Monday, December 20, 2021

2021 Annual Report

The ECOP Monday Minute will be on hiatus on December 27th and January 3rd to return on January 10th. 




ECOP Releases 2021 Annual Report - ECOP is pleased to release the ECOP 2021 Annual Accomplishments Report highlighting the past year of national leadership. Chris Watkins, ECOP Immediate Past Chair, Cornell University, particularly emphasizes the release of the CES Advocacy and Education Toolkit, the development of associated ECOP Program Committee Program Action Teams providing leadership on national CES efforts, the updated National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being, and the ECOP return on investment. Much appreciation is extended to everyone who led these efforts.



Applicants Sought for Executive Director, ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee - The ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee (ECOP 4-H) seeks an Executive Director, an 18-month contractual position funded by Cooperative Extension Section reserves and National 4-H Council. The ideal candidate is an experienced Extension Director/Administrator or State 4-H Program Leader with demonstrated past success in collaborative leadership and coordination of Extension system resources who is passionate about building partnership and policy foundations for future 4-H Youth Development programs and initiatives nationwide. The position location is flexible and some travel is expected. Primarily, the 50% time position:
  • Supports the work of ECOP 4-H, including a bold vision and plan for engaging more youth in the 4-H program that also reflects the diversity of youth in the United States. 
  • Reports directly to the Co-chairs of the ECOP 4-H. 
The full job description is found here. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume by January 14, 2022 to ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee at ECOP4-H@4-H.org.

Monday, December 13, 2021

Two Valuable Orientations in Early 2022

New Extension Directors Orientation - All members of the Cooperative Extension Section are invited and encouraged to join our newest members and well-seasoned panelists for this Learning for Leaders Event, What I Know Now That I Wish I Knew Then. This virtual event, sponsored by the ECOP Professional Development Committee, will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022, 3:00-4:30 PM ET. Chair John Lawrence, Iowa State University, will moderate a panel of experienced, successful Directors who will be sharing advice and answering questions. The results of a recent Professional Development Committee survey of new and interim Directors will guide the discussion. Inquiries for this event will be addressed by Sandy Ruble, Assistant Director, Cooperative Extension System/ECOP at sandyruble@extension.org.  



Save the Date-2022 New Administrators’ Orientation - A Virtual Event is set for February 8-10, 2022, 2:30-5:00 PM ET. This event is intended for individuals on the APLU Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA) and their supporting administrators or faculty, who have entered an administrative position since 2019; USDA-NIFA personnel who are interested; and any others who would like to learn more about APLU, the Land-grant University System, the BAA, and USDA. Information presented will be particularly useful to administrative heads, directors, associate/assistant directors, and USDA-NIFA national program leaders and administrators. According to Wendy Fink, Executive Director, Academic Programs Section & Assistant Vice President, Food, Agriculture & Natural Resources (FANR), registration will be released to the BAA in early January. 
  



New SNAP-Ed Talking Points Infographic Released
- To highlight the value Land-grant Universities bring to SNAP-Ed, the SNAP-Ed LGU Program Development Team has created a one-page infographic to share with key stakeholders. The infographic found at the bottom of the website snap-ed.extension.org emphasizes the LGU structure and system, local connection, added value, experience, and key program outcomes. If you have any questions about the infographic, please contact the SNAP-Ed LGU Program Development Team Assistant, Lauren Sweeney at lauren.sweeney@sdstate.edu.



3rd NAPA Biennial International Scientific Conference 2022 - The Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) is a organizing an international scientific conference from May 27-29, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia with the theme is ‘Advancing Agriculture in a Changing World’. The conference provides a scientific forum for students, researchers, academicians, and professionals who are engaged in but not limited to teaching, research, Extension, rural development, and entrepreneurial activities in the field of agricultural and allied sciences across America and beyond. Participants will have an opportunity to present research findings, share experiences, exchange ideas, explore professional collaborations, and engage in networking activities that foster impactful collaboration. Find more information about this conference at the following links:
· Call for abstracts (professionals and students)
· Call for essays-student writing contest
· Click here for more details about the NAPA conference

Monday, December 6, 2021

Meet Latest National Leaders

ECOP - 
ECOP shall consist of fifteen voting members – three from each of the five regions, elected by
the Regional Associations, each serving a four-year term on a rotational basis. - Cooperative Extension Section Rules of Operation, Article VI.

Southern Region Chooses Damona Doye
: An Oklahoma State University (OSU) faculty member since June 1986, Lawton native Damona Doye was named associate vice president of OSU Extension in January 2018. OSU Extension is a state agency, with educators and staff in all 77 counties as well as state, district and area specialists who help Oklahomans solve local and regional issues and concerns. Prior to being named associate vice president, Doye served as OSU Extension farm management specialist for 32 years and held the Rainbolt Chair of Agricultural Finance in the Department of Agricultural Economics. She is a Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, the highest honor given by the organization in recognition of lifetime achievement. Dr. Doye holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Agricultural Economics, Iowa State University; a Master of Science, Agricultural Economics, and a Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Economics, OSU. In 2020, Damona served on the NEDA Planning Committee.


1890s Region Chooses Allen Malone:
  Fulfilling the final 3 years of a 4-year term, Dr. Allen A. Malone (pictured left) is the 4th 1890 Extension Administrator at Alabama A&M. He is an Agricultural Economics graduate of Prairie View A&M University and holds a dual doctorate degree in Agricultural Education & Leadership from Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University.  Prior to joining the Alabama Extension team, Dr. Malone served as the County Extension Director in Harris County, Texas. Harris County has a population of over five million people and is one of the most diverse counties in Texas. Malone is a former Program Specialist for Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is passionate about youth and served as a 4-H Youth Camp Director in Texas. As a a Specialist he also provided leadership for youth in Agricultural Literacy and Livestock judging. He also coordinated the Urban Rancher Program. Dr. Malone has received numerous awards and recognitions for his visionary leadership to include a Cooperative Extension Program Distinguished Service Team Award and numerous awards as a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi. He also serves as the Chair elect for the Association of Extension Administrators and is a member of several Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) committees. Dr. Malone is married to Tangie Malone. They have 2 sons, Collin, a Sophomore  football player and Marketing major at Alabama A&M University and Chase, a Senior  Accounting major at Alabama A&M. They are blessed with a 2 year old grandson, Camari A. Malone.


Northeast Region Directors Chooses Ken La Valley: As the Dean and Director, Dr. La Valley (pictured left) leads University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and UNH Professional Development and Training in their mission to address the diverse needs of New Hampshire in the areas of community and economic development, food and agriculture, youth and families, natural resources, and professional education. He was appointed interim Dean of Extension in July 2014 and was hired into the permanent position in June 2015. He comes from a long line of alumni with his Father, two sisters and daughter all receiving degrees from UNH. Ken received his bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of NH in 1993. He received a Master of Science in 1993 from the University of Rhode Island, and doctoral degree also from URI in 2005. La Valley’s research interest is in conservation engineering of fishing gear that improves selectivity while reducing bycatch of non-target species. His Extension work was focused on technology transfer of sustainable fishing strategies as well as improving the capacity of local fishermen to direct market their harvest. In addition to his role as Director of UNH Extension, Ken works collaboratively with academic units across the university and colleges to provide strategic direction for UNH’s outreach, K12 engagement, and non-credit continuing education programs. Dr. La Valley will represent the Northeast Region on ECOP.  


Also of note - The ECOP Program Committee Chooses Brent Hales
: Serving on his first 4-year term since 2020, Dr. Brent Hales (picture left) is Associate Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Director of Penn State Extension. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree in sociology from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Ph.D. in rural sociology from Iowa State University. Dr. Hales previously served as the Senior Associate Dean and Chief Financial Officer of the University of Minnesota Extension. 
His primary area of research is holistic community and economic development and entrepreneurship.  
Dr. Hales is the founder the Southern Entrepreneurship Program, which teaches entrepreneurship skills to high school and community college students, and to displaced workers throughout the U.S. and across the globe. He is also a past president of the Community Development Society.
Dr. Hales is the father of 6 children and has been married to his best friend Candy for 28 years.  

Thank you to Dr. Ivory Lyles, Oregon State University, for serving for one incredibly banner year as the ECOP Program Committee Chair. Ivory will continue in his national role as a member of ECOP and the Program Committee.



 
ECOP Budget and Legislative Committee - 
Three (3) representatives from each region, elected by the Regional Associations, each serving a 3-
year term on a rotational basis. - ECOP Operating Guidelines, page 8. The BLC is Chaired by Jon Boren, New Mexico State University. 

1890s Region Chooses Allen Malone: Fulfilling the final year of a term of 3 years, Dr. Malone also will serve on the ECOP Budget and Legislative Committee.


Western Region Chooses Cody Stone: As Extension Executive Director, Dr. Stone (picture left) oversees an educational network that stretches into all 56 of Montana’s counties and all seven Indian reservations in the state. Extension applies unbiased, research-based university resources to meet practical needs identified by Montanans in their own communities. Prior to becoming Extension Executive Director, Stone served as Extension’s interim director following serving as associate director from 2014 to 2017. From 2005 to 2014, he served as director and in other development roles for the Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development and as an associate professor at MSU. He was an Extension program specialist and regional program director for 4-H and Youth Development for Texas Cooperative Extension from 1999 to 2005, and a Texas Agricultural Extension agent for Gillespie County from 1997 to 1999. Stone received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and his master’s degree in agricultural education from Texas A&M University. He received his doctorate in education from MSU, focusing on adult and higher education administration. In 2019-2020, Dr. Stone served on the NEDA Planning Committee.



ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee Co-chair - 
The committee will be co-chaired by an Extension Director/Administrator and a 4-H Program Leader
(PL) selected from within the committee by committee members. Co-chairs will serve a staggered two-year term and may be reappointed. 
ECOP Operating Guidelines, page 10. 


The 4-Leadership Committee Chooses Laura Stephenson: Associate Dean and Director of the University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension Service, Laura Stephenson (pictured left) began her duties in 2019, providing leadership for 120 counties in the commonwealth of Kentucky. 
In Dr. Stephenson’s national leadership role, she served on the SNAP-Ed Program Development Team. Her passion for the Cooperative Extension mission began as a youth who participated in 4-H speech, demonstration and food preparation projects. Her professional career with the organization has included serving UK as Clark County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, District 2 Director, and Assistant Director for FCS Extension Field Programs. For six years, she served as University of Tennessee Associate Dean and Department Chair of Family and Consumer Sciences. 
Dr. Stephenson is a strong advocate for county-based programming, building capacity of interdisciplinary faculty/agent teams and engagement of local, regional and state stakeholders. Her vision for Cooperative Extension is to build strong, healthy, economically viable Kentucky communities through campus-county partnerships. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Kentucky University and a doctorate in gerontology from UK and recently served on the 2021 NEDA Planning Committee. Dr. Stephenson's co-chair is Dr. Lisa Bouillion Diaz, 4-H Assistant Dean and Director, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Monday, November 22, 2021

Organizational and Delivery Response Resources

The ECOP Monday Minute will be on hiatus on November 29, 2021. Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.

Organizational and Delivery Response Resources -  As a result of robust national network dialogue by a majority of the members of the Cooperative Extension Section during the 2021 National Extension Directors and Administrators meeting on October 13, 2021, these 2 reports are available for review. 
More assets from the the entire 3 day meeting are found at neda.extension.org.



Workforce and Economic Development Programming Uplift in 2 Steps - The ECOP Program Committee, led by Ivory Lyles, Oregon State University, has launched a Program Action Team (PAT) to refine programming and generate resources for Cooperative Extension System's Workforce and Economic Development response for the nation. ECOP, NIFA, and Extension Foundation are investing with implementation-oriented resources; funding, involvement by Carlos Ortiz, National Program Leader, Division of Community and Education, and more. A Workforce Development Fellow will soon be hired to orchestrate strategic planning and programmatic structure geared toward national funding. Today Dr. Lyles invites the rest of his colleagues, all Extension Directors and Administrators, to get involved to lift up Workforce and Economic Development in their state/territory/tribal community in 2 easy steps explained in this important one-page memo. Please review the memo at the link provided and take action today! Thank you.



Executive Director, ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee to be Hired in 2022 - The ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee (Committee) led by Laura Stephenson, University of Kentucky, and Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois, provides leadership for Extension’s 4-H Positive Youth Development Program, by convening national partners on policy issues of national importance, facilitating systematic responses to critical challenges, coordinated implementation of national priorities, and by making timely recommendations to ECOP that inform collaborative efforts. Staffing support is needed for programs and initiatives of the Committee, and to ensure positive impact for the 4-H program nationally and locally. An Executive Director for the Committee is essential to maintaining the significant progress and momentum achieved in recent years. This position will be open for applications in early 2022. This will be an 18-month contractual position funded by both Cooperative Extension and National 4-H Council, reporting directly to the Co-chairs of the Committee. A core deliverable of the Executive Director will be to develop a sustainability plan, i.e., to pursue revenue generating opportunities to support Committee staff and initiatives beyond the initial 18-month phase. More information on hiring process will be shared soon. 



Webinar Addresses Antifungal Resistance - The National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research & Education (NIAMRRE) is pleased to offer a webinar - Starting Conversations: Antifungal Resistance and its Impact on Food Production and Human and Animal Health on December 9, 2021, at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (ET). Goal: Learn what growers and practitioners are doing to improve antifungal use, and be part of the conversation to assure the continued health around human, animal, and plant sectors. Read more here or proceed to register here.

Monday, November 15, 2021

Learning for Leaders Events

Save the Dates - ECOP Professional Development Committee Chair John Lawrence, Vice President for Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University, is leading the effort for the return of Learning for Leaders for the Section events in 2022. Here are the First Friday dates: 3-4:30 p.m. ET on January 7, March 4, May 6, and July 1, 2022. The January event will be New and Interim Director and Administrator Orientation: What I Know Now that I Wish I Knew Then, with a moderated panel of experienced Extension Leaders sharing advice and answering questions. All members of the Section are invited and encouraged to join the newest members and well-seasoned panelists (to be determined). Last week a survey was released to new and interim leaders to solicit their most burning questions/concerns. Zoom connection details will soon be released by National Office Assistant Director Sandy Ruble. For more information, contact either Albert Essel aeessel@ncat.edu or Robin Shepard robin.shepard@wisc.edu of the Committee.



2021 Awards Video Recap - Last week, ECOP Chair Wendy Powers, University of California, and NIFA Director Carrie Castille presented the 2021 Cooperative Extension Awards during the virtual ceremony hosted by APLU. 
  • The Playlist of 7, 5-6 minutes video presentations by the winners is available for sharing on ECOP Office YouTube Channel

  • Click here to view the  Dropbox version of the annual awards booklet where 2021 Extension Awards are referenced on pages 23-34. 
The call for nominations for 2022 Awards is as always on February 1 with a deadline of May 1. A new Team Excellence in Extension Award for is added to the mix! To learn more visit www.aplu.org/CESAwards.



Hearing for Consideration of Under Secretary - The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry posted the hearing notice for consideration of Dr. Jacobs-Young to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. This will occur next Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 10:30 am ET. The hearing will not be webcast.

 

USDA NIFA AgrAbility Program - Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities: The AgrAbility program increases the likelihood that farmers, ranchers, farm workers and farm family members with disabilities will experience success in agricultural production. The program supports projects between State Cooperative Extension System and private, non-profit disability organizations who work in partnership to provide agricultural education and assistance directed at accommodating disability in farm operations for individuals with disabilities, and their families, who engage in farming and farm-related occupations. Applications may be submitted only by Cooperative Extension at 1862 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities including University of the District of Columbia, and 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, including the Central State University, Tuskegee University and West Virginia State University. Proposals are due January 13, 2022. Visit the RFA here.

Monday, November 8, 2021

2020-2021 National Recognitions


During the 2021 NEDA and the Cooperative Extension Section Business Meeting on October 14, Chris Watkins, 2020-2021 ECOP Chair, recognized several ECOP members and partners for their exemplary work in support of Cooperative Extension. A mahogany and maple clock was presented to Gary B. Jackson, Mississippi State University, for serving a full 4-year term on ECOP with thanks for his national service. Other recognitions included: 
  • Brent Elrod, National Science Liaison, Institute of Youth, Family, and Community, USDA NIFA, for dedicated support of NTAE and NIFA's support of the ECOP Program Committee and for service to the ECOP 4-H Leadership Committee.
  • Jon Boren, New Mexico State University for leadership of the 4-H Leadership Committee as Co-chair since 2019. Jon continues to serve as ECOP Budget and Legislative Committee (BLC) Chair and the Section/ECOP's representative to the BAA Policy Board of Directors' Budget and Advocacy Committee.
  • Andy Turner, Cornell University for leadership of the 4-H Leadership Committee as Co-chair since 2017.
  • Lyla Houglum, WEDA Executive Director for service on the EDA Team for more than a decade in various national efforts, second only to Ron Brown of Southern Region in terms of longevity. Lyla retired in August 2021.
  • Jason Henderson, Purdue University for leadership as Cooperative Extension Section/ECOP Appointee to NC-FAR Board of Directors since 2017. Jason continues to serve as a member of ECOP and Vice-chair of the ECOP BLC.
  • Debby Sheely, University of Rhode Island for service as a member of ECOP since October 2019 and as interim Chair of the ECOP Professional Development Committee. Debby retired in June 2021. 
Thank you all for your outstanding contribution and efforts in the advancement of Cooperative Extension!




First Friday Conversation Reaction - Last Friday, ECOP Chair Wendy Powers, University of California, conducted the first in a series of monthly chats with 25 colleagues from all 5 Regions. The main topic was about for capacity funding for Extension. Here are just a few quotes from the anonymous post-meeting survey:
-- "I liked ample time to discuss rather than just updates and presentations. Thank you!"
-- "Dialogue is richer when all can relate to topic and have skin in the game."
-- "Succinct and focused meeting!"
The 76 Members of the Cooperative Extension Section are encouraged to attend the next conversation on Friday, December 3, 2021, 3-4:00 p.m. ET. Contact National Office Assistant Director Sandy Ruble sandyruble@extension.org for details.




Ag Outlook Registration Now OpenRegistration is now open for the 98th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, USDA's largest annual meeting and premiere event. This virtual two-day event will be held on February 24-25, 2022, and features a keynote address by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a presentation on the 2022 agricultural economy by USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyer, a panel of distinguished guest speakers, and 30 breakout sessions organized by agencies across USDA and covering a range of timely issues impacting the sector. More than 100 government, industry, and academic leaders will share their perspectives and insights on a wide array of topics including commodity and food price outlooks, U.S. and global agricultural trade developments, climate change, and innovations in agricultural production and sustainability. The 2022 Forum theme and full program will be announced soon. For more information, read this USDA press release.




Cooperative Extension System Partners with the Ad Council on Vaccine Education - Rural communities have been hit hard by COVID-19. In September alone, incidence rates of COVID-19 were roughly 54% higher in rural America than elsewhere. As part of its ongoing rural vaccine outreach, the Cooperative Extension System and the CDC EXCITE Program have partnered with the Ad Council to release a set of nine new rural-focused PSAs. Backed by research showing the power of personal stories, the videos aim to meet rural Americans where they are with clear and accurate information. From the farm to the football field to the pharmacy, every story is unique and unscripted -- the stories of how COVID-19 and vaccines have impacted rural America. View all nine stories, including messages in Spanish, here. To access the Ad Council’s rural community toolkit, including messaging guidance, radio content, social graphics and more, click here. See the press release detailing the breadth of rural-focused work here.

Monday, November 1, 2021

2021 Cooperative Extension Awards

Recognizing visionary leadership and diversity in educational programming, ECOP is pleased to share the following awards to be presented at this virtual event next Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 3:00 p.m. ET. Please register at the link provided today to hear the impacts from each winner! 

Dr. Ann Allgood Berry (pictured left) of the University of Tennessee will receive the 15th Annual Excellence in Extension Award while the Coming Together for Racial Understanding Team will receive the 30th Annual National Extension Diversity Award.

The Excellence in Extension Award is given to Cooperative Extension professionals who excel at programming, provides visionary leadership, and makes a positive impact on constituents served. Dr. Berry is an Extension specialist responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating consumer economics programs to support outreach through the University of Tennessee’s network of family and consumer science and 4-H youth development agents in 95 counties across the state. By conducting 124 teacher workshops, personal finance instruction reached 1.2 million high school students. The estimated impact of this Consumer Economics program is $297,261,026 since 2007.

The National Diversity Award recognizes significant contributions and accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism. The Coming Together for Racial Understanding Team, comprised of Extension specialists and administrators from 22 land-grant universities from 17 states, and other national representatives, is the winner. The team helped train facilitators who guided community dialogues across the country around issues of race and discrimination. The effort involved 29 states sending teams for national training, with more than 100 participants completing train-the-trainer workshops. All told, over 900 Cooperative Extension System staff completed some portion of the trainings. The principal for the CTRU Team, Rachel Welborn, Associate Director for the Southern Region Rural Development, will accept the award on behalf of the Team.

Regional Excellence in Extension Awards:
  • 1890s Region: Michelle L. Eley, Community and Economic Development Specialist, North Carolina A&T State University, for communication and economic development for underserved agricultural and rural audiences.
  • North Central Region: Ashley L. Mueller, Extension Specialist, Disaster Education Coordinator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, for disaster education leading to increased community preparedness and resilience.
  • Northeast Region: Harry Crissy, Business and Community Vitality Extension Educator, The Pennsylvania State University, for promoting access to broadband Internet.
  • Southern Region: Robert C. Kemerait, Jr., Extension Specialist, Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, for advancing public understanding of managing major disease threats to Agronomic Crops.
  • Western Region: Ana Lucia Fonseca, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, Oregon State University, for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for all learners.



Member Updates with Wendy Powers, ECOP Chair - Last week Members of the Cooperative Extension Section, were cordially invited to participate in ECOP’s First Friday Section Update event on November 5th from 3:00-4:00 PM ET. Important information will be shared directly with members with ample time discuss ideas, concerns, and emerging opportunities. These opportunities are part of Dr. Powers’ 2021-2022 Action Plan: To continue to develop and improve upon the understanding about the role of ECOP and ECOP activities, providing regular updates on ECOP activities, through the ECOP Monday Minute and virtual Section briefings. Extension Directors and Administrators are asked to keep the first Friday of each month (except August) open on their calendars from 3-4:30 PM ET for these sessions. Connection details may be obtained by contacting Sandy Ruble at sandyruble@extenssion.org




Two Events Slated on Sustainability of Forest and Rangeland Resources - The 2021 McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research (MCSFR) and the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) programs will hold two events (fall and spring) to identify opportunities, discuss challenges, and collaborate in addressing the sustainability of forest and rangeland resources through research, education, and extension strategies. The first meeting November 15 at 1 p.m. (ET) intends to connect MCSFR administrative technical representatives and RREA project directors through a series of talks, breakout groups, webinars, and guest speakers to learn about the latest changes in the reporting system, financial, and administrative management of the programs. For more information, go to the MSCFR and RREA webinar announcement.




USDA NIFA Civil Rights Compliance Review Schedule for FY 2022-2025 - Civil Rights (CR) compliance reviews are a tool to determine how benefits and services are delivered by NIFA-funded programs and activities. The collaborative reviews provide recipients of NIFA funding with technical assistance and strategies to improve access, equal opportunity, and program delivery. Onsite compliance reviews are conducted annually on a rotational basis for recipients in the U.S. and territories. The NIFA CR Compliance Review Schedule for 2022-2025 is available here.

Monday, October 25, 2021

Exploring Evidence-Based Programming in Cooperative Extension

The Extension Foundation is convening interested stakeholders to explore what evidence-based programming means to Cooperative Extension professionals and to determine how Extension can refer to these efforts. If you are interested in joining the conversation, we invite you to opt-in to receive information about upcoming focus groups to frame this important work by filling out this form. The goals of these conversations include:
· Explore questions and gather ideas to inform and shape this work
· Define what is an evidence-based program
· Identify the language for naming evidence-based programs
· Build a taxonomy of programming models
· Define the ways evidence-based programs can be communicated
· Establish an advisory committee. Learn more here.



First Fridays-Updates, Dialogue, and Learning for Leaders Opportunities for Extension Directors and Administrators - In an effort to better communicate the work of ECOP, address emerging issues, and provide opportunities for professional development, ECOP Chair Wendy Powers will host a series Cooperative Extension Section Updates and Learning for Leaders events over the coming year for Extension Directors and Administrators. These events will take place on the first Friday of each month beginning November 5, 2021, at 3:00 PM ET. Section Updates will be no longer that 1 hour and Learning for Leaders no longer than 90 minutes. Hold the dates/times now for First Friday events through September 2022 except for August when there is a regional conflict. More details - topics and connection details - to come.


Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Reaffirms Commitment to 4-H and Cooperative Extension - National 4-H Council is pleased to announce that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has renewed its partnership with 4-H and Cooperative Extension with a commitment of an additional $5 million to support the advancement of health equity and well-being across the nation. This two-year investment will build upon prior efforts to catalyze change at the community-level by creating system level supports that facilitate the implementation of the recommendations contained in Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being. Special attention will be given to system-wide interventions that amplify the role of young people in addressing health-related issues, advance Cooperative Extension’s work to addressing barriers to life-long health, and position equitable development as a strategy for creating communities in which all people thrive. For more information, contact Roger Rennekamp, Extension Health Director at rogerrennekamp@extension.org.



U.S. Senate Recognition for 4-H - The U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating October 3-9, 2021, as “National 4-H Week”, encouraging all citizens to recognize the significant impact of 4-H in providing opportunities for America’s youth and “empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.” The resolution received support from 46 Senate co-sponsors, including 4-H Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Debbie Stabenow and John Boozman. “We need a strong and engaged next generation of leaders, both on and off the farm. 4-H provides our young people with opportunities to lead hands-on health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement projects,” said Senate Ag Committee Chair Stabenow. “As a former 4-H’er myself, I know 4-H equips young people with the skills they need to thrive in any career. I am glad my colleagues came together on a bipartisan basis to officially recognize National 4-H Week.” Click here to read more. In its role as the non-profit partner to Cooperative Extension, National 4-H Council supports the Congressional & Senate 4-H Caucuses, which includes 66 members across both chambers. For more information, contact Eliza Hernandez, National 4-H Council Chief of Staff at eherhandez@fourhcouncil.edu.

Monday, October 18, 2021

New Health Framework Serves as Roadmap


Health Program Action Team UpdateCooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being outlines a bold and ambitious plan by which the Cooperative Extension System can advanced its work to improve population health and achieve equity in health status. The Framework includes five high-level recommendations and a robust set of specific recommendations for achieving this goal. National 4-H Council, through the generous support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, along with the Extension Foundation and USDA-NIFA have joined forces to provide funding to support implementation of the recommendations. Leadership for implementation of the recommendations will be provided by the Health Program Action Team of the ECOP Program Committee. The Health Program Action Team is currently being established through a transitional process that will incorporate membership of several existing groups (including the Health Innovation Task Force) into a consolidated leadership group. Messaging information about this work is located here. For more information, contact Roger Rennekamp, Extension Health Director, at rogerrennekamp@extension.org.




Thank You!
to the 55 Members of the Section plus 2, 1994 Extension Directors, from 44 states and 1 US territory, who participated in 2021 NEDA last week! - Watch for highlights and Leadership Resources. Have a look during the week at ECOP Chair Wendy Powers's 2021-2022 Action Plan at www.aplu.org/CESgoals and hold 3-4:30 p.m. ET every first Friday beginning November 5 (except August 2022) to virtually meet with Wendy for member-driven updates and/or Learning for Leaders events. 



Leadership Development for the 21st Century (LEAD21) Call for Application Deadline November 30 - The LEAD21 program is intended to meet the future needs for leadership development of faculty, specialists, district and regional directors, program and team leaders, research station and center directors, department heads and chairs, and others in the universities’ colleges of agricultural, environmental, natural resources, veterinary sciences, and human sciences and USDA/NIFA. Individuals from land-grant, NARRU institutions, and USDA are encouraged to participate. The primary purpose of LEAD21 is to develop leaders in land grant institutions and their strategic partners who link research, academics, and extension in order to lead more effectively in an increasingly complex environment, either in their current position or as they aspire to other positions. Learn about the program goals, components, and costs here.




DEI Professional Development Opportunity for Extension Professionals - Michigan State University Extension’s Tollgate Farm and Education Center is hosting a virtual professional development panel discussion series for Extension and educational professionals about learning to better incorporate the perspectives of diverse groups in educational programs. Moderators and panelists from each community provide a chance for educators to deepen their teaching practice in a safe online space for open conversation and community. Interested parties may register here for upcoming sessions, including:
  • November 4: Incorporating Indigenous Perspectives and Maple Sugaring Experiences in Place-based Teaching and Learning
  • December 2: Incorporating Black Perspectives in Place-Based Teaching and Learning
  • February 3: Special Needs Perspectives and PBE In and Beyond the Classroom
  • March 3: Engaging with LGTBQ+IA Communities in PBE in Formal and Non-Formal Settings
  • April 7: A Latinx Lens: Incorporating Latinx Perspectives through Place-Based Educational Programming
  • May 5: Incorporating Asian Principles, Practices, and People in Community- and Place-Based Learning



RFA Vaccine Hesitancy of the Cooperative Extension System: PROPOSAL DEADLINE EXTENDED - The EXCITE team invites all Land-grant Institutions to apply for up to $300,000 funding for Dec. 1, 2021- April 30, 2023, to: 1) assess vaccine hesitancy of Extension field educators, specialists, and administrators, and 2) create and implement a strategy to reduce vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 and other adult immunizations to increase confidence and willingness to become immunization educators in their community. The goal of this project is to reduce hesitancy around vaccination and increase willingness to serve in educational roles around adult vaccination among Cooperative Extension personnel at all three types of Land-grant institutions (1862, 1890, 1994). View the Vaccine Hesitancy of the Cooperative Extension RFA, and view the application guide. The deadline for the RFA is now November 12, 2021.

Monday, October 11, 2021

Annual Passing of the Gavel

Wendy Powers,
University of California
On October 14, 2021, during the Cooperative Extension Section Business Meeting portion of NEDAMembers will witness the official passing of their Chair's gavel from Chris Watkins, Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University to Wendy Powers, Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California. Dr. Powers’ vision as ECOP Chair is to advance the ECOP Strategic Directions, focusing on priorities, as identified by member institutions, and building on successes and lessons learned during the recent past. The intended outcome is a cohesive Cooperative Extension System and stronger member programs, inclusive of all. Our sincere appreciation for outstanding leadership and commitment to the mission of Extension over the past year is extended to Dr. Watkins.



NIH Requests Information from Extension on Research Opportunities to End Hunger, Food and Nutrition Insecurity - NIH has posted NOT-OD-21-183 - Request for Information (RFI): Research Opportunities to End Hunger, Food and Nutrition Insecurity. Through this RFI input is invited on the approaches NIH can take to address hunger, food insecurity and nutrition insecurity through innovative and multidisciplinary research - including implementation science and health outcomes-based research. Several areas of investigation could potentially reveal strategies to advance nutrition science, and improve coordination of federal food and nutrition policy, along with strategies and tactics to integrate nutrition with healthcare. This RFI is intended to solicit input from a broad array of stakeholder communities beyond the biomedical research community and healthcare sector. Responses can be provided by email or an email attachment. There are no forms or page limits. Responses will be accepted until November 1, 2021. Please direct all inquiries to Christopher Lynch, Ph.D., OD/Office of Nutrition Research (ONR), Telephone: 301-827-3988, and Email: nutritionresearch@nih.gov.



Competitive Nutrition/Health Grant Program Listening Session - The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) brings together stakeholders from various parts of the food and healthcare systems. The competitive grant program portfolio includes nutrition incentive projects, produce prescription projects, training, technical assistance, evaluation, and information centers which provide support services to both nutrition incentive and produce prescription projects. NIFA will host a webinar to listen to stakeholder feedback regarding all aspects of the GusNIP program. Go online here for more information or to register for the October 20, at 2:00 p.m. ET session.



Final Call for Editor for Youth Development Journal - The Publications Committee of the Journal of Youth Development: Bridging Research and Practice (JYD) is searching for their next Editor. JYD is an established open access, peer-reviewed journal in which neither authors nor readers pay anything for access. JYD is hosted by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) and the National Afterschool Association (NAA) with a collective membership of over 35,000 practitioners, researchers and leaders in child and youth learning and development throughout communities across the country including state affiliates. JYD’s editorial policies and practices are set by the Publication Committee in consultation with the Editor. Nominations (including self-nominations) for Editorship should send a brief (one- to two-page) statement of interest and vision for the journal and a letter of support from the head of the institution or department where the individual works by November 1 and request two letters of reference from individuals who can comment on the qualifications of the candidate for meeting the job qualifications outlined above. All materials should be submitted to Dale Blyth, Chair of the Search Committee at blyth004@umn.edu.

Monday, October 4, 2021

Cooperative Extension Section/ECOP Leadership Announcement

Dr. Beverly R. Durgan
University of Minnesota
T
he North Central Cooperative Extension Association (NCCEA), Robin Shepard-Executive Director, has announced that Dr. Beverly R. Durgan will become Chair-elect of the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP). Dr. Durgan has been Dean and Director of University of Minnesota Extension since 2005. She was appointed Director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in 2006 and served in that role until 2012. University of Minnesota Extension is a state-wide organization with over 800 employees located in 87 county offices, 15 regional offices, and six University colleges. Dr. Durgan has served in numerous national leadership roles, including Vice Chair and Chair of the Budget and Advocacy Committee (BAC), one of two standing committees of the APLU Board on Agriculture Assembly's Policy Board of Directors. Dr. Durgan has chaired the North Central Administrative Heads Section (AHS), has served as an administrative liaison to several regional committees and projects and is the current chair of the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence, a national center that is a collaboration between extension, research, pork producers and the pork industry. Prior to her appointment as Dean, Dr. Durgan was Associate Dean for Research and Outreach and Chief Financial Officer in the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota. As Associate Dean, she provided leadership for research and outreach programs of eleven academic departments and six research and outreach centers. Congratulations and thank you Dr. Durgan!



DEI Program Action Team Update - The ECOP Program Committee's Program Action Team on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion led by Vonda Richardson, Florida A&M University, and Rachel Welborn, Southern Rural Development Center, has established year one priorities which include:
  • Developing an information sharing system for posting resources such as peer-reviewed policies, procedures, best practices, and examples across the system that advance the efforts, working with Extension Foundation to host.
  • Establishing metrics to measure changes in awareness, behavior, and actions toward the goal of system, institutional and program transformations advancing DEI. Help establish a baseline starting point from which we can gauge success.
  • Identifying a few promising programs to support as national initiatives – focus on a few things we can do well together, models that work on the programming level.
  • Exploring collaborations that work among 1862/1890/1994 – what works, what could be improved? What could set up our system for collaboration rather than competition?
  • Developing an Extension DEI community acting on system-wide, institutional, and program actions
Crystal Tyler-Mackey, Virginia Cooperative Extension, has agreed to serve as the DEI Fellow for the project helping to guide efforts toward these priorities. The team consists of Extension administrators and directors as well as specialists throughout Extension with experience in DEI efforts. The team welcomes others to join. Please contact Vonda or Rachel for additional details.



Intent to Establish an Equity Commission and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Equity Commission Advisory Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture - Section 1006(a)(3) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 directs the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture to create an Equity Commission to advise the Agency in “addressing historical discrimination and disparities in the agriculture sector,” which includes “funding one or more equity commissions to address racial equity issues within USDA and its programs.” Nominations can be submitted to Dr. Dewayne L. Goldmon, USDA Senior Advisor for Racial Equity, Office of the Secretary, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6006-S, Washington, DC 20250; or send by email to: EquityCommission@usda.gov. A Federal Official of USDA will acknowledge receipt of nominations. View the Federal Register Notice here.




Invitation to Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Public Conversation - The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) will hold its annual Public Conversation on October 7, 2021, 12:30 -2:00 p.m. ET. The Public Conversation is an opportunity to hear from the Foundation’s leadership. This gathering, held virtually this year, also includes a forum for the public to address FFAR. During the Public Conversation, FFAR will also recognize Executive Director Dr. Sally Rockey in anticipation of her retirement. Learn more about Dr. Rockey’s Retirement here and register for free here. FFAR will accept comments via completion of the registration form or by email at communications@foundationfar.org. Registered participants will receive the Zoom webinar link.



Making it Count: Applying Science to Support Universal Affordable Broadband Adoption - The APLU Office of Economic Development & Community Engagement invites Extension Directors and Administrators a conference on October 27, 2021, at Noon ET featuring presentations on papers that will inform current deliberations over how to structure, monitor, and evaluate the new suite of internet access and adoption programs made available by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and other federal funding programs. Read what topics will be included and register here and preview the current agenda at here. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to funding by USDA-NIFA.

 

Military Families Learning Network Looking for CES/Afghanistan Refugee Programs - Is your state working with Afghan refugees? Are your counties engaging locally with Afghan families relocating to the United States? The Military Families Learning Network in cooperation with the Department of Defense Office of Military Family Readiness Policy is interested to know how the Cooperative Extension System (CES) is responding to this new refugee influx. CES has successfully responded to immigrant needs in years past with local programs, educational materials, and partnerships with faith-based resources. Please send what your state or counties are doing or planning to do by email to Brigitte Scott, National Program Leader for the Military Families Learning Network, at brigit2@vt.edu by November 1, 2021. A description of these efforts will be shared with Department of Defense colleagues and others across the country.

Monday, September 27, 2021

Virtual National Awards Event Registration

The Cooperative Extension System is invited to register for A Community of Scholars Celebrating Excellence: USDA Teaching and Extension Awards Ceremony, Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 3:00-5:30 PM, ET, at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gHQn8SMBSvWLa8ck07Ch-g. Wendy Powers, University of California, who will then be ECOP Chair, will join USDA-NIFA Officials during the first portion of the event for presentation of the esteemed Extension Awards. Recipients are preparing ignite-style briefings to share their impacts during the session. The official media release announcing the 2021 recipients of these awards will be released closer to the actual date. Contact either Sandy Ruble, sandyruble@extension.org, regarding the Extension Awards and Tara Westington, twestington@aplu.org, regarding the Teaching Awards for more information. Other November 2021 dates/times of interest to the Cooperative Extension Section are found here.



Invitation to Participate in National Survey on Rural Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Priorities - The four Regional Rural Development Centers invite rural-focused leadership and professionals working on issues of community, economic, and workforce development to participate in a national survey. The survey is the first phase of a listening sessions process aimed at identifying key priorities and critical investments for rural communities' recovery and growth. The process is implemented by the RRDCs with support from the Extension Foundation through the New Technologies for Agricultural Extension accelerator program. The RRDCs ask that rural development research and Extension/outreach leaders (1) complete the survey no later than October 6 and (2) share the survey with those in their networks engaged in community and economic development activities. Timely completion will ensure that responses inform a preliminary report that will be shared by the RRDCs with USDA NIFA and other federal partners as stakeholder feedback. To access the survey and submit responses, visit: https://bit.ly/RuralPrioritiesSurvey. Please pardon any duplication of effort to inform readers of this opportunity.



USDA Releases Resource Guide for Rural Disaster Resiliency and Recovery - USDA Rural Development (RD) has announced the launch of a new resource guide to help rural communities seeking disaster resiliency and recovery assistance. This resource guide outlines RD programs, services and information on technical assistance for rural preparedness and recovery. Resources of the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) are included. This guide seeks to strengthen local resiliency, provide resources that help build capacity to identify and manage risks to minimize the impact of disasters on residents and businesses. USDA RD’s disaster resiliency and recovery guide provides a matrix categorizing RD programs by the following four key assistance types:
   · Community and Economic Development Planning and Housing
   · Infrastructure and Equipment including wastewater systems, broadband, and healthcare
   · Local Business Development
   · Education and Training



2021 FCS State Program Leaders Meeting Announcement - Extension Directors and Administrators are invited to share that the Annual FCS State Program Leaders Meeting will be held virtually on November 4-5, 2021, in conjunction with the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Meeting. Go to https://www.neafcs.org/2021-annual-session for more information.

Monday, September 20, 2021

Community Learning through Data-Driven Discovery

Community Learning through Data-Driven Discovery (CLD3): A Paradigm Shift for Working with Communities to Address Critical Needs - Rural communities, towns, cities, counties, and states have entered a new era where communities of all types have access to data in greater quantity, detail, and variety. These communities face the challenge of integrating these data into their decision-making, planning, economic development, and operations. The Cooperative Extension System (CES) can help. CES professionals are poised to become catalysts to bring the data revolution to their communities and help community leaders address some of the most pressing needs of our time. The CES can develop and sustain a national network of Community Learning through Data-Driven Discovery (CLD3) partnerships that integrate data science expertise with CES professionals in the field and the communities they serve. Data-science research partnerships within the CES contribute to shaping and placing data insights directly into the hands of where they are needed most: with local decision-makers. These CLD3 partnerships help to promote civic engagement among a diverse group of Cooperative Extension, universities, local, state, and national stakeholders. Learn more here about successes in igniting this national network. Participate in some self-paced training to get started. Read some case studies and contact the principals for more information about joining in this effort.



ECOP Program Committee Urban Program Action Team Update - The ECOP Urban Program Action Team, led by Dr. Brent Hales, Penn State, is in the process of inviting Directors, Specialists and Partners to be part of the Urban Extension Program Action Team. In the next two months the PAT will host a series of priority-setting meetings. Once priorities have been identified Implementation Teams will coalesce around the top few, and develop next steps. The Urban PAT will also be closely linked with other PATs including Climate; Workforce and Economic Development; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; 4-H Positive Youth Development and Health.

The Urban PAT, in partnership with NUEL, is also in the process of hiring a National Urban Extension Leaders Communications & Capacity Building Fellow. This Fellowship will help support work moving forward, and engage new partners for the system.

Call for nominations: Implementation Teams, sub-committees of the Action Team, are composed of Extension faculty and specialists from across the nation with the task of identifying Extension programs that are ready to be scaled up and funded at the national level. The Implementation Teams would serve as Extension’s partnering group regarding national urban initiatives for their theme. The implementation team would also be responsible for developing letters of intent or submitting large grants on behalf of ECOP. A second task of the Priority Implementation Team would be to provide content to further develop the advocacy toolkit for urban programs. Initially, these teams would meet monthly. If a faculty and/or staff member is interested in being involved in an Implementation Team, please send contact information to Caroline Henney.



Save the November Dates - Cooperative Extension Directors and Administrators are encouraged to carefully review this list of CFERR/BAA/BoHS Virtual Annual Meeting dates and times recently released by Doug Steele, APLU Vice President, Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and hold relevant times. Please stay tuned to email to receive connection details from the FANR office. 

Also, APLU President Peter McPherson invites everyone to join Public Higher Education Leaders for the virtual APLU Annual Meeting, November 15-17, 2021, for The New Now: The Promise of Higher Education in a Rapidly Changing World. The registration requiring fees starting at $125 is available here



Extension Foundation Announces 2021-2022 New Technologies for Ag Extension Projects - The Extension Foundation will be supporting 20 projects across Cooperative Extension as part of its third year of the New Technologies for Agricultural Extension (NTAE) program. This program is made possible by funding from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through a partnership with Oklahoma State University and the Extension Foundation. This program serves all Land-grant Universities in the United States. Year 3 projects include all rural development centers, projects selected through a competitive RFA, projects selected by USDA-NIFA, and ECOP Program Action Teams. The combined award going directly to all projects is approximately $1.26M. A full listing of projects is available here.

Monday, September 13, 2021

Climate Program News

The ECOP Program Committee's Program Action Team on Climate led by Jason Henderson, Purdue University, has developed three Priority Areas to implement in the next 6-12 months. Each team will initially meet monthly to:
  • identify Extension programs that are ready to be scaled up nationally
  • serve as Extension’s partnering group regarding national climate initiatives according to priority
  • develop letters of intent for national program grants
  • provide content for the PAT on Climate to further develop the advocacy toolkit for climate, mitigation, resiliency, and adaptation
Extension Directors and Administrators are asked to consider volunteering a faculty member or educator to participate on one of the following Teams. Please send interested faculty and/or staff member's contact information to Caroline Henney.

Priority Area Implementation Teams
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture – Cooperative Extension can support the adaptation, mitigation, and resilience of U.S. agriculture to climate change. Helping farmers, ranchers and landowners develop and adopt climate-sensitive practices on working lands will improve the profitability and sustainability of plant and animal systems in rural and urban environments. These practices will maintain adequate and safe food systems as supply chains strain under shifting climate conditions.

  • Climate-Resilient Communities – Cooperative Extension can work with rural and urban communities to develop climate sensitive community plans to support the adaptation, mitigation, and resilience of communities to climate change. In addition, these plans would also focus on supporting communities as they develop risk management plans surrounding natural disasters – fires, floods, rising temperatures, and increased incidence of extreme weather events.

  • Ecosystem Services – Cooperative Extension supports the protection and preservation of natural areas and resources amid changing climates. Translational research and Extension programs focused on adaptation, mitigation and resilience can help reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and forest production. In addition, climate sensitive management practices for our forests, waterways, and other natural habitats can reduce the negative impacts of climate change.


EPA Report Shows Disproportionate Impacts of Climate Change - On September 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a significant and detailed report on the impacts of climate change among different demographic groups in the contiguous United States. The report, titled Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impact Sectors, examines the extent to which “socially vulnerable” populations within the United States are disproportionately subject to the most significant impacts of climate change. The report serves a critical role in guiding the federal response strategies to existing impacts of climate change in America’s unserved and underserved communities, while informing environmental justice initiatives about the detriment of projected future impacts on these same communities.

 

NASS to Send 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production Survey This Fall - This October, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will mail its first Hemp Acreage and Production Survey. The survey will collect information on the total planted and harvested area, yield, production, and value of hemp in the United States. The Domestic Hemp Production Program established in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) allows for the cultivation of hemp under certain conditions. The Hemp Acreage and Production survey will provide needed data about the hemp industry to assist producers, regulatory agencies, state governments, processors, and other key industry entities. Producers may complete the survey online at agcounts.usda.gov or they may complete and return the survey by mail using the return envelope provided. Learn more about the survey at nass.usda.gov/go/hemp.


SARE Animation Features Economics of Sustainable Agriculture - While most agricultural profit models focus on maximizing yields in the short term, sustainable strategies prioritize profitable returns over the long term. SARE’s The Economics of Sustainable Agriculture animation describes how practices such as crop rotation and reduced tillage can improve an operation’s bottom line sustainably. The newest episode in SARE’s What is Sustainable Agriculture? series provides a short and simple introduction to ecological practices that form the foundation of thriving and resilient farm systems.


Updated Links to NIFA Resources and Contacts

Monday, August 30, 2021

Registry Captures 1862/1994 Relationships

The ECOP Monday Minute will be on hiatus next week. 
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday.


Registry Captures 1862/1994 Relationships - A group of collaborators – led by Steve Gavazzi, Ohio State University, including Presidents of 1862 and 1994 Land-grant Institutions, Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Section associations, and Rural Development Centers, from western and north central areas of the country are pulling together a NIFA conference proposal entitled Cultivating Reparative Work on Behalf of Native American Peoples Through Partnerships Among 1862 and 1994 Land-grant Universities. One of the objectives of this collaborative group is to develop a national clearinghouse that contains information about 1862-1994 collaborative programs across the country. The Extension Foundation has built a National Registry supported by funding from USDA-NIFA and its New Technologies for Ag Extension partnership with Oklahoma State University that helps collate such information. Visit the registry to enter information about these programs. There are questions embedded in the entry process that will ask about 1862-1994 land-grant partnerships.





Mission Spotlight-National 4-H Council
- More than 70 years ago, Cooperative Extension created National 4-H Council (Council) to support its efforts to provide ALL youth with access to 4-H opportunities and experiences that develop the skills they need to succeed. And despite the turbulent times, Council and Extension are working together making significant progress toward a future where millions more young people are engaged in high quality 4-H—and where 4-H youth, volunteers and staff are representative of the diversity of our nation. As the private sector, non-profit partner of Cooperative Extension and USDA/NIFA, Council supports Extension in ways that align with 2020-2023 Strategic Directions for ECOP and the Cooperative Extension System:
  • Convene the 4-H movement to stimulate collective action and training on the nation’s most pressing issues.
  • Tell the 4-H Story by leveraging the power of trusted brand partners and 4-H youth and alumni to elevate the visibility of 4-H and Extension.
  • Create Public-Private Partnerships that generate new financial resources for Extension to create opportunities for all youth.
Formal accountability mechanisms to Extension are built into Council’s governance structure—which guides its engagement with Extension leadership. This infographic showcases some of the big wins that Council, Extension and NIFA have developed together over the past few years. To dig deeper, or to engage with Council resources, contact Andy Ferrin, Senior Vice President at aferrin@4-H.org.





Extension Foundation Mid-Year Update Details Funding and Impacts in Support of CES
- Created by Extension Directors and Administrators starting in 2001, the Extension Foundation facilitates and supports the success of Extension professionals and systems. The bylaws state the Foundation’s purpose is: Helping Cooperative Extension professionals make a visible and measurable impact on local issues. The Extension Foundation mid-year update,  details funding, impacts, and progress towards helping Cooperative Extension professionals advance their work. A timeline of the history, including the logo change from eXtension to the Extension Foundation is available here. The Foundation Board of Directors, who are also members of the Cooperative Extension Section, are listed here.




Virtual Facilitation Skills Training Series Offered - The global pandemic has impacted daily routines in innumerable ways, including the transition of in-person meetings to virtual platforms. Through a collaboration with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant, New Hampshire Extension, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and University of Vermont Extension, Extension professionals are invited to attend the Building Your Virtual Facilitation Skills training. This 5-part series will be held on Wednesdays beginning October 6, 2021, from 1:00-3:00 PM ET. Register by September 18 to receive a discount. Sessions include: Virtual Facilitation Essentials, Setting the Stage for Success, Facilitation Practice: Putting Skills to Work, Facilitation Challenges and Opportunities, and Celebrating Facilitation Success. Visit here for cost, registration, and other information.