MU’s Kallenbach to receive national Excellence in Extension Award

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri professor of plant sciences and MU Extension forage specialist, will receive the 2014 Excellence in Extension Award at the 127th annual meeting of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 2-4.

The Excellence in Extension Award is given annually to one cooperative extension professional who excels at programming, provides visionary leadership and makes a positive impact on constituents served. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Cooperative Extension System sponsor the award.

Kallenbach’s educational programs help forage-livestock producers optimize pasture management. His efforts have led to more than $100 million in new investments in pasture-based dairy operations in Missouri, which in turn generate $40 million in annual milk sales and support 1,110 new jobs. In addition, Kallenbach’s winter-feeding systems program for beef cattle has helped nearly 22,000 producers reduce annual costs by up to 30 percent.

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Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.

Cooperative Extension translates science for practical applications; engages with the public by providing reliable information leading to positive action; and transforms individuals, families, communities and businesses in rural and urban areas. Extension operates through the nationwide land-grant university system and is a partnership among the federal government (through NIFA) and state and local governments.

APLU is a research, policy and advocacy organization representing 237 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations.  The association’s membership includes 75 U.S. land-grant institutions. For more information, go to www.aplu.org.