UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Several Penn State Extension educators were honored by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents at its annual awards program in Dallas, Texas.
National winners from Penn State included:
— Samantha Gehrett, who received the Achievement Award. A dairy business extension educator since 2017, Gehrett focuses on cash flow analysis, recordkeeping, taxation and succession/transition planning. Her close working relationship with producers has led to the development of focused programming to meet their needs.
— Leon Ressler, who received the Distinguished Service Award. With an eye toward protecting the environment, Ressler has contributed significantly to nutrient management, composting and water quality programs throughout his career. He has held several leadership roles. As an agronomy educator, Ressler focuses on crop production, pesticide education, plain sect outreach and water quality programs.
— Ruth Benner, who received the Search for Excellence Award in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture. Benner, a horticulture extension educator, and Penn State Extension’s green industry team were recognized for developing 35 online courses for the green industry. The self-paced, asynchronous courses are offered at several learning levels, generating nearly $133,000 in revenue over three years to support future extension programs.
— Heidi Reed, who received the Search for Excellence Award in Sustainable Agriculture. Reed, a field and forage crops extension educator, was honored for programming focused on improving soil health and farm profitability with cover crops.
National finalists from Penn State included:
— Laura Kenny, who received the Communications Award: Event Promotional Package. Kenny, equine extension educator, promoted an equine first aid workshop, which reached capacity. Promotion included paper flyers, social media posts and a press release to local equine publications. One Facebook post reached 7,394 people.
— Genevieve Christ, who received the Search for Excellence Award in 4-H Programming. To boost environmental education for youth, Christ developed interactive presentations in integrated pest management, invasive species and nonpoint source water pollution, reaching nearly 8,000 youth. Christ is an extension educator in the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training.
— Samantha Gehrett, who received the Search for Excellence Award in Farm and Ranch Business Management. Gehrett was named a national finalist for her program focused on dairy business cash flow planning, recordkeeping and risk management.
Northeast regional Communications Award winners from Penn State included Kenny, who earned an award for computer generated presentation with script. Melanie Barkley, senior livestock extension educator, received awards in the fact sheet, feature story and personal column categories. Adriana Murillo-Williams, agronomy extension educator, earned an award in the newsletter category. Tom Butzler, horticulture extension educator, was recognized in the website/online content category.
State winners from Penn State included Butzler, who earned communications awards in the audio recording and educational video recording categories. Cassie Yost, dairy extension educator, was recognized in the learning module/notebook and Search for Excellence in Livestock Production categories. Daniela Roland, dairy extension educator, earned an award in the published photo category. Gehrett was awarded the Search for Excellence in Young, Beginning or Small Farmers/Ranchers.
The National Association of County Agricultural Agents connects members from across the country, providing opportunities for professional development and networking.