National Extension Workshop: Washington update

Abstract

The USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service was changed to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the National Research Initiative became the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative on October 1, 2009. All related grants, deadlines, and procedures may be found on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture Internet site ( http://www.nifa.usda.gov ) after October 1, 2009. The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service continues to have annual internal and periodic (every 5 yr) external reviews of their portfolio, which summarizes accomplishments found in the Current Research Information System. As in previous years, cooperation, networking, teamwork, and participation in multistate research committees are essential to meaningful contributions to the food animal system. Since 1988, the National Poultry Extension Workshop has been possible because of the dedicated efforts of volunteers. The Future Trends in Animal Agriculture’s 2008 symposium was “Complementary Relationships in Animal Agriculture.” The 2009 Quadrennial Poultry Extension Workshop was held in Raleigh, North Carolina. The National Poultry Waste Management Symposium coordinator for 2010 is Edgar Oviedo, North Carolina State University. Several universities now provide animal welfare education programs, including participation in assessment competitions and distance education. Coordination of the Animal Welfare Assessment Contest continues to be through Michigan State University. The recipient of the 2009 Poultry Extension Special Recognition Award is Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky, for her exceptional contributions to extension programs at the state, regional, and national levels. Michael Ford, University of Kentucky, is the 2009 recipient of the Poultry Science Association Support Personnel Award, sponsored by Tyson Foods Inc.