Author: Tad Campbell
Planning Unit: Entomology
Major Program: Staff Development
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Amidst structural changing of Districts to Areas and the ongoing COVID pandemic, the District 1 Agriculture (ANR) and Horticulture (HORT) Agents worked together as a district to plan and host the 2021 KACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. During the planning process the group deemed it necessary to go virtual for the annual meeting. By doing so at that juncture, more detail could be offered during the planning process. Although most wanted to have an in-person meeting, at the time no positive forecast was projected for the pandemic being under control at the time of the meeting causing the decision to go virtual. With the abbreviated offering, agents in the district worked closely together to determine beneficial tour stops, professional educational inservices, and a way to showcase award winners across the state from superb programming efforts. The professional development committee worked to secure specialist to offer continuing education for agents. The sessions were recorded, however, the specialist were live during the program to answer questions and offer more in-depth information on topics. Agents worked with local producers and agriculture entities to video a showcase of virtual agriculture from East Kentucky. With aid from Jeff Franklin, UK Agriculture Communications Specialist, the group offered a selection of high quality video tours of local operations for agents across the state during the meeting. One agent compiled awards presentation photos and materials about the winning program to offer a very well received awards video. In addition to the awards video, the agent also compiled photos of the devastating flood and ice storm suffered by the region. The video was to express sincere thanks to all the agents, organizations, and people that offered support from across the state during the time of need. In addition to the board and general meetings, agents and administrators held a session to discuss concerns and opportunities for Agriculture Extension. Agents appreciate the open line of communication with administration to have a dialog of issues, concerns, and opportunities for the organization. Ninety-six agents and 9 retired agents attended various parts of the virtual conference. As appreciation to agents across the state, District 1 ANR/HORT Agents compiled agent supply boxes with items that can be used as part of the job of being an Extension Agent. Many agents across the state have complimented how well the meeting was even as a virtual event. The commended the agent group for the work and dedications put into the meeting to make such a professional offering.
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