1. Strategic Thinking/Action Planning: Addressing the Grand Challenges Douglas A. Steele Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service June 19, 2013

2.  Locally Identified Issues;  Guide development of program plans;  Addressed by Extension Agents and Specialists;  With Research Based Information;  Which feed into the Extension State Strategic Plan;  Resulting impacts and outputs reported by Agents and Specialists;  Compiled into Impact and Outcome Documents. In other words…

3.  Research based technology applications and practices for crop and forage/animal poultry profitability and sustainability.  Small-scale agricultural producers effectively identify and evaluate strategies for risk mitigation and sustainability based on management goals. Feeding Our World

4.  Best practices to protect water quality and enhance conservation.  Research-based technologies to enhance wildlife conservation and management, fostering environmental stewardship. Protecting our Environment

5.  Texas communities gain knowledge supporting design and implementation of successful development strategies.  Texas youth and adults will be prepared to participate fully in the 21st century workforce Growing our Economy

6.  Helping People in Texas Eat Better and Safer  Improve the Health and Wellness of Texans through diet, exercise and nutritional choices.  Imperative 2: Improve Youth Life Skills in Healthy Living and Wellness Improving Our Health

7.  Improve Life Skills in Leadership, Personal Development, and Citizenship  Increase Agriculture Literacy for Texas Youth  Improve life skills in science, engineering, and technology (SET) Enriching Our Youth

8.  Water Conservation and Quality – Urban and Rural programming to enhance water conservation and quality.  Health and Wellness – Youth and Adult programs that enhance health and quality of life. Areas of Opportunity for Multi- Department/Multi-Agency Efforts: 2014 and Beyond

9.  Leadership Development – Enhanced efforts in Rural Leadership and Development, and Refocused Youth Leadership efforts.  Urban/Suburban Interface – Enhanced outreach to new landowners with multi-faceted educational approach to conserve natural resources. Areas of Opportunity for Multi- Department/Multi-Agency Efforts: 2014 and Beyond

10.  Provide rewards and incentives for creating teams and working interdisciplinary.  Provide targeted funding for strategic priorities.  Increase competitive opportunities.  Articulate and communicate our Return On Investment and seek partnerships that support mission areas. Develop Strategic Thinking