Program and Research Center Stage – 2026 Schedule
Highlighting innovative Cooperative Extension programs and applied research across the full program development cycle
Up Next
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 explore the development and evaluation of a mixed-media training toolkit designed for produce farmworkers. Produce TRAINer, a USDA-funded project led by the University of Maryland Extension, was created to address worker training needs for farms complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.The project began with a needs assessment conducted among Maryland farmers and farm supervisors/owners to identify training gaps and priorities. Based on these findings, Extension researchers from the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore developed educational materials to help workers on small- and medium-sized produce farms understand and implement federally required food safety practices.
To enhance engagement and accessibility, New Mexico State University Innovative Media, Research and Extension transformed these materials into a suite of multimedia training tools. This session will highlight the project’s development process, the resulting educational resources, and findings from the toolkit’s evaluation.
Hosted By: Dr. Shauna Henley, University of Maryland Extension
STEAM Imagination Guides: Resources to support literacy development, enhance relationships, and connect with your local library.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Details TBA
Hosted By: Amy Napoli, Ph.D, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Program or Applied Research
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Details TBA
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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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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
Farm to Table in an Urban Environment: The Dallas County Urban Farm
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
The Dallas Urban County Farm is a unique partnership between Dallas County and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. What was once a 12-acre asphalt maintenance site has been transformed into a thriving urban agriculture and education center featuring demonstration gardens, a research vineyard, fruit orchard, community garden, and a working research farm supported by Texas Master Gardener volunteers.
During this session, participants will learn how the farm explores high-intensity growing practices in urban environments while also serving as a hub for public health education, community engagement, and hands-on learning. Presenters will share how partnerships with local farms, volunteers, and community organizations help produce and distribute fresh food to homeless shelters, community centers, and food ministries across Dallas County.
Hosted By: Anne LeSenne, Texas AgriLife Extension
Supporting Veterans Through Extension: A Veteran-Friendly Training Program
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Developed through the Florida Cooperative Extension Service in collaboration with the University of Florida and Clemson University, 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 participants 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, the team will walk 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 participants to join this session to learn how we can 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
