Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Professional Development is a great time to come together to learn, connect with colleagues and friends, and to renew our shared purpose of impacting the lives of Iowans. The planning committee has selected content and a format that will strengthen skills, introduce you to new tools and provide time for reflection and discussion. There's something for everyone, whether you are a campus faculty or staff, field specialist, county professional or regional director, we hope you will attend and find value to help in your daily work. This activity is free because we want to do our best to encourage every person in the ANR family to attend.
ANR specialists and staff, county professionals, and regional directors are all welcome to attend.
Pre-meeting homework
Program
Program is subject to change and adjustment prior to the meeting.
| 8:30 aM |
Registration opens, morning refreshments, networking and group meetings |
| 9:45 aM |
Welcome and video presentation |
| 10:00 aM |
ANR Extension update – Jay Harmon, associate dean and director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach |
| 10:30 aM |
Adult learning strategies – Robin Ertz, program manager, Professional Development, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Discover strategies and best practices for engaging adult learners. Whether you're leading workshops, developing programs, or facilitating training, understanding how adults learn can enhance your delivery and impact. This session will focus on:
|
| 11:45 aM |
Lunch (provided) ANR awards presentation |
| 12:30 pM |
Adult learning strategies (continued) – Robin Ertz, program manager, Professional Development, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach |
| 1:45 pM | Break |
| 2:00 pM |
Concurrent Session A (select one) 1. Program budgeting tools - Jay Harmon, director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and associate dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University; Jamie Benning, assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension, Iowa State University 2. ANR marketing tools and strategies - Traci Knight, manager, ANR Communications, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 3. Natural resources showcase - ANR Natural Resources team |
| 2:45 pM | Transition between concurrent sessions |
| 2:50 pM |
Concurrent Session B (select one) 4. Showcasing successful multi-county programming partnerships - Meredith Nelson, program coordinator, Kossuth County Extension and Outreach; Maeghan Petznick, program assistant, Winnebago County Extension and Outreach; Carrie Lau, marketing coordinator, Hancock County Extension and Outreach 5. Marketing best practices and extension operations marketing services - Viviana Urvina, marketing specialist, Advancement, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 6. Horticulture program showcase - ANR Horticulture Team |
| 3:35 pM | Break |
| 3:45 pM |
Concurrent Session C (select one) 7. Funding beyond grants: Working with foundations and corporate sponsors - Amanda Eggers, associate director, corporate engagement, Iowa State University Foundation 8. Using AI to improve how we work - Kris Baldwin, educational technology resources specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Dan Fillius, field specialist, Horticulture, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 9. Farm management program showcase: Farm transition and cybersecurity - Kristine Tidgren, director, Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation and professor, Agricultural Law, Iowa State University; Madeline Schultz, program manager, Women in Ag, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Ryan Drollette, farm management specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach |
4:30 pM - |
Networking reception |
| 6:00 pM | Reception concludes |
| 6:15 pM | Iowa Agricultural Extension Association meeting |
| 7:30 pM | Meeting adjourns |
| 7:30 aM |
Morning refreshments |
| 8:30 aM |
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach update – Jason Henderson, Vice President for Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University |
| 9:00 aM |
Panel discussion: Meet your Area Ag Teams |
| 9:45 aM |
Break |
| 10:00 aM |
Area Ag Teams - planning and discussion time |
| 11:00 aM |
Lightning Talks: New faculty |
| 12:00 pM |
Lunch (provided) ANR awards presentation |
| 1:00 pM | Iowa economic outlook: Tariffs, trade, and other timely topics - Chad Hart, professor, Economics and extension grain marketing specialist, Iowa State University |
| 1:45 pM | Closing remarks - Jay Harmon, director, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and associate dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University |
| 2:00 pM |
Program concludes |
| 2:15 pM |
Informal team and project meetings Meeting space will be open for information team meetings and discussions until 4:00 PM. |
2025 Planning committee
- Shannon Bielcke
- Gina Buelow
- Randie Culbertson
- Stacie Hewett
- Traci Knight
- Tanya Michener
- Ann Torbert
- Eric Weuve
- Mike Witt
When
September 29-30, 2025
Check-in and refreshments at 8:30 AM
Program begins at 9:45 AM
Registration deadline is 11:59 pm, September 22, 2025.
Where
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center
2100 Green Hills Drive
Ames, Iowa 50014
A block of rooms is available for Professional Development attendees. The room rate is $119/night for Sunday and Monday. To reserve a room call 800-FOR-AMES by Sunday, September 7, 2025 and mention you are with ANR Professional Development. or use this link to book your room online.
Materials
Professional Development CyBox
Register
$0
Facility, meal and materials costs for ANR Professional Development are covered by ANR Extension administration.
Reminders
- Please register prior to 11:59 PM, September 22, 2025 to assist with materials and meal planning.
- Confirmation of registration is sent via email. Please provide a valid email address when registering.
- For assistance with registration, cancellation or questions on the status of your registration please email anr@iastate.edu.
Contact
Jamie Benning
assistant director
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension
(515) 294-6038
benning@iastate.edu
Photos and/or video taken at this course may be used by ISU Extension and Outreach for promotional, commercial, educational and research purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please speak with the photographer.