A Forage Area of Expertise Team: The Michigan Approach to Applied Research and Extension

Agricultural Experiment Stations and the Cooperative Extension Service have traditionally contributed to the economic, social, human, and environmental capital of the United States. Despite this, both institutions have experienced declining federal budget support and increasing competition for resources (Hamm 1997; Hood & Schutjer 1990; Knutson & Outlaw 1994; Paarlberg 1992). Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, implemented self-directed area of expertise (AOE) teams as its major educational development and delivery model. AOE teams grew out of experiences with previous temporary research/Extension teams and quick response professional groups operating within traditional line responsibilities for research and Extension units. An extension forage area of expertise team was organized in 1999 to deliver educational programmes in forage management and conduct applied forage research. Funds were made available directly to the forage team from central extension administration