1. SEVEN YEARS OF SUCCESS 1999-2006 Kent Stanford Alabama Cooperative Extension System

2. History of Producer Education F 1980’s – County Production meetings F Mid 1990’s – Multi-day Shortcourses F Very inefficient use of time F Inefficient use of travel budget F Delivered primarily by specialists

3. Program Development & Transition F Focused on the next 5-10 years F Sought Industry Input F Identified Needs: n New Materials & Delivery Method n Agent Training n Producer Recognition

4. The Product F Certificate program F Eight session course with a $75 fee F Minimum of 24 hours training F Mandatory attendance F Testing required F Farm sign, cap, & certificate at graduation

5. Concerns! F We assumed producers would not: n Pay for classes n Attend regularly n Read the manual n Take tests n Successfully complete 24 hours of coursework n WE WERE WRONG!!!

6. Program Participation YearNo. Programs No. Participants Contact Hours 19991230072,000 200020500200,000 200115375112,500 200215375112,500 20031025050,000 2004412510,000 20051127560,500 200623450207,000 Total1102,650824,500

7. Recap 2004-’06 F Partnerships formed: n Alabama Cattleman’s Association n Mississippi State University F New grant funds: n Provided travel and equipment money. n $26,175 from state beef checkoff. F Out of Region Study Tour n Nebraska in 2004, Texas in 2006. n Linked producers with other segments of the supply chain.

8. Technology F Used video conference and streaming video for 2006 course. F Partnered with MSU to offer across state lines. F 12 sites in Alabama and 10 in Mississippi. F Creating CD with presentations for self-study course. F Tremendous savings on travel and time!

9. Study Tours F Graduates looking for next step F “Advanced” course not ready F Interest in retained ownership F “Pasture to Plate” theme used F Bonds formed between producers F Changed perceptions F Offered in even-numbered years

10. Tour Impact

11. Why it worked … F Quality Product F Committed Agents and Specialists. F Flexibility to adapt. F Vocal graduates. F Partnerships.

12. Testimonials… F “This class was so thorough that it likely cut ten years off my development.” – Tim West, Centre. F “I have saved at least $25,000 in the year since I took the class, a huge savings for me!” - Ted Williams, Blount County