Extension Updates

To assure that all of you are kept up to date on a regular basis, the three regional directors and the state Extension Administration Office provides bi-weekly Extension Updates. This forum is for all Extension announcements, so if you have something to distribute, please forward it to Lori Bates with FOR EXTENSION UPDATE noted.

June 5, 2014

On Behalf of CJ Mucklow:


STEM kits are coming this summer

Attached is a list of the 5 kits/lessons that are currently in development/piloting and that we can say would be available for the agents and individuals to purchase this summer. The estimated cost of each kit is approximately $40. The kit will contain all materials for each of the activities within the lesson (see list) so that it can be used with a group of about 20 students. Contact Barb Shaw or Annette Hass for more information.

President Tony Frank's Visits

President Tony Frank will be touring our state with stops along the Eastern Plains on June 9-13 and the Western Slope on June 23-27. If you have the chance to attend any events with the president please do so. I know that here in western Colorado several agents are being introduced and this is a good opportunity for us to build relationships with campus personnel and clientele across the state.

Western Region Vacancies

  • The Tri River Area director was identified and accepted the position then withdrew, so the position is under review again.
  • The Western Region Agriculture Economist position is currently being advertised and closes June 20. If you know anyone who might be interested please have them contact me.

County Fairs

County fair season is coming up so I wish all of you well in your role in that unique endeavor!

Wildlife Conflict Specialist

In the past Extension had a position that focused on education towards wildlife and agriculture conflicts. This included anything from rodents to large predators. I recently received a call about reestablishing that position. I’m trying to find out if there is still a demand for a position that specializes in wildlife and agricultural conflicts. If you still get inquiries about this or think this is a good idea or an unneeded position, please drop me an email so I can get a better feel for it.

Good read about Extension

Director Swanson recently sent the regional directors a good article on Extension. Below is the link: http://www.choicesmagazine.org/choices-magazine/theme-articles/higher-educations-roles-in-supporting-a-rural-renaissance/extension-reconsidered

Bio Security

Recently a swine disease called Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PED), caused many of you to change weigh in procedures for swine. This unfortunate disease has heightened our awareness of the need to practice better bio security at fairs and shows related to 4-H livestock. The Department of Agriculture recently printed some new posters on some basic bio security tips. If your office didn’t receive one let me know and I’ll get one sent to you. Our own Extension veterinarian, Ragan Adams also recommended agents go to the below link for more bio security tips be it at fairs or on the farm/home.

http://www.pork.org/Research/4316/PEDVResources.aspx#.UzMPVNxANg0.or

Agent Guidelines Regarding Livestock Death

A document was created with a collaborative team to help agents, county personnel, etc. with a list of guidelines and recommendations regarding unexpected livestock death. If you ever find yourself being called in to assist with a livestock emergency this should be very useful. The information is located at: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/ag/livestock-death.html

Specialists' Introductions

Sastry Jayanty

Meet CSU Extension Specialist
Sastry Jayanty

Title: Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
College: College of Agricultural Sciences
Department: Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
% Extension Time: 50%
Years with CSU: 7
Research Area: Postharvest Physiology of Potatoes
Teaching Responsibilities: Developing on line course on postharvest biology of vegetables and fruits.
Contact Information: 0249 East County Road 9N, Center, CO 81125, 719-754-3594 sastry.jayanty@colostate.edu

 

Dr. George Beck

Meet CSU Extension Specialist
Dr. George Beck

Title: Professor of Weed Science
College: Agricultural Sciences
Department: Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management
% Extension Time: 50%
Years with CSU: 28
Extension/Outreach Involvement: Member of natural resources, pest management, and small acreage teams
Research Area: Invasive weed management
Teaching Responsibilities: Ecology and Management of Weeds – BSPM308 fall semesters
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing, beer brewing
Contact Information: 116 Weed Research Lab, 1177 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1177, Email is the best way to reach me george.beck@colostate.edu

Updated