To: Extension faculty and staff in natural resources and environment and agriculture, food and environment
From: Greg Cuomo, Associate Dean for Extension
Hello everyone,
Thank you for your input in regard to a new name for the merged AFE and NRE programs. I was both glad and a little surprised to see the number of people engaged and active. There were numerous suggestions, but generally you were okay with the name. There were many (many) more suggestions regarding the acronym. After weighing the suggestions, we will use the “S” in the acronym, both to emphasize the science base of our work and the strong relationship between our work in Extension and CFANS. We recognize that when speaking, EFANS can sound a lot like CFANS.
We can now begin to move forward as a single unit with a name and acronym change behind us. Our work ahead will provide great value to Minnesota. The citizens of Minnesota have the right to hold the bar high for their University. It is Extension’s role to bring knowledge and the value of the University to the people of the State. We can do that better by bringing together agriculture, natural resources and the broader value of Extension. As I said last week, I look forward to working on this with everyone.
To: EFANS faculty and staff
From: Tim Arlt, Program Leader, EFANS & Regional Director
I would like to let you know about an opportunity that has arisen for you to learn more about the agriculture and related industries in Brazil. The Minnesota Association of Extension Agricultural Professionals has been working on a Study Tour to Brazil. We are at the point here we would like to share this information and tentative itinerary with staff and call for applications.
The Study Tour has been approved by Dean Durgan as a Professional Development opportunity. As such, you would be able to participate on work time and use professional development funds from Extension. There is the expectation that you would discuss this with your appropriate supervisor and that this be incorporated into a plan of work if required.
Attached is an informational sheet, a tentative agenda (we keep adding things weekly), and an application form. You will be responsible for raising funds for your participation. Estimated costs are about $2,100 per person and there may be some scholarships available from professional organizations. You can also use funds from income accounts if you have them available. Right now if you are interested in participating, we would like to have you return the application form to Tim Arlt arltx001@umn.edu or to the address on the application form.
This is a great opportunity to see some of the agriculture in Brazil, learn more about Brazil’s impacts on Minnesota agriculture, and have some fun while learning. Please return your applications by July 25 to be considered for this tour.
If you have any questions, contact Wayne Schoper, Tim Dolan or Tim Arlt.