Letter from the director

Dear Virginia,

Virginia Cooperative Extension aspires to be the go-to academic based organization that provides trusted solutions for the commonwealth’s producers, landowners, leaders, communities, and families. After spending the last year visiting many different corners of our commonwealth, I learned that Extension must continue to engage directly with our communities, reach out to neighborhoods to forge conversations, and build partnerships with agencies, nonprofits, and others at the local level.

This past year, I saw communities work together to provide for their most vulnerable – many of which are our proud partners. I met many business owners who seek to not only grow their efforts but also to have their business ideas be a beacon for furthering community development efforts. In many cases, they tell me how Extension helps them achieve their goals. I learned that by listening, Extension can look for how we can help address our communities needs and goals and seize opportunities. We do this by staying engaged, listening, and teaching.

Through this, we learn more about what knowledge and skills the workforce of tomorrow needs today, and work toward creating those programs or making existing programs accessible to more audiences. We want to make sure people see career opportunities for themselves in a robust industry that needs agronomists, forage experts, economists, marketing, and many other diverse roles.

We can learn what new innovations will make a difference in Virginia’s family-owned businesses. Extension is connected to two of the top universities advancing the frontiers of science, especially agriculture, the top private industry in Virginia.

Cooperative Extension strives to bring relevant innovations into peoples’ lives, all while being mindful that innovations come at different times, and in different forms. When we do this, we help ensure people have access to programs and practices they can use both today and tomorrow.

Mike Gutter

Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Awards

National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences conference 

During the annual National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences conference in 2023, Virginia Cooperative Extension personnel received first and second place national and southern region awards.  

Virginia 4-H Livestock Team bring home top honors 

The Virginia 4-H Livestock Judging Team won first place at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest held during the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 15.

Program updates

Thanks to an influx of Virginia Cooperative Extension one-time funds, an effort is underway to migrate the 4-H Virtual Forest, an interactive, web-based learning experience that introduces forest management concepts to youth aged 9 through 13, to a new software platform with updated graphics.

Working with farmers to build their soil, boost economic sustainability, and increase agronomic productivity has always been my passion. That is why I was thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to Senegal with Ozzie Abaye, a professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

Partnerships

Initiatives with tribal organizations 

The Family Nutrition Program has launched a new initiative to facilitate the delivery of SNAP-Ed programs and initiatives that honor the traditions and beliefs of indigenous people and advance nutrition security and health. 

VCE and CDC partner on a groundbreaking study

In an innovative partnership, Virginia Cooperative Extension and Centers for Disease Control will study diabetes management and social support interventions. 

Partnership with the Virginia Federation of Food Banks 

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks is partnering with representatives from several food banks, the VCE Family Nutrition Program, and James Madison University to create online modules for food pantry paid staff and volunteers. The modules will provide technical assistance and guidance on implementing strategies within the Healthy Pantry Initiative and distributed through the network of participating food banks and food pantries of the Federation, in addition to VCE. 

Virginia 4-H equity and inclusion ambassadors

Virginia 4-H is thrilled to introduce the revamped Virginia 4-H Equity and Inclusion Ambassador program. 

Non-tenure track extension specialist promotion

Historically, Virginia Cooperative Extension tenure track specialists and agents applied for promotion. However, non-tenure track Extension specialists have never had this opportunity. We are pleased and excited to share that, for the first time starting in fall 2023, Extension specialists in non-tenure track position classifications can apply for promotion to Extension Specialist and Senior Extension Specialist ranks. 

Conferences

SNAP outreach conference 

Several VCE Family Nutrition Program faculty members attended the first SNAP Outreach Conference, Find Your “Yes!” held in Harrisonburg, Virginia, October 19, 2023. The conference was designed to explore ways to eliminate food insecurity through community engagement. Meredith Ledlie Johnson, Family and Nutrition Program coordinator for policy, systems, and environmental change initiatives, served on a panel to discuss effective strategies to promote long-term collaboration and partnerships.  

District News

Northeast update

Hires and transitions

Retirees in memoriam