Message from the director

Each year, as we consider the content and theme for our annual report, I am particularly struck by three things -- the breadth and focus of our programs, the diverse audiences we reach, and the number of organizations and individuals with whom we partner. These partnerships represent challenges and opportunities as we address the complex and unique issues of various regions in the state. And as I reflect on the past 32 years, it is clear that Colorado State University Extension has been "pioneering partnerships." These partnerships help us reach new audiences and strengthen relationships with those who already are familiar with and have benefitted from our programs.

This year, as in the past, we have selected for this report a small sample of program impacts to share with you. Our goal is to give you a brief overview -- or snapshot -- of the people and places our educational programs and activities reached in 1998. It's also our way of saying "thank you" to our partners for giving so selflessly to benefit others.

In this report, you will read about Coloradans from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, in urban and rural areas, who participated in Extension programs ranging from a market goat project that reaches Latino youth in Weld County, to the Food Stamp Nutrition Education program that teaches elderly residents in Pueblo County about eating and living healthy, to the re-emergence of fruit-crop production in Dolores and Montezuma counties, to small-acreage management, a program that has statewide application.

The accomplishments described in this report are examples of Extension's seven program plans, which address the critical needs and issues of citizens in all corners and parts of the state. The program plans include:

• sustaining agriculture and the environment
• enhancing families and communities
• engaging communities in transition
• partnering for green Colorado
• improving nutrition, food safety and health
• managing small acreages
• strengthening youth development

What you won't find in this report are examples of "traditional" production agriculture and 4-H club programs. But it's important to note that these programs are the foundation upon which our innovative new programs are built. Both have been components of Extension's successful 85-year history, and will remain parts of our future. For example, of the more than 130,000 youth who participate in the 4-H program statewide, nearly 20,000 are enrolled in clubs. And more than 25 percent of our customers are involved in farming and ranching.

I'd also like to comment about our theme for this report, "Pioneering Partnerships." At a time when the world is focusing on the new millennium, some may find it curious to be talking about pioneering. But it's a word that aptly describes the Extension spirit, for Webster's New World Dictionary defines a pioneer as a person who goes before, preparing the way for others; being one of the first of its kind. That attitude has served this organization and its customers well, and it's absolutely essential if Colorado State University Extension is to continue to have a positive impact on Colorado in the next century.

In last year's annual report, I addressed the importance of partnerships. It's a message worth repeating, because without partnerships, Extension would not have access to the vast resources the land-grant university system has to offer. And our customers would not benefit from the timely, research-based information that is the hallmark of Extension programs. But our partnerships extend beyond the university to other state and federal agencies, the business community, and the thousands of individuals who have volunteered countless hours over the past 85 years.

This annual report is a tribute to all our partners who helped us pioneer programs of relevance and excellence -- programs that help thousands of Coloradans realize a better quality of life through stronger families; economically and environmentally sustainable farms, ranches and communities; responsible, productive youth; and a society that cares about and addresses the needs of under-represented populations.

I look forward to the challenges and opportunities the next millennium will bring, because I'm confident Extension will continue to pioneer partnerships and programs that help us connect with the resources necessary to meet the needs of Coloradans -- from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope.

I hope you enjoy this guided tour around the state!

For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.

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Uploaded Monday, September 24, 2007

© Colorado State University Extension. 1995-2004. Contact Extension Web Manager. Home Page: www.ext.colostate.edu. Issued in furtherance of Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Milan A. Rewerts, Director of Extension, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.