University of Idaho research and extension brief JFAC; dean announces retirement, stresses rural outreach and infrastructure

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee received an overview Feb. 10 of the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Research and Extension Service and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, with the college’s dean announcing his planned retirement this summer and leaders seeking continued support for faculty and facility needs.

Kevin Campbell of the Legislative Services Office summarized the service’s structure, funding and recent appropriations. Dean Michael Perella, who said Feb. 10 will be his final year and that he plans to retire in June, and several college leaders described research acreage, extension presence and recent capital improvements.

Scope and recent funding

Campbell said the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station has 10 research and extension centers and access to more than 14,000 acres for research. Extension has a presence in 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties and three recognized tribal communities. The service’s FTP count was reported at about 341.33.

Recent appropriations and requests highlighted by Campbell and Perella included funding…