Teams Forming for USDA Water Funding

by Rick Koelsch, March 26, 2014

USDA NIFA announced its request for proposals (RFA) for the “Water for Agriculture Challenge Area” recently.  UNL faculty eams are forming now to respond to a “Letter of Intent” deadline of April 14.

The RFA (http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/afri.html ) targets development of Integrated proposals that requires involvement of at least two of the three (research, teaching, and extension) functions within the proposal.  No more than two-thirds of the budget can be dedicated to one function.  Although integrated projects are typically research led, extension led projects are encouraged and often successful because of their uniqueness. Projects can be up to $1 million per year for up to 5 years.

The call for proposals focuses on five themes:

• How will climate change affect the quantity and quality of water for agricultural use? How can agriculture adapt to these changes?
• How can the quality of water for agricultural use be sustainably improved?
• How will agricultural water use be sustained and become more water-use efficient, conserving, and less polluting?
• What scientific information is necessary for future public policy?
• How will new knowledge be delivered to agricultural and non-agricultural water users?

These are shortened summaries of the five NIFA challenges.  See the RFA for more detail.

Several discussions have occurred over the last several months and teams are forming to assemble Letters of Intent by April 17.  Here are some early suggestions for who you might contact if you would like to connect with one or more of these teams:

• Suat Irmak: Regional implementation of the Ag Water Management Network (Extension led project).
• Gui Baigorria: Emphasis on crop/climate/water use modeling.
• Jun Wang/Bob Oglesby/Clint Rowe: Impact of climate on water availability for irrigation.
• Derrel Martin/Francisco Munoz-Arriola:  methodologies to predict how land and water use management impact the health of agro-ecosystems and the economic vitality of the watershed.
• Tala Awada and others – understanding implications of public policy and education on crop producer and water use and/or cropping systems/practices.  Focus on social sciences (human behavior, economics, etc.)
• Chittaranjan Ray: Water quality implications.

Beyond Dr. Irmak’s plan, most groups have focused primarily on the research component of their project.  To be successful each of these teams will need to develop a strong Extension or Education plan to be a part of their proposal.  This is an opportunity for Extension faculty to connect with one or more of these teams and to play a key role in planning an Extension water component for a proposal.  But those connections and preliminary plans need to be developed now for an idea to be successful at this letter of intent phase. Don’t delay in making a connection with one of the above teams.

Siting of Wind Energy Development in Nebraska

by Rick Koelsch

A recent symposium on Siting of Wind Energy Development attracted 200 participants and demonstrated a strong interest in this topic, especially among Sandhills’ land owners.  The planned construction if Nebraska’s R-Plan Transmission Line (http://www.nppd.com/rproject/ ) from west of North Platte to Norfolk is intended to improve electrical transmission reliability in the region.  This line also opens the window for the economic development, including wind energy development.  The transmission line appears to be a sure thing.  The likelihood of wind energy development is an open ended question with many opinions on both sides of the issue. 

The symposium (presentations recorded at http://extension.unl.edu/wind-energy ) addressed some of the critical issues from the perspective of individual land owners.  Topics addressed included the positive and negative environmental impacts of wind energy (Steve Williams, National Wildlife Management Institute), understanding of the infrastructure and site disruption that accompanies wind development (John Hay, UNL Extension educator), Kansas Siting Experience with a focus on the Flint Hills (Scott Allegrucci, representative of former Kansas Governor Sebelius administration) and wildlife issues (Carline Jezierski, UNL, and Michele Koch, Nebraska Game and Parks).

However, it was the land owner discussion panel (which we were unable to record) that demonstrated the depth of the passion in this issue and the multitude of considerations being weighed.  The panel shared that economics (viewed both positively and negatively by different individuals), science (value of green energy vs. wildlife impacts), and values (impact on Sandhills views and aesthetics) were being weighed very differently by individual  land owners.

Will there be a role for Extension is facilitating local discussions around wind energy development? The conference highlighted our ability to host discussions around this contentious issue while maintaining a civil and constructive dialogue. Sandhills Task Force played an important role in setting the tone for this constructive dialogue and would be an excellent partner in local discussions.  Extension educators in the vicinity of the R-Line would benefit from evaluating Extension’s local role in facilitating the many land owner discussions that lie ahead.  I think our engagement in this issue will be seen as an important indicator of Extension’s relevance to the issues critical to landowners in Nebraska where wind energy development is under consideration.

Extension Funding Opportunity in AFRI

by Rick Koelsch

Buried in NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundation Program (traditionally a research based funding opportunity) is a new CARE initiative ripe for Extension-led proposals.  The Request for Proposals is found at http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/14_afri_foundation_mod.pdf. 

The CARE (Critical Agricultural Research and Extension) program is described on pages 31-32 of the RFA as a $5 million program designed to address high profile regional and national concerns limiting our food production systems.  It was added to the Foundation Program in 2014 by NIFA for the first time at the request of multiple agricultural organizations.

Several phrases within this call for proposals make it particularly appealing to application focused research, including on-farm research, and extension including the following ...

"Projects will focus on critical problems faced by producers, including those implementing innovative production methods."Address "critical problems that require partnership and close coordination among researchers, extension experts, and producers."
"Funded projects will quickly yield solutions or practices that can be rapidly implemented."
"Producers and/or producer group engagement is required."
"Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate collaboration with recognized stakeholder groups."

As I review this language, the opportunity appears tailor-made for 1) applied research moving from research sites to field application and for 2) stakeholder identified challenges for which we have practices or technologies that need evaluation on commercial farms under a broader range of field conditions. The work being done by Extension teams leading our Soybean Management Field Days, On-Farm Research Program, GMO resistant weed field days, crop residue utilization for beef systems, and our Ag Water Management Network are examples of effort that are a solid fit for the criteria of this RFA.  A well done proposal on any of these or similar topics that includes a strong stakeholder role should compete well for these funds.

If you have an idea for a proposal, I might suggest that you assemble a short summary of your idea and share with with the NIFA program leader, Dr. Martin Draper at (202) 401-1990 or mdraper@nifa.usda.gov.  Marty is an individual who has a solid understanding of applied research and extension needs and of the production related challenges faced by agricultural producers.  I would also be willing to visit with you further if I can be of assistance. 

Please note that proposals will have a limit of $150,000 and letters of intent are due on June 4 with invited proposals due on August 7.
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Language pulled from 2014 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundation Program, page 31-32  ...  http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/14_afri_foundation_mod.pdf 

1.     Critical Agricultural Research and Extension (CARE)

Background

Despite prior investments in basic and applied research, critical problems continue to impede the efficient production and protection of agriculturally-important plants and animals. These problems may be local, regional, or national, and may call for work focused on one or more scientific disciplines. However, all need immediate attention to meet producer needs. Finding and implementing solutions to these critical problems require partnership and close coordination among researchers, extension experts, and producers. Funded projects will quickly yield solutions or practices that can be rapidly implemented by producers.

The CARE program area addresses the following priorities of the 2008 Farm Bill: A. Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; B. Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; C. Food Safety, Nutrition and Health; D. Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment; E. Agriculture, Systems and Technology; and F. Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities

The AFRI CARE program area directly aligns with the Research, Education, and Economics Action Plan (www.ree.usda.gov/ree/news/USDA_REE_Action_Plan_02-2012_2.pd and specifically addresses: Goal 1 – Local and Global Food Supply and Security; Goal 2 - Responding to Climate and Energy Needs; Goal 3 – Sustainable Use of Natural Resources; Goal 5 – Food Safety; Goal 6 – Education and Science Literacy; and Goal 7 – Rural-Urban Interdependence and Prosperity.

In FY 2014, AFRI invites Integrated research and extension applications for Standard and FASE Grant types relevant to the priority of the CARE Program Area described below.

Letter of Intent Deadline – June 4, 2014 (5:00 p.m. ET); see Part IV, A for instructions

Program Area e-mail for Submission of Letter of Intent– CriticalAg@nifa.usda.gov

Application Deadline – August 7, 2014 (5:00 p.m. ET)

Total Program Funds – Approximately $5 million

Proposed Budget Requests -

·   Standard Grants must not exceed $150,000 total (including indirect costs) for project periods of up to 3 years and are not renewable.
·   Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants must adhere to the guidelines outlined beginning in Part II, D. 3.
·   Requests exceeding the budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed.

Program Area Priorities – Each application must address the following Program Area Priority:

1.     CARE

Program Area Priority Code – A1701
Program Area Priority Contact – Dr. Martin Draper (202) 401-1990 or mdraper@nifa.usda.gov

Develop and implement solutions to critical producer problems associated with animal and crop production, protection, or product quality. Emphasis will be placed on achieving results that can be applied by the producer as quickly as possible following project completion. Applications should include justification of why the issue is critical and how project outcomes will rapidly impact the stakeholder community. The project must include stakeholders.

Other Program Area Requirements:

• Producers and/or producer group engagement is required during development of the application to ensure that funded projects are designed to provide solutions to stakeholder needs. Further, these stakeholders should also be involved in the implementation of the project.
• Strict focus on a short to medium-term application of results is an important component of this program area. Projects must demonstrate outcomes within the project period.
• Projects will focus on critical problems faced by producers, including those implementing innovative production methods.
• Projects must have a high degree of coordination between research and extension components. Both functions should be engaged from inception through implementation of the project.  
• Project applicants must identify if their project is extension-led or research-led.
• All applications must include a logic model detailing the activities, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed project. See Part IV C.3g for details on how to create a logic model and how to attach this information to your application.
• Project budgets should reflect how the research and extension activities will be achieved, including how they are integrated.
• Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate collaboration with recognized stakeholder groups and submitted by investigator(s) with experience in using local, regional, or national resources and in conducting time-critical research and extension.
• All applications must adhere to the requirements beginning in Part IV.
• Applications from, and collaborations with, small to mid-sized institutions, minority-serving institutions, and/or EPSCoR states are strongly encouraged.

SPECIAL NOTE: Applications to this program should uniquely fit into this program and should not be eligible for submission to other existing AFRI program areas or priority areas.

Web Technologies at Fall Conference

by Rick Koelsch

Fall Conference will be modeling use of internet technologies in an educational environment. Please plan to show up at Fall Conference with the ability to use technology to interact with speakers, other conference participants, and your networks back home.  And for those who cannot attend Fall Conference, there will be opportunity to connect with the keynote presentations and professional development sessions.

Every conference participant should be prepared to carry along their laptop, I-Pad, or smart phone to fully participate in Fall Conference.  Don't have one of these technologies? Indicate that need when registering for Fall Conference or let Sheryl Burbach (sburbach2@unl.edu) know of your need to borrow an I-Pad for Fall Conference. Have an extra I-Pad or laptop that you could share with an Extension colleague at Fall Conference?  Please let us know and we will attempt to match you up with a colleague in need.

Here are a few of our plans:

• Registration is hosted via EdMedia's new conference registration services.  These services provide you with a full service, reasonably priced option for promoting and registering your educational programs and conferences.


• Leslie Fisher will present Technology Time Machine  for a humorous look at what used to be considered technology and how those items have morphed and turned into even cooler things today and tomorrow that can change the way in which UNL Extension faculty and staff teach. 


• Technology Café will help us grow our technology skill set with work stations for setting up a Twitter account, expanding your Adobe Connect skills, exploring electronic newsletter options, and others.


• All keynote presentations and workshops will be accessible and recorded on Adobe Connect. Office staff and faculty unable to attend can participate in all Fall Conference presentations.


• Twitter will be our "official" social media for interacting with speakers and peers through out the conference and sharing important insights with your networks back home. We want everyone to leave Fall Conference being Twitter literate.


• Cloud sharing...we will not be handing out paper at fall conference.  Workshop ppts, handouts, meeting notes and minutes, agendas and schedules will all be found in a cloud environment (more information later).

In addition, we invite all faculty using technology in cool ways to search out opportunities to share your experiences over meals and at breaks.  Our Extension faculty and staff are using technology in many really cool ways.  Use Fall Conference as an opportunity to share your technology skills and pick up a new tool or two for your own toolbox.

Fall Conference will be a unique opportunity for both the technology high achievers and the technology challenged people (including myself).  Come prepared to learn new skills, experience education in a technology world, and share what you are learning with others.

Extension Funding Opportunities Through NC SARE

by Rick Koelsch

North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NC SARE) runs multiple competitive grant programs that may be of interest to faculty with an applied research or extension interest. NC SARE emphasizes outreach/engagement and farmer involvement (both in proposed projects and review panels), two features that should give Extension faculty a unique advantage. Rick Rasby and his team utilized these advantages in a recently announced $198,000 grant award.

NC SARE funds three priorities: 1) profit for the long-term, 2) stewardship of natural resources, and 3) quality of life improvements in communities.  While many equate organic agriculture with sustainable agriculture, organic projects comprise only 10 to 15% of the funding portfolio.  NC SARE funds a array of topics including soil/water/nutrient stewardship, local foods and urban agriculture initiatives, clean energy, sustainable pest management, crop diversification, and forage and grassland management. .

The NC SARE program offers competitive funding opportunities in five areas.  A quick summary follows and more information is found at  http://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Our-Grant-Programs .

Professional Development Program (pre-proposals due in mid-May)

• Funds professional development for "agricultural educators" including extension, natural resource agency, and non-government organization staff. 
• Funds requests for up to $75,000.
• Tapan Pathak has recently been successful with a project addressing agriculture adapting to a changing climate.

Research and Education Program (Pre-proposals due on October 24, 2013)

• Funds requests for up to $200,000.
• All research projects must have an outreach emphasis.
• Rick Rasby's successful proposal targets Impacts of Grazing and Baling of Corn Residue.

Farmer and Rancher Program (Proposals due on November 14, 2013)

• Grants range for $7,500 to $22,500 are made directly to farmers and ranchers.
• Target farmer proposed sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research and demonstration.
• Must include outreach component with Extension encouraged as a partner.
• A Nebraska  producer recently received funding to determine the feasibility of integrating oil seed production into the existing rotation, processing the oil seed into food-grade oil for local resturant use, and retrieving used oil for re-use as bio-diesel.

Youth Educator Program (Proposals due on November 1, 2013)

• Targets educators working with youth on sustainable agriculture concepts.
• Grants are for up to $2,000.
• An Urban Farmers Program in a Lincoln middle school was funded to connect children to the soil and the origins of their food. 

Graduate Student Grant Program (Proposals typically due in the spring)

• Grant awards can be up to $10,000.
• Encourages graduate student connections with  on-farm research experiences.
• Two East Campus graduate students received funding for projects addressing Management of CRP Lands and Agronomic Benefits of Cover Crop Mix Diversity.

NC SARE provides many unique funding opportunties for Extension. Many of the UNL Extension Signature Outcomes addressing water conservation, soil health, agricultural literacy, professional development for natural resource issues, on-farm measures of sustainability, on-farm research, and nutrient management are a potential fit with NC SARE funding opportunities.  Visit with Gary Lesoing, Nebraska's SARE contact person, or myself about your ideas for pursuing SARE funding.

Sharing Extension TV with Clientel

by Rick Koelsch

UNL Extension recently released Extension TV, a technology product that provides a new and exciting opportunity to share the University's research and science in a format preferred by many clientele. So how do we get our clientele turning to Extension TV?  And how are you using Extension TV as a resource to answer clientele's next question?

Extension TV is an example of innovation by UNL Extension (see August 14, 2013 blog). Take advantage of opportunities to proudly share this resource with peers, clientele, and friends. Here are a few ideas of how.  Please post a comment to this blog with your own examples or ideas.

• Do a little homework on Extension TV.  Review the one minute introductory video at http://ExtensionTV.unl.edu, play with the search engine to find content on topics of interest, or attend the archived webinar (https://connect.unl.edu/p8a3y4crisk/).
• Share the Extension TV graphic (jpeg is at http://go.unl.edu/us33 ) or the August 14 Rick's Ramblings blog through your social media networks, newsletters, or as a hard copy at your office entrance (pdf -  http://go.unl.edu/extensiontv-handout).
• Use your next radio, social media, or newspaper media release to  recommend a video from Extension TV that illustrates a concept you are addressing.
• Keep Extension TV web link close at hand for the next client that walks through the door or calls with a question.  Search Extension TV for an answer to their question.
• Host your next webinar on Extension TV. The TV screen on Extension TV can house a graphic linking to web presentation. Linda Temple will set up the link to your Adobe Connect or Google Hangouts session in the TV screen.  The link to your future webinar can be promoted as http://ExtensionTV.unl.edu.
• Draw upon your 4-Hers to promote this resource to friends, parents and grandparents.  The Extension TV video of the experiences of 37 Saline, Gage, and Jefferson youth at Washington DC Focus trip might be shared by these young people with friends and family.
• Re-purpose one or more slides from Introducing Extension TV (http://www.slideshare.net/rkoelsch1/extension-tv-webinar-aug-19-presentation) to a future presentation, pre-meeting Extension promotion, or other display.

Extension TV must not be another best kept secret.  Proudly help our clientele discover the rich content found on Extension TV.

UNL's Extension TV Release and Webinar

by Brandon Schulte, Rick Koelsch, and Extension Leadership Team

UNL Extension is pleased to announce the release of Extension TV. This product, unique among Extension systems in the US, is an example of the leadership of our system’s efforts to launch Extension into the second 100 years. Extension TV brings together video from registered YouTube, Vimeo, and UNL Streaming accounts on a website optimized for desktop and mobile devices.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educators faculty are producing valuable resources on video websites like YouTube and Vimeo. However, multiple locations and accounts can make it challenging to find and aggregate video-based information to answer the questions of our clientele.

Extension TV (http://extensiontv.unl.edu) includes features that will search several video websites for UNL Extension videos, bring them together at Extension TV, and provide faculty, staff and clientele with access to our video resources in an easily searchable web site by category, popularity, and latest content. During live events a featured streaming area will appear while the event is happening providing faculty with a very simple method of inviting clientele to our latest web delivered education. Many pages offer related videos and the search is optimized to quickly find content. Extension TV makes it easy to find and browse video from registered UNL Extension faculty, staff, and teams.

Please join us on Monday August 19th at 3:30 to explore valuable resources offered by UNL Extension on Extension TV and how you can utilize them in your outreach efforts. The live webinar can be viewed by going to extensiontv.unl.edu or extensiontv.org. For those unable to attend, an archive of the presentation will be sent out to this list serve following the event. Learn how you can insure that your video products are automatically being found by Extension TV as well as how you use this new resource to answer the questions of our clientele. Please contact Brandon Schulte at 402-472-2990 with any questions.