Washington Update

Theresia LaVergne was the recipient of the 2006 Poultry Extension Special Recognition Award for her exceptional contributions to regional and national extension programs. A new responsibility for national program leaders is being named as co-liaison to one or more land-grant universities. Continuing responsibilities include: departmental review team leader; liaison to several multistate research committees; review of grant proposals, plans of work and accomplishment reports, and Hatch projects; and evaluate Current Research Information System reports. The National Extension Workshop has been possible only through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. The Future Trends in Animal Agriculture 2006 symposium was “Addressing International Trade Complexities of Animal Welfare.” The 2005 Triennial Poultry Extension Workshop was considered very successful, with the next workshop to be held in 2009. The National Poultry Waste Management Symposium coordinator for 2006 was Susan Watkins, University of Arkansas, with Casey Ritz (GA) the coordinator for 2008. The USDA grants, deadlines, and procedure can be found on the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Web site (http://www.csrees.usda.gov). The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service Plant and Animal Systems Unit now has yearly internal reviews of their various portfolios. Program accountability requires documentation by everyone. Michigan State University and Purdue University are providing leadership in several animal welfare educational areas, including assessment and distance education programs. Coordination of the Animal Welfare Assessment Contest will be at Michigan State University for the next few years. Tyson Foods has taken over sponsorship of the Poultry Science Association Support Personnel Award, beginning in 2006 with Karen Schwean-Lardner of the University of Saskatchewan as the 2006 recipient. Cooperation, networking, teamwork, and participation in multistate research committees are essential to the ability of extension personnel to continue to make meaningful contributions to the poultry system.