The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
(Vol. 20 No. 1)
IN THIS ISSUE...
WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Good morning to you all. As several of you are Facebook friends, you are probably aware that
today is my birthday. Thanks for all the
well wishes.
Today is also a day when Kansas legislators are here on the
K-State campus as they continue on their biennial tour of Kansas higher
education institutions. I’m looking
forward to interacting with the legislators to listen to their thoughts,
questions, and concerns. I am also looking forward to informing them about the
value that we, K-State Research and Extension, bring to the people of Kansas. I
obviously have a lot of great things to talk about!
As I reflect on our Annual Conference 2013, I want to thank
you all for making me so very proud to be your Associate Director for K-State Research
and Extension. While my delivery was a
bit off the mark and made for a memorable Awards Luncheon, what I hope we
remember most is the recognition that was given to a host of very deserving K-State
Research and Extension faculty and staff. Many deserve recognition, but I will
tell you that the group recognized a week ago made me especially proud for all
the ways they contribute to make K-State Research and Extension the best it can
be. When I think about my career as a faculty member, Extension specialist, and
administrator – some of my best times were when I was in a setting – like
conferences and awards or recognition banquets – that helped me to see how
others were/are contributing in meaningful ways, demonstrating excellence in
their field, and truly making a difference. I hope you, too, were inspired by
those who were recognized for their contributions and excellence.
We were challenged by Provost Mason and Director Floros to
seize the opportunities for continuous improvement and to move K-State Research
and Extension towards its goal of being (even more) world class. Several asked, how do we do that? My simple answer is commitment, focus,
believing in your work, and seeking to become a better professional tomorrow
than you are today. As each of us accepts
that challenge, we will achieve world class excellence. How will we know? Stakeholders, influencers, partners,
co-learners, and recipients of our research and educational programs will be
telling others about the great work of K-State Research and Extension. How will
they know? We will become better communicators.
We will be better at marketing and branding. We must continue to listen to the concerns of Kansans. We will greatly contribute
towards progress and solutions regarding the Grand Challenges facing our great
state! Together we make and will continue to make it happen. We’ve just got to
believe in our work and strive to be better tomorrow than we are today,
celebrate successes wherever and whenever they occur, and remain critical in
seeking ways to lift up the quality of life and economic well being of Kansans,
the region, and the world.
Again, thanks for a great Annual
Conference. Thanks for your dedication,
commitment, and focus to becoming the best you can be. And, thanks for all your work! Have a great week! --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu
COMMUNICATIONS EXPO WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Communications Expo drawing, and thank you to all attendees!
Rain Gauges: Erin Petersilie, Walnut Creek District; Ethel Schneweis, Ford County; Diann Gerstner, Thomas County; Anna Schremmer, Phillips-Rooks District.
Purple Travel Mugs: Charlene Miller, Butler County; Dennis Patton, Johnson County; Jamie Hancock, Shawnee County; Evelyn Neier, 4-H Youth Development.
Umbrellas: Scott Chapman, Post Rock District; Curtis Thompson, Department of Agronomy; Melinda Daily, Sunflower District; Laurie Chandler, Shawnee County.
Acrylic Tumblers: Denise Dias, Sedgwick County; Jodi Drake, Pratt County; Krista Harding, Southwind District; Megan Ferrell, Harper County.
KSRE Folders: Andrea Burns, Ford County; Chris Long, Walnut Creek District.
KSRE Bags: Patricia Gerhardt, River Valley District; Nancy Nelson, Meadowlark District.
Grand Prize - iPad Mini: Sunflower District, courtesy of Melinda Daily's entry.
--Nancy Zimmerli-Cates nancyz@ksu.edu
WIN A CHANCE TO VISIT THE SKYBOX AT A 2014 FOOTBALL GAME
Thank you to those who have supported the All-University Campaign. Through our participation, we show our K-State pride and send a powerful message to our donors, legislators, alumni and friends that we believe in K-State's future. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.
This campaign allows you to choose where your donation will be used. Our participation rate is usually about 30 percent. I encourage you to consider making a donation of any size to increase our participation rate.
As a thank you to those who have pledged and encouragement to those who are still thinking about making a pledge, I am offering some prizes:
Call Hall ice cream coupons,
Dinner at the Bluemont Room in the Union,
K-State Research and Extension items from the KSRE Bookstore,
Use of my reserved parking space for a designated time when I am out of town, AND
Access to the K-State Research and Extension/College of Agriculture skybox at a 2014 home football game.
The campaign officially ends November 15. For more information, go to www.k-stateAUC.org. --John Floros, jfloros@ksu.edu
COMM TIPS: OCTOBER 30 - HOW TO NAVIGATE THE KSRE BOOKSTORE
Have you seen the latest KSRE electronic publications? Nutrition for Young People: Mix and Match Fruits, Veggies, Kansas Crop Pests: The Chinch Bug, Turf Pest Control and many more topics. These publications are free online and could be important resources for your audiences. Learn more about them and the KSRE Bookstore on the next COMM TIPS program.
Next Program: How to Navigate the Bookstore: Mandy Wilson, Amy Hartman
Wednesday, October 30, 9 a.m.
Presented by Mandy Wilson, Amy Hartman, Department of Communications and Agricultural Education
To join our online program, simply log in to http://connect.ksre.ksu.edu/commtips as a guest using your name. These programs will be recorded in case you miss them.
COMM TIPS is offered online every Wednesday at 9 a.m. running between September 25 and December 4. Each program is only 20 minutes followed with 10 minutes for Q&A.
Upcoming COMM TIPS Fall 2013 programs:
November 6 - Video Interview Tips: Brad Beckman November 13 - Poll Everywhere Tool: Sarah Caldwell Hancock and Linda Gilmore November 20 - Developing Newsletters to Get Read: Donna Sheffield and Elaine Edwards
For the Comm Tips schedule, program descriptions and previous programs, visit the Comm Tips webpage at http://www.communications.k-state.edu/communication-services/comm-tips/. --Gerry Snyder gsnyder@ksu.edu
REGISTER FOR DESIGN FOR LEARNING, 2014
Registration is being accepted for
the next Design for Learning Course, January 24 - March 21, 2014. There is no
fee for registration. Go to the EmployeeResources Website for registration details and a course description.
Individuals who participated in past Design
for Learning classes learned
about a ten minute rule that includes terms like chunking, shifting, hooking
and repeating.
Here is what else recent class
members said about the course:
"I previously had a tendency to try to pack too much information into a
program. I have been making a conscious effort to select a few major ideas and
do a better job of imparting that knowledge well."
"At
a recent workshop I taught I focused on engaging the learners and gave them an
opportunity to share what they knew."
"We
planned our course with more break time, less lecture and more varied types of
learning experiences.
Design for Learning is a hands-on learning opportunity
to help Extension faculty design creative and effective educational
experiences. North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas are cooperating to
offer Design for Learning to extension professionals in the four states. Five learning
sessions are conducted using Adobe Connect. The 2014 dates are January 24,
February 7, February 21, March 7, and March 21.
Concepts reinforced in Design for
Learning include:
•
Understanding adult learners
• Organizing
and designing content
• Creating
an effective learning environment
• Selecting
appropriate teaching tools
• Teaching
for transfer
• Assessing
learning outcomes
Sessions are 1 1/2 hours long and
take place from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. CST. --Margaret Phillips margaret@ksu.edu,
Stacey Warner swarner@ksu.edu,
Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu
4-H UPDATE REGISTRATION DUE NOVEMBER 1
The Kansas 4-H Updates for Extension professionals with 4-H
responsibilities are scheduled November 19, 20 or 21. Registration closes on
November 1. Please choose the date and/or location that works best for
you.
EAST 4-H Update – Manhattan
November 19, 2013
Location: Pottrof Hall – Riley County Fairgrounds
CENTRAL 4-H Update – Wichita
November 20, 2013
Location: Sedgwick County Extension Education Center
WEST 4-H Update – Scott City
November 21, 2013
Location: Carpenter Building, 608 N Fairground Rd, Scott
City, KS
To view agenda for Updates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SYlnuhzq9vGH1HNPf0-ZqY_pwis-ZrlsazufjvAa0Ww/edit.
To register on the Google Document: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?usp=drive_web&formkey=dGJicXplWHlXUC1EaEpVRzhOMVdONmc6MA#gid=0.
The cost for the update is $20 and will include lunch.
Checks should be made to the Kansas 4-H Foundation and should be mailed to Mary Gehrt, at the State 4-H Office.
Gathering/Registration time for all days will be 9:30 a.m.
with the update starting at 9:45 a.m. and the wrap up will be at 3:30 p.m.
During 4-H Updates, we are hosting an Office Professional
ACCESS Update from 1 – 3 p.m. at each site. Since many of the office
professionals would be traveling with the Extension agents, we have two
options:
Option 1: Office professionals attend the afternoon session
only. Your Extension unit's annual ACCESS fee covers the cost of this session.
Seating is limited. Please register for the update you will attend.
ACCESS Session Registration at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hjXUYcrH9aNys1clHR-W22_sWdlLoNTtEmT8h_evdWw/viewform.
Option 2: Office professionals register for the update and
join in the morning program to learn more about the big picture of Kansas 4-H
and go to the ACCESS session from 1 – 3 p.m. The $20 registration fee covers
the program, morning break and lunch.
This year’s update committee includes Kaitlyn Peine,
Melinda Daily, Kelsey Holcomb, Josh Morris, Rod Buchele, Beth Hinshaw, Diane
Mack, Barbara Stone, Deryl Waldren and Sarah Keatley. --Diane Mack dmack@ksu.edu
"MAKING A DIFFERENCE" FOR LOCAL UNIT AND PROGRAM FOCUS TEAM IMPACT REPORTING
During annual conference we heard about Impact/Outcome
reporting. Here is a follow-up review of
that:
Agents complete an impact/outcome report
related to each of their local action plans using the KSRE OnLine system. These
reports feed into their performance review. In addition, the Making a Difference template
may be used to create a focused report to share with local decision makers, stakeholders, boards, PDCs and others.
Program Focus teams complete an Impact report using the Making a Difference template by November
15, 2013. Please send reports to assistant directors, Paula Peters, Gregg
Hadley and Barbara Stone, as well as Marie Blythe and Margaret Phillips. The impact/outcome report affiliated with the
team action plan on KSRE OnLine may also be completed.
The PFT Making a Difference reports will be posted to the Web
as received. The template for the “Making a Difference” report is located
on the Programming Website under the Impacts drop down menu. The slide presentation, “Making a Difference Reports,” from Annual Conference is also posted here.
The Making a Difference template may be used in a variety of
ways to share outcomes of clientele knowledge gain and behavior change. --Margaret Phillips margaret@ksu.edu and Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu
KANSAS 4-H VOLUNTEER SCREENING PROCESS
It was good to see you all at Annual
Conference! Thank you for your interest and questions regarding the revised 4-H
volunteer screening process. We will continue to provide opportunities for you
to learn more and ask questions so that you can successfully transition to the
new process by October, 2014.
You are encouraged to attend one of the 4-H
Updates where we will be discussing the screening process.
Tuesday, November 19 (Manhattan, Pottorf
Hall, Riley County Fairgrounds)
Wednesday, November 20 (Wichita, Sedgwick
County Extension Center, 21st and Ridge)
Thursday, November 21 (Scott City, Scott
County 4-H Building, Fairground)
AGENDA:
2013 4-H Area Updates
REGISTRATION:2013 4-H Area Update Registration
We will also be hosting two webinars in
December for you to learn more and ask questions:
Tuesday, December 17 at 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 19 at 2:00
p.m.
Dial-in Number: 866-620-7326
Conference Code: 479 963 8009
Webinar Link: http://connect.ksre.ksu.edu/ks4h/
Enter as a guest
--Daryl Buchholz, Barbara Stone and the KSRE Administrative
Team
MARIE'S PICKS . . .
My picks
this week are from the Farm Management Program Focus Team:
Outputs:
The primary effort in production economics was
education about cropland leases, including types of leases, ethics of leasing,
and using the KSU-Lease spreadsheet in determining appropriate rental values
for leasing situations. This education included seven all-day workshops
conducted across the state, as well as through local unit meetings. In addition
to discussing leasing at the meetings, many one-on-one consultations occurred between
landowners and tenants with extension specialists and agents. This type of
education is intensive, but necessary and easily reaches more than 1000 persons
directly each year, in addition to the indirect effects.
Outcomes:
Just a few examples (from a much longer list) of medium
term outcomes (what clientele do with what they learn) include:
*I will build better budgets and know costs better.
*Better idea of the market, what lease rates are and
in turn, what land rates might be.
*Help control costs.
*Write a lease agreement and make it equitable and
ethical.
*Set up ways to evaluate what is equitable, and fairness of my current
decisions.
*Help us make the many rental decisions in the near
future.
*Probably use as part of a decision-making process in reference to rents.
*In comparing share rental rate to cash rental rate.
*All our land is verbal agreement. We are going to
written agreements as we change tenants.
*Improve analysis of future rental arrangements.
*It will help me make fair and equitable leasing arrangements.
*Better communication with landowners and more frequent reviews of leases.
*Make sure that I have good liability insurance
policy!
*Do a better job of communicating with the landowner.
*More and better use of Ag Manager website.
*Provides information to keep in mind moving forward.
*How to talk to my landlords.
*Better projections of costs.
*Might implement some form of flex-rent.
*Do more research before making decisions. Be more detailed in written
documents. –Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu
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