On Wednesday afternoon, Washington State University’s statewide College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Leadership Bus Tour made a stop at the WSU Skagit County Extension Office, bringing university leaders face-to-face with the programs and partnerships serving local communities.
The tour included CAHNRS Dean Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, and Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell, the 12th President of Washington State University. Their visit provided an opportunity to learn firsthand how WSU Extension’s work is making a difference across Skagit County and beyond.
Hosted by Skagit County Extension Director Don McMoran, the visit offered a brief but meaningful introduction to the breadth of Extension programming. Faculty, staff, and program representatives shared displays highlighting initiatives ranging from agricultural education and farm safety to community development, youth programs, natural resources, and behavioral health support for agricultural communities.
One of the featured programs during the visit was the Gearing Up for Safety Farm Safety Certification course. Leadership toured the outdoor driving course and observed the hands-on training environment used to teach youth and adults the safe operation of tractors and farm equipment. The program helps address one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges: preventing injuries and fatalities through education and practical experience.
The stop also coincided with a Pizza for Producers gathering, an innovative outreach effort that creates opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals to connect while learning about available resources. The event serves as a gateway to conversations about farm stress, mental health, and community support—issues that have become increasingly important throughout the agricultural sector.
Together, the Farm Safety Certification program and Pizza for Producers event illustrated two complementary aspects of Extension’s mission: protecting the physical safety of agricultural workers and supporting the wellbeing of the people behind our farms and food systems.
While the leadership team’s visit was brief, it provided an important opportunity to showcase the collaborative partnerships and locally driven programs that define WSU Extension’s work in Skagit County. From youth agricultural education and farm safety training to mental health outreach and community engagement, Extension continues to serve as a bridge between university research and real-world solutions.
Dean Khosla noted his intention to return in the future for a more in-depth discussion with local staff and stakeholders, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue between university leadership and the communities WSU serves.
As a land-grant institution, Washington State University is committed to improving lives through education, research, and outreach. Visits like this help strengthen that commitment by highlighting the people, partnerships, and programs working every day to support Washington’s agricultural communities.
We thank Dean Raj Khosla, President Betsy Cantwell, and the CAHNRS leadership team for taking the time to visit Skagit County and learn more about the impact of WSU Extension across our region.