AN "EERA" OF OPPORTUNITY FOR OHIO VALLEY AGRICULTURE
Fisher,* J.F.1; Dugan, D.A.2; Grimes, J.F.3; Mangione, D.A.4; Stephens, C.R.51Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Waverly, OH, 45690
2Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Georgetown, OH, 45121
3Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Hillsboro, OH, 45133
4Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Chillicothe, OH, 45601
5Extension Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Gallipolis, OH, 45631
Abstract:
Decreases in state and local Extension funding, within Ohio, have necessitated a reorganization of program delivery through creation of Extension Education and Research Areas (EERAs). The Ohio Valley EERA is comprised of ten counties in south-central Ohio staffed by five Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Educators. Quarterly meetings determine program initiatives with input from an EERA leader and regional director. The educators had similar backgrounds, so it was necessary to prioritize program emphasis and divide responsibilities to provide regionalized, high quality programs. Local colleges and schools have been utilized to provide larger, centralized meeting locations for topics such as pesticide applicator recertification, farm management, and livestock marketing. Special attention to counties without an ANR educator helps to utilize local media and provides leadership to Master Gardeners so volunteers can be utilized to respond to clientele inquiries. Cooperation with an Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center located within the EERA, allows the educators to work collaboratively to conduct applied research in forage management, heifer development, and meat goat production. Subsequent field days report and demonstrate research initiatives. This team approach better positioned the ANR educators to secure external funding. Approximately $75,000 per year is saved in state and federal match funds along with $50,000 in local funds as compared to the previous staffing arrangement of seven educators. Synergistic specializations have been developed in farm management, marketing, production expertise, and technology which enhanced programs for clientele and improved recognition of ANR educators as specialists in signature programs within the EERA and beyond.