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Extension office highlights $2.61 ROI, growth in 4‑H programs and a staffing vacancy
Summary
Amelia County Cooperative Extension reported a 2024 ROI of $2.61 per county dollar, expanded 4‑H and agricultural programming, several small grants and volunteer contributions, and a vacant Family & Consumer Sciences position the office hopes to fill.
Amelia County Cooperative Extension staff told supervisors they delivered outreach to thousands of residents in 2024, obtained multiple program grants and continue to rebuild volunteer and camp participation after staffing turnover.
"In 2024, the ROI that was calculated for our office was, $2.61 for every county dollar invested," Mackenzie Gunn, the county agriculture and unit coordinator, said. Gunn added that volunteer hours reported for 2024 totaled roughly $77,000 on the published sheet and that recently submitted 2024 volunteer reports increase that tally substantially.
Programs and grants: Gunn described agricultural technical assistance (92 site visits), a $47,000 package of program support and competitive grant awards including approximately $33,000 toward livestock handling and precision agriculture through the Tobacco Commission and a $5,000 grant to support genetic testing for cattle producers. On 4‑H programming, staff said camping, archery and a fishing curriculum have expanded and that a Chesapeake Bay Trust grant ($4,500 in partnership with Family Learning Services) supports watershed education with four local teachers.
Staffing and capacity: The office reported turnover and a current vacancy for the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent, which limits nutrition, financial and child development programming. Extension staff requested help with meeting space availability, local transportation (van availability) and volunteer recruitment for teen counselors and adult volunteers.
Community outreach: Staff said they are reestablishing an Extension Leadership Council, expanding agribusiness management workshops, farm transition programming and food safety/homestead support. They asked supervisors to help with connections to local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce for sponsorships and camp support.
Ending: Office staff will continue program recruitment and pursue funding; supervisors offered to help promote sponsorship opportunities via local business contacts and the Chamber of Commerce.
