2021 Statewide Impact
West Virginia University Extension is committed to improving lives and livelihoods of all West Virginians by improving health outcomes, enhancing prosperity and providing trusted research and education. The pandemic has been challenging, but reaching more of our citizens, through virtual and in-person events, has provided a silver lining for us. In fiscal year 2020-21, we engaged with more than 219,300 adults and 71,070 youths. We also capitalized on opportunities to extend our reach by increasing our efforts on digital platforms, including social media and video. As we move forward, we will continue to let WVU’s pillars – health care, education and prosperity – guide us, while also helping to create purpose for those we serve.
For more information about WVU Extension or questions about this report, please contact us.
Download the 2021 WVU Extension Impact ReportIf you would like a copy of the full federal report, please direct questions or comments
about this report, contact Megan Kruger and Adeola Ogunade with the WVU Extension Office of Research
and Evaluation.
The average market value of farm products and overall farm profitability in West Virginia is significantly lower than the national average. When unable to identify pests/diseases and take quick action to address those issues, growers can lose landscape trees, ornamentals and other plant resources worth millions of dollars. Our plant and pest diagnostic clinic is not only able to diagnose these issues, but also provide disease forecasting for fire blight and downy mildew incidences to apple and cucurbit growers. Last year, the prediction system helped save farmers an estimated $900,000 while reducing surface runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.
Providing a skilled and ready workforce is critical to enhancing prosperity in West Virginia, where the median household income is $16,000 lower than the national average. When James Hartman lost his business during the pandemic, he turned to our West Virginia University Safety & Health Extension experts to learn new skills, which later resulted in two, high-paying jobs. Hartman noted that the courses and knowledge gained helped him stand out from other candidates.
To combat seasonal growing barriers, WVU Extension launched the high tunnel “lunch ‘n’ learn series” to educate farmers on production practices and how to use high tunnels for optimized planting. Farmers who took the class planted cool- and warm-season crops with a value of more than $20,000.