Cooperative Extension Expands Mission In Region

An eye-opening overview of the breadth and impact of Penn State Cooperative Extension programs was presented to the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce during Tuesday’s meeting at the Hotel Crittenden.

“I have one of the best jobs there is, because I can see first-hand how we are helping people to learn, achieve and meet new expectations,” said guest speaker Don Tanner, as he walked Chamber members through a virtual tour of cutting-edge agricultural research and assistance, economic development, rural heritage preservation, youth development and skills training, and many other aspects of Extension’s operations.

Tanner, who is Extension director for Potter, Cameron and McKean counties, has been involved with the service for more than three decades. Despite budget limitations and consolidation, he said, local branches of Cooperative Extension have found a way to broaden their mission and adapt to changing times.

Arrival of Dr. Bill Waltman, a horticulturalist, in 2008 helped the agency to extend its efforts in support of agriculture science and organic farming. Extension has also expanded its youth development programs with a special emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to complement the traditional and still popular 4H program.

Tanner circulated copies of the four-county Cooperative Extension Impact report and encouraged anyone seeking more information about the agency to contact the Coudersport office, located at the Mapleview property off Rt. 872, at 274-8540.

(Article compliments of Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce)