Developing a Mentoring Culture/ Honoring a Pioneer in Extension Programing

Developing a Mentoring Culture

A mentoring culture continuously focuses on building the mentoring capacity, competence, and capability of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has a very organized mentoring program as a part of our new agent on boarding program, but mentoring should be encouraged beyond our formal program and should permeate the entire organization. A mentoring culture with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service encourages the practice of mentoring excellence by continuously:

• creating readiness for mentoring within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service,
• facilitating multiple mentoring opportunities, and
• Building in support mechanisms to ensure individual and organizational mentoring success.

In a mentoring culture, six hallmarks build on and strengthen each other. All are present, at least to some degree; however they manifest themselves differently depending on the organizational expectations related to mentoring. When each hallmark is consistently present, the mentoring culture is more robust. As more and more of each hallmark is found in an organization, the mentoring culture becomes progressively more sustainable.

The Six Hallmarks of a Mentoring Culture

1. Accountability.
2. Communication
3. Value and Visibility.
4. Demand.
5. Education and Training.
6. Safety Nets.

A mentoring culture is an expression of an organization’s vitality. Its presence enables an organization to augment learning, maximize time and effort, and better utilize its resources. The relationship skills learned through mentoring benefit relationships throughout the organization; as these relationships increase, people feel more connected to the organization. Ultimately, the learning that results creates value for the entire organization.  Dr. Darrell Dromgoole Associate Director for County Programs contributed to this article.

Recently , we had three new mentors trained in the District at a special training last week,  Brian Yanta, Janice Pfeffer, and Kayla Kaspar, were trained as new mentors and will be assenting as we continue to onboard new agents into the district.  These three individuals have all conducted excellent programs in their counties and have established themselves as resource individuals in their field of expertise.  Congratulations!!! to Brian, Janice and Kayla as District 11 newest mentors.

 

Honoring a Pioneer in Extension Programing

Today we will be honoring Mr. Pete Flores,our retiring Information Technology specialist.  We will have a reception at the District office for Pete, and I am looking forward to the event.  Pete Flores in my opinion is one of our pioneers in Extension programing.

I am old enough to remember the times when we did not have computers in the Extension office.  Back in the mid 1980’s Extension offices were only just staring to learn how to use the personal and business computer in our programing and accountability efforts.  If the county office had a single computer it was usually in a common area so everyone could use it, or more often on the secretary’s desk.   We now carry our computers on our pocket.

Mr. Pete Flores was one of the first individuals as a county Extension agent to actively use computer technology in his programing.  He developed ways to incorporate the technology into his programs and was one of the first to use the computer to run a stock show and complete a  result demonstration report.  This may seem really elementary to some of you all, but back then it was a big deal to run a stock show on a spread sheet ( SuperCal ) for some of you all that might remember.  

Pete has been a leader in teaching agents on how to use the new tools we have not for outreach.  His willingness to provide tips and suggestions for using programs has been extremely valuable for agents over the years.

Pete Flores served Extension as a county Extension agent and IT specialist for over 30 years, and has been a great asset to Extension especially in training agents on how to use the technology to help them be more productive.  He is a true specialist working for the county Extension agent; he is always willing to drop anything he is doing to solve problems during the day. 

As you all know if your computer goes down, you might as well go home, Pete knows the work of a county Extension agent and identifies with their needs, I believe this is why Pete has been so valuable to our agency. 

Please join me in thanking Pete for his many years of great service to our agency, and wishing him well in his retirement.    Hope he finds things to do, and especially I hope he does not change his cell number.  DM

District 11 Personnel News

We have new Agent in District 11 , help me to welcome Dr. Kirsten Corda, our new Family ad Consumer Science agent in Aransas County. Kirsten , is currently in her first step role in San Patricio County and will start in Aransas County after the start of the new year.  Kirsten comes to us from the academic arena as she has extensive experience in grant work in Nutrition education.  Kirsten will move into assisting Ginger Easton Smith with her new role as an Extension agent in a diverse program in Aransas County.

Merry Christmas D11 

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas , please make time to spend with your family, and enjoy them during the best part of the year.  As we come to another close of the year, I am reminded how important our jobs are as we help people solve problems and you have truly have helped many people in your counties this year.  I am in the mist of updating myself prior to performance reviews and can see the great outcomes that you have accomplished. I am really lucky to have the opportunity to work with all of you in the District.  Happy Holidays and be safe on the roads, DM

Establishing Preformance Review Confrences

One of most important management processes conducted by a District Extension Administrators is managing an effective performance management system. Performance Management goes well beyond conducting an effective Performance Review Conference and monitoring agent performance through the TExAS reporting system.  There are various components that must be successfully implemented to successfully manage agent performance. The following are elements that are involved in a performance management system with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service;

• Conducting an effective Program Planning Conference- Any Performance Management System begins with District Extension Administrators and Regional Program Directors establishing clearly defined performance expectations.
• Professional Development and Training- All effective performance management systems have effective professional development and training in place to provide County Extension Agents with the professional competencies to accomplish the programmatic goals established during Program Planning Conferences.
• Monitoring Agent Performance- District Extension Administrators monitor performance on a monthly basis to determine if goals and tactical plans that are developed during the performance planning conference is being successfully implemented by agents.
• Coaching- Providing agents with feedback regarding performance on an on-going basis is critical component to a successful performance management system.
• Performance Appraisal Conference- Conducting a successful Performance Appraisal Conference involves effective preparation, effective implementation of the conference and appropriate followup.

 

Ms. Barbara Moretich, our District office manager will be contacting you through email with a doodle poll next week to identify the best days for your upcoming conference in late December, January, February, and, or  March.  Please be looking for the email and respond as soon as possible so your conference can be scheduled.  I plan on going to all the D11 offices this year for your reviews. DM

 

District 11 Shooting Sports Organizational Meeting

 

A organizational meeting of all disciplines was held in Victoria on Tuesday evening to discuss many of the new changes that have taken place this year in the 4-H program.  The majority of the district was represented by leaders. Agents in attendance were Mike Hiller, Ryan Damborsky, and Kara Matheney.  Dr. Boleman and Larry Hysmith representing the state 4-H program discussed many of the new changes and challenges facing the shooting sports program. 

 

Meredith Carter and myself provided new ways that the district office could support existing and future program opportunities for our young people.  It was great to meet so many leaders in our District that I had not met before and to see the great passion that they have for coaching our young people to be the best.  The district office will become more active in providing direction to the the Shooting Shorts program especially in providing communication to all involved.  There many new opportunities that will soon be showcased by our state office for shooting sports and the leaders were privileged to see them at the meeting.  If you have any questions please let me know.

Colorado County Shooting Sports (Archery) Club featured In JOAD Spotlight

Attached below is a good article was sent to me by Kara Matheney on the spotlight interview of a Colorado County 4-H archery club.  2004 Olympian John Magera, the club's director answers questions for the article.

http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Archery/Features/2012/November/07/JOAD-Club-Spotlight-on-THE-JOAD-Club.aspx

 

Better Living for Texans Program Assistants Training



Logan Respess demonstration on  how to fillet a fish

 

I had the opportunity to attend the BLT program assistants meeting on Padre Island on Wednesday.  It was good to visit with our BLT staff in our region.  These ladies provide many hours of Extension outreach to many non traditional audiences that benefit from the educational opportunities. 
 

Mr. Logan Respess, Sea Grant Associate Director provided an excellent program on the Seafood industry and information on food safety that the assistants could use as they teach.  The participants also boarded the KARMA for and educational cruse of Corpus Christi Bay providing more information on the gulf coast marine educational opportunities.

 

District Personnel News

Dr. Kirsten Corda, has been approved by the Aransas County Court as their new Family and Consumer Agent.  Dr. Corda is a graduate of Texas A&M University (bachelors) UTSA( Masters) and received her Phd for Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. Corda has vast experience in the field of nutrition and is familiar with Extension's commitment to outreach education.  Kirsten will soon  assist Ginger Easton Smith in Aransas County.  Kirsten will start her first step program in San Patricio County with Kathy Farrow as her mentor on Monday December 3rd. Please join me in welcoming Kirsten to the D11 team. 


Joseph Janak, named County Extension Emeritus by the Board of Regents. The official board of regents’ minuets read as follows:

"In recognition of his long and distinguished service to Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the The Texas A&M University System, the title of County Extension Agent Emeritus is conferred upon Mr. Joseph Janak, Jr. and his is granted all rights and privileges of this title effective November 2nd, 2012."

Please help me in congratulating Joe on his great career and being awarded this prestigious honor. Also thank you to the recognition and awards committee for assisting with the nomination.

 

2012-2013 District Program Planning

Program Planning is one of the most important processes  that you as a County Extension Agent can provide leadership to. This process provides an excellent venue to motivate and move Extension Program areas committees in a positive direction with in your counties.
One of the critical components to Extension program building is program the planning workshop. Our District Program Development Conference and Workshop will be conducted on  Wednesday and Thursday September 5th, and 6th in Corpus Christi at the District office.
Our training will be devoted to program development and will set the stage for effective and quality program planning for the upcoming year.
In preparation for these workshops  Associate Department Heads or Program Leaders will provide one page briefs on new projects and initiatives.  Regional Program Directors will  share these one-pagers with agents in the region.
All agents should have program area committee meeting(s) and/or youth board meeting(s) prior to our workshop.  Agents will use the minutes of those meeting(s) along with a prioritized set of issues that have been identified to be addressed during the coming program year if possible please share with appropriate Regional Program Directors and District Extension Administrator  prior to the workshop.
The following are elements of this workshop that are critical for effective planning and effective allocation of resources;

• Overview of Program Planning Expectations- The District Extension Administrator  will provide general expectations related to Organizational Support Plans, Individual Development Plans, and other interdisciplinary and team efforts.
• Discussion regarding Partial Cost Recovery- District Extension Administrators and Regional Program Directors should emphasize that Partial Cost Recovery and 4-H Participation fees has been implemented to assist in sustaining Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s program delivery capacity.  Texas AgriLife Extension Service provides our clientele with a product that has value and makes a difference on an individual and community basis.
• Community Resource and Economic Development- Regional Program Directors  will provide expectations and suggested strategies for addressing emergency management and other CRED program needs
• 4-H and Youth Development Expectations and Discussion- The District Extension Administrator or Regional Program Directors  will provide general expectations related to 4-H management and leadership plans.  Regional Program Directors will provide expectations related to support of 4-H subject matter projects and youth outcome plans.  District 4-H Specialist will provide training related to youth trends and goals for improving 4-H participation.  County staffs should be provided time to meet together to discuss 4-H program planning for the coming year, CRED, and other team efforts.
• Program Planning Subject Matter Break-Out Groups – Regional Program Director-FCS will work with FCS agents, Regional Program Director – Agriculture and Natural Resources will work with Ag/Nr Agents, and the District 4-H Specialist  will work with 4-H and Youth Development Agents.

The Topics for these Subject Matter Break-Out Sessions will include:

1. Overview of regional program priorities - Key specialists may be asked to provide some subject matter updates based on the regional program priorities.
2. Specific information or reminders per discipline – For example, Texas AgriLife Extension Prescribed Burn Policy, Guidelines for Result Demonstrations, Better Living for Texans requirements, 4-H Management Items, etc.
3. Issue planning groups – Based on the issues identified by PACs/Youth Boards, agents will group together to discuss more in-depth program ideas, interventions and strategies that are specific to the key issues in their county.  Regional Program Directors will review the list submitted and pre-assign agents to the groups.  It would be appropriate to invite specialists to participate in these meetings if they are located on site.  If support is needed from other specialists who are unable to travel to the district, they could participate via speaker phone or other technology such as Lync.
4. Cluster planning groups –  We will also allow time for agents to plan multi-county efforts.
5. Specialist engagement and scheduling -  Specialists based at the district office will be invited to work with agents in scheduling programs for the upcoming year.  Specialists who are not based in the district office, could be involved via phone or centra or Lync as necessary.

The main focus of this program planning philosophy is assisting you as agents  to better manage your time and program.  Program planning must be about ensuring that Extension is efficiently allocating resources that results in program excellence not just focused on approving a plan on the TeXas System,  committed to developing better programs that result in measurable outcomes, and devoted to assisting agents to better allocate their time which leads to efficiency.

Reminder- Superior Service Nominations Due August 31 , 2012

Agent/staff recognition is a tool that reinforces and rewards the most important outcomes agents and staff create for your District/County. When we recognize agents and staff effectively, we reinforce the actions and behaviors we most want to see agents and staff to repeat. An effective agent/staff recognition system is extremely effective.

One of the methods that can be utilized to recognize agents and staff is by nominating them for the 2012 Texas AgriLife Extension Service Superior Service Award.

The 2012 Superior Service Nominations are due August 31, 2012.

Guidelines and online application can be found at http://agrilife.org/extemployees/
The online nomination can be found at http://agrilife-extadmin.tamu.edu/SSA/

Michelle Allen, and Anthony Netardus will chair the awards and recognition committe this year and will be meeting this week to identify potential nominations for the SSA process. If you have suggestions for nominations please call Michelle and or Anthony.

Coastal Bend Agricultural Grant

We have an unique opportunity to apply for grant funds to support coastal bend agriculture each year through a local foundation. Pete Flores and I were awarded a technology grant to develop the use of a Ipad or electronic tablet for agricultural and or 4-H agricultural programing.  We will be awarding an Ipad or android tablet to an agent in District 11 that sends in a proposal to Pete and I by September 1st on how they would use the new technology to program for agricultural or 4-H programs. The focus on programing must include adoption of new technology to enhance agricultural profitability. Please limit the proposal to a two page word document. Creativity in the proposal is also encouraged. If the agent is awarded the Ipad, either a outcome or output plan must be adopted for 2013. If you have any questions please give Pete or I a call.

New District 11 4-H Policy

With the official start of the 4-H year on September 1, there will be some policy changes made from the District Office. There will be official notice coming soon, but in short, these will help the District 4-H program run more efficiently.

• We will initiate a late fee on 4-H connect of $25 per person up to 24 hours prior to the day of the event.  We will have regular registration and fees like we have been doing , however after the deadline we will still take entries with the regular and late fee combined up to the day prior to the event. We will use this policy across the board for all events and contests that use 4-H connect. 
• In following suit with the Texas 4-H Guidelines, no youth will be allowed to compete with their recordbook at District competition in ANY category if they have won 1st place at the state level competition.
• If a youth is to drive themselves to any district function, the keys will be picked up by their County Agent or District Specialist and returned at the completion of the event.  This is to ensure the safety of all youth involved at the event.

District 11 Personnel News

Please welcome Ms. Laura Reyna to our District as she started this month in her new role as Matagorda County 4-H Agent. Laura is a product of the District 11 4-H program raised in Wharton County. Laura first steeped in Fort Bend County.

We will meet the court shortly in San Patricio County to present a candidate for the ANR position. Interviews are ongoing for the Lavaca FCS position , a finalist has been identified for the Aransas County FCS position and in the process of filling both positions.

Wharton County FCS and ANR position are open internally, Karnes County FCS is open internally an I am currently training to recruit existing agents to move into these roles.
Last week I assisted our CEP-FCS program director Ms. Jackie White in interviewing for the new  Nueces County CEP-FCS position. 

I also want to congratulate Diana Weise Dewitt County FCS agent. Diana retired at the end of July after serving 28 years with our agency. Diana provided leadership to many county and district programs over her tenure. Diana truly made a difference in helping the clientele that she served. We wish her well in her well deserved retirement.

Ms. Barbara Sulak  Matagroda County FCS Agent, has also informed me that she will also be retiring at the end of September. Barbara has also been a great leader in several counties over her Extension career.  Please join me in congratulating her on a great career!

Customer Satisfaction Counties for FY2012-2013

Customer Satisfaction Counties for FY2012-2013

The customer satisfaction program within Texas AgriLife Extension Service is designed to help ensure the agency continues to provide timely, relevant, and effective educational programs to the citizen of Texas. It is also a state-mandated performance measure for our agency. Counties need to give attention and care to this data collection effort as its critical to our agency’s continued existence and programmatic success.

Organizational Development has designed two sets of scan forms (standard and with client change) that counties can choose from to meet their customer satisfaction reporting requirement

District 11 Counties required to participate in customer satisfaction reporting for FY 12-13 are:

• Calhoun
• Dewitt
• Goliad
• Matagorda

What a Required County Must Do to Comply

1. Each agent within a required county must use any version of a standard or customer satisfaction with outcomes scan form (click here to download forms http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/download-forms/customer-satisfaction-scan-forms/)  for at least two program events within the fiscal year (September 1 – August 31).
2. Submit the scan forms from step 1 and a completed cover sheet to Organizational Development for processing (click here for mailing instructions http://od.tamu.edu/evaluation/scan-forms/sending-your-forms/). Also, to ensure agents meet the outcome summary reporting deadline (typically in early December) they should not sit on their completed forms; send them in ASAP as processing volume around the deadline is heavy and takes longer than usual.
3. Steps 1 and 2 must be done by each agent within a required county for each fiscal year (FY12 & FY13)

Due to the oversight of various funding partners it is imperative that Texas AgriLife Extension Service monitor the satisfaction of our clientele as it relates to programs. Failure to comply with  performance measures, such as customer satisfaction, can severely impact appropriated funding. Compliance with this performance measure should be treated as a significant part of Agents professional obligations.

Extension Program Building in District 11

At our Spring Fall Faculty Conference last month we discussed the importance of program area committees as well as task forces and your leadership advisor broads.

I want to remind all of our agents that program planning workshops and conferences are just around the corner this fall.  In order to develop program plans an agent must meet with their committees and identify and prioritize issues that will be the focus of your program plans for 2013.  It is very important that planning meetings with your committee members, volunteers, and cooperators be held prior to our program workshop and program planning conferences.  Agents will be evaluated on the expectations of a sound committee structure for 2012, and 2013.  As I discussed with my presentation last month on an agents professional career path; your committees engagement in your programs directly affects your professional development as an agent.  If you have any questions on establishing or revitalizing your committees please give me or our RPD's a call.

Summer 2012 in District 11

I have been receiving excellent reports on the success to the start to your summer programing. Crop tours and agricultural educational opportunities are being well received  by our clientele. Specialists have been reporting that attendance is up at many of our events.

Reports are coming in from a very successful 4-H Round up in Lubbock.  Unofficial totals for District 11 scholarship recipients are $260,500.  We have also had a successful roundup in contest and event participation .4-H Round up in Lubbock looks to have been a great success.  I believe that this round up will be the beginning of a new 4-H Round up experience, much different that what we all remember. Thanks to the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University and District 2 for their great hospitality.

Next week we will move to 4-H Leadership Lab and Horse Show .  We have good numbers for each event and look forward to seeing you all at the events next week.  I also would like to remind each of you that we must continue to provide the best possible experience for our 4-H members and leaders at our county and district events.  These events are very important to our young people , leaders and volunteers as they spend much of their vacation time and resources to bring their youth to our events. Our professionalism must not waiver in providing these special opportunities to our young people.

Turkmenistan and Tajikistan Visitors to the District Center

Recently I had the opportunity to participate with a international project as visitors form Turkmenistan and Tajikistan visited the District office.  These countries are former Soviet Union countries that border Afghanistan.  The individuals that visited were researchers, farmers and Extension agents that are wanting to learn new ways to help their producers be more productive.  I visited with them about the Extension network and how we work with our clientele.  This was my first time to use an interpreter and was very different in how I had to provide my information in the presentation.  It gives me a greater appreciation of our land grant university system,  and how we continue to be relevant in working with our clientele. Most of the questions were for me as they were mostly interested in how to sustain an Extension Service.  They understood Russian and other languages, however my south Texas accent was well received.   We work for a great organization and clearly it is respected by many all over the world.  I really enjoyed visiting with these groups.
District 11 Personnel News

Please help me welcome Beth Collins to District 11  Beth started her new appointment as Austin County 4-H agent on June 1st. Beth comes to us with a extensive 4-H background from Sam Houston State University and is working on her masters at TAMU. 

Also welcome Jody Price, our new FCS agent in Jackson County, Jody started her first step training in Victoria County on June 1st.  Jody comes to us as a former health educator and coach, and we look for an easy transition to Extension FCS and 4-H work in Jackson County. Jody is  native of Goliad County were she was a very active 4-H member.

Peter McGuill will be transferring to Victoria County as their new AG/NR agent after providing years of leadership in Wharton County.  Peter will start on July 1st.  Please join me in congratulating Peter on his new challenge in moving Victoria County forward along with Erika and Alyssa.

The selection process continues for Matagroda 4-H , Lavaca FCS, Nueces County FCS, San Patricio ANR  and Aransas County FCS positions.  The Karnes County Position will be announced internally soon. Please continue to help recruit and encourage individuals to apply. I appreciate many of your efforts as ambassadors of our agency and District.  As always give me a call if I can help, DM

A Reminder of CEA’s Responsibilities in Emergency Management

With severe weather threatening parts of Texas this month it is imperative that District 11 County Extension Agents be reminded regarding their responsibilities in emergency management.  The following outlines the roles and responsibilities of a County Extension Agent during the response and recovery phases of an emergency;

1. Immediately contact the District Extension Administrator and provide a detailed report on the incident. If the DEA is not available contact a Regional Program Director. If the DEA and RPDs are not available, contact the office of the Associate Director for County Programs.

2.  Contact the County Judge and Emergency Management Coordinator.  CEAs should offer assistance and determine if other parts of the County Emergency Management Plan have been activated. CEAs should carry out the following emergency response and recovery activities at the request of the County Judge and/or Emergency Management Coordinator:

• CEAs ANR on the County Emergency Board of USDA FSA will assess agricultural damages and establish criteria by which the county judge initiates an agricultural disaster declaration.
• Where appropriate, help the county officials write the formal request for external resources. Agents should do this by completing the Incident Command System Form 213 (requires signature of county judge or EMC). The DEA and RPD(s) can help as needed.
• Act as Public Information Officer and lead the county’s electronic and mass media efforts. AgriLife Communications will support agents in this role.
• Help the Animal Issues Committee (AIC), County Judge/EMC set up a shelter and livestock supply point to feed and care for displaced animals.

3. CEAs ANR will work with the EMC and AIC to determine if the County Animal Issues Plan should be activated. The Texas Animal Health Commission  is the lead agency during livestock or animal related emergencies.

4. Activate the AgriLife Extension County Office Disaster Plan.

5. Notify the DEA or RPD(s) if the incident requires Extension resources/actions that are not available locally.

6. District Extension Administrators will lead daily teleconference call with impacted counties. County Coordinators should be prepared to give daily situation reports on this call. Situation reports will include information on resources the agency has used for emergency management preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.

7. In the event of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, CEAs may be asked to report activates weekly for inclusion on the Emergency Time and Effort Form. This report is due to the DEA before 5:00 o.m. each Friday during response and recovery.

8. CEAs ANR are responsible for helping USDA FSA County Emergency Boards complete ad USDA Loss Assessment Report (LAR).

9. As first responders bring the emergency incident under control, CEAs coordinate with county departments and state or federal agencies to plan a public meeting to communicate;

• the organizations and agencies that are working on recovery,
• the programs that are available to assist with current needs, and
• other topics relevant to the situation in the county.

10. CEA strike team members will responded as needed /requested to help in disaster situations.

Content for this article was obtained from Extension publication E-252 entitled “The CEA’s Responsibilities in Emergency Management.”

District 11 4-H Round Up and Multi Judging Contests

I would like to thank each and every one of you that have assisted with the last two Saturday District events. Your commitment and attention to detail has been great. The 4-H District 4-H events were provided to our young people with professionalism and enthusiasm.  The events have been very much consistent with the quality of contest only expected in District 11.  I know it is hard to work these many Saturday's and will have another this Saturday with District 4-H Fashion Show.  Many times we sacrifice our own family events to make sure that 4-H opportunities are provided.  We will also be working to provide mock interviews this week in preparing our senior members with their upcomming scholorship interviews.

Again thank you for rallying together and working together as committees in the District, it is clearly noted. DM

District 11 Personnel News:

New agents in the District starting this month are Ms. Tina Trevino, new FCS agent in Calhoun County. Wow!! all positions in Calhoun County are filled!  Tina transferred from the Agrilife EFNEP position in Webb County( District 12). 

Ms. Tanya McConagill, New FCS agent in Washington County started today, with her First step training in Fayette County.  Please join me in welcoming these two new agents to District 11.

Interviews are set for the Austin County 4-H position for Monday. I will be meeting with the Jackson County court to finalize our candidate for the FCS position next month. Also keep Kelvin Neal in your prayers, he is going through some heart procedures this week. Hope he gets well soon. DM

Focusing on Texas Agrilife Extension's Vision

The last two years have been a little tough to say the least. Obviously we have focused much time and effort on budgetary challenges that have lead to county staff realignment. However , in the aftermath of recent county realignments it is important to focus on our vision which is "to be the premier 21st Century outreach and continuing education organization in Texas responding to the needs of the people."

During such times it is important that we reflect on this vision and focus our efforts individually and collectively on the efforts that will enable Texas Agrilife Extension Service to achieve a level of success that accomplishes this vision.

Some of the fundamental elements we need to continue to focus on in our outreach and continuing education roles include;

• County Extension Agents must provide quality programs that address local issues and results in measurable outcomes. Remember, our programs are how clientele, stakeholders, and elected officials judge Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
• Ensuring that Texas AgriLife Extension Service programs are visible in the community. Quality programs are of limited value if only a small number of people in the county are aware of the programs.
• County Extension Agents must continue to stay currently competent and professional. Competency and professionalism is only accomplished through effective on boarding of new agents and on going professional development for more tenured agents.
• Ensuring that our stakeholders and elected officials are aware of the impact of Texas AgriLife Extension Service programs. This is only accomplished through strategies that communicate public value to elected officials and stakeholders.
• Your assistance in helping me to implement recruiting strategies that will provide Texas AgriLife Extension Service with a diverse, highly qualified workforce in the future. 
• Working to implement strategies to diversify our funding. Some examples that should be explored regarding diversifying funding strategies include Partial Cost Recovery that is utilized to increase the capacity of the agency, partnerships with municipalities,grants to fund specialized programs, and/or partnerships with other organizations such as school districts or underground water districts to deliver specialized programming.

Our clientele, committees members, cooperators and volunteer leaders are looking to you in your county for Leadership! It is important to embrace the concept that our agency will continue to be as relevant as it has been in the past and for the future as or society evolves.

Upcoming District 11 4-H Spring Contests and Events

With our upcoming contests comes more challenges for me ,with out a District 11 4-H specialist, however we are extremely fortunate to have Sharon Thompson at the district office working to ensure that I don't forget something.  I am also looking to your leadership and commitment in insuring that we come together and provide the best possible experience to our youth people and their leaders during District 4-H Round Up, multi county judging ,ID contests, rifle match, CDM and many other events during the Spring and into the Summer. I want to remind all of you that you all are youth educators, and will be involved in some way with our contests and events. These dates have been on the calender form some time so please plan on doing your part to assit when needed.

I will be making round up assignments soon, as we process all of the entries that were finalized last night. It is unfortunate that we must have to check ages of youth after you have certified the entries. When you certify the entry you are just doing that which means you are checking that that participant is eligible for participation in the certain event. Also please try to get your 4-H members to register on 4-H connect early in the future.  We will stick to our deadlines. Some more deadlines will be coming up soon so make sure you stay current.

 I will be making most if not all of the 4-H Events this spring and summer so if you need me to haul something to you please let me know.

District 11 Spring Faculty Conference- May 22-23 Edna, Texas

You all should have the Spring Conference on your calender as we are now just asking for two administrative meetings a year. One in the Fall for programing and one in the spring.  I am currently working on the agenda. We will also have an early evening social, meal and award presentation on the 22nd.  Please plan on staying for the evening program.

Personnel Changes in District 11

Recently I was informed that Ms. Talma Benavides, Nueces County FCS agent will be retiring at the end of the month.  Talma has had a great Extension Carrer. For the last 34 years Talma has made a real difference in the lives of Texans in several counties.  Please join me in congratulating Talma on her great career accomplishment.

The RPD's and my self have been busy in filling positions.  Help me welcome Ms. Alyssa Smith, as she assumed her new role as the new Victoria County 4-H agent this week, Alyssa finished her  first step opportunity in Bexar County.

Finalists have been identified for Calhoun FCS , Jackson County FCS, and Washington County FCS and I will meet the courts starting next week.

The Austin County 4-H position has come open externally. I am also actively recruiting for the remaining internal positions. So if you know a good agent wanting to move give me a call we have a few spots to fill, DM

Monthly Reports

Some of you were reminded  that you were late getting in your monthly reports in last month. I have asked Diana Moglia at our office to remind you each and every month on the 8th that you are late submitting your reports on the Texas System.  It is important that you submit your report by the end of each quarter, however it is much easier to stay current on a monthly timeline. Diana will be compiling a data base on your reporting and forwarding it to me for use during next years performance reviews.  Please have your reports in to Texas by the end of the 7th of each month.  You are also reminded that you have a professional obligation to provide me with email copies of county commissioners reports , office confrences and travel. 


County Websites

I have also asked Velma Villalon at our office to monitor your websites for current information. She will be reviewing you websites for current information and also reporting back to me on a monthly basis. It is extremely important that our websites are current with the best quality information for our clientele. Our web sites are no different than our front door to our offices.  The only difference is that our Websites are open 24/7.  She will also be looking for video footage you have posted using your flip cameras.

Spring Red Flag Fire Warnings in Texas

With Red Flag Alerts in parts of Texas this spring it is imperative that all County Extension Agents be reminded regarding their responsibilities in emergency management. The following outlines the roles and responsibilities of a County Extension Agent during the response and recovery phases of an emergency;

1. Immediately contact me District Extension Administrator and provide a detailed report on the incident. If the DEA is not available contact a Regional Program Director. If the DEA and RPDs are not available, contact the office of the Associate Director for County Programs.

2. Contact the County Judge and Emergency Management Coordinator. CEAs should offer assistance and determine if other parts of the County Emergency Management Plan have been activated. CEAs should carry out the following emergency response and recovery activities at the request of the County Judge and/or Emergency Management Coordinator:

· CEAs ANR on the County Emergency Board of USDA FSA will assess agricultural damages and establish criteria by which the county judge initiates an agricultural disaster declaration.

· Where appropriate, help the county officials write the formal request for external resources. Agents should do this by completing the Incident Command System Form 213 (requires signature of county judge or EMC). The DEA and RPD(s) can help as needed.

· Act as Public Information Officer and lead the county’s electronic and mass media efforts. AgriLife Communications will support agents in this role.

· Help the Animal Issues Committee (AIC), County Judge/EMC set up a shelter and livestock supply point to feed and care for displaced animals.

3. CEAs ANR will work with the EMC and AIC to determine if the County Animal Issues Plan should be activated. The Texas Animal Health Commission is the lead agency during livestock or animal related emergencies.

4. Activate the AgriLife Extension County Office Disaster Plan.

5. Notify the DEA or RPD(s) if the incident requires Extension resources/actions that are not available locally.

6. District Extension Administrators will lead daily teleconference call with impacted counties. County Coordinators should be prepared to give daily situation reports on this call. Situation reports will include information on resources the agency has used for emergency management preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.

7. In the event of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, CEAs may be asked to report activates weekly for inclusion on the Emergency Time and Effort Form. This report is due to the DEA before 5:00 o.m. each Friday during response and recovery.

8. CEAs ANR are responsible for helping USDA FSA County Emergency Boards complete ad USDA Loss Assessment Report (LAR).

9. As first responders bring the emergency incident under control, CEAs coordinate with county departments and state or federal agencies to plan a public meeting to communicate;

· the organizations and agencies that are working on recovery,

· the programs that are available to assist with current needs, and

· other topics relevant to the situation in the county.

10. CEA strike team members will responded as needed /requested to help in disaster situations.

Barriers to the Adoption of Distance Technology in Program Delivery

How do Extension professionals take advantage of new technology trends? In a study conducted by Elizabeth Wells at Michigan State University Extension reported the following (Segars, 2011);

•97% of participants had never edited a wiki.

•89% had never exchanged an instant message with a colleague or client.

•73% had never posted an article to a website or blog.

To promote the use of both new and traditional methods, a blend of delivery methods should be used when transferred to a program setting at the county and state levels (Segars,2011). Offering high tech and high touch programming to satisfy the needs of traditional, contemporary, and future clientele is best.(Segars, 2011). Such a method would require providing training in the implementation of blended learning opportunities for programs by mixing technology with traditional on-site educational delivery (Segars, 2011). Programming that would stem from such training (keep in mind this would include the adjusted definition of Extension programming) would include face-to-face sessions or events, online newsletters, routine informational “tweets” via Twitter, and frequent use of various social media outlets in conjunction with routine blogging (Segars, 2011).

An example of one of these programs will be held Tuesday March 6th, via the web through LYNC for a the Drought Management Symposium for Range and Pasture hosted at the District 11 Center by Nueces County. The symposium will be broadcastered to 8 county locations mostly in District 12. The program is a full day of programs by our District specialist with assistance from some researchers. This is a great opportunity for clientele to come to a county location and view live presentations for presenters from a central location saving all involved much travel dollars. For more information on Tuesdays program contact Megan Dominquez or Pete Flores.

References:

Segars, J., (2011). The New Digital [St]age: Barriers to the Adoption and Adaptation of New Technologies to Deliver Extension Programming and How to Address Them. Journal of Extension [On-line], 49 (1) Article 1FEA1. Available athttp://www.joe.org/joe/2011february/a1.php

Wells, E. (2009). MSUE Educators’ perceptions of the use of technology in their work. Michigan; Author.

District 11 4-H Management

Well, I made my first week without Jodi McManus, as you all know Jodi changed jobs and we wish Kyle, Molly, and Jodi the best. We are certainly going to miss Jodi's direction and leadership as our District 11 Specialist. Dr. Chris Boleman has started the process in filling the position. I know that he will do his best to find an individual to keep our program strong for many years to come. I am counting on your increased involvement and leadership in making sure that our District 11 4-H program opportunities available during the absence of our district specialist.

I will assume most of the management with assistance from our District support staff Mrs. Sharon Thompson. We will keep you informed and help to provide you with your answers to many of your questions.

However, we need to pay extra attention to detail especially moving into the spring contests and events. I am confident with your leadership we will continue to provide the same great opportunities for our members and leaders in this interim period. I am trying to recruit all best possible candidates for the position. If you think of someone in our agency that would have interest please let me know. DM

Personnel News:

Last month was a very hard month for most of us, we lost a valuable coworker in Duane Campion, San Patricio County Extension Agent.  Duane passed away suddenly and shocked many of us that would see him regularly. Thank you to all that came to the services to comfort Duane's family. It is with great sadness I feel in losing a member of our Extension family. Duane's passing certainly made many of us step back and value the many good things in our lives.

Please welcome Ryan Damborsky our new Calhoun County Ag/NR agent staring this week in his new appointment. Ryan completed his first step program in Matagroda County. We are look for great things from Ryan in Calhoun County.

Monday I will meet the court to finalize our new appointment for the vacant Victoria County 4-H agent. I will announce the individual after it is official on Monday. This individual will participate in the first step program in Bexar County and start in Victoria on April 1st.

I was fortunate to attend a great retirement reception for Mr. Joseph Janak, Victoria County Ag/NR agent. Joe retired after 35 years of service to our agency this month. I certainly admire Joe Janak as a friend, mentor and of course a great Ag agent for many years in District 14 and 11. Joe's work ethic and expertise in various areas of agriculture can never be replaced; he has truly made a difference in the many lives of individuals in St. Augustine, and Victoria Counties. The reception was excellent with over 200 people attending, Many specialists form here in Corpus Christi and College Station were in attendance. Dr. Darrell Dromgoole our Associate Director for County programs was present to help honor Joe. Many of you know that Dr. Dromgoole, trained in Victoria county under Joe Janak, Dr. Droogoole provided some excellent words at the reception in tribute to Joe Janak's outstanding career. Congratulations to Joe and his wife Carol and the entire Janak family.

John O'Connell, Matagorda County Marine Resource Agent , will be transferring to Brazoria County starting April 1st.  I wish John well in his new appointment, and thank him for his many years of service to District 11. John has provided great leadership and outstanding programs for his clientele as agent in Calhoun and Matagorda County. Good Luck John!!

Elaine Fries and I are in the process of identifying candidates and interview dates are set for Washington County FCS, Calhoun County FCS and Jackson County FCS positions as they have recently been released externally. Other positions are internal and I am seeking applicants from within our agency.