On behalf of JoAnn Powell.

• Congratulations
• Liberty Day Institute Program for Students – CJ Mucklow
• Rams in the Rockies 2016 Engagement Tour–August 11 & 12, 2016
• Front Range Searches
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Front Range Activities
• WEDA Awards of Excellence—Colorado Building Farmers

Greetings all,

Hope you have taken some time to enjoy this summer, I know I have. In addition to attending county fairs and Extension programming across the region, I made a trip home to visit family and spend some time in the harvest fields. Our family farm is located in the Palouse country of eastern Washington where we grow dry-land spring and winter wheat varieties, malting barley and garbanzo beans for Sabra (hummus). Had a great time with my farmer brothers Craig and Dick, and sister Karen. A highlight was getting my 87-year old semi-retired farmer dad out to the fields. I also upped my ranking at the Jefferson County Celebrity Livestock show placing in front of three county commissioners, the sheriff, county manager, treasurer, and others. That’s a reserve champion ribbon y’all. Thanks Kacy! (Atkinson – Logan County, was our judge). Thanks also to the 4-h’ers who trained me and Barbie for continuing to invite me to the show.

It’s hard to believe that we are two-thirds of the way through 2016—just four months left to accomplish all those goals you laid out for yourself at the beginning of the year. Here are a few things you may want to consider:

• Review the new performance appraisal form and identify areas you will need to address as well as areas that may not apply. Take the opportunity to discuss any questions with your supervisor as well as make sure they are up to speed on your work and challenges. Also, review your goals for 2016. If you are making progress—great. If your goals have changed or you were called upon to address other issues—update them with your supervisor.
• CPRS Reporting—is it reflective of all your good work? Narratives help to bring your numbers to life and allow others to see how you, your program, and your community have benefited.
• Mentors—have you connected with your mentee recently to see how they are doing? Have they visited you or you them?
• Professional development—are you taking advantage of the opportunities/funds that can help get you where you want to go?

While I know that you have plenty more to consider in addition to this short list, this list is about you, your success, and your colleagues’ success. Invest well.

Congratulations

…to long time (since ’95) Extension Soils Specialist and Professor Jessica Davis on her appointment as the new Department Head for Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Jessica has been a go-to for Extension staff over the years in nutrient and manure management as well as soils; in her new position, Jessica expressed interest in fruit and vegetable production, food and non-food crops, and of course, managing the department. An initial step for the department will be developing a strategic plan; five committees have been established including one chaired by Tony Koski that is focused on Extension and Engagement. Jessica believes that all faculty have an engagement role and she is excited to continue building the department’s relationship and collaboration with Extension and our staff. She also wants to explore opportunities to work more closely with Extension specialists housed at each of the three research centers. We look forward to working with you in your new role Jessica.

…to Danielle Ardrey (DuBois), Arapahoe County FCS/CD/4-H Program Coordinator, on her recent marriage in July.

Liberty Day Institute Program for Students – CJ Mucklow

The attached information from the Liberty Day Institute may be of interest to 4H groups. Attorney General Cynthia Coffman will be taking and answering questions on the US Constitution from students throughout the state until September 17 (Constitution Day). Students’ questions should be passed through their school’s leadership to Andy McKean at Liberty Day Institute. The AG office is also offering free civics resources for 5^th graders. (Please see 160804 C Coffman 2016 Flier.pdf and 2016 Colo DOE Katy Anthes Ltr of Support.pdf)

Rams in the Rockies 2016 Engagement Tour–August 11 & 12, 2016

The CSU Ram Faculty Engagement Tour is a two-day traveling seminar designed for recently hired and newly tenured faculty, administrators, and student leaders. Each year, the tour travels through a Colorado region to meet CSU community partners, talk with current CSU students and alumni, and learn from regional leaders. “I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet faculty from across campus, as well as the Extension partners around the state” said Lisa Kutcher, CSU Professor of Accounting. “Even if you are not sure how this ties into your research or teaching activities, this is a fun and worthwhile experience—whether you are new to CSU or an experienced faculty member.”

CSU Provost Rick Miranda, Vice President for Engagement Lou Swanson, and Associate Provost for Instructional Innovation Mike Palmquist led the fourth annual CSU faculty Ram Tour to Steamboat Springs. CSU Extension, Colorado State Forest Service, and The Nature Conservancy were among the hosts and presenters for the faculty group as they visited a Longmont-area farm and helped to open the Jefferson County Festival and Fair before reaching Steamboat Springs. Along the way, faculty learned about farming and gardening on the Front Range, forest health, and recreation management from community leaders and CSU partners. CSU Extension staff from Boulder, Jefferson, Jackson, and Routt counties all participated in hosting this year’s tour.

Front Range Searches

• Adams County. Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development. Kenzie Krinkee has accepted this position, effective August 15. Kenzie has been employed at the University of Wyoming as a 4-H Youth Development Educator. She received her bachelor’s in Equine Science, minor in Business Administration from CSU.
• Boulder, Denver, Larimer & Weld Counties. Nutrition Program Supervisor, #17-16. Interviews will be held August 25 & 26. Search committee includes Katie McGirr (chair), Susan Baker, Rusty Collins, Michael Lucero, Brigid McDonnell, and JoAnn Powell.
• Broomfield County. Extension Agent & Director, 4-H Youth Development, (60% Time). The search committee includes JoAnn Powell (chair), Annette Haas, Debbie Oldenettel (Director of Broomfield Health & Human Services), Chad Pfitzer (4-H parent and former Extension agent at Purdue University), and Irene Shonle.
• Douglas County. Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development/Livestock. Search committee includes JoAnn Powell (chair), Sam Lowry, Lara Mooney (Sr. Human Resources Generalist, Douglas County), Annette Shipley, and Vicky Starkey (Director of Facilities, Fleet & Emergency Support Services, Douglas County Government).
• Douglas County. Extension Agent, Horticulture. This position is under review.
• Weld County. Extension Program Associate, 4-H YD (.45 FTE), Endowed, #15-16. Augusta Ahlm accepted this position, effective July 11. Augusta is passionate about empowering youth through leadership and agricultural education. Her favorite 4-H contest to coach is horse judging. Augusta has worked as a horse trainer and volunteer coordinator. She received her bachelor’s in Agriculture Extension Education and Community Development from New Mexico State University.
• Weld County. Extension Agent, Horticulture/Agriculture. Amy Lentz accepted this position, effective July 1. Amy enjoys gardening, photography, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two dogs. She taught horticulture classes and managed greenhouse production, vegetable gardens, small fruit production, and an apple orchard at Morehead State University. Amy has a master’s in Plant and Soil Science – Horticulture from the University of Kentucky.

Professional Development Opportunities

If you are interested in accessing professional development funding, please review the procedures at: http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/staffres/prof_imp.pdf. Information on using your CSU study privilege is available at: http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/study-privilege.html.

• 2016 Specialty Crops Field Day – see flyer
• Make use of your CSU study privilege to attend a new class, Non-Profit Program Development, SOWK 660. This 3 credit, online class is designed for graduate students and working professionals interested in non-profit agency planning, program development, and effective organizational management. For additional information go to: online.colostate.edu/courses/SOWK/SOWK660.dot. Amy Riep, School of Social Work and Director of The Center for Lifelong Learning and Outreach Education, is the instructor.
• Our own Mark Platten will be moderating a national ESP professional development webinar on international travel within Extension. There is a great panel to answer questions. Click here for the attached flyer. Register here: https://extension.zoom.us/webinar/register/21ab5292062b4251c5b9141539e44ee6.
• The Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP) is accepting applications from emerging leaders looking to further develop both their skills and their commitment to the future of Colorado’s agricultural and rural communities. September. 30 is the deadline to apply for the next CALP class—which will consist of 12 seminars, run February 2017 through February 2019. Applications can be downloaded at coloagleaders.org.

Front Range Activities

Jefferson County Fair & Festival held a pie eating contest. Curtis Utley, Lisa Sholten, and Jacki Paone tried out their skills in the adult division. Pictured below, are the youth participants. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment and the contestants enjoyed the pie.

Campers at the 4-H ENOR Environmental Discovery Day Camps in Jefferson County met new friends, discovered nature’s wonders, learned the importance of stewarding natural resources, and worked together in the outdoors.

Weld County Extension hosted a booth at the Children’s Festival to introduce 4-H to the underserved in the community. Fun activities included cookie decorating, and making pet rocks, tie dye, and snow globes. The festival has become one of most important outreach programs for Weld County Extension 4-H.

The Weld County 4-H Horse Council hosted a Levels Test Workshop for 4-H’ers. Several members passed the written test at the highest level attainable. Work stations included Parasites, Tack, Digestive Track, First Aid, and Shoeing among others. 4-H’ers who successfully completed higher levels assisted younger members.

Camp Cloverbud’s Everyday Heroes Camp, hosted by Weld County Extension, showcased first responders from the Greeley Fire Department, Police Department, District 6 Transportation, Banner Health Ambulance, and Weld County Sheriff’s Department. Senior 4-H’ers served as camp counselors to and helped campers pack care boxes for overseas military personnel.

Weld Agriculture Leadership Ambassador (WALA) Team, established by the Weld County Extension office, educates those around them about agriculture and its importance for the future. Members hosted a booth at the UNC Ag Day football game, where they also presented the flags.

The Weld County Goat Extravaganza held educational seminars covering key topics of interest to goat breeders, Jackpot Showmanship Contests, Jackpot Prospect Market Goat Show, Goat Shows (Boer Goat Show, Dairy Goat Show, Pygmy Goat Show and Fiber Goat Show), and helped build relationships with vendors.

Jennifer Tucker examining bees with Dave Swanson and Marvin Rowe, Brighton bee club members. Adams County Extension staff (Eric, Jennifer, & Makayla) counting thrips on 44 different onion varieties.

4-H cat showmanship at El Paso County Fair.

Hog showmanship at Arapahoe County Fair.

WEDA Awards of Excellence—Colorado Building Farmers

The Colorado Building Farmers program, led by Adrian Card, Dawn Thilmany, Darrin Parmenter, Martha Sullins, and Rebecca Hill, recently received a WEDA Awards of Excellence for creating a strong producer network that provides business planning expertise, a sense of community, and the opportunity to build business relationships for those entering agriculture. Read more at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/weda/secure/files/documents/awards/2016-weda-awards-program.pdf. Special thanks to participating agents and key partners: Karen Crumbaker, Kurt Jones, Danielle Dubois, Beth LaShell (Fort Lewis College), Buck Adams & Rich Murphy (Veterans to Farmers), Barb Bates & Becky Butterfield, James Pritchett, and Kellie Enns.