Extension has a long history in Iowa and especially northwest Iowa. The birthplace of Extension is centered in Hull. Extension started on a train, as professors from Iowa State University came from Ames to help farmers learn new production practices. Helping Iowans make more informed decisions has been the goal of those of us that work for Extension for a long time. And one of the reasons this career has been so rewarding is the opportunity to join the professional organization. Any agricultural Extension professional in the country can participate in the group called NACAA (National Association of County Agriculture Agents).
The purpose of the group is to help each other develop as an education professional and to recognize superior effort. This is accomplished primarily at the national meeting. At this annual meeting, the host state highlights the agricultural industry in their state. Visiting Extension agents from other states learn about the host state’s agriculture industry, picking up ideas, new technology applications and other insights from the meeting. Ideas are shared, showcasing the best education programs in the country as award winners. Research and demonstration posters and presentations represent most of the learning available during the conference. The final day of the conference is called tour day, where participants see technologies, farms, agricultural manufacturing and more. This has been a highlight for me at past meetings, learning about the great diversity of agriculture across the country and how efficiently the agricultural industry provides low-cost feed, food, and fiber for broad use.
This year is historic for the Iowa Association of Ag Agents. We are hosting the national meeting for the first time. During the Iowa State Fair, the Ag Extension Professionals will be busy hosting the national meeting. It is a point of pride to deliver a premiere educational opportunity for our coworkers around the country. It will be a full week of professional development, papers, posters, tradeshow, agriculture tours and presentations. Some highlight speakers include Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack; famous Iowan, Jolene Brown; and an opening performance featuring Simon Estes. We are looking forward to the event.
Now looking ahead to the future – at the conclusion of the national meeting, I am making a career switch. I will be retiring from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and starting a new career at Buena Vista University as an animal science instructor. A retirement party open house is scheduled for August 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Extension office in Cherokee. I hope you can make it!