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.
April 3, 2015
On Behalf of Bill Nobles:
- Western SARE Releases Calls for Proposals – Funding for Researchers, Ag Professionals, Producers
- Innovative Projects
- 2015 Arkansas River Basin Water Forum (ARBWF)
- Extension’s Responsibility to an Effective Volunteer Background Check Process – JoAnn Powell, CJ Mucklow, Bill Nobles
- Ag Summit connects food, innovation and problem-solving – Jim Beers
- President’s Community Lecture Series presents Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor, Animal Sciences
- RD Monthly Webinars – Jan Carroll
- Peaks and Plains Regional Meeting
- Peaks and Plains Vacancies
- Devin Engle Wins 2015 CSU AP Star Award
- Great Picture! Western Region
Western SARE Releases Calls for Proposals – Funding for Researchers, Ag Professionals, Producers
The 2016 Calls for Proposals for four Western SARE grant programs have been released. Descriptions of each program and links to the full Call can be found at westernsare.org/Grants/Types-of-Grants.
The four grant programs include:
- Research & Education Pre-proposal
- Professional Development
- Farmer/Rancher
- Professional + Producer
Research & Education projects involve scientists, producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to address issues related to sustaining agriculture. Pre-proposals are due 1 pm MDT June 3, 2015. Following scrutiny by a technical review panel, presenters of the best pre-proposals will be asked to submit full proposals, due in November 2015 with notification in March 2016.
Professional Development projects focus on training agricultural professionals to help them spread knowledge about sustainable agriculture concepts and practices. Proposals are due noon MDT, October 28, 2015 with notification in March 2016.
Farmer/Rancher projects are conducted by agricultural producers with support and guidance from a technical advisor. Producers typically use their grants to conduct on-site experiments with results that can be shared with other producers. Multiple farmers or associations may qualify for a higher level of funding. Proposals are due 1 pm MDT, December 2, 2015 with notification in March 2016.
Professional + Producer projects are similar in concept to the Farmer/Rancher Grants with a few key differences. Instead of a producer serving as the project coordinator, an agricultural professional coordinates the project. Farmers or ranchers serve as project advisors. Proposals are due 1 pm MDT, December 2, 2015 with notification in March 2016.
The 2016 Call for Proposals for the Graduate Student Grants has previously been released and proposals will be accepted until 1 pm MDT May 13, 2015. Successful applicants will be notified in August.
The Western SARE Administrative Council will select reviewed proposals that are innovative, diverse in content, subject matter, and geography; demonstrate tangible outcomes; and provide readily adaptable technologies and information suitable to the adoption of sustainable farming and ranching systems by producers in the western region.
SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that functions through competitive grants conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers and agricultural professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities.
Innovative Projects
eXtension is currently offering funding for innovative projects. This includes potential big data ideas, issues, etc. The maximum amount is $150,000 but smaller project amount applications are considered. More information at: http://about.extension.org/2015/03/02/extension-seeks-innovative-project-proposals/
2015 Arkansas River Basin Water Forum (ARBWF)
This 2015 Arkansas River Basin Water Forum will be held in Pueblo. The dates are April 22-23, 2015 and will be held at Pueblo Community College. Registration and information web site is: www.ARBWF.org
Extension’s Responsibility to an Effective Volunteer Background Check Process – JoAnn Powell, CJ Mucklow, Bill Nobles
As we all know, CSU Human Resources has worked with Extension to develop a step-by-step background check process for new Extension volunteer applicants that all counties are expected to follow. In some counties the background check process is going well and in some counties and in some situations it is not going so well. Time will be devoted at each of the regional meetings this spring to insure that the process is conducted as required in every county. In the meantime, click here to follow the step by step instructions as outlined.
Ag Summit connects food, innovation and problem-solving – Jim Beers
If you eat, you are a part of agriculture. That theme was echoed at the inaugural “Advancing the Agriculture Economy Through Innovation” summit held at the Lory Student Center, March 18-20. Read more about the summit, which was based on a study by a CSU professor which shows that innovators in the fields of agriculture, water, food, beverage and bioenergy are gathering and growing along Colorado’s Front Range, creating next-generation technologies and business models to nourish, refresh, and energize the world.
“Advancing the Agriculture Economy Through Innovation
“study”
President’s Community Lecture Series presents Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor, Animal Sciences
Dr. Grandin will discuss “Helping Different Kinds of Minds Solve Problems” on Monday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom. http://source.colostate.edu/a-day-with-temple-grandin-april-13/
RD Monthly Webinars – Jan Carroll
Tentative Dates and Topics for 2015 (all webinars begin at 1:30 pm):
- April 23: Expectations for Programming
- May 28: Relationships & Legislative Engagement
- June 25: Emerging Issues & Evaluate RD Webinars
Anyone is welcome to attend. Details on the topic and presenters will be sent before each session. The webinars are recorded and archived as “professional development webinars“.
Peaks and Plains Regional Meeting
Make sure you registered and have your hotel reservation. The Peaks and Plains Regional Meeting is scheduled for May 5-7 in Salida and will be held at the Hampton Inn. The official meeting will start mid-day on Tuesday, May 5 and finish mid-day on Thursday, May 7. Kurt Jones is the Planning Committee chair and committee members are Kindra Plumb, JoLynn Midcap, Amy Henschen, Sheila Kelley, Michael Fisher, Deb Lester, Robin Young and Christy Fitzpatrick.
Peaks and Plains Vacancies
- Jennifer Cooney has accepted the position as Extension Agent (Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and 4-H Youth Development) Morgan County, Fort Morgan, starts April 20th.
- Tara Friend has accepted the position as the Extension Agent (Family and Consumer Sciences / 4-H Youth Development) for Logan County, Sterling starts April 20th.
- Area Extension Agent, Weed Science/Agronomy Golden Plains Area (GPA) Sedgwick County, Julesburg, closes April 2, 2015.
- Southeast Area Extension Agent (Agriculture/Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development) Kiowa County, Eads, is under review. Position will close April 23, 2015.
- ½-time Extension Program Associate 4-H Youth Development Sedgwick County, Julesburg, is being filled by Sedgwick County.
- Extension Program Associate 4-H Youth Development Kit Carson County, Burlington, interviews are April 6th and 7th.
- Agronomy/Cropping Systems Extension Agent, Logan and Morgan Counties, Sterling and Fort Morgan, CO is under review.
Devin Engle Wins 2015 CSU AP Star Award
Congratulations to Devin Engle. Each year the CSU Administrative Professional Council honors a select few AP employees with the CSU AP Star Award. The award honors work achievements of those employees who continually provide outstanding commitment and service to the University. The intent is to recognize employees whose individual performance makes a difference and “shines” within the CSU community. In March, Devin Engle was one of seven CSU AP employees selected to receive the 2015 CSU AP Star Award. During the ceremony, the AP Council recognized Devin’s guidance contributing to increased growth in Pueblo County 4H participation and volunteer involvement. Her commitment to CSU Extension committees and task forces was also acknowledged. Great job Devin!
Great Picture! Western Region
This picture was taken of Brandon Creamer (Montrose County 4-H Program Associate) and the kid is Clay Sobrowski from Gunnison County. It was taken at the Jackpot Show in Loveland, then posted to Showtime Jr. Livestock Magazine’s Facebook page. It may also appear in their May issue.
