University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

Idaho Ag Education Professionals: I'm please to announce that Dr. Kasee Smith has accepted the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at the University of Idaho.   Dr. Smith completed her PhD in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications at Texas A&M University.  Kasee taught high school agriculture for 11 years at Spanish Fork High School and Landmark High School in Utah.   Kasee will be on campus for the Idaho FFA Career Development Events on June 7-10, 2016 and join the department in August.  Please join me in welcoming Dr. Kasee Smith to the Idaho Ag Ed Team.   Dr. Jim Connors Professor and Head Department of Agricultural and Extension University of Idaho 

Thanks to all CFFA members for a great year! Photo Credit: Kim O'Neil      Collegiate FFA celebrated its year-end Spring Banquet on Tuesday, April 19 th  at the 1912 Center in Moscow. Members gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the club’s activities, which stretch from a variety of community service projects and fundraisers to professional development events, including the facilitation of FFA Career Development Events at both the local and state level, as well as touring high school agriculture programs around the Pacific Northwest.       Renee Hanson, Office Administrator for the department of Agricultural and Extension Education, was the recipient of the chapter’s Honorary Degree for her outstanding service to students and the club.      Other awards were given to members who provide over-the-top performance throughout the year. Recipients included Maggie Elliot and Erin Peek. Advisor, Dr. Jeremy Falk, s...

Every November the organization Agriculture Future of America hosts a conference in Kansas City for college students pursuing a degree in agriculture. This conference aids students in building professional skills as well as networking with employers. Emily George, a fellow CALS student, lends her insight as to why you should make it an addition to your college career. Emily George Professional Development      AFA has contributed to my professional development by expanding my knowledge and skill base and giving me countless opportunities for networking with industry professionals and other high caliber students from across the nation that are as passionate about agriculture as I am.  Knowledge Base - Since the Leaders Conference follows a Track layout, AFA is able to provide meaningful and informative sessions that correspond to the stage I am in my life. You get to learn about new and hot topics and how industries are handling those. Skill base-...

With all of the possible careers students invested in agriculture can pursue, finding the right fit may seem overwhelming. Here are a few words from guest blogger Luke Erickson, extension educator with Northwest Youth Financial Literacy. Lyle Hansen and Luke Erickson       Agriculture continues to be one of the most important and powerful economic drivers in the state of Idaho. For over a century, University of Idaho Extension has served the individuals and families involved in this industry through a diverse array of programs. One of these is the Northwest Youth Financial Education program.      The Northwest Youth Financial Education program is a multi-state partnership between Northwest Farm Credit Services, University of Idaho Extension, and the extension systems of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Montana. University of Idaho Extension educators, Luke Erickson and Lyle Hansen, serve as coleaders of this program.   ...