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NYSACAA
Board of Directors Meeting
June 8, 1999
Ithaca
Minutes
Present:
Ken Carnes, Ed Staehr, Beth Spaugh, Monika Roth, Les Hulcoop, Keith Severson,
Paul Westfall, Charlie Mazza and Steve Hadcock The evening board meeting
of NYSACAA started at 6:15 P.M., June 8. Preparation for June 9 meeting
with the Dean and Director.
- Keith
gave his perspective on the Agricultural Systems Initiative (ASI). Keith
feels that we need to let them know that we want to make a strong linkage.
Keith is pleased with the relationship developed with Ed Harwood. Monika
gave her perspective of ASI as well. Several people remembered how several
initiatives have been tried, but did not come about. Keith summarized
the talk that the discussion involved money and control.
Some ASI questions or concerns that board members could ask are:
-
Implementation concern - How is it to be implemented
-
Lack of communication concern
- Les
brought up the SE concerns on labs. Labs are not only service, but education
as well. Soil results contain more information than outside labs. Soil
labs could be a liability issue and is requested sometimes (watershed
issue). There should be a financial commitment by the University. Soil
lab may be the first contact that a client has with CCE. Charlie emphasized
that we need to let administration know how important the labs are to
local staff.
Keith suggested that we save the ASI topic to the last item. Also suggested
that we keep the soil's lab discussion to near the end as well.
- Keith
wrote down the items discussed last year:
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Agriculture Economic Development and the need for extension involvement
in this issue.
-
Technology capacity both in terms of equipment availability and
staff competencies out in the counties.
-
The future of the soils lab and the need for impartial and timely
soil testing.
-
Department/faculty status for field staff.
-
Career advancement opportunities for field staff.
-
University outreach activities and the implication for the extension
system, particularly if research is taking place in counties with
no county awareness or participation.
-
In service training program timing and cost issues.
- For
technology, pleased with the grants and hiring key staff. Some concerns
were the Extension web page. Technology training at the intermediate
and advanced levels. Concern what the technology contact is expected
to know. Is there a job description for an EETG? Is the EETG able to
teach other people? Monika reminded that we should not get into association
issues. Paul mentioned that we need to also look at the issue of distance
education – how to learn to use it and what resources are available.
Monika feels that we should make the point that these expectations take
time from professional staff. Beth will lead the discussion on this
item.
- Ag Economic
Development - Steve talked about thoughts he received from the Capital
District. Monika, Beth and Ed Staehr talked about the AIDER training
they went to earlier. There were good parts to it, and some parts that
need improvement. Did get some things quickly (i.e., census data) after
educators requested it. Appreciate recent training items. Worker training
issues are emerging. Ken asked what will be the next step after the
AIDER pilot is completed. What is the vision for ag economic development?
Monika will talk about success stories and Ken will talk about the labor
issues.
- Monika
suggested that we mention that there is still interest in Dept./faculty
status for field staff, but with ASI will put this on hold for now.
The same thing for career advancement opportunities item. However, we
do need to discuss the principle investigator (PI) status. Paul will
discuss these issues.
- Outreach
issues were discussed next. It may be a good follow-up issue for the
previous one. Beth gave an example of College outreach that she was
recently involved in. When there are Cornell initiatives, they need
to be linked to Cooperative Extension. Example given of seeing Pro-Dairy
logo, but no association to Extension. How about an orientation for
new Extension faculty? Ed Staehr will discuss this issue.
- In service
education was then discussed. Les asked if the administration has a
clue what limited funds Associations have for in service education.
Ed Harwood is asking for help in developing a vision for in service.
Some people liked the in-depth week. Monika suggested to combine in
service opportunities – instead of stringing them out.
- Took
time to discuss the order of how things will be presented. Members present
reached consensus on the presentation order. Monika asked if we want
to talk about sister agency issue. Consensus was not to discuss it.
Some present felt that the relationship with sister agencies have improved
Other Business
Steve Hadcock gave a report on the meeting at Larry Myott's camp. The Northeast
will have an opportunity to host AM/PIC. Steve will give a brief report
at Dean and Directors meeting. Paul gave an update on the state annual meeting
in October. The dates will be 10/13 - 15. Paul is about to sign the contracts
for the meeting. Paul asked if there were any ideas for training and a keynote
speaker. Les asked about the national Vice Chair position. Keith stated
that there are two people interested, and they are being encouraged to talk
to one another. There might be another interested person as well. All are
being encouraged to complete the application form and send it in. Monika
asked about what is happening to ACCEE. Keith was unable to attend the last
meeting. Charlie has been contacted about our registration form by ACCEE
treasurer. It is thought that the ACCEE annual meeting will be held every
other year in the spring. Monika talked about the scanning the environment
exercise for the plan of work. It appeared that Ag was kind of weak. Monika
realized that the scanning process is different amongst the counties. Some
responsibility does fall on individual agents. From our experience, the
processes in the county have omitted a lot agricultural issues. The meeting
adjourned at 9:06 P.M. NYSACAA Board of Directors Meeting - June 9, Ithaca
The meeting with the Director and Dean started at 10:03 A.M., June 9. NYSACAA
board and officers present were: Beth Spaugh, Les Hulcoop, Tom Nally, Charlie
Mazza, Ed Staehr, John Thurgood, Keith Severson, Monika Roth, Paul Westfall,
Ken Carnes and Steve Hadcock. Keith started with a story, and then there
were introductions. Those present from the College were: Dean Darryl Lund,
Director Merrill Ewert, Margaret Smith and Ed Harwood. The Dean started
with some opening remarks. Both the Dean and Director agreed that this was
the Association's meeting and they are interested in hearing what we have
to say. The Dean mentioned about the increase of inquiries from clientele
outside the state. There is a meeting this summer in NH, and one of the
topics of discussion will be the continual downsizing of colleges but still
meet the needs of clientele. Keith introduced Ken Carnes about the workforce
training program. Ken gave a brief background on the Agricultural Workforce
Certification Program. Albany County has overseen the statewide grant program
for the last several years. The 1999-2000 funding round will be the last
year of the program. Ken has been seeking other funding source in NYS. JTPA
is changing and funds from there may be a source of funding for AWCP. Ken
asked for help from the college to help this to happen. The Dean asked how
strong Ag and Markets is supporting this program. The Dean is impressed
with the new Commissioner of Ag and Markets (Nathan Rudgers), and need to
keep him informed about issues that are important to us. The Dean suggested
that Rod Howe be informed about this as well. Monika talked about the USDA
Small Farms program. It has been heard that Cornell is studying the feasibility
of being the Northeast Center. Monika stated that Dave Smith has not formed
a committee, but is seeking ideas from field staff. The Dean stated that
the College and Extension do support the investigation of Cornell being
the Northeast Center. Monika stated that we need to look at the structural
changes in Agricultural demographics in the state. If there is a center
in NYS, we will be better equipped to help the farming community. The Dean
stated that the college is committed to provide educational opportunities
to all aspects of the farming community in NYS. He also stated that we need
to look at what other Land Grant systems are doing in educating the small
farm community. One unique role that local field staff can play at the local
level is working with small farms. Paul asked if the vegetable center in
Batavia would be a good point to discuss regarding the Northeast Small Farm
Center. Beth Spaugh stated that Educators were generally pleased with the
accomplishments made in addressing technology issues over the last year.
We are supportive of revamping of web pages and improving WWW links. Merrill
stated that the Human Ecology, CALS and Extension web page are being redone.
They are very much aware of the deficiencies and are working on them. Would
like to develop a partnership with EETG staff for writing grants on technology.
Merrill shared what John Smith's impressions are of the current technology
structure is and where it should go. John is working on what the basic architecture
should be. Envision that the counties will receive some template proposals.
There is a wide range in interest and ability in the computer competency
of field staff. Paul added that we need to look at how to better use distance
learning. He mentioned about the distance learning sites in Western NY.
Merrill encouraged us to contact John Smith and have him come out to Associations
to see what is going on. To learn about our vision for technology. Merrill
and Ed Harwood encouraged the Association to put together a tour of Associations
for John Smith. Paul Westfall introduced the topic of agent status and career
advancement. Even with ASI proposed, field staff are still concerned about
these topics. Appreciate the new salary and compensation schedules. Stated
that the Finance and Human Resources Department work with local counties
to have them appropriately set the starting salary for open positions. Still
interested in field staff that don't have a college appointment to be principle
investigator (PI) on grant proposals. The Dean asked what type of grants
require this. Monika suggested that it is a college policy. The Dean stated
that internal grants require that the PI be at least at the senior Extension
Associates, etc. There has been some discussion about changing this policy,
but there is no interest. Co-PI status is a possibility and can be explored.
Beth asked if there is someone in Extension Administration that could be
a point person for helping in grant proposals. Merrill stated that people
have been encouraged to link with people in specific areas (i.e., contacting
John Smith for technology grants). David Smith and Margaret Smith are the
contacts for Animal and Plant Science grants. John Smith would be for technology.
Merrill responded to comments about compensation. In 1977, teacher salaries
were lower than extension salaries. Today, teacher salaries are much higher
than extension salaries. Several committees are being established to look
at several topics related to this. The first group is looking at basic competency
of staff. Another is looking at compensation. Another is looking at reappointment
and performance review. Merrill realizes that this is a systems issue. Have
done an analysis looking at the minimum salary levels for Agent I,II, II
Executive Directors and Program Leaders compared to Cornell recommended
minimums. Ed Staehr talked about University Outreach. Suggested that we
are willing to do orientation for new faculty on Extension. Faculty collaboration
has been an issue for some field staff. There are some programs that have
been done that don't necessarily market Extension. Specifically, there are
some educational initiatives (i.e., Pro-Dairy) that don't market CCE. The
Dean mentioned that this is a problem discussed for the past several years.
The new website will help show what campus staff is doing in the field.
Paul related that marketing concerns are not only an agricultural issue.
4-H is a good example of this as well. Merrill stated that marketing is
recognized need and administration is working on it. Dean stated that he
is encouraging campus staff to do outreach, and therefore some outreach
will be done outside CCE. The Dean has asked Merrill to look at what a faculty
fractional appointment means. Ed Harwood thought there is a way to re frame
with the question. Proving it to faculty staff the value of collaborating
with Extension staff may be appropriate. Margaret Smith is working on "beefing-up"
the Extension component of new faculty orientation. Merrill stated that
there is an attempt to change the culture of the system to being more collaborative.
Les discussed a list of concerns that Southeast Agents have about the soil's
lab. Keith stated that we understand that changes are going to be made,
but the labs have been an integral part of extension programming for a long
time. Margaret Smith responded that there have been discussions between
SCAS and Dairy One about soil testing. At this point there is no concrete
recommendation made. Margaret did discuss what some possibilities of what
might happen. There are logistic and personnel issues being addressed. Beth
expressed her concerns with Dairy One. Keith said that ag agents would like
to have contributed to the process. Paul shared that the Western District
agents are concerned about the Cornell soil's database being continued to
be updated. Charlie also expressed concerns about the "user friendliness"
of getting soils information. Margaret stated that the department is looking
to allow electronic means of distribution. John stated that the credibility
of the soils analysis procedure and university research based fertility
recommendations based on crop response needs to be maintained. Margaret
asked for a suggestion on how to proceed from here. Keith suggested that
Email be used to keep people informed. Margaret stated that both sides have
to be comfortable that quality is assured. Margaret stated that the decision
to move the lab has not been totally decided. Merrill polled those present
about the importance of soil testing at Cornell. Some believed the lab needed
to be maintained. Other's believed that the analysis procedure needed to
be maintained, not necessarily the lab, and the University fertility recommendations
based on the analysis were essential. Keith shared the ongoing effort to
work with Ed Harwood on in service education. Have concerns about the short
notice of in service opportunities. Steve talked about Food and Ag leadership
Institute for Extension Educators. This was an issue brought to this meeting
last year, and was re-created. Les Hulcoop and Steve are members of the
current class. Steve talked briefly about what was gained from attending
the first session. Monika said that she was glad that Rod Howe is working
in the area of Ag. economic development. Also, happy to get the census data
from Nelson Bills. May want to do agricultural impact studies again. There
may be an in service opportunity for how to do these. How does this fit
into ASI? Dean Lund mentioned that there is a new director at CARDI (Don
Tobias), and is looking at what can be done. Rural Sociology is working
with Penn State, since they have a strength in this area. The Deans at Cornell
and Penn State have charged Extension to work on how to use mutual strengths.
The Dean has asked for a white paper regarding ag economic development.
The Dean stated that this is an area that is important, and wondering how
the state might help fund this. Another issue that will be coming along
is Environmental and National Resources initiative being announced this
fall. The Dean stated the problems with going to the state about community
and economic development funding. Beth stated that in Clinton County there
is an opportunity for ag business development. Steve Hadcock shared the
initial plans for hosting NACAA AM/PIC in 2004 or 2005. Paul shared plans
of the NYSACAA Annual Meeting in Niagara Falls – 10/13 - 15. The Dean
regretted that he will be unable to attend the State Annual Meeting. He
stated that he will be in Southeast Asia during the Annual Meeting. The
Dean started with comments about Agricultural Systems Initiative (ASI).
The Council of Agricultural Organizations (CAO) and Ag and Markets have
been in discussion with the college about forming ASI. Merrill shared some
thoughts. This initiative has come about due to a strong industry pressure.
This is a partnership between the state and state ag industry. This is being
dealt as very much as a system. Ed Harwood shared that in an effort to not
leave people out, is that the process is continuing and is being shared
with everyone. It is still a work in progress. What is new in this is the
emphasis in ag economic development and agricultural marketing. It will
also have different ways of learning as well (i.e., transformational learning).
Paul thanked Ed Harwood about putting the different components of ASI on
the web. Paul is also glad to see that there is a working document. Ed Harwood
stated that we be patient, since the document will be revised shortly. Merrill
shared some concerns that he has heard indirectly. Where are issues related
to family and consumer sciences and 4-H involved in this? Merrill stated
that this is the moment to promote this initiative and we need to pursue
it. That does not mean that the other disciplines are any less important
at this time. Monika shared that there is tremendous benefit in sharing
information with ag agent staff, and encourage more conversation with them.
The Dean believes that there will be plenty more opportunities to discuss
the initiative and agrees that the agents are an essential part. Paul Westfall
made a suggestion about how to approach the initiative. Have to discuss
how this is different how this is different than what has been attempted
before. Tom Nally mentioned that area teams have the ability to connect
and address issues for the region they work in. John Thurgood said that
he recently participated in the "Thriving in a Time of Change Conference"
where the phenomenal changes that have and will occur in agriculture were
explored. John was impressed with how this change is happening ever more
quickly. John stated that the initiative will allow Extension to help farmers
deal with this change by quickly developing educational programs as issues
arise, and will provide a mechanism to bring these programs to farmers throughout
the state in a timely manner. Ed Harwood expressed that he appreciates the
opportunity to meet with the board and will report. Merrill also appreciates
the opportunity as well. The meeting adjourned at 12:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen E. Hadcock
NYSACAA Secretary |
