Updates from Virginia Cooperative Extension

Dear Virginia,

Virginia Cooperative Extension aspires to be the go-to academic based organization that provides trusted solutions for the commonwealth’s producers, landowners, leaders, communities, and families. After spending the last year visiting every different corner of our commonwealth, I learned that Extension must continue to engage directly with our communities, reach out to neighborhoods to forge conversations, and build partnerships with agencies, nonprofits, and others at the local level.

Over the last year, I saw our communities work together. I met many business owners who seek to not only grow their efforts but also to have their business ideas be a beacon for furthering community development efforts.

In many cases, they told me how Extension helps them achieve their goals. We do this by staying engaged, listening, and teaching so that we can continue to address our communities needs and help them seize opportunities.

We will continue to learn more about what knowledge and skills the workforce of tomorrow needs today, and work toward creating those programs while making existing programs accessible to more audiences. We want to make sure people see career opportunities for themselves in a robust industry that needs agronomists, forage experts, economists, marketers, and many other diverse roles.

Our discoveries will lead to new innovations that will make a difference in Virginia’s family-owned businesses. Extension is connected to two of Virginia’s leading universities, driving scientific advancement, particularly in agriculture, the state’s top private industry.

None of this would be possible without the incredible Extension agents and specialists that we have across the commonwealth. Together, we are an engaged Virginia Cooperative Extension that helps improve the wellbeing of all Virginians.

Mike Gutter

Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Visit Mike's Corner for updates on Extension throughout the year!