Extension professionals have my deepest respect
By Jean Caspers-Simmet
simmet@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 02/04/2010 8:39 AM
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I have been dreading Jan. 31 for quite some time. On that day, Iowa State University Extension as I've known it throughout my 22-year career writing for Agri News will change.
I realize that all things have to change. I realize that we are facing unprecedented budget difficulties at the state and federal level. I realize the economy has been rumbling through dark days. I realize that we have to look at new models and change with the times. I realize that many people have been working very hard to figure out how to fashion a new Extension model and they're coming up with some great things with the goal of building something better than what we had before.
All that aside, I just have to mourn the end of Iowa State University Extension as I have known it. On January 31, 83 people will retire statewide from ISU Extension. Many have been county directors and field specialists the entire time I've worked for Agri News. Those are the people I've drawn on for advice, for information, to find out the story behind the story. They have are my friends. With their retirement we lose 100s of years of knowledge and experience. That can't be replaced, and it can't be replicated.
As I think about this I wonder if most Iowans really have any idea what they're losing.
During an interview with Dan Burkhart who is retiring as Fayette County Extension education director, he summed it up far better than I ever could.
Burkhart mused that over the years he's found that a lot of people, including some of his own friends, didn't understand just what a county Extension director did.
He prepared a list and I think it needs to be shared.
County Extension directors are facilitators working with groups and organizations to develop programs.
They are listeners. They listen to people with farm problems and people in crisis situations.
They are a catalyst, making things happen. Many times they're in the background. They get things rolling, but five years later no one remembers that Extension was involved.
"I've seen that over the years," Burkhart said.
Extension directors are a neutral third party. Burkhart remembers making crop calls with a chemical company representative on one side and a farmer with herbicide injury or disease issues on the other. It was up to him to find a solution.
Extension directors are trusted.
A big one for Burkhart is Extension directors are educators for people of all ages.
They are a conduit between the public and Iowa State University.
They are friends, a credible source of information, and they have a nonregulatory/nonenforcement role.
"We've been able to successfully provide things pesticide applicator training because we suggest, we don't order it," Burkhart said.
He jokingly refers to the county Extension director as a Rodney Dangerfield character. Dangerfield was known for his catchphrase, "I get no respect."
"We get no credit for the information we provide," he said with a chuckle. "That's what we're supposed to do. I'm not mad about it. That's the way Extension is supposed to work. We give the information at no charge. People take it and in some cases make thousands or even millions as a result. It's kind of been the downfall of the Extension director."
I just want Dan and all the other Extension employees to know — those retiring, those who lost their jobs in the reorganization, and those who are building the new Extension service — you've got my respect.