John Lawrence’s message from Feb. 12, 2018

ISU Extension and Outreach engages all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address real-life challenges and prepare for a thriving future. That’s how we advance our land-grant mission. We are committed to helping Iowans build their capacity to better their lives and make sound decisions. If our work is not based on research and evidence, then what is it based on? Rumor? Politics? Whichever way the wind blows? Let’s hope not. Our integrity is in our research. That is why we work together with the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station and other researchers to plan, discover and deliver science-based knowledge for the benefit of Iowans. Did you know?

• The Experiment Station was founded at Iowa State in 1888, and soon began conducting research, advancing science and addressing the needs of Iowans.
• The Experiment Station isn’t a physical place. It’s not a building and it’s not a farm. It is a research program involving hundreds of people and partners, along with extension connections reaching Iowans in every county.
• Our combined plan of work addresses community and economic development, expanding human potential, food security, health and well-being, natural resources and environmental stewardship, sustainable and renewable energy, and youth development.

The leadership team has been compiling the data for our Combined Research and Extension Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results, also known as the federal report. We will be submitting it to USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture in a few weeks. This is another way we use the information you report to us. We’re sharing the value and impact of ISU Extension and Outreach with our federal partners, funders and decision makers.

A few more notes

• Make sure to review the February program update from the leadership team.
• Register now for annual conference. The March 26 event includes acts of service and the annual awards ceremony and reception. Come to learn, network with a purpose and celebrate.
• I want to give a shout out to the ISU Extension and Outreach county offices that will host the Farmers Market Nutrition Program training for farmers so they can become certified to accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks. In 2017, WIC recipients in Iowa redeemed $383,000 and seniors redeemed $477,000 in these checks. These funds are spent only at farmers markets and with local farmers for locally grown fruits and vegetables. Without this program, many of these shoppers likely would not have gone to the farmers market or purchased local fresh produce. In addition, given this opportunity to buy local, they may have spent more on fruits and vegetables than the combined $860,000 from the program. 2018 marks the first time our county offices will offer training for this program that helps local farmers and farmers markets, as well as the young families and seniors who participate.

— John D. Lawrence
Iowa State University Interim Vice President for Extension and Outreach