Perspective of Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Educators on Climate Change and Resource Needs for the North Central Region.

Shifts in crops, cropping seasons, winter hardiness zones, etc. are occurring throughout the United State in response to observed changes in the climate.  In the north central region corn acres for example have increased in North Dakota and Northern Minnesota as growing conditions have become more favorable.  It was recognized that changing climate and weather conditions maybe resulting in additional needs of agriculture and natural resource (ANR) county extension professionals. An email survey was delivered to all ANR extension professionals in the north central region (except Missouri) either directly to their email address or as a link in an email from the state ANR program leaders. Survey results from 275 participants showed that 63% where somewhat or very worried about global warming and when asked to rate the level of concern they hear from their constituents 47% reported medium, high or very high level of concern and 46% reported low concern. Respondents’ level of education about climate change was low with 34% reporting little or no education and 50% reporting some education.  This highlights the need for extension to build basic competencies in the area of climate change and its impacts on agriculture as 75% indicated that climate changes should be a medium, high or very high priority for Extension.  When asked what topics needed additional information management practices for coping with drought, extreme rainfall and unseasonable temperatures as well as unseasonable weather and resources for self-education received the highest response rates. Identification of these resource needs presents a great opportunity for research and extension to develop applied information and training for county extension professionals.