The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

  
Vol. 7, No. 9  January 16, 2001

IN THIS ISSUE...
...Scale and Influence
...Contact With Legislators/Legislative Committees
...K-State Leadership Seminar - Mark Your Calendars
...Radio Broadcasting Workshops for County Agents
...2001 North Central Urban Extension Conference
...Dog Judge Certification Training
...Position Announcement
...Master Schedule

...Tuesday Letter Archives

SCALE AND INFLUENCE...
The days ahead may bring questions from media, faculty or clientele that center around two topics: (1) the consolidation of agriculture and (2) outside funding's influence on K-State Research and Extension. Both topics inspired heated debate during recent legislative tours. The story has since been published in several newspapers.

Please remember to be patient with those questioners. Remember how few people have a clear understanding these days of both rural Kansas and the land-grant system. They may not know how such things as the power-driven tractor and the 20^th century's wars affected the concentration of agriculture. They may have seen news about a large industry grant to K-State and been awed by the numbers, never realizing that the entire commercial sector funds just 5 percent of all research conducted by the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.

University researchers, extension faculty and staff work to provide information for all people. K-State Research and Extension studies a wide variety of topics, ranging from cow-calf management, lawn care practices, safety practices, to childhood nutrition and development. Sometimes, by its very nature, research is controversial, but still it must be reported.

If the questioner requests additional information, or if you are uncomfortable discussing these issues with members of the media, please feel free to direct them to my office at 785-532-7137.

It may be important for you to know that in addition to the 5 percent of our research that is funded by industry: 

* 52 percent is funded by state government;
* 7 percent is funded by the federal government;
* 15 percent is funded by sales of crop or livestock products grown during the research process;
* 15 percent is funded by other federal grants; and
*  6 percent is funded by non-federal grants.

Much of the research conducted at the university is subject to a great deal of state and federal oversight. We respect and welcome that oversight as a part of discovering new information.

K-State Research and Extension is an organization of scientists and educators. Yes, every one of us has a different set of opinions and experiences. In our work, however, we all have just one goal: To discover and share research-based information - information that impacts the lives of all Kansans.

That's why our approach with clientele has always been to provide either (1) research-based information or (2) alternatives-consequences. It's worked for years, and it will get us through the days ahead.

Because we are scientists and educators, however, we've also recognized we're no more than human. That, combined with our federally mandated mission, is why we've always welcomed public involvement. In fact, we have many checks and balances as part of our everyday business-as-usual, including:

1. Public advisory committees;
2. Local, state and federal reporting, as well as budgeting;
3. Periodic program audits;
4. Peer review - which can include every step of a research proposal, as well as an entire discipline's learned journal readers;
5. One-by-one annual evaluations with input from publicly elected officials and/or peers outside Research and Extension.

While we have varying personal opinions, we still can be proud that, according to the 1998 publication "Value Added: The Economic Impact of Teaching and Research at Kansas State University," K-State returns nearly $17 for every $1 of state funding it receives. We can take pride in knowing we've taught Kansans so many ways to improve the quality of their life, develop strong communities, improve economic well-being, be safer and healthier, and - quite literally - play a major role in feeding the world.

Thanks for your continued good work. --Marc Johnson mjohnson@oznet.ksu.edu 

CONTACT WITH LEGISLATORS/LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
If you are contacted and asked to provide information to Legislators; are asked to provide testimony to Legislative Committees; want to invite a Legislator(s) to attend a meeting; or want to make a request to the Legislature for funds, programs, changes in legislation or new legislation affecting your program, the Board of Regents and the Regents institutions; call my assistant, Steven Graham, first before doing anything else.

As employees of K-State Research and Extension, we operate under the auspices of the Kansas Board of Regents. We are subject, therefore, to "The Policy and Procedures Manual" of the Kansas Board of Regents. The entire section 5 of the manual in entitled: "Interaction With The Legislature And Other State Agencies."

I will not go into all the details because the overall message is very simple. We are to cooperate with such requests and can interact with Legislators but ALSO are required to notify the Executive Director of the Board of Regents about an invitation to produce information, appear before a committee, provide input to a law, etc.

The way we do this within K-State Research and Extension is to call Steven Graham. He will then inform Sue Peterson, Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. Sue then notifies the Board of Regents.

I encourage you to use this chain of command for two reasons:

1) We are required to under the Regent's Policies and Procedures.
2) Sue Peterson has her fingers on the pulse of Kansas politics and often can enhance our activity or thought process with more information. Sometimes, she will be aware of other activities that we can either join or avoid entirely. This helps us succeed and avoid potential problems.

I appreciate your cooperation. Steven Graham can be reached at 785-532-5729 or by e-mailing  sgraham@oznet.ksu.edu . --Marc Johnson mjohnson@oznet.ksu.edu 

K-STATE LEADERSHIP SEMINAR - MARK YOUR CALENDARS
This year’s K-State Leadership Seminar will be February 28, 2001 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 212 of the K-State Union in Manhattan. All faculty are invited to participate. The primary presenter will be Dr. Bill Grace, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Ethical Leadership in Seattle, WA. Grace is a nationally-known expert in leadership and ethics. This year’s topic is “Practicing Ethical Leadership: Vision, Virtue, Voice, and Values.” The seminar is sponsored by a consortium of K-State groups, including K-State Research and Extension. Be watching for registration information. --Katey Walker, Stan McAdoo, Ron Wilson rwilson@oznet.ksu.edu 

RADIO BROADCASTING WORKSHOPS FOR COUNTY AGENTS

Thursday, February 15 - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Southwest Area Extension Office
Garden City

Friday, February 16 - 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Colby (exact site to be determined)

K-State Research and Extension Radio Specialists Eric Atkinson and Randall Kowalik will be conducting these three-hour workshops on utilizing radio, and internet audio, as part of your regular communications efforts. There will be an open discussion of:

*where radio fits into an agent's activities

*how to access local and area radio broadcasts, and methods of presenting information on radio

*what to do in preparation for a radio presentation

*effectively recording and distributing your own radio material to local and area broadcast outlets

*how to interact with radio station personnel in a mutually beneficial way

*how to deal with calls from broadcast reporters, and what to expect in a live broadcast interview

*the future of radio as a communications tool, in light of the internet

*how...and if...locally-produced audio can be posted on a county Extension web site as an effective means of communications

These workshops will encourage open dialogue on these, and any other subjects pertaining to radio usage, including the experiences of agents in attendance who have employed radio in their careers. Any agents who have recorded samples of their radio work are more than welcome to bring a tape in (preferably a cassette) for critique. This is intended as a casual, informative exchange of ideas on radio as a functional, practical and inexpensive communications vehicle.

Please notify either the Southwest Area Office or the Northwest Area Office of your intent to attend one of these workshops, so that we may plan accordingly for the sessions...there is no limit on the number who can attend. Any questions may be addressed to: Eric Atkinson, Extension Radio Specialist, 785-532-5851 eatkinso@oznet.ksu.edu 

2001 NORTH CENTRAL URBAN EXTENSION CONFERENCE
The 2001 North Central Urban Extension Conference will be held May 2 to 4, 2001 in Cleveland, Ohio. Plan now to attend and get the early-bird registration rate and excellent room rates by registering before March 1, 2001. The Pre-Conference, sponsored by the National Urban Task Force, is May 1 and 2 at the same site.

Conference and Pre-Conference schedules and registration information are on the web site: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~urbanconf/ . The Conference Theme is "Building Capacities in Communities, Families, and Individuals." Conference Goals are to share successful urban program models, ideas, and resources; to enhance skills useful in developing and evaluating urban programs; to promote Extension's commitment to diversity in staffing and programming; to promote networking and partnerships among Extension's staff and others involved in urban issues; and to further the Extension Urban Agenda.

For more information contact Vicki Myers at myers.26@osu.edu , 330-263-3831; or Joe Konen, Conference Coordinator at konen.2@osu.edu , 330-263-3831. --Beverly K. Dunning Bdunning@oznet.ksu.edu 

DOG JUDGE CERTIFICATION TRAINING
Just a reminder that this opportunity is also great for older teens, parents and project leaders who can participate by observing those being certified. Past observers have indicated how valuable the workshop was to let them better understand how they were being judged! Registration Deadlines are:

January 16 (due to holiday) - Hays
February 1 - Salina
February 15 - Gardner

Please refer to letter dated December.18, 2000 for details! --Jim Adams jadams@oznet.ksu.edu 

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT...
Research Assistant, Meat Science Laboratory, Animal Sciences and Industry, full time, 12-month position available February 1, 2001. Experience in fabrication and processing of meat products required. Position will directly participate in the conversion of live animals to carcasses and fabrication of appropriate subprimal and retail products for sale under direction of the Meat Lab Faculty Supervisor and Meat Lab Manager. Candidate will assist Meat Lab Manager with a variety of meat laboratory operations. B.S. or M.S. in Animal Science, Food Science or related field. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Opportunity exists to pursue a graduate degree (6 hours of coursework per semester). Applicant should forward letter of application, resume, transcripts of all college coursework, and three names with addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of persons who can be contacted for recommendations to John Unruh, Kansas State University, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, 248 Weber Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, telephone 785-587-8432, fax 785-532-7059, e-mail junruh@oznet.ksu.edu . Review of applications to begin January 17 and continuing until position is filled. Kansas State University is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees. --John Unruh

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS . Submit corrections to previously submitted items to jzarger@oznet.ksu.edu .

DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 24, 2001, THROUGH JANUARY 30, 2001:

Wednesday, January 24
.... Winter Crops School, Jefferson, Single county, NE, (Scott Staggenborg)
.... Dryland Cropping System Update, Hugoton/SV, Single county, SW, (Curtis Thompson)
.... Grazing Management Workshop, Nemaha and surrounding counties, NE, (Paul Ohlenbusch)

Wednesday, January 24 through Thursday, January 25
.... Weed Management School, Linn Co., SE Area, 9:00 a.m., (Gary Kilgore)

Thursday, January 25
.... NE Annual Partnership Meeting, Manhattan, NE Area, (Jim Lindquist)
.... SE Youth Enrollment Software Training, Burlington/CF, SE Area, (Ann Domsch)
.... Corn School, Ness City, Walnut Creek District, SW, (Curtis Thompson)
.... Radio Broadcasting Workshop for County Agents, Hutchinson (SC Area Office), SC Area, 1:00-4:00 p.m.,  (Eric Atkinson)

Thursday, January 25, through Friday, January 26
.... Weed Management School, Crawford Co., SE Area, 9:00 a.m., (Gary Kilgore)

Friday, January 26
.... Alfalfa Production School, Nemaha, Single county, NE, (Scott Staggenborg)
.... Radio Broadcasting Workshop for County Agents, Chanute (SE Area Office), SE Area, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., (Eric Atkinson)
.... Dryland Cropping Systems Update, Scott City/SC, Single county, SW, a.m., (Curtis Thompson)

Monday, January 29
.... Corn/Sorghum School, Lyon Co., SE Area, 9:00 a.m., (Gary Kilgore)
.... 2001 Sheep School, Beloit/MC and surrounding area, NE, NW & SC, 6:30 p.m., (Cliff Spaeth)
.... PRIDE Workshop, Kinsley/ED and surrounding area, SW & SC, 7:00 p.m., (Stan McAdoo)

Tuesday, January 30
.... South Central County Operations Training, Hutchinson (SC Area Office), SC Area, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., (Margaret Phillips)
.... NE Youth Enrollment Software Training, Manhattan, NE Area, (Diane Mack)
.... SE Area KAA Screening, Chanute, SE Area, (Ann Domsch)
.... NW KAA Screening, TBA, NW Area, (Walter Barker)
.... Weed Management, Protection/CM, Multi-county, SW, (Curtis Thompson)
.... Corn/Sorghum School, Anderson, SE Area, 9:00 a.m., (Gary Kilgore)
.... PRIDE Workshop, Maize/SG and surrounding area, SC, 7:00 p.m., (Stan McAdoo)

Tuesday, January 30, through Wednesday, January 31
.... Fourth Kansas Precision Ag Conference, Great Bend/BT, Statewide, (Randy Taylor)

Top