Posted by Andrew Svec 11/29/99
Contact: Barbara Weiler, 218-281-8435
UMC
Farm Wrap Program Included In National Video
The Farm Wrap program
at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) has been selected to be
included in an upcoming national video conference on Workforce
Preparation. According to Tom Willis, USDA-CREES, Farm Wrap is one of
eight exemplary programs chosen from across the country to be featured in
the broadcast scheduled for January, 2000. A number of key partners,
including UMC and the University of Minnesota Extension Service came
together to create the Farm Wrap program to help rural families transition
out of farming.
A 4-minute video will
be prepared and submitted to the conference organizers for inclusion in
the broadcast. Mike Swentik, Farm Wrap
Coordinator for the Extension Service at UMC, will develop video content
and Tom Sondreal, Senior Media Resources Producer, will direct the
photography and editing.
"This is quite an
honor for everyone involved in Farm Wrap, and Mike Swentek deserves
special recognition for submitting the successful application," said
Richard Nelson, chair of the Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources
at UMC. More information on the videoconference can be found on the web
at: http://idea.exnet.iastate.edu/projects/wfpconferences/
UMC responds to the
farm crisis by offering degree programs and services especially designed
to help farm men and women in the Red River Valley, according to Curt
Almlie, director of Institutional Relations. "We have a century of
history in the region, and we care about the future of people and
communities that have been part of our history," says Almlie.
Courses and degree
programs at UMC may be a good option for people who are facing transition
as a result of the farm crisis. Nelson is especially positive about the
opportunities available for graduates of UMC’s agriculture and natural
resources programs. He frequently counsels farm men and women into careers
that build on their life experiences in agriculture. Nelson describes a
special project to evaluate life experience and translate that experience
into college credits to accelerate progress toward a University of
Minnesota bachelor’s degree.
The Crookston Campus
welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds. "We are proud of the
fact that many former farmers are discovering life after farming here at
UMC. We make a special effort to cut down the red tape related to
registration and financial aid." says Russ Kreager, director of
Admissions. The process to apply and register at UMC can be discussed on
the phone, on campus, or a place convenient to the prospective student.
For more information,
call Richard Nelson at 800-UMC-MINN or 218-281-8100.