five event sponsors.

 

Save the Date for the 2027 National Extension Director and Administrator Annual Meeting

The 2027 NEDA meeting will take place the week of September 13 in Charlotte, NC. The planning committee meets for the first time today!

ECOP Gavel Passed from Townson to Stone, Hadley on Deck

At last week’s National Extension Director and Administrator meeting in Seattle, Lisa Townson concluded her year as ECOP Chair. During her tenure, she co-led the Health Tiger Team, led the development of strategic communications with Adaptive Roots Consulting, and kept Cooperative Extension issues at the forefront of our partnership with Lewis-Burke. As he accepted the gavel, Cody Stone told the participants about himself, including how 4-H influenced him as he grew up in a small Texas town, and his commitment to choosing the most important actions to pursue ECOP’s priorities. Gregg Hadley will bring his considerable national leadership to bear, including chairmanship of the ECOP Professional Development Committee and the Extension Foundation Board. 

Thank you Jon, Welcome Jake!

Rotating off ECOP from the Western region, Jon Borne concludes a long tenure of service to the system. Jake DeDecker will capably represent the region after national service on the ECOP Health Tiger Team.

Thank you Bev, Welcome Quentin!

Beverly Durgun concluded her service to ECOP from the North Central region at last week’s annual meeting, which included a year as ECOP Chair and stalwart support for increased capacity funding. Quentin Tyler will represent the region, drawing on his experience serving on the Board on Agriculture Assembly Board of Directors.

No First Friday in October

ECOP will not conduct an October “First Friday.” The next First Friday will take place November 6 at 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

USDA, Cooperative Extension, & APLU Award Top Honors in Extension Excellence

Washington, DC – The US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Cooperative Extension, and the Association of Public and Land-grant University (APLU) announce the following winners for the 2026 national Excellence in Extension awards. These awards are given annually and recognize Cooperative Extension individuals and teams demonstrating outstanding community leadership, innovative programming, and measurable impact. This year’s winners are as follows:

Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual: Mr. Paul Goeringer, University of Maryland

Excellence in Extension Team Award: Resilient Engaged Active Community Health (REACH), West Virginia University

Excellence in Extension for Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audience Award:
Ms. Mynda Tracy, University of Illinois- Urbana Campaign

“This year’s awardees truly reflect the strength and dedication of the Cooperative Extension System. Their leadership shows how powerful it can be when universities and communities work side‑by‑side to share knowledge and put it into action,” said USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Dr. Jaye Hamby. “Together, they’re creating meaningful, lasting change across the country.”

The National Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual is awarded annually to one Cooperative Extension professional who demonstrates outstanding scientific programming, visionary leadership, and positive impact in their community. Over the course of his career, he has built a nationally recognized Extension outreach program centered on plain-language legal education, covering farm leasing, succession planning, environmental law, right-to-farm laws, employment law, renewable energy contracting, and other issues affecting Maryland producers.

The National Excellence in Extension Team Award recognizes an Extension team performing work above and beyond their peers in research, technical assistance, and outreach education. Coordinated by Penn State University, Resilient Engaged Active Community Health (REACH), is a five-state partnership that addresses critical behavioral health challenges, including substance use disorders, opioid overdose, mental health concerns, stigma, and limited access to evidence-based services.

The Excellence in Extension for Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audience Award distinguishes a group or individual for significant achievement in Extension outreach to underserved communities. Lead by Mynda Tracy, the Extension Dual Credit & Credentialing Pathway demonstrates how Cooperative Extension can drive systemic change that expands access to college and career readiness opportunities. In Illinois, rural and under-resourced schools often face barriers to offering dual credit courses and industry-recognized credentials due to shortages of qualified instructors, limited Career and Technical Education (CTE) infrastructure, and fragmented connections among educational institutions and workforce partners. University of Illinois Extension sought to overcome these challenges by building educator capacity and creating new opportunities.

NIFA, Cooperative Extension, and APLU will also present four regional awards to individuals. This year’s recipients are:

·         1890s Region: Dr. Niki Whitley is an Extension Specialist at Fort Valley State University and serves producers across Georgia as the State Small Ruminant Specialist. With 26 years of Cooperative Extension experience at three 1890 land-grant universities, she has developed collaborative programs in small ruminants, beef cattle, pasture pork, rabbit production, equine health, and parasite management. Her work emphasizes practical, research-based solutions for small-scale and limited-resource livestock producers.

·         Southern Region: Dr. Daryl Brian Arnall is a Professor and Extension Precision Nutrient Management Specialist in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Oklahoma State University, where he also serves as the Sitlington Endowed Chair and Director of the Soil Research Services Laboratory. Throughout his career, he has advanced science based nutrient management by helping producers improve profitability while enhancing nutrient use efficiency and environmental stewardship through precision agriculture.

·         North Central Region: Dr. Timothy McDermott is an Extension Educator and Assistant Professor, Agriculture and Natural Resources, in the Department of Extension, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University. His Urban agriculture/Local food production teaching focused on agricultural workforce development, controlled environment agriculture, soil health, specialty crops, family food security, and economic sustainability.

·         Western Region: Dr. Steven Worker is a 4-H Youth Development Advisor with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. In the San Francsico north Bay, Dr. Worker has cultivated a STEM Learning Ecosystem that expands equitable access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning.

“Extension professionals work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of people they work with.  It is such an honor to celebrate excellence in this work and recognize Extension professionals as changemakers in their communities,” said 2026 ECOP Chair Lisa Townson. “We are pleased to recognize this year’s winners and humbled by their dedication to the land grant mission.”