Virginia Cooperative Extension outlines county programs, staff and vacancies in quarterly report to supervisors

Karen Poff, unit coordinator for Virginia Cooperative Extension in Warren County, presented the office’s quarterly report during the March 4 meeting and gave the supervisors an overview of local staff, program areas and services available to residents.

Poff said the county‑based office is part of the three‑tier Cooperative Extension system (federal, state and local partners) and that Warren County has four employees housed locally: the unit coordinator (Poff), a 4‑H youth educator (Emily Schultz), an administrative/fiscal assistant (Octavia Walker) and a currently vacant agriculture agent position. Poff said additional agents based in neighboring counties provide subject‑matter expertise to Warren County residents.

Highlights included a doubling of 4‑H participation in the past year under educator Emily Schultz; available services such as soil testing, pest identification, pesticide applicator recertification, nutrition and SNAP‑Ed programming; and a new adult financial‑education program targeting people in recovery. Poff also noted an open vacancy for the agriculture agent and a vacant nutrition‑education facilitator position; she encouraged supervisors and constituents to use the contact information in the written packet for program questions and referrals.

Supervisor Cullors commended the extension staff and encouraged public use of 4‑H programs; supervisors and staff discussed the Master Gardener volunteer program that supports outreach and programming across the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Ending: Poff said registration for youth summer camp had opened and that the office would soon advertise the vacant agriculture agent position; supervisors thanked the extension staff and encouraged constituents to refer residents with needs to the extension office.