Utilizing Advisory Committees to Direct Extension Programming.

Advisory committees can be an important part of directing programming, especially in the area of Extension agronomy.  These advisory committees are generally made up of the clientele (both producers and agronomy professionals) that we are trying to reach.  So why not direct our programming areas and delivery methods to meet their needs?  There is an ongoing effort in K-State Research and Extension to revitalize the role of these advisory groups on a local level.  This effort includes a Program Development Committee (PDC) Task Force.  The task force developed a day-long training and support materials to help Extension agents and state specialists feel comfortable working with and gleaning ideas from advisory groups.  It also empowered Extension professionals to move from the traditional meeting format to alternative formats, such as email, online polls, etc.  Information from these advisory groups are then compiled and prioritized on an area level to help direct specialists for their efforts at local and state-wide programs.