Colorado State University, Weld County Reach Agreement on Extension Programs

A Memorandum of Understanding between Weld County and Colorado State University Extension was approved by the Weld County commissioners Monday. The MOU brings to rest several months of discussion about how the Weld County Extension office will serve county residents.

Extension is funded jointly by the state of Colorado, counties and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Weld County commissioners have voiced their strong support for 4-H youth development programs. According to CSU Extension Director Deborah Young, several people will remain in the Weld County Extension office, including support for 4-H.

"Jean Glowacki and Keith Maxey will continue to provide leadership for 4-H," she said.  "Additionally, Maxey will work with dairy producers. Mike Jarosz will provide programs to livestock producers as well as supporting youth development activities."

Extension positions in family and consumer science, horticulture and production agriculture programs will no longer be funded in the Weld County Extension office.

CSU Extension provides a connection to the latest in research and technology from Colorado State University. Extension programs are based on the needs of people in the county, as identified by county advisory committees and county commissioners. Extension work may include youth development, consumer sciences, family development, health education, community and economic development, agriculture, horticulture, natural resources and "subjects authorized by the Smith-Lever Act as amended and other acts supporting cooperative extension work," Young said.

Under terms of the MOU, Colorado State University Extension will provide leadership and administration of Weld County Extension office programs and staff; will provide total salary of two extension agents, one in 4-H youth development and one in animal sciences; additionally, CSU Extension will provide $10,170 of the salary of an agent with 4-H youth development and dairy responsibilities; will provide qualified state and regional specialists in animal science and 4-H youth development to train and assist county staff; and with the approval of the county, will recruit, appoint and supervise professional staff to serve the county.

Weld County has agreed to furnish office space and pay the cost of utilities, travel, office expenses, supplies and equipment; provide funding for one full-time professional staff in 4-H youth development and dairy; provide necessary and adequate clerical and secretarial personnel; and participate in the selection procedure of professional Extension agents and staff.      

There are ongoing discussions on how training for Weld County’s master gardener program will be handled. Weld County and Larimer County commissioners are discussing the possibility of sharing resources on training and volunteer development for the Weld County master gardener program, but the MOU does not include any specifics on the arrangement.

MOU’s with all Colorado counties with Extension programs are reviewed annually by both the county and CSU Extension.

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