2021 Highlights - Mississippi State University
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2021 Highlights Faced with the lowest vaccine rate in the nation and the highest COVID positivity rate, Alabama Extension launched the Get the Shot Campaign on the web and social media. The purpose is to present the science behind vaccines, answer current questions about the overall safety and efficacy of COVID vaccinations, and help people decide for themselves if a COVID vaccine is appropriate for them. The information we present is based on peer-reviewed science, summarized by the CDC. It is part of the national EXCITE (Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement). Alabama 4-H delivered in-school, after-school and enrichment programming in 796 Alabama schools to 54,159 youth. Alabama 4-H is present in 54% of all Alabama schools. An additional 17,082 youth were involved in out-of-school 4-H clubs, camps and educational programs. 3,105 4-H Volunteers contributed 80,934 Hours to 4-H programs in 2020-2021, valued at $2.3 million and an estimated 40 FTE. Live Well Alabama is the social marketing campaign of the Alabama Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) at Auburn University. The campaign directly targets low- income individuals and families in all 67 Alabama counties participating in SNAP. However, the information provided through the campaign is applicable as well to everyone living in Alabama. It reaches tens of thousands of Alabama residents in multiple ways every day. In an effort to provide fun, engaging, health-conscience content for our SNAP audience, the #FoodFriday social media recipe video campaign works to fill the need for healthy recipe videos on social media platforms. Every week, the Alabama Crops Podcast can be heard in pickups, tractor cabs and farm offices across the state. From insect scouting tips to fertilizer application recommendations and harvest updates—timely issues in the field are addressed by regional agents and specialists from all over the state. The podcasts are available on Google, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Facebook is a strong delivery channel for commercial horticulture education in Alabama. The Commercial Horticulture Monthly Webinar Series hosted 6,869 people during the pandemic in 2020. It augments direct field training and consultation by Extension staff. The series is offered the last Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook. Extension also offers a weekly Alabama Virtual Farm Tour and Q&A Friday on Facebook. Systemwide in-service training is being planned in 2022 for Extension field personnel in three categories. Customer service training will focus on the support Extension personnel offer to our stakeholders — both before and after they use our educational programs, resources, or services — that helps them have an easy and enjoyable experience with ACES. Subject knowledge training will focus on growing the knowledgebase of Extension personnel to better understand and represent areas of program strength when engaging stakeholders. Skill building training will focus on creating scope and opportunities for Extension personnel by developing their talents and enhancing their skills and know-how. ACES Administration and the Alpha Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi are co-sponsoring a professional development workshop titled "Cultivating Multigenerational Success in ACES". Participants will learn to: identify the historical context and primary motivators of each generation; utilize a proven framework for unifying all generations around common values and common vocabulary; and structure work environments and communication channels that not only work for all generations but maximize innovation and productivity.
ASRED REPORT - Arkansas
August 30, 2021
Overall
We were able to offer an average 2.0% merit-based salary program for our employees this year,
thanks to some efficiency gains and new funding from the state. This progress allowed us to
reward our higher performing employees, make some needed salary adjustments and some
targeted retention raises. We were able to make up some ground in areas where we lost
footing due to COVID restrictions. This progress is being threatened now as the new Delta
variant resurges in a stubbornly unvaccinated portion of our population. Due to a large amount
of turnover and vacancies, budget issues are over-shadowed by the number of empty positions
that we have and the lack of qualified candidates to fill them.
ANR
We hired a new ENTO/PATH department head. Dr. Ken Korth was appointed department head
on June 16, 2021. We are interviewing three candidates this month for the vacant Crop Soil and
Environmental Science Department Head position.
The weather conditions in the state have created ideal conditions for fall armyworms. These
pests are affecting lawns, pastures, and row crops, especially rice and soybeans. Control has
been hampered by the availability of insecticides. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has
issued Section 18 Crisis exemption for Intrepid 2F for armyworms in rice. Intrepid 2F is
registered for pastures. Dr. Gus Lorenz, Extension Entomologist, provided documentation of
need to the EPA on July 22.
Over 600,000 acres were affected by early July flooding. Late planting of soybeans has occurred
on most acres that were affected. GIS, satellite imagery, and image analysis were used to
estimate area impacted. Faculty of the Agriculture Economics and Agriculture Business
Department for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture calculated that over
$250 million were lost.
Dicamba volatilization has been a problem in Arkansas for several years because of the
application of the herbicide to Xtend technology soybeans and cotton for the control of
pigweed. Most of the damage was restricted to northeast Arkansas. The State Plant Board
moved the date of last application from May 15 to June 30 and damage is now found
throughout the Delta Region. There are already 200 dicamba injury complaints. It appears that
any soybean without the Xtend technology has symptomology of dicamba injury. It is estimated
that about 600,000 acres have been affected. Symptomology has been found on other plants
throughout the Delta. Trees from the Dale Bumpers White River Wildlife Refuge has shown
symptoms. Yard trees have shown symptomology also. Finally, we had to cancel some planned
in person field days due to a recent spike in COVID 19 cases.ASRED REPORT - Arkansas
August 30, 2021
FCS
The FCS health team is focusing efforts on COVID19 and vaccination outreach education,
especially targeting rural areas. We launched a mentoring program in personal finance
empowerment and have trained 35 volunteer mentors. The mentoring pilot program is in
collaboration with Arvest Bank, Walton Family Foundation, and other partners.
Dr. Bryan Mader is the new FCS faculty member leading Health programs. His doctorate degree
is in Public Health. Dr. Josh Phelps is the new FCS nutrition faculty member. Dr. Phelps will
devote 50% of his time to leading SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs; with the remaining time
devoted to general nutrition programs. DHS auditors passed the Arkansas SNAP-Ed program in
recorded time and commended the SNAP-Ed team for their outstanding work.
Dr. Laura Hendrix is currently the interim-associate department head for Extension FCS.
4-H
Arkansas 4-H members from around the state met July 27-30 both in person and virtually, for
the Arkansas 4-H O-Rama, the annual gathering to elect new state officers, and compete at the
state level in events ranging from fishing to tractor maneuvers and public speaking. The
competitions are manifestations of 4-H’s “learn by doing” educational methods.
While the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center hosted the in-person events and scaled down awards
programs, organizers met the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by incorporating
virtual participation through online platforms including Team Tri, Zoom, and 4-H social media
outlets. The Arkansas 4-H Center recently installed new state-of-the-art Zoom Rooms for clients
to utilize to ensure a quality virtual meeting experience. Zoom Rooms bring HD video
collaboration into any space and enable in-person and remote participants to interact in real
time. The investment brought scalable video conferencing with wireless content specifically
customized to enhance virtual collaboration in any type of meeting clients choose to conduct.
Arkansas 4-H was awarded a Tech Changemakers Grant from National 4-H Council & Microsoft
for $155,000 to train teens how to empower and create opportunities for their community
residents to fully participate in today’s increasingly digital world. Additionally, a $10,000 add-on
grant was awarded for teen leadership training.
Community, Professional and Economic Development (CPED)
CPED provides core professional development training and organizational support for
employees as well as programs directed toward external audiences to support community and
economic development, civic engagement and public policy education, leadership
development, local government, and workforce development for youth and adults. Over the
past year, CPED hosted 34 webinars, 8 online courses, and 2 in-person in-service trainings for
faculty and staff. Economic impacts related to programs included 32 business created, retained,ASRED REPORT - Arkansas
August 30, 2021
or expanded and 591 jobs created or retained. Our November 2020 statewide election ballot
issue websites attracted 188,753 unique views and videos were watched 17,942 times. Among
leadership program participants, 108 reported accepting new leadership roles and
opportunities.
County Extension
Finding qualified applicants for our in-county positions continues to be a problem. This is due in
part to a very competitive job market right now. We currently have several vacant positions.
County funding levels remain strong considering it’s been a COVID year. Support in general for
county programs remains strong. One area hardest hit is probably 4-H club membership and in-
person attendance.
Arkansas breaks its counties into 3 districts, and we now have two new district directors, Kevin
Lawson just started on August 1 in the Ozark District and Carla Due started March 1 in the
Ouachita District. The Delta District director is Jerry Clemons.
Operations
Our Workday® launch is behind us, and there has been much head scratching and gnashing of
teeth! However, our finance group is awaiting only a few minor edits to close out our first year
in Workday®. In addition, we have also successfully migrated from www.uaex.edu to
www.uada.edu, to better reflect our position in the University of Arkansas system as part of the
Division of Agriculture. We returned to regular in-person office hours on June 1, 2021. The
Division now also has more liberal policies on flexible time and remote work.
Infrastructure
Renovations to our HVAC system and our first-floor office at the Little Rock State Office are
complete and further renovation plans continue for the 2nd and 3rd floor.
An active, educational beehive was established in the area adjacent to our teaching kitchen.
This facilitates many bee-related educational activities, with a portal to the outside world and
plexiglass walls visitors can now see an active beehive in action.Clemson Extension
ASRED Report - August 2021
Ag Ed - The Agricultural Education Program team has been busy throughout the spring and summer months
providing both virtual and in-person events for students, teachers and members of the Farmer and
Agribusiness industry. The spring began with the FFA participating in the South Carolina Flood Commission’s
Power Plant SC program which was an effort to plant 3 million pine tree seeds. The FFA was successful in
planting over 300,000 of those seeds. Throughout the spring, the program provided a total of 21 virtual FFA
educational competitive events (called Career Development Events). These events had a total of 450
students attending (average contest has 4 members on a team) which accounts for over 21 students
attending per event. For all events, a total of 177 schools from across the state attended. The unduplicated
school attendance was 64. A virtual FFA state Convention was also held, which included four general
sessions, awards program, workshops and State Officer retiring addresses. The total recorded attendance
was 462, however most of these attending were schools, where the sessions were viewed by the entire class.
In addition, four weeks of an in-person FFA camping program were offered where 256 students attended.
This was quite an accomplishment since the camps had to limit attendance to meet COVID protocol. A
virtual Agriculture Teachers Conference was also held, where 132 teachers attended a general session. In
addition, 11 workshops were held where average attendance was 63 teachers per workshop. And finally, an
in-person farm tour sponsored by the SC Farmer and Agribusiness Association, was held in Orangeburg where
145 participants attended.
Agribusiness: The “Feeding Innovations” program works to “increase access to healthy food while supporting
the development of strong, local entrepreneurs and community-based business.” The Clemson Extension
Agribusiness Team conducted a ten-week entrepreneurial training program. The program culminates with
businesses pitching their business plans, and three businesses are selected to receive seed capital. In FY 20-
21, two programs were conducted that accommodated 50 entrepreneurs, with $95,000 in seed capital
awarded to six participants.
Agronomic Crops - Agents on the Agronomics Crops team have assisted growers around the state with typical
spring requests, including variety selection, herbicide programs, and insect management programs for
cotton, corn, soybeans and peanuts. Agents have implemented eight corn hybrid strip trials around the state
in cooperation with Dr. Michael Plumblee, Extension Corn and Soybean Agronomist. The trial locations
include four dryland and four irrigated locations and will be rated for plant height, ear height, disease
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634
P 864-656-3382 | www.clemson.edu/extension
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion,
national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.incidence, and ultimately harvested for yield. Multiple cotton and soybean trials have been planted on-farm,
as well as several tobacco disease trials. A tobacco field day was organized at the Pee Dee REC by Dr. Matt
Inman, with several Agronomic Crops agents assisting with the program. Agents from both the Agronomic
Crops and Water Resources Teams assisted Dr. Kendall Kirk with implementation of a pilot program assessing
efficiency of center pivot irrigation systems on-farm. Agents are holding three cotton and soybean insect
scouting schools around the state with Dr. Jeremy Greene the week of July 26.
Horticulture - The Home & Garden Information Center (HGIC) continued to post impressive numbers. For
FY20-21, HGIC staff responded to 20,543 calls and emails, a 34% increase over FY19-20. The HGIC website
received over 7.35M page views, a 52% increase over FY19-20. A consumer horticulture needs assessment
survey was conducted in June and received 721 responses. The summarized results will be used to guide
future consumer hort programming. The Food Crop Horticulture agents have been busy scouting thousands
of acres of fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops, installing on-farm research trials, and making critical
recommendations for on-farm pest management. Additionally, agents have contributed weekly field updates
to the SC Growers Exchange Podcast and blog newsletter and hosted monthly webinars about production
topics. These efforts keep growers abreast of what is happening in the fields and how to make better
management decisions.
Food and Nutrition (EFNEP) -
• Submitted EFNEP Final budget justification for 2019-2020 and received approval from National office
(May 13th, 2021)
• Submitted EFNEP Preliminary budget and justification for 2021-2022 and received approval from
National office (July 1st, 2021)
• Submitted EFNEP Annual update on programming to National office (July 1st) and it is under review
by National office.
• Developing new partnership and MOUs with different agencies and organization for EFNEP through
coalition and statewide Action committee.
• Conducted statewide quarterly training with the team (May 19th, 2021)
• Strategic planning for new EFNEP hires in ten counties.
Food Systems and Safety - Home canning season is in full swing for Cooperative Extension’s Food Systems
and Safety team. Agents are currently providing both virtual and in-person training opportunities. From
April-July 2021, agents have hosted more than twelve home canning programs and events, reaching over 200
individuals. During this time, new partnerships were formed, including three of the Food Systems and Safety
Agents partnering with South Carolina Department of Agriculture at three state farmers markets to present
food preservation demonstrations and information at least once a month for their “Tastings” events. The
Food2Market program held a workshop in April with 23 attendees representing 21 new food businesses in
South Carolina. From April to July 2021, Food2Market program has conducted 110 product tests (pH, water
activity, gluten, and nutrition facts panels) representing 40 food entrepreneurs/businesses spanning seven
states.
Livestock and Forages - The increased value below is representative of the basic management practices
taught and demonstrated through multiple workshops, farm visits, and phone calls. Workshops and seminarsinclude, Market workshops, Forage Focus series, and local management presentations (on avg. 10/agent), all
to address production practices to increase profit. The team has facilitated improved marketing of over
4,000 head of beef calves in the past 6 months. The average increased revenue was $250/hd or $1,000,000
total. Increasing farm revenue leads to a decrease in anxiety, improved mental health, less mood disorders,
and increased family stability. Increasing farm revenue also has a trickle-down effect in the community, with
increased wages for farm workers, increased spending in the community, and increased financial stability.
Natural Resources - Clemson Extension’s Natural Resources Program Division focuses programmatic activities
in the fields of forestry, wildlife and water. Clemson Extension has established the South Carolina Chapter of
the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals. Our CU in Woods Newsletter received the
Notable State Document Award from the South Carolina State Library. In program development, we have
launched the Dam Ownership in South Carolina short course. This online program will teach dam owners the
basics of dam design, inspection and maintenance techniques and how to develop a dam repair plan for both
regulated and unregulated dams. In program development and offerings, we have seen success in our wild
hog management, pine straw management and Asian longhorned beetle programs.
4-H Youth Development -
• Kits are now on sale for 2021 4-H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest, designed in partnership with
Clemson University and National 4-H Council.
• Over 600 youth were reached through The Summer Collab, a series of two three-day workshops
hosted by Emerging Scholars, Tiger Alliance, Clemson Career Workshop, and the 4-H Pinckney
Leadership Program.
• South Carolina 4-H team won the 2021 National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
Contest.
Rural Health and Nutrition - Agents virtually delivered Know Diabetes by Heart, a program to educate the
public on the heart disease-diabetes relationship, to 75 individuals across SC. All indicators for knowledge
gained and planned health practices trend positive for this program.
Agents virtually delivering Health Extension for Diabetes (Clemson-branded Diabetes Self-Management and
support program) have graduated 7 cohorts totaling 58 participants. Current data shows a 95% retention
and graduation rate for this program. Agents coordinating logistics for COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing
Clinics set up 60 clinics for our clinical partner to deliver services in SC counties west of Columbia. Two MOAs
have been created with community partners for delivery of chronic disease education curriculum. Agents
working with Community Food Access projects have installed 13 community/school gardens and one small
scale greenhouse, established 1 permanent food access point which is now an approved 501c3 and able to
receive SNAP benefits as payment, provided direct technical assistance for 25 food distributions in distressed
zip codes touching 3000+ food insecure households.University of Florida/IFAS Extension Report
ASRED Meeting, August 2021
University of Florida
• UF returned to pre-pandemic operations on June 28. Masking and social distancing mandates
were removed.
• UF’s “Screen, Test, and Protect” program to limit COVID-19 spread continues. Until recently,
positive tests and hospitalizations in Gainesville were well below local and state averages.
• The community vaccination rate decreased through the summer.
• As of this writing, COVID-19 cases are surging because of the new delta variant and the large
numbers of people who are unvaccinated, setting new local and state records for hospitalizations.
• Through a governor’s order, state universities in Florida are not allowed to require masks or
vaccinations.
• UF is taking the following steps to ensure a safe and successful fall semester:
o Strongly encouraging everyone to wear a mask at all times when inside any UF facility,
even if you are vaccinated.
o If you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated.
o COVID-19 testing remains available both on and off campus.
o If you are sick, stay home and self-quarantine.
o Continue to follow healthy habits, including best practices like frequent hand washing.
• Some indoor UF events that were scheduled face-to-face are being postponed until the delta
variant COVID spike declines.
• Hiring of new faculty is proceeding rapidly, particularly in the Artificial Intelligence realm.
• Administrators, faculty, and staff were called back to their offices beginning July 1. A remote
work location option remains available for offices that do not have a lot of walk-ins.
• UF is providing a 3% merit-based raise for faculty and staff beginning July 1.
• The Florida legislature passed a law that puts several burdens on UF. It restricts UF’s ability to
make agreements with seven communist countries. UF must report to the state gifts of $50K or
more from any country. UF must screen all foreign persons seeking to do research at UF,
including students. All professional activities since the age of 18 must show in a CV. Prior to
interviewing, all candidates must be screened and approved. Also, foreign travel review and
approval is now required.
• The legislature also passed an “intellectual freedom assessment” bill that applies to state
universities. A survey is being developed that is supposed to detect if any suppression of free
speech is happening on our campuses.
UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences)
• Vice President Scott Angle continues his stakeholder-driven agenda.
• IFAS fared well in the 2021-22 state budget. New recurring funding will allow the creation of new
positions. We are trying to restore some support staff positions we have lost over the years.
• IFAS’s emphasis on building a cadre of faculty working in Artificial Intelligence continues.
• IFAS research has returned to normal, with no restrictions or approvals needed.
• Domestic travel has returned to normal with no restrictions.
• Around 40 more faculty converted from 12 to 9-month assignments.
• IFAS hired its first-ever “Chief Financial Officer” to provide visionary financial leadership and
integrate funds management in a holistic way across teaching, research, and extension.
• Florida was skirted by Hurricane Elsa in July but she left no significant damage.University of Florida/IFAS Extension Report
ASRED Meeting, August 2021
Page 2
UF/IFAS Extension
• IFAS Extension returned to normal operations, but some programs continue in a virtual or hybrid
format.
• Summer 4-H day camps are happening, but no overnight camping is allowed by UF yet.
• Our 2021 virtual IFAS Extension Symposium (statewide extension meeting) held in May was a
huge success. Doug Steele did a great job as our keynote speaker.
• Work on our next Extension long-range plan (the “Extension Roadmap”) continues. We continue
to acquire stakeholder input.
• Refilling County Agent positions is moving at a fast pace. Turnover continues to be an issue.
• Four candidates for the next IFAS Dean for Extension were interviewed in March. No candidate
was offered. Scott Angle decided to re-open the search. Two more candidates interviewed in
early August.
• Extension collaborated with UFHealth to hold a COVID update virtual town hall on Aug 16.
• Extension’s prominence in human health education is increasing due to collaborations with
UFHealth. We have initiated a USDA-funded Rural Telehealth Initiative to lower barriers to
health care. Here are some details:
Telehealth Project
Current UFHealth patients living in 13 rural Florida counties will have the option of conducting
online medical visits from their local extension office. These offices will be equipped with
TytoCareTM telehealth kiosks that connect patients with their doctors in real time. It includes a
high-definition camera and diagnostic equipment that allow the patient to send his/her doctor
temperature, blood pressure, pulse, weight, heart, and lung sounds and other basic biometrics.
The equipment is sanitized and the rooms are private and come with boosted internet service.
Extension Agents and staff are on hand to assist with learning how to use the equipment and
connect online. Once the connection is secure, agents step out of the room and patients can enjoy
a private consultation with their healthcare providers. After their appointment is over, patients
can also learn about extension programs that support their health care goals. These can range
from taking charge of diabetes, to horticulture therapy for cancer patients, to financial guidance
for managing healthcare bills. The Rural Telehealth Initiative has the potential to save patients
and their families hundreds of dollars and lower the hurdles that might prevent them from
seeking the health care attention they need. We hope that as the program expands, more people
will take advantage of their local extension office to be proactive about their health.Associate Dean for Extension
111 Conner Hall, 147 Cedar Street
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-3824 caesext@uga.edu
Laura Perry Johnson
August 2021
ASRED State Report
Administrative Update:
• Administrative Searches
Crop & Soil Science Department Head
Agricultural & Applied Economics Department Head
Senior Finance & Administration Director
Assistant Provost and Director of the Griffin Campus
Northwest District Extension Director
New Personnel since March 2021:
• Francine Henry, Tifton Beef Specialist (80E/20R) starts September 1st
• Darren Henry, Tifton Beef Researcher (80R/20E) starts September 1st
• Zilfina Ames, Small Fruit Specialist, Tifton (80E/20R) starts September 1st
Applicant pools have been very slim for Specialist positions.
Specialist Positions In Progress:
• Still searching for Vegetable Horticulturalist; Tifton, 80E/20R
• Viticulturalist in process; 80E/20R; Athens or Griffin
• Poultry Extension Specialist; (90E/10T) Athens
• Food Product Innovation Center Director (80E/20R) Griffin
• Food Science Extension Specialist (60E/40R) Athens
• Youth Livestock Specialist, Master’s Level; Public Service Faculty; Athens
• Food Safety FACS Extension Specialist, (80E/20R) Athens
• Grain Agronomist (70E/30R) Tifton
Budget:
• Working on State funding requests for FY23
• $1M for 4-H in COVID Relief funds
• Still suffering in Sales & Service income at 4-H Facilities
• Applying for Federal (allocated by the state) Fiscal Recovery Funds
• No significant state pay raises in several years are hurting salaries and employee
morale
County Operations:
We have settled at 306 County Extension Agents (Master’s Level) and 57 Educators
(Bachelor’s Level) in county positions. It has been particularly hard to find qualified
applicants, especially in the row crop and vegetable Ag positions. Currently 33 of the
Commit to Georgia | give.uga.edu
An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution306 agent positions are vacant with 13 of those being 4-H and 16 being ANR. The area Agronomy Agent position in SE Georgia is on hold to be re-advertised due to lack of qualified applicants. An area Water Agent for SW District is in process as is a Water Program Assistant in that district. 4-H Programs: We were excited to host six weeks of socially distant summer camp at Rock Eagle and had ~ 2800 campers which is about 1/3 of our usual amount. We were able to sell our Jekyll facility space to Epworth by the Sea for their use this summer so that was a financial positive. We did have some limited county and specialty camping programs at our smaller facilities. As of July 15, 2021, all social distancing and COVID restrictions have been removed from our facilities and we are back to normal operations. Business is coming back, but slowly. Environmental Education programming during the school year accounts for a major part of our business and reservations are not back to pre- pandemic levels yet. We hope that we can recover our pre-pandemic levels in two years. State 4-H Congress is in person in Atlanta the week of July 19 and will culminate our FY21 4-H year. We are looking towards a brighter FY22! Through a combination of state Extension and federal support ($1M federal stimulus funds), our 4-H facilities were able to end FY21 collectively in the black. In a normal year, we generate ~$10M in sales and service funds and in FY21 only brought in $1.5M. We were able to keep our facilities going and kept all of our employees. 4-H personnel are anxious to get back in the classrooms with youth delivering our programs face-to-face. Other Programming: Vaccine Education, Rural Stress, Farmer Mental Health, Opioid Misuse and Emergency Preparedness are all issues that span all of our program areas and affect citizens and communities statewide. UGA Extension has sought grant funds to augment our resources in these areas and are partnering with others at UGA, state agencies, non- profit organizations and communities to leverage our powerful statewide network for maximum impact. On the row crop and vegetable front, conditions have been ideal for pest and disease and that has kept our agents and specialists busy. These problems have been compounded by low process, labor and trade issues. UGA Extension organized several listening sessions with the International Trade Commission who is investigating trade issues with Mexico. The expertise of Gopi Munisamy, one of our Ag Economists, Tim Coolong, Vegetable Horticulturalist and our agents added a lot to the hearings and they
were able to give very real and practical examples of how increased Mexican imports are impacting our produce industry in Georgia. We are in the process of re-building our Extension Food Science group and will add an Extension Food Science Specialist in Athens and a Food Product Innovation Center lead in Griffin. In addition, we are in the process of hiring a Food Safety Extension Specialist in Family and Consumer Science that will compliment these efforts. Extension Ag Econ is an area that we are lagging in and rebuilding this group will be a priority as soon as we get a new Department Head in Ag Econ. Extension expertise in sustainability, cover crops and conservation tillage is another need. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Over the past 18 months Extension has focused efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion. The Southern Rural Development Center provided a 4-part training series on Coming together for Racial Understanding for 25 of our Extension Leaders and we have held 2 follow up multi-day retreats to work on implementing our action plan. Particular efforts are focusing on expanding our internship program and recruiting diverse interns that can become candidates for our positions; recruiting and retaining diverse employees and overall doing a better job of telling the story of the diversity in our history as well as our current efforts. Digital Delivery: A 22-person Digital Delivery Task Force has worked for the past year to examine our digital footprint, need for soft and hardware, training and support in the area of digital delivery and explore options to receive electronic payments in our local county offices. We are in the process of receiving and implementing their recommendations. We have purchased the Destiny platform that will standardize our registration systems and allow us to take electronic payments. We are searching for a lead Extension Communications position and have had a slim applicant pool for this.
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Report
August 2021
Significant Activities
COVID Response: Kentucky Extension has been meeting the needs of our local communities through
primarily web-based and socially distanced programming. Gradually in 2021, we have begun broader hybrid
approaches with face to face programming as appropriate. Multiple innovative programs and formats have
been adapted via pick up “lessons in a bag”, social media, Facebook live, zoom, you tube, virtual field days,
public schools google platform, etc. to reach and meet local needs. Overall new, broader audiences have
been reached. Depth and scope of reach has been challenging to measure during COVID.
Budget Reduction and impact on county cost share funding model: Due to the impact of COVID on the
University’s fiscal resources our Extension budget was decreased by 11.8% recurring for a total revenue
decrease of $3.9 million. The budget reductions and mandated hiring pause on state funded positions had
resulted in over 65 agent positions vacant across the state. To offset the budget cut, the 2021 funding cost
share model was modified to increase the amount of county funds dedicated to third agent positions as
vacancies occur. In this new model, counties have the option to cost share at an increased fulltime or
partial fulltime rate, share a position with other counties, or decrease to two agent coverage. As a third
agent vacancy becomes available all 120 counties will be absorbed into the new model.
Urban Extension Initiative Leadership Fellows Cohort 1: The Kentucky Urban Extension Initiative (UEI)
Leadership Fellows program seeks to support the development of Extension professionals at the county
and state levels by developing urban research opportunities that advance the knowledge base of urban
Extension. After acceptance into UEI, advisors work with agents to create and develop a locally focused
project and support the creation of scholarly work. The first cohort of the Urban Extension Fellows program
successfully completed the training and individual project development/implementation. Applications are
now being accepted for cohort 2.
Developing Extension Leaders: ESP LEADS. Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), the honorary professional development
organization for Extension professionals identified the need to invest to assist in building the long-term
effectiveness of leadership within Kentucky Extension associations. The organization in conjunction with
Extension Staff Development faculty developed a multi-stage leadership certification (ESP LEADS) targeted
to support mid-career members. The certification is open to all ESP members seeking professional growth
focused on leadership. Participants are to plan and implement local projects and measure the impact
among communities, organizations, etc. The first cohort recently completed the program this summer and
are now in the process of sharing the results of their individual projects. New applications for cohort 2 will
be solicited this fall.Staffing Changes Director for Extension Engagement and Administrative Initiatives, Kim Henken: A new position has been added within Extension Administration to be the facilitator and liaison for Extension initiatives that emerge as a result of the dual appointment Dean Nancy Cox assumed in 2020 as the Vice President for Land Grant Engagement. Kim Henken assumed the role July 1, 2021. She will oversee statewide stakeholder engagement (State Extension Council, training for local county extension council and Extension District Boards) as well as providing leadership for Extension engagement across campus. New Extension Faculty Member Added Through Campus Land Grant Engagement Opportunities: One new Extension faculty member, Dr. Jeff Fugate, was funded and hired by UK College of Design to focus on urban design and community engaged design. This is only the second Extension faculty hired outside of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in our history. The first was in 2004 in the Journalism department, serving as the Director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues. We are working to broaden our land grant engagement opportunities in innovative ways across our campus. New Field Staff Administration Structure Implemented: Twelve new Area Extension Directors and three new Regional Extension Directors have been onboarded and are transitioning our local administration supervision to the new administrative structure. The Area Extension Directors are taking a large role in local Extension District Board fiscal support and accountability, mentoring and coaching and hiring/supervising local staff. Regional Extension Directors collectively provide the statewide county operations oversight. Program Highlights Community and Economic Development: The Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), the umbrella for our CED Research and Extension work at UK, celebrated ten years of operation this year. During that time, they have received $15.2 million in competitive grant funding and reinvested $1.53 million in the communities across the state. Through their efforts they have created, retained or expanded 3,403 jobs and 1,229 businesses. They have engaged 6,270 people in programs who have obtained new leadership roles and opportunities as a result of their participation. There have been 187 new alliances or networks formed through MOU’s or agreements to support growth and development of state and local initiatives. Through their technical support 569 new/revised plans were implemented in community, agency, local government, business or disaster related. During COVID shutdowns, CEDIK leveraged $700,000 from organizations and foundations for emergency grant funding that assisted more than 240 Kentucky small businesses and farmers economically impacted by the pandemic. CEDIK staff provide relevant data and needs assessment tools for agents, local policymakers and business owners to make decisions that is accessible via their website https://cedik.ca.uky.edu in an ongoing basis. 4-H Youth Development: Kentucky 4-H has increased focus on global education in the non-formal setting, providing intentional opportunities for youth and families to expand their desire to learn about other cultures. This ensures future 4-H members will have the knowledge and curiosity about global issues, diverse perspectives, cross cultural communication, and be disposed to acting toward the common good (Boix Mansilla, et al., 2013). Two programs include a new curriculum and a virtual exchange: 1) The Kentucky 4-H Arts and Culture Curriculum has nine lessons where youth can explore cultures through food
and art. Kentucky 4-H has partnered with several other states and departments within the University of Kentucky system to produce lessons that 4-H Agents can adapt and utilize to promote global citizenship at the local level. Additionally, Kentucky 4-H has engaged in virtual experiences and virtual exchanges where youth have the chance to interact with people from other countries and learn about their culture firsthand. 2) The newest experience for Kentucky 4-Hers has been a virtual exchange between Florida 4-H and a youth environmental organization in Iraq. The next opportunity that will be available for Kentucky 4-Hers in fall 2021 will be a visual letter exchange between Kentucky 4-H, Michigan 4-H, and Argentina 4-H. Through these experiences Kentucky youth have the chance to expand their cultural awareness and learn about others from around the world. Through positive exposure and experience learning about other cultures, youth are more willing and capable of communicating and working with others. These skills will contribute to their capacity to compete in the increasingly globalized job market in the future. Family and Consumer Sciences: USE LESS, SPEND WI$E Challenge Impact Summary: The adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted families, particularly their resources, finances, and relationships. Recognizing the intersectionality of these stressors as families entered the 2020 holiday season, a state family resource management program was created through the Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Service. The USE LESS, SPEND WI$E Challenge was designed to promote resilience, coping, and adaption across these areas while comprehensively strengthening family resource management skills. This innovative programming challenged participants to complete experiential activities designed to help them along three program objectives: (1) USE LESS, to maximize resources and reduce useless consumption; (2) SPEND WISELY, to stretch budgets and become mindful spenders; and (3) PRICELESS, to discover cost-effective and safe ways to connect with others. Formal participation included 292 individuals logging nearly 1,000 Challenge activities. Program modality encompassed print, digital, and social media resources, including six interdisciplinary educational videos featuring four distinct FCS content areas: Family Finance and Resource Management; Nutrition and Dietetics; Parenting and Child Development; and Family Health. Cumulative state reach was estimated at over 100,000 Kentuckians for comprehensive USE LESS, SPEND WI$E educational efforts. The programming won state, regional, and national awards, including the 2021 Kentucky Association of State Extension Professionals (KASEP) Outstanding Project Award, and the 2021 Dean Don Felker Family Resource Management Award from the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS). Agriculture and Natural Resources: County Agriculture Improvement Program Hybrid Model: The County Agriculture Improvement Program (CAIP) was moved to on online environment in 2020 and in 2021 an hybrid model was instituted as COVID restrictions relaxed. The CAIP program is a cost share program offered in partnership with the Kentucky Office on Agriculture Policy, Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Producers can apply for cost share funds in a wide variety of areas to assist in their agriculture enterprises. Kentucky Extension aided the implementation of this hybrid model to give producers and clientele flexible options of attending face to face programs for CAIP training and certification or completing the training in an online environment. Starting in 2021 the online version of the CAIP training contained assessments at the end of each module to evaluate the knowledge gained and award certificates of completion, if 80% was achieved on the assessment. People are slowly starting to come back to in person meetings. Trainings have been offered in pasture and forage management, fencing and fencing techniques through a fencing field day, weed control in pasture through a weed field day, and a wide array of trainings pertaining to beef cattle production. During 2021, 742 producers have completed one or more of the following modules: Livestock Handling, Technology & Leadership, Fencing, Large Animal – Genetics, Forage Improvement, Livestock Engineering, Commodity Grain Storage, Grain Improvement, and Beef.
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service
LSU AgCenter
SR PLN/ASRED/AEA Meeting
August 23‐26, 2021 Virtual Meeting
LSU/LSU AgCenter – College of Agriculture The Regional D&I Champions will promote greater
The College of Agriculture is made up of nine full‐ inclusion and foster an understanding of the
time academic staff members, split across divisions importance of D&I to the LSU AgCenter’s success.
supporting the student experience, including The first cohort will begin January 2022.
recruitment, engagement, academic support, The LSU AgCenter Agricultural Sciences Professional
retention efforts and student success initiatives. The Internships in Research and Extension (ASPIRE)
Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for all hosted 20 interns in a ten‐week summer program.
facets of academic advising, planning and execution ASPIRE is funded by USDA to develop and inspire the
of commencement, and acts as a liaison between next generation of a diverse agricultural workforce.
students and faculty advisors and the larger campus
community supporting student needs. The Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)
Recruitment and Student Development office is An internal LSU AgCenter committee on
responsible for implementation of strategic digital/precision agriculture, consisting of research
initiatives to impact enrollment, retention and faculty and extension agents, continues to make
student engagement, as well as conducting plans for extension outreach events directed
recruitment programs and facilitating prospective towards producers and ANR agent training
student visits throughout the year. The Dean’s Office workshops on a wide range of precision ag
also includes a Coordinator of International Relations applications.
and a college Communications Coordinator. The LSU AgCenter has begun work on drafting an
The LSU College of Agriculture’s enrollment remains ANR agent onboarding manual for newly hired ANR
strong with an 8.2% increase from 2019. There are agents. Many states have existing ANR agent
1563 undergraduate students and 312 graduate onboarding materials and information, although the
students. At the Spring 2021 commencement 186 format varies greatly across states. The basic
bachelor degrees were conferred, 19 master’s purpose of the end product is to educate newly hired
degrees and 10 doctoral degrees. agents on the functions and tasks needed to
One of the goals of the College’s 2020 Stakeholder’s successfully conduct their extension programming
summit was to provide an annual report in spring activities, including producer workshops, field days,
2021 that reflected the progress towards the and other educational activities.
objectives that were set. That goal was accomplished The LSU AgCenter held many in‐person field days
and the annual report was delivered this week. It over the past few months. Specific field day events
focuses on the success related to our core values: held include: (1) Patrick Taylor Project Field Day,
Seek, Create, Enhance, Advance and Cultivate. You June 24, Newellton, LA; (2) Rice Research Station
can visit this link to view the report online or print on Field Day, Crowley, LA; (3) Louisiana Soil Health
demand. Forum, July 15, New Roads, LA; (4) Row Rice Field
Day, July 15, St. Joseph, LA; (5) Central Louisiana
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Interagency Rolling Field Day, July 19, Pointe Coupee
The Vice President’s Diversity Graduate Parish, LA; (6) Sugarcane Field Day, July 21, St.
Assistantship for African American students has Gabriel, LA; (7) Horticulture Field Day, July 23,
been awarded to three (3) incoming doctoral Hammond, LA; (8) Cotton, Corn and Soybean Field
students. This program’s goal is to increase and Day, July 27, St. Joseph, LA; (9) Soil Fertility Field Day,
enhance diversity, equity, and inclusivity into the July 29, Winnsboro, LA; and (10) Agronomy Crops
graduate programs of the College of Agriculture. School, Alexandria, LA.
The LSU AgCenter established the Regional
Diversity and Inclusion Champions program.
LSU AGCENTER | 2021 ASRED ReportFamily and Consumer Sciences the DASH diet, reading food labels, preparing
The LSU AgCenter Food Innovation Institute, it is foods to reduce salt/sodium. The program also
the promise of partnering researchers with includes a virtual or in‐person grocery store tour to
entrepreneurs to shape the future of food reinforce concepts taught in classes.
production, consumption and, as the name
suggests, innovation. Launched in July 2013 as Food Safety
the LSU AgCenter Food Incubator, the institute — The LSU AgCenter has been helping Louisiana
known as FOODii — began with 10 tenants. Its farmers and food manufacturers on meeting the FDA
mission was to develop emerging food ventures Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and market
and provide technical services to companies to driven food safety requirements. Extension program
help them survive and grow during the start‐up on food safety includes workshops related to Good
period by providing business support, services Agricultural Practices, Good Handling Practices,
and resources. FOODii now boasts 25 to 40 HACCP, FSMA Preventative Controls of Human
tenants at any given time, allowing for Foods, Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
individualized attention. and Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training. Food
The Build a Healthy Meal video project has been Safety educational materials developed by LSU
extended for a second year with support from our AgCenter such as videos, posters, factsheets have
community partner, Louisiana Healthcare been used by growers and educators throughout the
Connections. The 3 to 5‐minute videos country. LSU AgCenter produce safety program offer
demonstrate how to prepare quick, easy and free water testing and microbial testing on selected
healthful recipes and meals using low‐cost food and environmental samples. The microbial
ingredients that can be purchased from local testing lab provides services to the Louisiana
grocery stores, dollar stores and farmers’ markets. industry on environmental monitoring, microbial
Also, videos feature recipes prepared with testing, shelf life, and challenge studies, and
ingredients that are often provided in commodity developing GMP and HACCP plan.
distribution boxes and available at food banks and
pantries. Recipes are distributed to Louisiana SNAP-Ed
Healthcare Connections clientele and LSU Caddo Parish (Shreveport)St. Rest Baptist Church
AgCenter’s SNAP‐Ed, EFNEP and Flavors of Health consulted with LSU AgCenter agents about food and
audiences at food pantries, farmers’ markets and programs offered at their 2021 Vacation Bible
public events across the state. The goal of the School. Under our guidance, they offered nutritious
videos and recipe cards is to reach a shared target lunches including sandwiches with whole wheat
audience with information to help them increase bread, 100% juice, and sides of fruit and vegetables.
their knowledge, confidence and meal planning AgCenter agents offered nutrition education and
and food preparation skills that help them build arranged for a nurse to present a health‐focused
healthful meals that are affordable, enjoyable and topic to the adult class.
easy to make.
Break Up with Salt, a nutrition education program Healthy Communities
for hypertension prevention/management, is a Changing health behaviors in a population is no
4‐week series of classes developed by FCS small task, but the LSU AgCenter has been working
nutrition agents and state specialists in response diligently in communities across the state to lower
to data associating hypertension with an increased obesity rates and improve quality of life by
risk of severe covid‐19 symptoms. The program is increasing access to healthy foods. This initiative,
available virtually and in person. It is open to call Health Communities, started when the
adults, targeting those who have hypertension or AgCenter entered a five‐year agreement with the
care for someone who has hypertension. Topics CDC for a High Obesity Program to address the
include making small changes to reduce blood nutrition and physical activity environments of six
pressure by increasing physical activity, following rural Louisiana parishes with an adult obesity rate
over 40%.
LSU AGCENTER | 2021 ASRED Report The team just completed food systems assessments
in the six pilot parishes, which include Assumption,
Tensas, St. Helena, Madison, East Carroll and
Morehouse. We have enclosed the asset document
of the parish(es) in your legislative district as
resource for you and your constituents.
The assessment focused on retailers that accepted
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits,
food pantries, recreational facilities, early care and
education providers, transportation services and
community input. See the reports on the web:
https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/food_health/h
ealthy‐communities/reports‐and‐research
4-H Youth Development
Due to continued repairs at the state’s 4‐H camp,
Camp Grant Walker, summer camp was not able to
be held onsite so the “4‐H Camp on the Go” was
offered in 2021. More than 750 youth from 31 of the
64 parishes participate in a “taste” of 4‐H camp.
Louisiana state legislatures budgeted $500,000 to
the rebuilding of Camp Grant Walker after the 2020
hurricanes.
4‐H Program was able to host its annual state event,
4‐H University, in a hybrid format offering some
contests through virtual, and some onsite. Overall,
the new structure will continue in the future with
some contests as we have noticed that it allowed for
some youth to participate who would not have done
so in the past.
Louisiana 4‐H has been working with two partners
on developing new curriculum resources for the
youth of Louisiana. Working with Keep Louisiana
Beautiful to develop a new litter curriculum for
younger youth and Angelle Partners to develop a
new 4th grade and up curriculum focusing on energy
and the environment and how each play into the
role of global economics. The Balance3 curriculum
will be a state‐of‐the‐art curriculum addressing
national education standards as well.
Majority of the school systems throughout Louisiana
are inviting the 4‐H Program back into the schools
for clubs and curriculum enrichment for 2021‐2022.
Agents are excited about reuniting with youth and
conducting in‐school programs again.
In‐person trainings on the regional and state level
have been held recently, as well as some of our out‐
of‐state awards and contest trips.
LSU AGCENTER | 2021 ASRED ReportThe MSU Extension COVID-19 Task Force continues to meet regularly to respond to the
coronavirus. This task force of health, emergency management, and communications
specialists has led our organization through the pandemic. MSU Extension’s role includes
preventing the spread of the coronavirus through educational programming and leading by
example. MSU Extension in-person events, including workshops, field days, and
trainings, have resumed, with MSU Extension employees required to wear face coverings.
The virtual programming continues to grow with the help of MSU faculty and supporting
units.
MSU Extension received a two percent increase in the FY22 State budget allocation. Nine
faculty/specialists and 16 Extension Agent positions are being filled at this time from
reallocated funds. MSU Extension also provided a 2.5% merit salary increase pool to unit
heads for employees.
Dr. Steve Martin is continuing to direct our county operations and programs, and Mr.
Richard Swann will continue to handle fiscal administration, human resources, and grants
and contracts, along with leading some additional service operations.
The new MSU Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development has completed a new strategic
plan for moving forward with selected programs and development
opportunities. The center’s plan and work has already allowed for greater synergy
between state- and county-level faculty, while opening the door to greater potential
financial support from donors and grant programs. Veteran 4-H leader and MSU youth
development professor Linda Mitchell is serving as the interim head of the center. The
renaming of the State 4-H Office and Program to a center furthers one of MSU’s strategic
goals: expanding outreach and engagement while adhering to the University’s core values
(Mississippi State University, 2019). Dr. Mariah Morgan recently joined the center and
was named to the State Specialist for S.T.E.M. Education.
MSU Extension welcomes Dr. Keith Coble as the new Vice-President for the Division of
Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.
Submitted by Gary Jackson, Director, Mississippi State University Extension
August 2021
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