If you have a Facebook account, join the "NACAA - National Association of County Agricultural Agents" group. This will make it easier for us to find each other, share pictures, links, and more.
Also, if you ever brought your kids to the AM/PICs, they might be interested in joining the "NACAA Sons & Daughters" common interest - travel group. Sam Ferree created this group. The description he wrote for the group says it all, "We see/saw each other for one week in the summer almost every year."
Facebook can be a great communications tool, but be warned... it can become habit-forming.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Three Webinar Opportunities for NACAA Members
Listed below, please note three different online learning and participation opportunities that may be of interest to you in your quest for professional improvement. Details and enrollment information follows the event descriptions.
Rick Gibson, NACAA President
THREE WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES
1. Ethics in Today’s Extension World
Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 2 – 3 pm Eastern Time
2. ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – South and East Region
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 1:20 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern Time
3. ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – Central and West Region
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 1:20 – 5:00 pm Western Time
Webinar details
Ethics in Today’s Extension World
February 10, 2009 , 2 – 3 PM Eastern Time
$25 Registration fee – Participants will receive the url and connection information via email.
Print the registration form found at: http://www.jcep.org/images/JCEP09Registration.pdf and fax it to 704-333-6927 or register online at: http://www.jcep.org/workshops.htm
Dr. Albert C. Pierce, Professor of Ethics and National Security at National Defense University
Dr Pierce has conducted highly regarded seminars on ethics for senior leaders as part of the National Defense University’s Capstone program for New Flag and General Officers. This presentation is a part of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals Regional meetings. The webcast may be cancelled if participation is not sufficient to cover costs.
ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – South and East Region
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Times listed are Eastern Time zone
URL: _http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/jcep/
1:20 pm Log-on, Welcome and Introductions
1:30 pm Change Brings Opportunity: What’s Up at CSRESS and What It Means to Our University Partners
Eric R. Norland, Ph.D., CF National Program Leader, Forest Resource Management
USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
The 2008 Farm Bill requires CSREES to transition into the National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Hear an update on the progress toward the National Institute, new programs that will result, and expanded opportunities for the Cooperative Extension System to participate in new competitive grants programs. Additionally, the new science organization in USDA will be discussed as well as the Department’s new Research, Education and Extension Office.
2:15 pm Estate Planning or Do I Need a Will?
Robert A. Tufts, PhD., J.D. Attorney and Associate Professor, Auburn University
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Many states offer extension programs that include estate planning. Robert A. Tufts is both a forester and attorney. Robert’s teaching and research includes the areas of estate planning for landowners, business entities and property law issues for landowners. Learn why you should have an estate plan and what three documents constitute the estate plan. Discuss with Robert
questions you have about teaching these classes in an extension setting.
3:45 pm Opportunities for Collaboration – An Open discussion
ANREP President Mike Reichenbach and NACDEP President Ed Jones
Discussion will focus on current and potential areas of collaboration between JCEP associations. One example is the JCEP sustainability initiative. This is your chance to interact with ANREP and NACDEP members.
ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – Central and West Region
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Times listed are western time zone
URL: _http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/jcep/
1:20 pm Log-on, Welcome and Introductions
1:30 pm Change Brings Opportunity: What’s Up at CSRESS and What It Means to Our University Partners
Eric R. Norland, Ph.D., CF, National Program Leader, Forest Resource Management
USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
The 2008 Farm Bill requires CSREES to transition into the National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Hear an update on the progress toward the National Institute, new programs that will result, and expanded opportunities for the Cooperative Extension System to participate in new competitive grants programs. Additionally, the new science organization in USDA will be discussed as well as the Department’s new Research, Education and Extension Office.
2:15 pm Beyond Just Talking about the Weather: Climate Science Extension in Arizona
Michael A. Crimmins, Ph.D.
3:45 PM Opportunities for Collaboration – An Open discussion
ANREP President Mike Reichenbach and NACDEP President Ed Jones
Discussion will focus on current and potential areas of collaboration between JCEP associations. One example is the JCEP sustainability initiative.
This is your chance to interact with ANREP and NACDEP members.
Webinar instructions:
1. Test your computer for compatibility a day or so ahead of the meeting. Go to the url listed for the seminar you wish to attend. Click on the troubleshooting link to make sure that your computer has all that is needed to participate in an Adobe Connect meeting.
2. For the meeting, you will need speakers connected to your computer to hear the audio.
3. You will be able to send questions during the meeting via the chat function. Type your questions and comments and click on the button to send.
4. When entering the meeting, enter as a guest. Type you name as you would like others to see it. You may add your association abbreviation following your name. For example, Mike Reichenbach ANREP
Questions call Mike Reichenbach 218-726-6470
Mike Reichenbach
University of Minnesota Extension
Regional Office Cloquet
179 University Rd
Cloquet, MN 55720
Rick Gibson, NACAA President
THREE WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES
1. Ethics in Today’s Extension World
Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 2 – 3 pm Eastern Time
2. ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – South and East Region
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 1:20 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern Time
- Change Brings Opportunity: What’s Up at CSRESS and What It Means to Our University Partners
- Estate Planning or Do I Need a Will?
- ANREP – NACDEP Open Discussion
3. ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – Central and West Region
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 1:20 – 5:00 pm Western Time
- Change Brings Opportunity: What’s Up at CSRESS and What It Means to Our University Partners
- Beyond Just Talking about the Weather: Climate Science Extension in Arizona
- ANREP – NACDEP Open Discussion
Webinar details
Ethics in Today’s Extension World
February 10, 2009 , 2 – 3 PM Eastern Time
$25 Registration fee – Participants will receive the url and connection information via email.
Print the registration form found at: http://www.jcep.org/images/JCEP09Registration.pdf and fax it to 704-333-6927 or register online at: http://www.jcep.org/workshops.htm
Dr. Albert C. Pierce, Professor of Ethics and National Security at National Defense University
Dr Pierce has conducted highly regarded seminars on ethics for senior leaders as part of the National Defense University’s Capstone program for New Flag and General Officers. This presentation is a part of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals Regional meetings. The webcast may be cancelled if participation is not sufficient to cover costs.
ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – South and East Region
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Times listed are Eastern Time zone
URL: _http://connect.extension.
1:20 pm Log-on, Welcome and Introductions
1:30 pm Change Brings Opportunity: What’s Up at CSRESS and What It Means to Our University Partners
Eric R. Norland, Ph.D., CF National Program Leader, Forest Resource Management
USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
The 2008 Farm Bill requires CSREES to transition into the National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Hear an update on the progress toward the National Institute, new programs that will result, and expanded opportunities for the Cooperative Extension System to participate in new competitive grants programs. Additionally, the new science organization in USDA will be discussed as well as the Department’s new Research, Education and Extension Office.
2:15 pm Estate Planning or Do I Need a Will?
Robert A. Tufts, PhD., J.D. Attorney and Associate Professor, Auburn University
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Many states offer extension programs that include estate planning. Robert A. Tufts is both a forester and attorney. Robert’s teaching and research includes the areas of estate planning for landowners, business entities and property law issues for landowners. Learn why you should have an estate plan and what three documents constitute the estate plan. Discuss with Robert
questions you have about teaching these classes in an extension setting.
3:45 pm Opportunities for Collaboration – An Open discussion
ANREP President Mike Reichenbach and NACDEP President Ed Jones
Discussion will focus on current and potential areas of collaboration between JCEP associations. One example is the JCEP sustainability initiative. This is your chance to interact with ANREP and NACDEP members.
ANREP and NACDEP Association meetings – Central and West Region
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Times listed are western time zone
URL: _http://connect.extension.
1:20 pm Log-on, Welcome and Introductions
1:30 pm Change Brings Opportunity: What’s Up at CSRESS and What It Means to Our University Partners
Eric R. Norland, Ph.D., CF, National Program Leader, Forest Resource Management
USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
The 2008 Farm Bill requires CSREES to transition into the National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Hear an update on the progress toward the National Institute, new programs that will result, and expanded opportunities for the Cooperative Extension System to participate in new competitive grants programs. Additionally, the new science organization in USDA will be discussed as well as the Department’s new Research, Education and Extension Office.
2:15 pm Beyond Just Talking about the Weather: Climate Science Extension in Arizona
Michael A. Crimmins, Ph.D.
3:45 PM Opportunities for Collaboration – An Open discussion
ANREP President Mike Reichenbach and NACDEP President Ed Jones
Discussion will focus on current and potential areas of collaboration between JCEP associations. One example is the JCEP sustainability initiative.
This is your chance to interact with ANREP and NACDEP members.
Webinar instructions:
1. Test your computer for compatibility a day or so ahead of the meeting. Go to the url listed for the seminar you wish to attend. Click on the troubleshooting link to make sure that your computer has all that is needed to participate in an Adobe Connect meeting.
2. For the meeting, you will need speakers connected to your computer to hear the audio.
3. You will be able to send questions during the meeting via the chat function. Type your questions and comments and click on the button to send.
4. When entering the meeting, enter as a guest. Type you name as you would like others to see it. You may add your association abbreviation following your name. For example, Mike Reichenbach ANREP
Questions call Mike Reichenbach 218-726-6470
Mike Reichenbach
University of Minnesota Extension
Regional Office Cloquet
179 University Rd
Cloquet, MN 55720
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
County Agent Magazine Available Online
If you've misplaced your hard copy of the County Agent Magazine or want to look at back issues (starting with the December, 2008 issue) they are now available online. There is a link in the green navigation bar on the NACAA web site or directly at: http://www.nacaa.com/countyagent/
Monday, November 24, 2008
Dues Renewal Time
It's that time of year again where your membership dues will once again be due to NACAA. Membership dues are due to NACAA (via your state association) by January 1, 2009. All membership dues not received by March 15, 2009 will unfortunately deactivate your membership. Annual dues to NACAA are $50. NACAA is YOUR Professional Improvement Association... make the most of it and Renew Today. While you're renewing... ask the new agent in your office... or an agent whom you know isn't a part of NACAA... to Join NACAA and be a part of your association. Please contact your state Secretary/Treasurer to make arrangements for 2009.
Schedule for Upcoming County Agent Magazine
Due to this years' conference schedule being held in September, 2009... the NACAA service year is actually a 14 month period. This will cause a slight change in the normal distribution of The County Agent. Here's a schedule of when the publication will be distributed:
December, 2008 Issue
Committee Awards Directory
Deadline for articles: November 17, 2008
Mail Date: December 5, 2005
March, 2009 Issue
Deadline for articles: February 8, 2009
Mail Date: March 1, 2009
May, 2009 Issue
AM/PIC Issue
Deadline for articles: April 20, 2009
Mail Date: May 20, 2009
Make sure you are up-to-date!
Ever wonder why you haven't received a copy of The County Agent? Maybe at the dues renewal time... your personal contact information that we have on record... isn't up to date. Take time today to check your information online... by going to www.nacaa.com and selecting Member Database. Type in your email and if it's your first time logging in... request a password. If when you type in your email - it doesn't show you are a member... it may be because we have a different e-mail address on file for you. If this is the case... and you can't log in... please send an email to nacaaemail@aol.com and we'll get your email address updated. The membership database is a great tool for our membership to be able to contact fellow members. Use it... as it has great value!
Extension Agents Working in Iraq
By: Jim Conley
Most of the news coming out of Iraq is related to the war. Few media outlets tell the story of the huge reconstruction efforts that are helping Iraqis rebuild their nation. For those of us involved in Extension work, nothing could be more exciting than involvement in the agricultural reconstruction efforts that are underway at 18 Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) scattered across Iraq. For the past 12 months, it's been my pleasure to be serving in Iraq, working as part of this impressive reconstruction effort.
PRTs are joint civilian/military teams that work under the auspices of the US Department of State. They are led by career State Department Foreign Service Officers and a military deputy. Team members, both civilian and military, work in four programmatic areas: Infrastructure, Governance, Rule of Law and Economic Development. Agriculture is a big part of the economic development efforts. PRTs function, not as an alternative to the local Iraqi government institutions, but to build the capacity of those institutions, and that of the citizenry. Sound familiar?
Working as an Ag Advisor on a PRT is a definitely a very unique experience. It can be frustrating, rewarding, dangerous and exciting. You work in a different culture, with a different language and a system of government that is totally foreign to our experience. Our ag advisors assist the PRT in developing agriculture on the local level. Agriculture is an important part of the overall economic development efforts. Our goal is to create employment, to move toward food security, and help to rebuild an agricultural infrastructure that has been damaged by decades of neglect and war. Interactions with the Iraqis generally occur in group settings.
Here are some examples of some current efforts underway by some of our Ag Advisors:
- Demonstrating hoop house, plasticulture and drip irrigation technology.
- Rebuilding and upgrading processing facilities, i.e. vegetable grading/sorting/packing/processing; date processing, animal slaughterhouses, and cold storage warehouses.
- Forming water use associations that will be responsible for maintenance and management of a local irrigation district.
- Introducing improved seed varieties. Working with beekeeping associations to renovate their honey processing facilities and improve marketing.
- Forming poultry cooperatives that are importing improved genetics and high-protein feeds.
- Building capacity of the local Extension offices. Many of the Extension offices are being equipped with video teleconference equipment, and training sessions are being arranged with our U.S. Land Grant Universities.
- Youth programming! Over 50% of Iraq's population is less than 18 years of age!
The work is a challenge! Between cultural barriers, language barriers and security constraints, accomplishments in Iraq come in small steps. Security is tight. We live in secured compounds, surrounded by concrete barriers and barbed wire. We only leave these secure compounds in armored vehicles escorted by soldiers. We live in small sheet-metal housing trailers, typically 10 ft x 12 ft in size (but it is air-conditioned). Almost no one has a private bathroom.
Ag Advisors are needed in both Iraq and Afghanistan. For details on applying, please see the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service website at: www.fas.usda.gov/icd/iraq/detailops_04-07.asp
You can also contact me at prtjim@gmail.com for more information.
Jim Conley
County Extension Director
Huerfano County, Colorado (currently serving in Iraq)
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