Program and Research Center Stage – 2026 Schedule
Highlighting innovative Cooperative Extension programs and applied research across the full program development cycle
Up Next
Exploring Farm Stress and Resilience Through Documentary & Discussion
Wednesday January 28th, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Brenda Freeman and Jill Baker Tingey and from the Nevada Farm Stress team will share two short documentaries designed to promote emotional resilience in farming and agricultural communities. They’ll discuss their materials, the importance of reaching youth in this work and facilitate an open conversation to learn about participants’ needs, ideas, and challenges in supporting farm stress awareness locally.
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Hosted By: Brenda Freeman and Jill Baker Tingey, University of Nevada Reno Extension.
Exploring Farm Stress and Resilience Through Documentary & Discussion Part 2
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Building on the discussion in Part 1, Jill Baker Tingey and Brenda Freeman will convene a panel to respond to the questions, interest areas, and key issues identified by attendees. Join us as we discuss and explore how Extension can continue to support the well-being of producers, workers, and their families.
Hosted By: Brenda Freeman and Jill Baker Tingey, University of Nevada Reno Extension
Tai Chi for Health-Gentle movement and real results!
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Nebraska
Presenters will share insights from program delivery, participant feedback, and lessons learned that may be useful for Extension professionals interested in offering similar wellness programming in their communities.
Hosted By: Brittany Spieker, Ann Fenton, Ashley Fenning, Pamela Slaymaker, Julie Boyle, Carly Applegarth, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Program or Applied Research
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Details TBA
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Veteran-Friendly Training for Extension Professionals
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Developed through the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, this new professional development program is designed to help Extension professionals, community educators, and others better serve our nation’s Veterans. This presentation will show you how to join a growing network of Extension professionals committed to making a real difference in the lives of those who have served. In this session, creator Jon Parker will take participants through a free, five-module online course that offers a certificate upon completion. The course explores military culture, common general and mental health considerations, and practical guidance for navigating the VA system. Most importantly, it provides tools and insights that can strengthen Extension’s ability to understand and support Veterans and their families. The team invites you to join this session to learn how to work together to ensure that Veterans receive the support and respect they deserve—starting right here in Extension.
Hosted By: Jon Parker, University of Florida
Produce TRAINer: Developing and Evaluating a Multimedia Food Safety Toolkit for Farmworkers
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
This session will review the development and evaluation of the on-farm evaluation of a mixed media toolkit for produce farmworkers! Produce TRAINer, was a USDA-funded project led by the University of Maryland Extension, to identify worker training needs for farms complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Safety Rule. A Farmer needs assessment in Maryland was conducted among farmers and farm supervisors/owners and then Extension researchers at the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore created educational materials to train workers working on small and medium-sized farms that grow produce about federally-required food safety procedures. Using these materials, New Mexico State University Innovative Media, Research and Extension produced engaging multimedia tools
Hosted By: Dr. Shauna Henley, University of Maryland Extension
Program or Applied Research
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Details TBA
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Program or Applied Research
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
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Program or Applied Research
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Details TBA
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Program or Applied Research
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Details TBA
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