Chaffee County's extension office told commissioners that 4-H participation rose this year, including a roughly 50% increase in members advancing to state fair, and outlined staffing and program plans.

The extension representative said the county will purchase panels to increase capacity in the Livestock Pavilion so rising livestock participation can be accommodated. The office moved 4-H enrollment earlier in the year to enable additional clinics and workshops and will host an information night in Buena Vista and an open house at the fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The office reported growth in its master gardener program and said it added apprentice positions that are expected to expand local horticulture capacity. The extension office also ran a Forestry Academy in partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service and invited specialist presentations on regional issues such as grasshopper pressure. Staff said they plan an "Ag Summit" with partners to support local producers and will pursue a $10,000 grant from a local foundation to expand a demonstration garden and signage near the highway.

Staffing updates included a posted recruitment for a replacement administrative assistant for Janella, who will retire at year-end, and the unexpected arrival this fall of an AmeriCorps member, Ian Helland, who will support STEM, robotics and youth programming. Extension staff said they applied for an AmeriCorps position for next year and are exploring partnerships for fairgrounds return-on-investment planning and other community economic development supports.

The extension office outlined an interest in creating a Community Animal Response Team (CART) to train livestock owners and volunteers to host animals in emergency evacuations. The office said these preparedness resources and other educational materials will be posted on an updated county extension website due by the end of the calendar year.

Ending: Extension staff will continue outreach, pursue funding for demonstration gardens and complete recruitment for the administrative assistant role before the end of the year.