Dunning brings more than 20 years of information technology and management experience to his new role. He has worked with Spectrum on a contract basis for the past nine years, during which time he authored SpecWare software.

He has bachelor’s degrees in math/physics and business administration from Elmhurst College and an MBA from North Park University in Chicago.

Dave Beede named outstanding extension specialist at MSU
EAST LANSING, Mich. — David K. Beede, holder of the C.E. Meadows endowed chair and professor of dairy nutrition and environmental management, was named the 2006 Outstanding Extension Specialist by the Michigan Association of Extension Agents (MAEA) at the Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Fall Conference in October.

Each year an MSUE specialist working in a major commodity area is recognized for extraordinary and long-lasting leadership and service to MSUE and the people of Michigan through programming and applied research.

Beede was recognized for his applied research in phosphorus nutrition of dairy cattle and nutrient management and leadership with the MSUE Dairy Team. During his 12 years at MSU, he has written and presented extensively on the nutritional and environmental benefits of balancing the phosphorus requirements of dairy cattle and environmental sustainability, and he launched the Michigan Dairy Review (MDR), a statewide publication for the dairy industry.

Beede worked with MSU and Extension faculty members to begin publishing the MDR in February 1996 with competitive funding from the Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI). The AAI is Michigan’s animal agriculture research, teaching and Extension initiative at MSU. The MDR is a quarterly publication with more than 6,500 free subscribers interested in research, teaching and Extension highlights from MSU dairy experts.

NFU names Laura Johnston Monchuk education director
WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Farmers Union has hired Laura Johnston Monchuk to coordinate its national youth and education programs.

Monchuk has worked for Farmers Union in other capacities for more than a decade. She previously directed Farmers Union communications at the state and national levels and most recently coordinated a variety of NFU membership projects.

“Laura’s experience in numerous roles in Farmers Union will be a tremendous asset to the NFU team,” NFU President Tom Buis said. “I’m looking forward to working with her in this capacity and developing new and exciting education programs for rural America.”

In her new role, she will oversee youth activities, such as NFU’s annual All-States Youth Leadership Camp, collegiate chapters, internships, scholarships and outreach. She will also be assisting with the development of adult educational seminars on leadership development, carbon sequestration and other agricultural issues.

“I believe the future of rural America is directly tied to education,” Monchuk said. “Our investments in young people, how we educate consumers about the production of food and fiber, and the extent to which rural citizens are informed and involved in rural policy and economic development - these continually shape the outlook for rural communities and family farm agriculture. For this reason, I am honored to organize youth and adult education initiatives for National Farmers Union.”

This farm news was published in the Nov. 15, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.