11/08/2017
Are you interested in the future of NDSU’s Extension and ag research programs? The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) invites your input, especially after recent budget cuts. You can comment in person on Nov. 6 (Bismarck), Nov. 30 (Fargo), or Dec. 14 (Dickinson). Details are here: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/sbare/next-board-meeting-1
The NDSU Extension Service budget was cut $4.1 million or 14% for this biennium, reducing Extension staff and programs at county, region and state levels. If you have concerns about loss of programs or new program priorities, this is your chance to voice your concerns.
If you are visiting with legislators or SBARE members, here are key talking points to increase their understanding of NDSU Extension:
1. Mission: Extension provides science-based education that improves the economic, health, and community conditions for North Dakotans.
a. Other agencies and partners often seek to collaborate (not duplicate) with Extension because of our educational mission and capacity to reach across the state.
2. Structure: Extension is highly successful and valued because Extension agents respond to local needs with timely, relevant programs.
a. Extension agents are supported by a network of experts called specialists at Research Extension Centers and at NDSU.
3. Impacts: NDSU Extension improves the productivity and profitability of farms and ranches and the success of youth (4-H), families, and communities through the local knowledge, relationships, and programs of Extension agents.
a. Personalize with your own success stories.
Here are additional talking points for community members to increase understanding of Extension’s needs.
1. Extension’s budget was cut by $4.1 million or 14% for this biennium, which has resulted in vacancies at the county, region, and state levels.
2. This budget cut is reducing the funding for Extension agents in counties.
Thank you for your interest in communicating these messages. I believe it would be impactful to have SBARE receive several heartfelt testimonies and letters to reinforce the positive and supportive comments about the value of your county programs that were made during their review of Extension.
The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) was established by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly to work closely with the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension. As outlined in the North Dakota Century Code, SBARE seeks to provide the Legislature and G...
