Cantaloupe Recall- Linked to Salmonella

For those interested in the dynamic world of fresh produce safety and fruits and vegetables, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. of Coral Gables, FL has voluntarily recalled nearly 5,000 cases of cantaloupe (read the company's News Release). The cantaloupe is believed to be linked to 12 cases of Salmonella. The cantaloupes were available from March 10-21 at warehouse clubs in Alaska, Colorado, California, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and were grown in Guatemala.

To read more about the recall, visit Food Safety News for the article Cantaloupes Linked to 12 Salmonella Illnesses.

Seven Reasons Why Extension is Needed Today

The Southeast Farm Press published the article Seven Reasons Why Extension is Needed Today last week. This article, written by Jim Langcuster from Auburn University, makes some great points and emphasizes why I love my line of work.

Here is the list of the Seven Reasons (for complete article click here):

1. We are sustainers
2. We are catalysts
3. We are an agency of empowerment
4. We are human infrastructure
5. We are contextualizers
6. We are synergists
7. We are collaborators

One of the quotes I really like from this article refers to the reason "we are contextualizers" and addresses the idea that folks can find all the information they need online.

"The good news is that we {extension} still possess something that search engines and other online applications lack: the ability to provide our audiences knowledge within deep, enriched learning contexts. We help our diverse audiences not only understand knowledge within a wider learning context but, even more important, how to use it to enhance their lives in lasting, meaningful ways."

Please read this article. If you agree and would like to see Cooperative Extension continue to thrive in the future, don't hesitate to let your local politician know.

Thank you for being supportive of my extension program.