September 2025
District Director Notes - Jay Harris
From the Director’s Desk – Fall Update
As the seasons change and fall settles in across our district, I am reminded of the cycles of growth and renewal that shape both our fields and our communities. Fall is a time of harvest, reflection, and preparation for the year ahead, values that mirror the work we do in extension every day.
In the Cottonwood District, our team has been busy supporting local needs through agriculture, family and consumer sciences, youth development, and community health programming. This fall, we are especially excited about:
• Extension Master Gardener Training – Our new class begins September 4 and, will be offered entirely online. Trainees can join live sessions or view recordings, ensuring flexibility while still gaining the same high-quality education.
• Community Health Initiatives – We are working with the Heartland Community Foundation to establish a Give Fest Fund that will sustain health-focused efforts in our communities for years to come.
• 4-H Youth Development – With the school year underway, our 4-H members are setting new goals, developing leadership skills, and preparing for another year of growth through hands-on learning.
• Family and Community Wellness – Our agents are leading programs on nutrition, health, and financial well-being, providing resources that strengthen families and improve daily life across our district.
• Agriculture and Natural Resources – As harvest wraps up, our agents continue working alongside producers, offering expertise in crop and livestock management, water and soil conservation, and decision-making tools that help sustain farm operations for the future.
I want to thank all of you, volunteers, partners, and community members, for the many ways you support the work of extension. Whether you give your time, your resources, or your encouragement, you are helping to strengthen families, farms, and communities across the Cottonwood District.
As we look ahead to the close of 2025, I encourage you to stay connected with us. Attend an upcoming program, reach out with your ideas, and continue to be part of the network that makes K-State Extension strong.
Wishing you a safe and abundant fall season.