Outdoor classrooms for youth, programs in sustainable agriculture, pesticide application training and manure nutrient management are current projects. Food Quality and Safety Food quality takes on added significance in today's health and safety-conscious society. Collaborative efforts with business and industry are underway to encourage safe food products and handling from farm to table. Program efforts include livestock quality assurance, consumer food safety training and food safety for foodservice, child care providers and youth.
Every family needs a strong foundation with connections to community resources.
Value-added Agriculture Rapidly fluctuating and chronically low commodity prices have persuaded producers to look for alternatives. The ultimate goal is to convert agricultural outputs into products of greater value therough changes in genetics, processing or diversification. Entrepreneurship Those seeking to expand their options can obtain assistance in planning, project and market feasibility and technology for value-added Ag and other possibilities. Programs are being set up for marketing Ag products, differentiating existing products, networking for new ideas and alternative Ag workshops for agricultural, rural businesses and aspiring youth entrepreneurs. Continuing Education via Technology Lifelong learners seek to use their computers more effectively.