Extension reaches throughout the state with programs in all 56 counties and office locations on five of the seven Indian Reservations.

Regardless of the program, Extension expertise meets public needs at the local level through the involvement of volunteers, stakeholders and advisory committees. Our roots in communities help us understand local needs and put university expertise and connections where they can make a difference—both in people’s lives and in their livelihoods. The challenges and opportunities in Montana today are endless. Increasingly, Extension serves a growing, more diverse constituency with fewer and fewer resources, utilizing methods that are timely, relevant and cost-effective.

As we look toward tomorrow, Montana State University Extension is collaborating on many new initiatives, including renewable energy, agricultural profitability, healthy communities and healthy living, 4-H youth development and after school programming, and addressing critical issues of rural communities. The true meaning of Extension is to reach out and extend resources, solving public needs with university research and knowledge through non-formal, non-credit education. A statewide network of county and reservation Extension offices, supported by campus-based faculty and staff, remains committed to serving citizens and organizations throughout the state.

While the program overviews and highlights in this annual report reflect just a portion of the many accomplishments during 2008, it does adequately portray the dedicated and talented individuals who are the driving force of Extension.

This report is more than just numbers and program outcomes; rather, it highlights how Extension’s statewide outreach education network responds quickly to new and emerging needs and strengthens existing resources through partnerships. This report offers a small glance into how Extension is working to address local needs with a statewide perspective.

That’s what we call learning in progress.

That’s what we call learning in progress. Read More (PDF 8.75 MB)