CCE Welcomes New Agricultural Educator

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (November 8, 2024) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agricultural Program is excited to welcome Melissa Watkins as the new Temporary Agricultural Program Educator. Melissa will assist the Agricultural Program for at least 6 months as CCE continues to undergo a Capacity Study and develop position descriptions that will grow our programming into the future. CCE Chautauqua also provides agricultural resources and support from three regional Agricultural teams: Cornell Vegetable Program, Lake Erie Regional Grape Program and the Southwest NY Dairy Livestock and Field Crops team.

Melissa joins CCE Chautauqua with a history of extension experience and a desire to serve the community. Melissa has worked in the New York State Extension system for over fifteen years, mostly in 4-H Youth Development roles. She has a Master of Science in Recreation and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education.

Ms. Watkins and her husband now reside in Panama NY, with their adorable dog. Melissa is new to the area, but excited to get to know our county and learn more about our agriculture. She has a knack for leadership and skills to support CCE during this transition.

Melissa will assist in connecting producers to available CCE Chautauqua resources, coordinate our Master Gardener volunteer program, the LEAF (Learn Empower Achieve and Farm) series and Chautauqua Grown along with other Agricultural programming.

The Fall 2024 series of LEAF workshops are currently being offered. You are encouraged to check them out, attend a class, and meet Melissa. If you have suggestions for educational workshops, we also welcome your feedback. The information on upcoming LEAF workshops can be found at https://chautauqua.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/leaf-workshops.

The Agricultural Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated November 8, 2024