UT Institute of Agriculture appoints new dean for extension KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has chosen a new leader for UT extension, and he’s homegrown. Dr. Robert Burns is a native of Walland, Tenn., who holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering, an M.S. in environmental engineering and a B.S. in agricultural engineering – all from UT. He will manage extension’s statewide educational and outreach program that helps ensure the success of the state’s $4.3 billion-plus agricultural industries. Extension also coordinates with local, state and federal agencies regarding public health issues and youth development.
UT Extension also manages Tennessee 4-H, the state’s branch of the USDA’s national youth development and leadership program. With more than 176,000 members and volunteers, Tennessee is among the nation’s largest 4-H programs. “I’m excited to welcome Dr. Robert Burns to the leadership team of the UT Institute of Agriculture as the dean for UT extension. His knowledge of Tennessee agriculture, his passion for positive youth development and his commitment to Tennessee families will serve him well in this role,” said Tim Cross, chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture. “I look forward to working with him as he advances our extension educational programs.”
Burns has been serving UT extension for the past seven years, first as assistant then as associate dean, managing agricultural and natural resource and community economic development programs in all 95 counties. His other previous experience includes serving on the faculty of Iowa State University and as a national conservation engineer with USDA-NRCS. He also spent nine years on the faculty of the UT Institute of Agriculture as a water quality specialist supporting county-based programming on animal waste management and nutrient management for livestock and poultry operations.
He succeeds Cross, who was promoted to serve as chancellor for agriculture in January. Dr. Delton Gerloff, head of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, served as interim dean of extension until August 1.
Burns grew up on a Blount County beef cattle and tobacco farm and first became acquainted with extension when he joined 4-H in the fourth grade. A self-proclaimed product of the land-grant educational system, he is excited to begin his new role. “I have seen and understand the positive impact that extension educational programs can have on people’s lives, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve and support our UT Extension staff to help make Tennessee a better place to live, work and raise a family,” he said. AAW, Mahindra awarding Daughters of Agriculture scholarships
COLCHESTER, Vt. — Agri-Women (AAW) announces its partnership with Mahindra North America and the Mahindra Pride Daughters of Agriculture scholarship. “We are pleased to expand our continued support for women in ag through this partnership with American Agri-Women. A pillar of our Rise philosophy is driving positive change. Supporting the development of the industry’s women leaders of tomorrow through the Mahindra Pride scholarships is vitally important to Mahindra,” said Cleo Franklin, Mahindra’s CMO/vice president of Strategic Planning.
“We are grateful for Mahindra’s generous support of AAW. The scholarship program is just one way that Mahindra is ensuring a bright future for women in agriculture. We look forward to the many opportunities ahead as we continue to find new ways to work together,” said AAW President Doris Mold.
Through Mahindra’s support, five $1,000 scholarships for the 2017 fall semester will be awarded. The scholarships are open to any farm, ranch or agribusiness woman or her daughter to pursue accredited courses in agriculture, agribusiness, leadership, communications, rural sociology, medicine or any other courses directly related to agriculture.
The application can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org under the “AAW Foundation” tab. Applications must be received by August 31.
Bane Welker celebrating 50 years with 4-H donations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Double your gift to the Indiana 4-H Foundation by giving during the month of August, to celebrate Bane Welker Equipment’s 50 years of business.
Bane Welker Equipment of Crawfordsville is celebrating its 50th anniversary by partnering with the Indiana 4-H Foundation to provide a challenge match for any online gift given between August 1-25. Bane Welker will match all donations dollarfor-dollar, up to $10,000. To donate online, visit www.in4h.org/donation-form NFU celebrates youth at All-States Leadership Camp
BAILEY, Colo. — Youth members from across the country gathered in late June for the 81st annual National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Camp. All-States Camp encourages youth between the ages of 17 and 20 to explore their leadership potential, discuss issues important to their generation, and identify ways to effect positive change in their communities.
This year’s camp, themed “Stewardship: Care for the Land, Care for the People,” featured a number of notable speakers and presenters. In addition, campers gained hands-on experience in Denver while volunteering at Re:Vision, a food and farming cooperative.
“Farmers Union has a long and effective history of providing young adults with tools and opportunities to lead. For 81 years now, All-States Camp has been the place where our young members from across the country can come to learn more about the organization, the cooperative model, and leadership. As a proud former All-States camper myself, I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm and high regard that our young members have for attending the camp each year,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. |
