The Extension Administration office recently did a survey of Extension faculty and staff to see what technology
needs exist. The responses have now been tabulated. The top three needs are: web/video/voice conferencing, PDAs/smart phones and
distance learning for conducting program work. The conferencing and distance learning items reflect the same or similar technology
and that will be a priority in 2006. One way we will be addressing this is the use of the University's Breeze web conferencing
system, which we will be testing in the next few months. Some web cameras have already been purchased for the initial testing
and are being distributed to test counties (Cochise, Maricopa, Mohave & Pima). We will continue to provide follow up and feedback
on all the issues raised in the survey.
Congratulations to Jim Sprinkle, Dave Schafer, Peder Cuneo, Carlos Reggiardo, Ted Noon and the rest of their nationwide team for
having their manuscript, “Effects of a Long Acting Trace Mineral Reticulo-Rumen Bolus Upon Range Cow Productivity and Trace Mineral
Profiles" (from research on the V-V Ranch from 2000- 2002), accepted for publication by the Journal of Animal Science.
Some of you may remember retiree Bob Halvorson. Bob's wife, Ann, passed away a few days ago. Card and notes may be sent to Bob at
1802 W. Lawrence Lane, Phoenix, AZ, 85021.
You have only three more days to submit your faculty APR (through the APROL system) – due date January 20. Remember, unit head
approval is required. The APROL sign-in site is at http://cals.arizona.edu/aprol, the Extension evaluation form is at http:
//ag.arizona.edu/extension/profdev/appointedpersonnelevalform.pdf, and the Dean’s 11/28 memo can be found at http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/download/DeansMemo11-28-05.pdf. If you have any questions on the process, contact
Patti B. (520-621-5308).
Upcoming Events & Reminders:
“An Emerging Audience on a Changing Landscape: Arizona’s Open Spaces and the New Exurban Clientele" workshop will be held on Friday,
January 20, 2006, 9:30am-3:00pm at the UA Student Union, Level 3, Catalina Room. Lunch will be provided and travel expenses covered.
Space is limited, so register early by contacting Christie Mills (520-621-8586). The workshop will provide an
opportunity to share the preliminary findings of a small Extension research project focused on our changing rural population, the
growing "exurban" sector. Using what has been learned to date combined with individual experiences, the objective is to develop
ideas for a strategy to extend the reach of natural resource education programs more explicitly into the exurban market.
The 2006 “Walk Across Arizona” begins the week of January 24 in Maricopa County with a January 18 kick-off and is part of the Healthy
Lifestyles programming outreach through Cooperative Extension. Teams of 5-10 people can have a friendly competition to see who can get
their friends, co-workers and family out to build a healthy habit and walk for fitness. This program is not a fundraiser, but a way
to start and continue a healthy habit that reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and other chronic diseases.
In 2005 more than 140 teams with 1,240 participants from worksites, churches, schools and neighborhoods completed more than 190,000
miles! Pima County started this past fall. The promotion flyer and team registration is online at
http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/fcs/walk.htm. Contact Sharon Hoelscher Day for a team sign-up.
Join leading scientists and educators to learn more about emerging climate and rangeland ecology research and help create practical
tools for natural resource managers, decision-makers and practitioners at the Climate and Rangelands Workshop: Beyond Boxes and
Arrows - Assessing Climate Change/Variability and Ecosystem Impacts in Southwestern Rangelands, January 25-26, 2006, Apache Gold
Casino, San Carlos (Hwy. 70, five miles east of Globe, San Carlos, AZ 85501). Early registration deadline is January 6 ($70 for SRM
and SWCS members, $85 for non-members, $40 for students and SRM/SWCS spouses, and $100 for anyone registering after January 6). The
refund policy is according to SRMAZ section policy. The registration and agenda is available online at: http://azrangelands.org.
For more information, contact Chris Jones (928-425-8586).
A reminder that the University of Arizona Water Sustainability Program (WSP) is accepting proposals for the competitive grants
program through the Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF), administered by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). The
deadline for proposal submission is January 31, 2006 with awards being announced in early April and funding beginning July 1,
2006. You can view and download the RFP at http://uawater.arizona.edu/grants/rfp.html. For further information contact Jackie Moxley .
On March 29 and 30 a professional development seminar will be presented by UA Human Resources and the Extension Professional
Development Committee. It will focus on enhancing management and communication techniques. More information will be available
soon from Brent Strickland.