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Communities and the University are stronger when we share expertise and work together. Here are two examples from the southwest region.

In 2015, Minnesota lawmakers approved legislation that created the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Tech Transfer program (AGREETT). With AGREETT funding, in 2017 Extension hired Jared Goplen, a University of Minnesota Extension crops educator based in Morris.

Extension celebrates its 110th anniversary this year with both a look back at the organization’s accomplishments and a look ahead to its future.

Brigid Tuck, U of M Extension economics analyst, values diverse contributions to each region’s health. Take, for example, the Iron Range’s curling culture.

Since 1968, over 1,300 youth have contributed to their communities through their leadership as 4-H State Ambassadors with University of Minnesota Extension.

University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners volunteer in every Minnesota community and need one place to come together to learn, share, teach in the garden, and produce and deliver online classes.

Food entrepreneurs like Lee Vang attend hands-on University of Minnesota Extension training, bringing in their own products to test for potential food safety hazards.

Extension is working with leaders at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala to create a program serving youth and families in communities; and in southwestern Kenya with women farmers harvesting, handling and storage.

With help from the University of Minnesota Extension Central RSDP ranchers in Cass and Crow Wing counties are working together to safeguard their water resources. One way of doing this is through sustainable practices for raising cattle.

Melissa Wilson is an Extension soil scientist hired in 2017 with AGREETT funding support. Wilson fills a manure management position that was vacant for more than a decade.