Author: Douglas Shepherd
Planning Unit: Hardin County CES
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Plan of Work: Activating Volunteer Leaders through Extension Programs
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The UK Beef IRM Committee was searching for a way to conduct another UK Beef IRM Study Enhancement Workshop in the midst of a pandemic, similar to what was previously held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. After much deliberation, they decided to attempt to again involve agents, leaders and allied industry personnel in a virtual format over three evenings. Since agent previously totally coordinated the Biltmore workshop, Extension Specialists again requested assistance in how to assemble this event, all of which had to be done virtually. Program was developed, specific agents and leaders were invited to participate along with representatives from corresponding commodity groups. Format was similar to what was used at Biltmore - participants were asked what are the issues facing today's Kentucky beef industry, then prioritize them, and what Extension programs can be developed to resolve these issues. Participants were randomly divided up into breakout groups to discuss these issues, and come back and report to the other breakout groups. The available technology worked fairly well, as tested, over the three evenings the sessions were held. Over 150 individuals from across the state participated, and the majority stayed online for the three or so hours each evening. Leadership met here, socially distanced at the Extension Office as a group each evening in order to insure participation. Extension specialists captured all the information generated, and already have developed programs to address these issues. Many of the daily, weekly, monthly podcasts, beef minutes, webinars, etc. that have ran since the July 2020 Summit are a result of the issues and solutions developed during the event.
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