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The programs and services provided by UVM Extension vary from office to office. Here in St. Johnsbury there are programs about nutrition and food safety, financial tools for agricultural businesses, and the 4-H program for young people. Lantagne explains that the people who staff each Extension office are residents of that area, and they are in touch with the needs of their particular community.
Dennis Kauppila consults with farmers who want to know more about business planning to help them be more successful and profitable. Along with local lenders, he provides classes on learning financial tools such as QuickBooks to give even more assistance. Dale Steen is the resident expert on nutrition and food safety. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps low-income families and young people learn about food safety and a nutritional diet.
Ellen Rowe and Kim Colangelo work extensively with the 4-H program in the area, which encompasses much more than raising livestock. Nowadays, 4-H is 
just as often about learning robotics. As Lantagne describes it, “4-H is a network of caring adults working with kids on subjects both are really excited about. That could be horsemanship, raising animals, or learning some amazing technical skills.”
In the St. Johnsbury office, there is a relationship with the Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Counselors at the Extension office help local farmers obtain Voc-Rehab services.
Lantagne says that as times change, so do the services provided by the UVM Extension. For example, years ago when pressure cookers were a popular piece of kitchen equipment, the Extension offices used to test them for safety. That may no longer be necessary, but it’s good to know that Extension still does do soil testing to help your garden be more productive. That’s a service that people still look to Extension for, even after 95 years in service to the communities of Vermont.
Stop by the UVM Extension office on Railroad Street in St. Johnsbury and see what they offer. You may find their programs are tailored to your needs!
