Here is a message from the Iowa State Extension office to all Iowans. I think it would be great if everyone here would participate (sorry, can't remember how to do a link - computer challenged). -- Cricket

All Iowans are encouraged to participate in a statewide needs assessment for Iowa State University Extension.

A Web-based survey designed to obtain input from a broad base of Iowans is one part of the needs identification process and is now available at County Extension Web sites, which can be located at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Counties/state.html. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the survey, including youth age 12 and older.

Results from the survey will be used by local county ISU Extension councils throughout the state to confirm needs, set priorities and identify regional issues. This information will be the basis for ISU ExtensionÂs new plan of work for the years 2007 through 2011.

The new plan of work will address the overall needs assessment and locally identified issues. Information provided by survey takers will benefit all Iowans as it will be used over the next five years to provide ISU Extension programs and services that help Iowa residents and their communities to become their best..

Contacts :

Paul Brown, Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources, (515) 294-7801, pwbrown@iastate.edu

JaneAnn Stout, Extension to Families, (515) 294-0863, janeann@iastate.edu

Elaine Edwards, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu