Monday, December 28, 2020

NACAA 365: Professional Development Series


NACAA members,


We are excited to begin a series of professional improvement webinars under the title:

NACAA 365: Professional Development Series.

 

These free webinars, organized by the NACAA committees and the Council Chairs, are designed with you in mind. We invite you to register for each one that will take place the 2 nd and 4 th Wednesday of each month, January – June and August at 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

 

The webinar series is hosted on the NACAA Zoom platform and each webinar will also be recorded and available to you on the NACAA YouTube channel following the event. We know that you desire to learn and your NACAA is a professional improvement association, helping you to develop knowledge and skills to improve your effectiveness and success.

 

The series begins on January 13, 2021 with a follow-up by the keynote speaker of the 2020 AM/PIC, Michele Payn with a presentation entitled: "Translating Farm to Food: Have you looked into agriculture’s future?". This webinar was organized by the Ag Issues Committee. Michele is an agriculture advocate and will share her tips to help us as we work with the public and farmers.


Keep alert for an email from NACAA with the opportunity to register for the webinar. Then, on January 27, the Professional Excellence Committee will host the next webinar in the NACAA 365: Professional Development Series. We encourage you to mark your calendar for each one of the series and to promote these webinars within your state association.

 

I hope to see you in the Zoom audience as, together, we learn!

 

Phil Durst

Michigan State University Extension

NACAA Vice President

Monday, December 21, 2020

JCEP Virtual Extension Leadership Conference Registration Now Open

Dear NACAA Members,


I bring your attention to the upcoming Extension Leadership Conference. Feb 10-11-12, 2021.


The deadline for the earlybird registration ends ($150)  January 22  and the regular ends ($200)  on Feb 9.


Please reference the following: Registration is first and then your will also use the Whova app for the schedule.


Encourage registration for the JCEP ELC Conference
All details can be found on https://www.jcep.org/
Direct link to registration page: https://www.jcep.org/elc  


We will have a scheduled time for Association meetings on Friday, February 12th from 2:00-4:15pm Eastern. You can find the schedule here.

Thank you!

J. Craig Williams

NACAA President.
Penn State Extension
E-mail: jcw17@psu.edu

Winter 2020 NACAA Regional Director Newsletter

Please find a PDF file of the Winter 2020 NACAA Regional Director Newsletter at the following link: 

https://www.nacaa.com/ecountyagent/Winter2020Newsletter.pdf

Information within this newsletter is for all NACAA Regions.


NACAA North Central Region Director

Jerry Clark, M.S., CCA

Agriculture Agent

Chippewa County

711 N. Bridge St. Rm. 13

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Ph.  715-726-7950

Fax: 715-726-7958

jerome.clark@wisc.edu

Thursday, December 17, 2020

2021 Italy Agriculture Market Study Tour

NACAA is in the process of working with our travel partner Explorations by Thor, to reschedule our postponed 2020 Italy Agriculture Market Study Tour for a new timeline of October 2-10, 2021.

A few days ago, an initial poll was sent to those who had signed up for (or who had expressed interest) in the 2020 trip.  The overall response received was overwhelmingly in favor of rescheduling.

We are now reaching out to our entire membership to gauge interest.  We realize that many of you may not be aware of what was originally scheduled – so here’s a link to what was planned for 2020.  The plans for now are to follow a similar timeline/schedule – so this document will definitely be updated for 2021 – once we see what interest there is by our entire membership.  https://www.nacaa.com/prof-dev/NACAAItalyAgricultureMarketStudyTourOctober10-18,2020.pdf

Future trips are already being scheduled for the fall of 2021 and the price for this Italy program will be $125 higher per person than last year with new COVID-19 restrictions.  Currently the Italian government mandates 15 travelers per 50 seat bus with a guide for social distancing.  This could change but that is the current status for in-country travel.  There is no need to commit to anything at this time but please fill out this quick form so we can gauge interest. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdo2ijAJO7eTRN6aYf12-5uz2CQbBFgdXUXdHGauPZOqh8kQg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

State Officers Workshop (Virtual) Scheduled for January 5, 2021

Are you currently serving as a State Officer, or anticipate taking on a state leadership role in the very near future?  If so, this State Officer's Workshop is for you.

National Association of County Agriculture Agents

2020-2021 NACAA State Officer's Workshop

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 10:00am – 11:00am Central Time

https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/95966107318?pwd=ZTEvL1lGMGJzNGJaQWpCYU5rU3FnZz09

Passcode: NACAA


Subjects to be discussed:

Can my state Host an AMPIC? Bill Burdine, President-Elect

Committee Structure Phil Durst, Vice President

Structure

Recruiting quality members into leadership

Duties of State Officers J.J. Jones, Southern Region

Responsibilities of President and Secretary

Updating Officer, Committee Chairs and Membership

NACAA Operations Jerry Clark, North Central Region

Policies and By-laws

Membership Dues and Voting Delegates

Purpose of State Visits

NACAA Scholarship Program David Handley, Northeast Region

Criteria for Scholarships

Single vs. Group Applications

Executive Director Duties/Other Opportunities Kurt Jones, Western Region

What is ED's role?

Who to contact: ED vs Regional Directors vs President?

JCEP/PILD Conference

Recognition and Awards Stuart Gauthier, Southern Region

DSA, AA, Hall of Fame, Service to American Agriculture

Other Awards - What is available and how to apply?

Eligibility and Requirements

Quick tour of the NACAA database and website update Connie Strunk, Secretary

Where things are and how to update

National Outstanding Young Farmer Program Tammy Cheely, OYF Liaison

Life Members Jerry Clark, North Central Region

How to keep Life Members engaged

State Chair responsibilities

Question and Answer Session Everyone



Thursday, November 12, 2020

Webinar Link now available

 What can 4R do for you? 

Webinar sponsored by The Fertilizer Institute


A copy of the most recent webinar produced by The Fertlizer Institute for NACAA members can now be viewed at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2TWg3CdXNA

Thank you for supporting our NACAA National Sponsor.

October 2020 Edition of The County Agent Now Available Online

Dear NACAA members,

 

The most recent printed edition of The County Agent was mailed last week and should be on the way to your address on file.  Many of you requested an electronic version.  The PDF file link can be found at:  https://www.nacaa.com/countyagent/2020-03.pdf 

Thursday, October 15, 2020

2020 NACAA Virtual AM/PIC Evaluation

Dear NACAA members,

 

The 2020 NACAA Virtual AM/PIC Evaluation is awaiting your response! We value your input and feedback for this years conference.  

 

Please complete this survey whether you participated in the 2020 NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AM/PIC) or not. For those who participated, we need feedback on your experience to improve plans for future meetings.  

https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ISktMsmuumeKHz

 

For those who were not able to participate in the Virtual 2020 AM/PIC we need your responses as well to gather your insights to make future meetings more appealing and effective.

 

The survey may be accessed using a mobile device. Please be aware that you will not be able to return to a previous page within the survey once you have moved to the next page . Please complete the survey by November 6, 2020.

 

Thank you in advance for helping make NACAA better,

 

Gene McAvoy, NACAA Past President

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

NACAA 2020 Virtual AM/PIC - Update

 




Dear NACAA Members,

 

I hope this finds you well and that you are looking forward 

to the 2020 NACAA Virtual AMPIC which is coming up in a 

few short days (Sept. 28 - Oct 1).

 

As you know we will be using Microsoft Teams 

as our virtual platform.

 

In order to enhance your experience, the talented 

UF/IFAS IT Team have put together a short orientation video 

that will enhance your experience on TEAMs.  If you think 

about it we are all first-timers to this new virtual experience.

 

Please take some time to watch the video, it will give you the

 instructions you need to join the NACAA Team, how to 

maneuver within Teams, and what the invitation email to 

Teams that you will be receiving will look like. 

You should be receiving the invitation in the 

next 24 hours.

 

You can view the video at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ktVZfbPywQ&t=6s


If you haven't registered for the conference, please do 

so ASAP at   

https://www.nacaa.com/ampic/2020/2020VirtualAMPIC.php

This is the only way you will receive an official 

Teams invitation to participate.

  

For the best conference experience, please be sure to download

 and install the Microsoft Teams application:

 https://aka.ms/teamsdownload


Due to the need to get participants entered into the system 

prior to the AM/PIC, we will need to cut off registration

 tomorrow September 24 at 6PM EST.

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding and we look 

forward to seeing you next week.

 

All the best and stay safe

 

Gene

 

Gene McAvoy

President - National Association of County Agricultural Agents

 

 

Associate Director for Stakeholder Relations

University of Florida IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

 

Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus 

 

UF/IFAS SWFREC

2685 State Road 29 N

Immokalee, FL 34142

 

239-658-3414 office

863-673-5939 cell

gmcavoy@ifas.ufl.edu

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Support Your NACAA Scholarship Fund !!!

 The Scholarship Program provides professional improvement opportunities for members. The funding is provided by the NACAA Educational Foundation.


Scholarships can be awarded to an individual or groups. In order to be eligible for up to $1,000, you must have contributed at least $40 to the fund. Members need to be vested at $100 to be eligible for up to $2,000 during their Extension career. No monetary award can be over $1,000 in any one year. The online application submission deadline is June 1 annually. The award recipients are selected on the 1st day of AM/PIC. This year applications were reviewed/awarded on July 10.


Scholarship funds are often used for :
 Advanced degree
➢ Conference (NACAA AM/PIC not eligible)
 Specialized training
 Workshop
 Short courses or event


This year, the only way to contribute money to the NACAA Education Foundation is by credit card or check. In order to apply for an educational Scholarship in 2021 or beyond you must become ‘vested’ before the end of the ‘Virtual’ AM/PIC (Oct. 1, 2020).


To contribute by credit card … Go to website ... http://nacaa.com
Click on “Donate to the NACAA Educational Foundation - Scholarship.”
OR
Make check payable to: “NACAA Educational Foundation"
Mail check to: Scott Hawbaker
NACAA Executive Director
6584 W. Duroc Road
Maroa, IL 61756


ARE YOU ALREADY ELIGIBLE?
Find out …. go to www.nacaa.com/scholarship/index.php then select your State & click ‘Continue’ . All contributions for current members are listed.


For ANSWERS to your SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONS contact: Donna Hamlin Beliech, National Scholarship Chair, d.beliech@msstate.edu 601-825-1462.

Thursday, September 3, 2020

NOYF Application Deadline Extended to Oct. 5, 2020

 NACAA Members,

The National Outstanding Farmers of America have extended their deadline for applications for the National Outstanding Young Farmers program until October 5, 2020. This program is an incredible opportunity for farmers under 40 years of age and their Extension Agents. Please nominate your eligible young farmers.

The following criteria must be met during the nomination process:

  • All nominees must be submitted on the official Outstanding Young Farmers Nomination Form, found on the Outstanding Farmers of America website - www.outstandingfarmers.com  
  • Be postmarked before October 5, 2020
  • Nomination forms should be completed on the form downloaded from the website, not handwritten .

  To qualify:

  • Nominees must be between the ages of 21 and 40, not becoming 41 prior to January 1 before the NOYF Awards Congress.
  • Nominees must be actual farm operators, deriving a minimum of two-thirds of their income from farming.
  • Nominee must email or mail the completed NOYF nomination form.
  • The submission addresses as well as additional information about the National Outstanding Young Farmers Awards Congress and program can be obtained by visiting www.outstandingfarmers.com

  All NOYF Awards Program participants are judged on personal contributions in the following categories:

  • Progress in agricultural career (50%)
  • Extent of soil and water conservation practices (25%)
  • Contributions to the well-being of their community, state, and nation (25%)

Call me at 706-465-2136 or email me at tcheely@uga.edu with questions.

 

Thanks,

Tammy Cheely

NACAA Liaison to NOYF

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Journal of NACAA, Call for Papers

Dear NACAA Member,

 

September 15t  is the fall article submission deadline for publication in the December 1st   issue of the Journal of the NACAA.  Submission guidelines can be found at   https://www.nacaa.com/journal/instructions.php

 

This is an opportunity for NACAA members to publish some of the great work you all are doing.  The Journal of NACAA considers diverse topics that include current research, case studies, examples of outstanding Extension programming, and innovative ideas.  Non-NACAA members can be authors as long as a co-author is a member.  However, we highly encourage non-member authors to join NACAA.

 

Publishing in the Journal of NACAA is a great way to build your resume/CV and document your successes as you work toward attaining promotion or tenure in your institution.

 

If you have any questions, please let me know.

 

Sincerely,

 

Don    

 

Donald A. Llewellyn, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Livestock Extension Specialist

Affiliate Faculty, Department of Animal Sciences

Editor, Journal of NACAA

Washington State University Extension

ASLB 220

Pullman, WA  99164

 

Phone: 509-335-8759

E-mail:    don.llewellyn@wsu.edu

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

 NACAA 2020 Virtual  AM/PIC - Registration


Dear NACAA Members,

 

I hope this finds you well.

 

As I noted in a previous correspondence, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the NACAA Board has moved to go “virtual” with the 2020 AM/PIC and we have opted to use Microsoft Teams as the platform for this years meeting.  To do this successfully we will have to add you to the 2020 NACAA AM/PIC Team in advance of the meeting.  Please use this registration link to sign-up (Register Here). It's just 7 short questions, and should only take 1 minute or less to complete.  If you are already a Teams user it will enhance your experience if you enter the same email address that you use to access Teams.  Many land grant universities have Microsoft Teams and you may want to check with your IT people if you are not sure.  It is imperative that you register, even if you only plan to participate in 1 event, as you will not have access to the Virtual AM/PIC without being added as a Team member.

 

One of the benefits of using Teams is that you will have only one link to sign onto the annual meeting and then you will be able to negotiate on your own between sessions within Teams, which will allow you to move easily between concurrent member presentations.  As nearly all of us are first timers to this new world of virtual conferencing we will be hosting a series of on-line orientations to help get you up to speed and enhance your on-line experience.

 

Teams also features a virtual lounge where you will be able to hang out and chat with old friends and make new one.

 

Please register early and we look forward to seeing you online for the 2020 NACAA AM/PIC.  The dates once again are Monday, September 28 thru Thursday, October 1, 2020.  A copy of the day to day schedule is now posted online www.nacaa.com on the homepage - or directly at:  https://www.nacaa.com/ampic/2020/2020VirtualAMPIC.php

 

Stay safe and all the best.

 

Gene

 

Gene McAvoy

President - National Association of County Agricultural Agents

Friday, July 24, 2020

NACAA Meeting the Candidates 2020 Video Now Posted

For those of you who are interested in viewing the recent "Meet the Candidates" Zoom Meeting - a copy of the video can be found at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnstZYe6GD4


Thursday, July 16, 2020

NACAA 2020 AM/PIC Virtual Update - July 16, 2020



July 16, 2020

NACAA Members,

The NACAA Board has been busy monitoring the COVID-19 situation which continues to unfold and intensify in many areas of the nation.  Due to travel bans currently in place at many of our members’ institutions and the rapid increase in Covid 19 cases in many areas, it has become clear that we can no longer safely hold a face-to-face AM/PIC meeting in Virginia Beach even at the later date of September 29 -Oct 1, 2020.

The Board has, like many other associations and after much deliberation, decided to go entirely virtual and will hold the meeting at the same dates adding one additional day. The meeting will now occur over 4 days: Monday September 28 - Thursday October 1, 2020.

The NACAA Board, in consultation with the Virginia Association of Agricultural Extension Agents and the staff at Helms Briscoe was able to negotiate with the Virginia Beach Convention Center and hotels to release NACAA from all contractual agreements without penalty.

Our plan remains to focus heavily on professional improvement and member awards
along with the by-law mandated delegate session and regional caucuses.  Monday will be devoted to regional caucuses and the delegate sessions.  Note: State Presidents – if you have not yet done so you must submit the names of your state’s delegates to Secretary Connie Strunk. Delegate names must be submitted no later than 45 days before the delegate session on September 28, 2020.   The rest of the week will largely be composed of professional improvement activities and presentations.

Since our members are located across 4 time zones, we plan to start at 11 AM EST each day and run until 4 or 5 pm.  The virtual meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

The Board has decided to waive all registration fees and those of you who have already registered will be refunded in full.

You will be required to register online to receive the Zoom links and registration information will be forthcoming soon.

This has been a difficult decision and has been the subject of much deliberation and discussion by the Board.

We would also like applaud the Virginia agents for all their hard work over the past 4 years in planning and working on what had promised to be an awesome meeting highlighting the agricultural, cultural and historical diversity of the great state of Virginia.  We share their disappointment in not being able to host you in Virginia this fall.

We hope and pray that we will be able to return to a normal AM/PIC schedule in 2021.
We extend prayers for the safety of you, your families, and our nation.  As NACAA President, it has been extremely gratifying to observe Extension educators from across this great country rise to the challenge of serving our respective communities and bring factual information and solutions to the daily challenges being faced by our farmers, ranchers, friends and neighbors. 

Thank you for your understanding and thank you for your continued trust in NACAA! 

Stay safe and all the best.

Gene McAvoy,

NACAA President

Sunday, June 14, 2020

June 2020 of The County Agent Magazine & AM/PIC Online Registration


            
The June 2020 Edition of The County Agent is now available online at:  https://www.nacaa.com/countyagent/2020-02.pdf  Printed copies were mailed on June 9, 2020 for those who requested a hard copy.  Please allow a week or so for it to arrive.

Within this edition is a 2-page revised agenda for the AM/PIC.  A copy of that agenda is also available online at:  https://www.nacaa.com/ampic/2020/September2020AMPICTentativeSchedule.pdf

If you need a HOTEL ROOM for the AM/PIC – you will need to secure that FIRST by registering at: https://okzyhxiuzf.formstack.com/forms/2020ampiclodging  The lodging portion needs to be separate from the primary meeting registration – in order to securely collect a credit card to hold the room.  If you are sharing your room with another member – please coordinate with your roommates and only make 1 room reservation.  Duplicate room requests are difficult to screen and remove from the system.

ONLINE REGISTRATION for the AM/PIC is now also available at:  https://okzyhxiuzf.formstack.com/forms/2020ampic

For those of you still wishing to complete a “hard copy” paper form of the registration vs. online – a copy of that can be found at:  https://www.nacaa.com/ampic/2020/2020%20Revised%20AMPIC%20Registration%20Forms.pdf

Early bird registration will run between June 15 – August 15.  Beginning August 16, the registration fee will increase $100/person.

If you have questions/concerns about the registration process, please feel free to contact Scott Hawbaker at nacaaemail@aol.com or by calling 217-794-3700.  A copy of the cancellation policy is found within the online registration pages as well as within the hard copy form. 

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Educational Resources to Share with NACAA Members

NACAA Members:
During this time of uncertainty, Ag Extension agents have been creatively adapting their programming to meet the needs of their clientele. A great example is all of the videos which have been developed, by agents, to educate growers and the general public in the wake of the current Corona virus situation.

NACAA would like to give you an opportunity for professional development by sharing these videos with our members so we can all learn from each other. A Google doc has been created as a place for NACAA members to share their work and see what other Ag Agents across the country are doing.

NACAA will continue to collect these resources over the next few months and will update the directory on the NACAA website several times - so please feel free to make submissions as frequently as you would like.

Please click on this link below to add your Educational Resources you would like to have NACAA share.


To view Resources which have been uploaded by others - please view this link:  (entries can't be made on this file - only viewing):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ur9qvL-ddiIC3qiwugL9ri1QuOwzndLMsIY6UOorTf8/edit?usp=sharing

Connie L. Strunk
NACAA Secretary
Plant Pathology Field Specialist
Office: (605) 782-3290

Friday, April 17, 2020

NACAA AM/PIC Update - April 17, 2020

NACAA AM/PIC Update - April 17, 2020

NACAA Members,

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold and impact every sector of society, it has been extremely gratifying to observe Extension educators from across this great country rise to the challenge of serving our respective communities and bring factual information and solutions to the daily challenges being faced by our farmers, ranchers, friends and neighbors. 

I am writing to follow up on my previous message to you dated March 27 regarding plans for the 2020 AM/PIC originally scheduled for July 19-24, 2020 in Virginia Beach, VA.   As I noted in light of the current coronavirus pandemic facing our country and world, the NACAA Board has been carefully reviewing our options for the meeting since the likelihood that the conference would go on as scheduled was in doubt.
The NACAA Board in consultation with the Virginia Association of Agricultural Extension Agents and the staff at Helms Briscoe was able to negotiate with the Virginia Beach Convention Center and hotels to reschedule the AM/PIC to a later date without penalty.

We have decided to reschedule the AM/PIC for September 29 - October 1, 2020 in Virginia Beach.  We opted for a reduced 3-day schedule for several reasons:
  • Anticipated reduced attendance because of budgetary constraints and possible travel restrictions at some institutions,
  • COVID-19 influenced reduction in national and state sponsorship for the meeting,
  • Likelihood that fewer families and children might attend after a long COVID-19 mandated absence from school this spring and probable re-opening of schools next fall.
Our plan is to focus heavily on professional improvement and member awards along with the by-law mandated delegate session and regional caucuses.  Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, tours, sons and daughter activities and spouse and life-time member activities will be eliminated and/or reduced. 

This has been a painful decision and was the subject of much deliberation and discussion by the board and does not diminish the value we place on our life members or family participation in the meeting.
We hope and pray that we will be able to return to a normal AM/PIC schedule in 2021.

Stay tuned for more information, we anticipate opening registration on or about June 1.

You can rest assured that as we move forward the health and safety of our members will take utmost priority.

Prayers for the safety of you, your families and our nation and keep up the good work of keeping our farmers, ranchers and the general public informed and educated about COVID-19.

Thank you for your understanding and thank you for your continued trust in NACAA! 

Stay safe and all the best.

Gene McAvoy

NACAA President

Friday, March 27, 2020

NACAA 2020 AM/PIC Update - March 27, 2020

NACAA Members,

As you are all aware, the 2020 AM/PIC is scheduled for July 19-24, 2020 in Virginia Beach, VA.  Registration was expected to begin April 1st.  However, in light of the current coronavirus pandemic facing our country and world, the NACAA Board is currently reviewing our options for the meeting since the likelihood that the conference will go on as currently scheduled is doubtful.

Although a copy of The County Agent magazine highlighting the AM/PIC schedule was just mailed,  please hold off on submitting your registration materials at this time.

We are looking forward to holding our 2020 AM/PIC, but in light of the current situation, we need to delay any final decision for a least 2 more weeks while the evaluation process for potential options continues.  We will send out details as soon as they are finalized, along with a registration link.  You can rest assured that as we explore potential options the health and safety of our members will take utmost priority.

Prayers for the safety of you, your families and our nation and keep up the good work of keeping our farmers, ranchers and the general public informed and educated about Covid 19.

Thank you for your understanding and thank you for your continued trust in NACAA!  

Stay safe and all the best.

Gene McAvoy
NACAA President

Monday, March 23, 2020

Webinar Link

WEBINAR LINK FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT WERE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE

NACAA Members,

Planning & Conducting Extension Programs Using Video Conferencing During the COVID-19 Pandemic:  https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/0_poj5ug0z

If you are interested in obtaining the PowerPoint slides, please contact the speakers directly at— Julie Robinson:  jrobinson@uaex.edu  or Mary Poling: mpoling@uaex.edu

Regards,
Sergio
NACAA TET Chair
__________________________________
Sergio Arispe , Ph.D., P.A.S., Assistant Professor
Oregon State University
Department of Animal & Rangeland Sciences
OSU Extension Service—Malheur County | Livestock and Rangeland
710 SW 5th Ave
Ontario, OR 97914
P: 541-881-1417 (x104) | C: 530-304-0620 | F: 541-889-8840
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