May 26, 2020
Edition Topics
- Message from Dr. Silvertooth
- In Memory of Joyce Williams
- AZ 4-H Presents & Arizona 4-H Clover Ball with Dr. Temple Grandin
- The Show Must Go On!
- 2020 WRRC Virtual Conference
- WRRC June Conference offers Cooperative Extension Complimentary Registration
- COVID 19 effects on farming activities in Arizona and how farmers are adjusting
- New Extension Publication
- AZ 4-H Ag at Home has 4 new videos for youth
- Funding Opportunity
- Pima County Extension Director Opening
- Associate Director, Ag & Natural Resources Opening
- Educational Communication - Cooperative Extension YouTube Channel
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Message from the Associate Dean and Extension Director
In the Cooperative Extension System (CES) our mission is to take the university to the people of the state and bring science to bear on practical problems.
There are many cases in the delivery of CES programs where we encounter misinformation, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs or transgenic crops), climate change, nutrition plans, the use of vaccines, the merits of organic vs. non-organic food, etc.
The situation with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is also presenting educational challenges in the public with an abundance of theories and misinformation, which can sometimes be dangerous.
We cannot all be experts in environmental microbiology, virology, immunology, and public health. But in the CES, we all have the responsibility to find the science-based facts and bring them to bear on the topic to the best of our ability. This is certainly true with SARS-CoV-2 and the multi-faceted impacts it has on our communities.
Also, we must always be alert to what is being published and advanced in the general streams of public media and also find and study the science-based facts and deliver them to the communities we are working in across Arizona.
I understand and appreciate the efforts required to stay informed with the issues being advanced in both public media and scientific arenas. This is part of our duty in Extension and I thank everyone in the CES for your professionalism and commitment.
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COVID-19: Employee Resources
Please enter any questions, comments, concerns, or additions you'd like to see on this space in the comments section on the FAQ page!
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| In Memory of Joyce Williams
On Saturday, May 16th, Joyce Williams, former Administrative Assistant in Cochise County, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Joyce worked in Arizona Cooperative Extension from 1993 until her retirement in 2014. Joyce enjoyed people and spending time with coworkers and she dearly loved desert blooms which always put a smile on her face. A celebration of life will be held on a date yet to be determined.
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| AZ 4-H Presents & Arizona 4-H Clover Ball with Dr. Temple Grandin
Arizona 4-H invites the University of Arizona community to two great events:
Arizona 4-H Presents, June 2, 6:30-8:00pm (Arizona time) is a celebration of the youth, volunteers, alumni, staff, and families from across Arizona who have received or contributed impact to the Arizona 4-H Program. Awardees will be recognized from every county and 5 tribal communities with 4-H programs.
Arizona 4-H Clover Ball, June 3, 7:00-8:00pm (Arizona time) is a chance for the University of Arizona community to hear from Dr. Temple Grandin, a 4-H alumni and former Arizona 4-H volunteer who is a world-renowned animal behaviorist.
To participate in either event please register at the links (above) and you will receive access to the event.
Arizona 4-H is the youth development program of The University of Arizona, the land-grant university of Arizona through Arizona Cooperative Extension. 4-H is the first class of the University and connects a youths spark to University research and career opportunities. Arizona Cooperative Extension support nearly 200,000 youth contacts annually in STEM, Healthy Living, Civic Engagement, and Agriculture.
Please join me and everyone else in Arizona 4-H as we celebrate many accomplishments.
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| The Show Must Go On!
The 26th Annual Southwestern Noxious, Invasive Plant Short Course will be held via ZOOM during 3, half-day sessions, July 21, 22, and 23, 2020. Because the Short Course will be offered completely online, the early bird registration fee (until 7/17/20) has been reduced from $350 to $55! For more information and how to register, please contact Larry Howery (lhowery@ag.arizona.edu).
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| 2020 WRRC Virtual Conference
Register Today!
2020 WRRC Virtual Conference
JUNE 18 AND 19, 2020
DAY ONE: 1 – 4:30 pm
(Followed by several concurrent happy hours 4:30 - 5:30 pm)
DAY TWO: 8 am – 12:30 pm
Join us for the WRRC annual conference, Water at the Crossroads: The Next 40 years. The packed agenda opens with a keynote by former Arizona Governor and US Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt. Next, enjoy hearing reflections on Arizona’s water management, past and future, by a panel featuring six of Arizona Department of Water Resources’ past directors.
How are we going to manage water so that the needs of all Arizonans are met? Hear perspectives from legislators, tribal representatives, water managers, and more. Moderated discussions and panels offer insights on a wide range of topics including groundwater, water quality, technology, and climate.
Looking for professional interaction? Thursday afternoon’s concurrent virtual happy hours, hosted by our sponsors, offer a venue for that much-needed contact. We even offer options for sidebar conversations through personalized breakout rooms. This, combined with audience polling and on-line Q&A, will give you a voice.
Register by May 29 to receive your conference packet in the mail. General registration - $35; Student registration - $10
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| WRRC June Conference offers Cooperative Extension Complimentary Registrations
This year’s WRRC annual conference, Water at the Crossroads: The Next 40 Years, is going virtual on June 18 and 19, 2020. The exciting agenda includes more than 30 speakers and panelists and includes a keynote address by former Arizona Governor and U.S. Secretary of the Bruce Babbitt. Throughout each of the half-day programs, experts will share thoughts on topics such as climate, indigenous perspectives, natural systems, and water for agriculture, water in rural communities, and more. The first day, will close with a set of concurrent virtual happy hours, hosted by our sponsors. Combined with audience polling and on-line Q&A, the conference will spark ideas and also give you a voice!
We are offering complimentary registrations for Cooperative Extension agents, personnel, and faculty. If you would like to attend, please contact Michael Seronde at seronde@arizona.edu to get your ticket. Visit our website to learn more about the conference and to see the conference agenda. If you register before May 28, we will send you a conference packet in the mail, complete with this year’s water ruler and other giveaways. We hope to “see” you at the conference and thank you to Cooperative Extension for once again joining us as a generous conference sponsor.
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| COVID 19 effects on farming activities in Arizona and how farmers are adjusting
Please share this survey with farmers across the state!
The unprecedented outbreak of the novel COVID-19 virus has impacted most activities in the world with far-reaching and devastating effects. Most of the world's economies have stalled, including the United States (US), which now leads, with the largest number of cases. The economic effects on the US economy could disproportionately impact hardworking farmers and workers who ensure the nation is supplied with food, fiber, and shelter, especially in states dominated by agriculture activities. This survey is to help understand the effect of COVID-19 on Arizona's agricultural operations, adjustments made and/or required. Your responses will help influence policy and possible ways to minimize negative impacts going forward.
Please, read the consent form and complete the survey. No physical signature is required if you volunteer to take the survey. The survey is only for farmers in Arizona who are 18 years and above.
Follow the link below to complete the 10 minute survey.
https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mwX9btkvMFqVal
Contact Isaac Mpanga for any questions (mpangai@arizona.edu)
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| New Extension Publication
BWR Facts
▪ Also known as brown heartwood rot or brown heart rot.
▪ Wood decaying disease caused by basidiomycete Fomitopsis meliae.
▪ The fungus sporulates on colonized wood under humid condition.
▪ Spread by airborne fungal spores.
▪ Initial infections require a wound for ingress.
▪ All citrus varieties are susceptible with lemon being the most susceptible.
Shannon M. Warren, Katherine E. Speirs and Hope Wilson
Shared book reading is an interactive way to read to young children, particularly children birth through 8 years old. Adults and children share the reading experience and explore books together. This helps build children’s brains and get them ready to learn to read on their own. It also encourages a love of reading.
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| AZ 4-H Ag at Home has 4 new videos for youth
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| Arizona Ag Agents Fare Well in NACAA Communications and Search for Excellence Awards
National Finalist, National Association of County Agricultural Agents Search for Excellence in Livestock Production. Betsy Greene, and Ashley Wright. 2020. “Southern Arizona Equine Health Symposium: Meeting the Educational Needs of Arizona Horse Owners Through Cooperative Extension and Veterinary Partnerships”. (to be presented Sept. 2020, Virginia Beach, VA)
National Finalist, National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communications Award-Publication. E.A. Greene, and C. Grimbleby. 2020. “The Informed Arizona Equestrian: Preventing Sand Colic”. (to be presented Sept. 2020, Virginia Beach, VA)
Regional Finalist, National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communications Award-Program Promotional Package. E.A. Greene, and A.D. Wright. 2020. “Multiple Tactics for Reaching a Very Diverse Audience for the Annual Southern Arizona Equine Health Symposium. (to be presented Sept. 2020, Virginia Beach, VA)
Regional Finalist, National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communications Award-Published Photo. Josh Sherman. 2020. “’Pawnee’ Pecan Flowers Pollinated”. (to be presented Sept. 2020, Virginia Beach, VA)
National Finalist, National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communications Award-Computer Generated Presentation. A.D. Wright. 2020. “Effects of Drought on Arizona Cow-Calf Operations”. (to be presented Sept. 2020, Virginia Beach, VA)
Regional Finalist, National Association of County Agricultural Agents Communications Award-Feature Story. A.D. Wright 2020. “Beef Quality Assurance: The Right Thing to do For Your Cattle and Arizona’s Cattle Industry”. (to be presented Sept. 2020, Virginia Beach, VA)
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| Funding Opportunity
FCHS Extension Development funds are available for Professional Development. The objective of the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Development Fund is to provide support and enhance FCHS programs where regular annual university budget allocations are unavailable. Funds are to be utilized by or through FCHS Extension programs to enhance county or statewide Extension educational program efforts.
Up to $1,000 total will be made available to fund at least one person’s professional development.
Eligibility: FCHS agent, FCHS specialist, full-time FCHS program staff; program staff must have their supervisor approve their application).
Funds must be expended between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 (details regarding access to funds will be sent to those funded). In the event that the professional development opportunity is cancelled or altered, recipient(s) will be asked to submit a revised proposal and budget.
The deadline for submitting proposals is May 29, 2020 at 5pm. Apply for these funds through the following link: https://bit.ly/2zZdZ4W
An announcement of the winning proposals will be made after June 26, 2020 in TMN.
For more information please contact Kate Speirs (kspeirs@email.arizona.edu).
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| Pima County Extension Director Opening
Pima County Cooperative Extension is excited to announce that we are searching for a dynamic leader to serve as our County Extension Director! The position announcement is now available on the HR Site and we are anxious to review applications. This position is open to UA Employees only and we are wanting to have the new director in place by July 1, 2020. The Pima County CED Position is a 100% Administrative appointment located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. The Pima County office is a great place to work, and is actively seeking a great CED! Any questions can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Rick Gibson at gibsonrd@cals.arizona.edu. Connie Callahan at connieb@email.arizona.edu can answer any questions related to the application process. Please pass the word.
Directions to position post:
1) Go here: https://talent.arizona.edu
2) At the top it says: I am a....(select) current UArizona employee
3) That takes you to UAccess---login
4) Click "career center"
5) From there you can search either Pima County or Extension Manager III
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| Associate Director, Ag & Natural Resources Opening
Agriculture and Natural Resources Associate Director position has been posted. Please check and pass along to those internal candidates that might be interested.
https://talent.arizona.edu/
Upper right corner -- I am : “a current UArizona employee” (dropdown menu)
Log in
Go to “Career Center”
Search “req851” Associate Director, Programs ANR
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| Educational Communication: Cooperative Extension YouTube Channel In the "digital age" - with the quest for information, but shorter attention spans - educational organizations are communicating more and more via social media, websites, and using digital communications, like Zoom.
Arizona Cooperative Extension is working to be at the forefront of this trend, in communicating with short, to-the-point videos.
Check out the Arizona Cooperative Extension YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/azcoopextension
Please make sure you're helping us advance the Cooperative Extension message. Please like, share and link through your social media channels, and help us do all we can to share with all stakeholders and communities.
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