AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 13-18. Although this year’s celebration will take place virtually given the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa’s 100 county extension offices will be thanking Iowans for their support of extension efforts throughout the state to build a strong Iowa.
“While many things have changed drastically for Iowans in recent weeks, one thing that has not changed is ISU Extension and Outreach’s commitment to serving all Iowans,” said Vice President for Extension and Outreach John Lawrence.
“For over 100 years, we have been engaging all Iowans in research, education and extension experiences to address real-life challenges. We are prioritizing the health and safety of our staff, faculty and communities and are following public health and Iowa State University guidance. While our in-person contact is limited during this challenging time, our service to our communities and all Iowans continues. We support what Iowans value: a strong Iowa,” Lawrence said.
For example, Iowans value clean water, so ISU Extension and Outreach educates farmers and agribusinesses. They learn about soil health, proper manure storage and application, nutrient retention, safe crop input application and more so they can protect the environment.
Iowans value a safe food supply, so ISU Extension and Outreach educates foodservice professionals with ServSafe, a certified food protection manager course. Participants are well qualified to implement essential food safety practices in foodservice establishments in local communities.
Iowans value sound rural economies, so ISU Extension and Outreach builds skills in business owners, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and other local leaders and government officials. They are improving their capacity to increase community economic development.
Iowans value young people ready to lead, so ISU Extension and Outreach reaches K-12 youth through 4-H. These programs prepare youth for higher education and careers as they build STEM, communication, leadership and other skills.
ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a nationwide network of land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.
For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach, visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact your county ISU Extension and Outreach office.