Extension Organizational Excellence - Refining the Model.

Cooperative Extension in the US has a long and successful tradition educating the public as part of the land grant university system. The 21^stCentury, while providing new opportunities for Extension outreach, has also brought challenges for Extension. While many current Extension models are effective and have been for decades, decreasing budgets and the resultant lost capacity for educational delivery are causing state Cooperative Extension units to reevaluate their current program delivery system. As each generation is further detached from the land and agronomic processes required for food and fiber production, the need for Extension educators is arguably greater that at any other time in Extension’s history.

Reevaluation of current models implies change, which is not a word or concept many embrace quickly or happily. However, change does not need to be sudden, dramatic, or traumatic. Careful consideration of issues such as changing demographics, new technologies for distance delivery, and potential consolidation of duties to provide for a leaner, more responsive Cooperative Extension are opportunities that should receive consideration. Identification of program areas of excellence should be made with plans to strengthen and expand these programs. Likewise, some programmatic areas that are competitive with other similar programs or deemed to be less relevant may need to be deemphasized or curtailed. With the development of well thought out strategic plans designed to better understand our clientele, capitalize on new technologies, and the identification of strong core areas, Cooperative Extension can have a bright future and another successful 100 years of helping citizens improve their lives.