Connecting the Faces of Penn State Extension and What We Do in Susquehanna County

Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County is part of an educational network that gives people in all 67 counties across the state access to the University's resources and expertise.

Extension is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and county governments.  Through this county-based partnership, Penn State Extension educators, faculty, and local volunteers work together to share unbiased, research based information with local residents.

Meet the faces of Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County:

Michelle Kowalewski, Extension Educator

Michelle Kowalewski, Ag Enterprise Educator
Agricultural Entrepreneurship State Program Team

Michelle has been with Penn State Extension since December 2006, starting as a Dairy/Ag Enterprise Extension Educator with part of her time being dedicated to youth dairy and livestock programs.  Today, Michelle's program area specialties include:

• Meeting with clients that are looking for more information on starting a new ag business enterprise or developing a value added food business.  Michelle has brought program offerings to Susquehanna County for Penn State's Food For Profit Workshop in 2013.  In 2014, she will offer Exploring the Small Farm Dream for individuals interested launching a small farm enterprise.  
• Additionally, she enjoys working with local producers in expanding direct marketing ideas and concepts.  Susquehanna County has developed "A Guide to Farm Products" that helps consumers producers that market their products locally.  
• Delivering program materials related to Farm Business Management, including Farm$en$e, a finance and production education course which will be offered statewide staring in December running through March.
• Currently, Michelle manages a blog site for her state program team: Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Marketing, Management and Industry News for Farm and Food Businesses.
• Lastly, she continues to support the Susquehanna County 4-H Program with concentrated efforts in the dairy and livestock project areas.  

Abby Onyon, 4-H/Youth Development Educator
4-H Volunteer Development State Program Team

Abby Onyon, Extension Educator

Abby started in Susquehanna County in February 2013 as the 4-H Educator.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program; she was a ten year 4-H member and currently serves as a volunteer leader with the North Jackson Ag 4-H Club.  Abby's passion for 4-H has helped strengthen our county 4-H program.  Here are some recent stats about 4-H in Susquehanna County and accomplishments of our youth:

• Susquehanna County 4-H consists of 425 youth members (ages 5-18) and 110 screened adult volunteers.
• This year 4-Hers completed over 800 projects and entered them at the Harford Fair in the 4-H Building.
• In Susquehanna County we provide camps and clinics beyond the club level for youth focusing on officers training, livestock, dairy, horse and shooting sports.  These events not only draw members from Susquehanna County but surrounding counties.  
• 45 youth and 10 adults participated in a 5-day over night camp called Camp Brule over the summer as part of a 5-county 4-H camping experience.  
• Youth members have competed on a county, district, state and national level in numerous project areas, including livestock, dairy, horse, shooting sports, wildlife, clothing & textiles.

Kimberly Grace, Administrative Assistant and co-coordinator for Penn State Master Gardener Program in Susquehanna County

Kim Grace, Administrative Assistant

Kim has served as administrative assistant for Penn State Extension for the last 16-years.  Her duties and roles include not only supporting educators, 4-H members and leaders, but volunteers of the Penn State Master Gardener Program.  Her expertise in website management and computer technologies are extremely valuable!  Kim is the lead contact when folks call or visit the Susquehanna County office.  Kim diligently works to answer clients questions and concerns and utilizes the network of resources to direct clients to the appropriate educator across the state to provide unbiased, science based answers to questions.  She also supports educators in other counties as part of the district Extension model.  

Susquehanna County is part of District 4, the Endless Mountains District, which includes Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga Counties.  District 4 is lead by Bob Hansen who serves as an administrative liaison between the county and the university.  He also brings knowledge and expertise in forest resources and maple syrup production.

In Susquehanna County, our Extension staff is small but remember the resources to the entire University are at our finger tips!  For more information about Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County, contact our office at 570-278-1158 or visit our office at 88 Chenango Street, Montrose, Pa.