Professional improvement is a critical component of organizational development and retention. It is important for keeping employees engaged and efficient, and is also considered a great career benefit. Therefore, there was no question when it came to continuing the tradition of the Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the Kentucky Association of County Agricultural Agents. Despite the changes in the Cooperative Extension Service’s organizational structure and the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the District 1 ANR and Horticulture Agents worked together to plan and “host” the 2021 professional improvement opportunity.

Due to the pandemic, the agents deemed it necessary to forego the traditional in-person meeting and host a virtual conference. Planning on a virtual platform, rather than waiting to see if state mandates and university guidelines would be lifted in time for an in-person meeting, allowed the agents to set goals and work out details for implementing a meaningful and worthwhile virtual event.

With the abbreviated offering, agents in the district worked diligently to determine beneficial tour “stops,” in-service trainings, and a way to showcase the superb efforts of award winners across the state.  The agents utilized Jeff Franklin and his team in Ag Communications to film, edit, and share high quality virtual tour videos of the diverse agriculture in Eastern Kentucky. In addition, a team of agents pre-recorded in-service trainings with two different specialists, and then had those specialists join in on the live sessions to answer questions and field comments.

One agent compiled materials from each award-winning program/piece, along with photos of the awards presentations to produce a very well-received Awards Program video.  In addition to the awards video, the agent also created a fantastic video with photos of the devastation caused by the ice storm and flooding suffered by the region in February and March. The video was to express sincere thanks to all the agents, organizations, and people who offered support from across the state, and the nation, during the time of need.   

Aside from the KACAA 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 and its members.  

96 agents and nine retired agents attended various parts of the virtual conference.  As a token of their appreciation for the who tackled yet another online meeting, the District 1 ANR/HORT Agents put together agent supply boxes with items that complement the duties of being an Extension Agent and could be used on-the-job. Many agents shared their praise and applauded the district for hosting a great meeting, even though it was held virtually, after several years of planning for the meeting to be in Ashland. Agents throughout the state commended the group on such an engaging, professional offering.

The Magoffin County ANR Agent also facilitated the development and implementation of the entire conference as she rounded out the year as President of KACAA.