Feb. 26, 2007 Extension Update
Dear Extension Faculty and Staff:
The legislators are still hard at work trying to sort out funding and policy issues that they believe will have the greatest impact on New Mexicans, not an easy task. Between the House and Senate there are over 2800 bills, both funding and policy related bills that will impact higher education, so far I think we are in pretty good standing, but this could all change. The "money" bills should all come together in the next week or so, we will at least know where we stand with the legislature. I have gained a great deal of appreciation and respect for the legislators, staff and lobbyist that work so hard on all our behalf, especially Patricia, Ricardo and Cyndi.
The NM Organic Farming Conference was held in Albuquerque last week. Extension was a co-sponsor/organizer. Workshops included topics such as greenhouse diseases, record keeping, conservation easements, and holistic management. A dozen agents and specialists attended. Their attendance was greatly praised by co-sponsors of the conference.
It may be a little late for this news, but dairy workshops in Spanish and English are being offered this week on the eastside. Hosted by the NewMexico Ag Expo, topics are numerous and in both English and Spanish for milk hands, other employees and for owners and managers. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Floyd McAlister, 505-356-4417, seems to be a main contact on this and might know future dates and places.
Roberta Rios led a productive meeting last week in the Northern District with nearly thirty agents, specialists and interested individuals in attendance to discuss current and future Native American programming. With so many great Native American Extension programs in the works or ongoing, a second meeting is planned for follow-up on action steps.
The upcoming April Conference is coming together and the agenda will be announced once people and places are finalized. One topic that will be presented is the "public value of Extension". You can read and prepare yourself for some interesting discussions on this issue by going to the Journal of Extension article on the topic: http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/a1.shtml . This article describes an approach for applying public sector value to Extension programs in order to formulate a persuasive argument for public financial support.
The Eastern New Mexico Farm Show will not only be worth attending for all the news and information presented but it also marks the end of a tremendous 22-year career for Floyd McAlister, Roosevelt County Extension Director and Agriculture Agent. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be designated Floyd McAlister Day in Portales in recognition of everything Floyd has done to assist, teach, and work with farmers, ranchers and clientele across Eastern New Mexico and West Texas. On Wednesday, a recognition breakfast will be held in his honor with toasts of orange juice and a ranch style meal. Thank you Floyd, for all you have done for the citizens of NM and the excellence in Extension programming over the years! In fact, I think I might just head on over to Portales tomorrow morning.
I will be in Santa Fe on Wednesday and hopefully back in the office Thursday and Friday. Feel free to contact me through Bea Garrett 646-3015.
Paul