University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

New Staff for 2015 School Year By: Jim Connors As we begin the new school year today, we have some new faces joining the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.  Dr. Tadd Wheeler joined the department as the new ASM instructor.  Dr. Wheeler has a background in agriculture, natural resources, and fisheries.  He completed his PhD in the College of Natural Resources last year.  He will be working with Mr. Marvin Heimgartner to teach the ASM courses that our agricultural education students complete.  He will also be helping to organize the Idaho FFA Agricultural Mechanics CDE next June. Shannon (Barr) Blickenstaff joined the department as our new Professional Development Coordinator.  Shannon complete both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agricultural Education from the department.  She currently resides on the family farm/ranch in Pomeroy, WA with her husband and young daughter.  Shannon will be working with the Divi...

Welcome Back for Fall Semester! The Agricultural and Extension Education would like to welcome all new and returning students back for what we hope is an outstanding year.  We wish you the best of luck in your classes, and hope to see you throughout the week. 

AEE Department Student Selected The Agricultural and Extension Education department would like to congratulate Tanner White. Ms. White was selected for a collegiate convention assistant in the events department.  She will be representing our department this fall as one of twelve college students chosen from the across the country to help facilitate the National FFA Convention this October  in Louisville, Kentucky.  Good luck and represent University of Idaho well. For more information, on the National FFA Convention. Check out: ffa.org

Important Dates August is here, and school is fast approaching! Here are a few important dates to look forward to.  New Student Orientation August 20-23, 2015 Palousafest August 22, 2015 at 5:00 pm 6th street Fall Classes Begin  August 24, 2015 CFFA Welcome Back BBQ September 1, 2015 CALS Welcome Back BBQ September 9, 2015 In addition to school starting. Fair season in the area is not far behind. Be sure to check out: Lewiston Round - Up September 9-12, 2015 Palouse Empire Fair September 10-13, 2015 Latah County Fair September 17-20, 2015 See you all soon! 

University of Idaho Student Heads Back to Iowa  By: Sam Hoffman It was mid-June and the registration for the New Century Farmer Alumni Conference application came out. I was adamant with my father about going back. In 2014, I learned farm progression strategies, markets, soybeans, and corn!  Having gone to the conference in 2014, made me appreciate growing up on a farm and being a  fourth generation agriculturist.  When applying, I can remember being so excited. I filled out the application on my phone! Not long after, I got the email that informed me I was going back to Iowa. Although, after the initial excitement wore off, I started to second guess myself. Taking the time off work, and leaving my father to prepare for harvest alone was not ideal. Yet, as I prepared for my flight, I had doubts as to whether I should actually be going . . . However, those doubts quickly disappeared, after a few minutes of sitting in the D...

New Century Farmer 2015 This past week three young ladies from our department had the opportunity to attend the 2015 New Century Farmer program. This years week long conference took place in Des Moines, Iowa. Where 50 of the brightest raising stars in production agriculture, came together to partake in a once and lifetime educational opportunity. Over the course, of the week they were engaged by speakers from every part of the industry, as well as, being from all over the country.  In addition, to hearing speeches on the issues facing the industry, they were able to tour industry facilities that are helping american famers combat many of the issues they face today. At DuPont Pioneer, participants were shown the progression of corn, and the various research projects underway in developing drought, pest, and fungal resistant corn. At Case IH, the class was shown the advancements being made in precision agriculture, and how soil compaction can effort the wear of equipment...

July Building Update The department building remodel is finally underway, and will continue into September. Construction on both entrances, has began. Both entry ways will be redesigned and rebuilt. The exterior on the west (near the parking lot) is being resided, and the entire building will be coated with a fresh coat of paint and new trim.  We would like to remind students, staff offices are open at normal business hours. Come on by and say a hello! Can't wait to see you all next fall.