Extension’s Game Plan: Winning Together
September 22, 2026
Submitted by Jennifer Brantley
Football season is back! The marching bands are playing, the tailgates are rolling and everyone is convinced this is the year their team wins it all. (Go Chiefs!) A team that wants to compete for championships can't rely on yesterday's game plan. It must adapt, recruit great talent and build for the future.
K-State Extension faces a similar challenge. While we may not wear shoulder pads or need instant replay, we're constantly looking for ways to ensure our communities have access to the strongest possible team.
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What's the secret to a winning football season? A strong roster, a deep bench, a flexible playbook and a team willing to adjust when conditions change. As we all know, championships aren't built on a single game. They're built through planning, teamwork and preparing for the future. The same is true for K-State Extension as we work to ensure our communities have the resources, expertise, and talent needed to thrive for years to come.
"Expanding the Playbook"
If a team runs the same play every down, opponents quickly figure it out. Extension's playbook continues to grow and evolve as communities face new challenges and opportunities. From precision agriculture and entrepreneurship to mental health and community development, we're constantly adding new strategies to meet local needs.
"Special Teams Matter"
A football team needs specialists. You wouldn't ask your kicker to play offensive line. Extension is seeing similar benefits through specialized expertise. Collaboration with other agents, specialists and community partners can create opportunities for agents to focus on their strengths and provide communities access to a broader range of expertise.
"Reading the Field"
The best quarterbacks don't just throw the ball. They read the defense and adjust to changing conditions. Extension does the same by listening to local residents, assessing community needs and adapting programs to address emerging issues facing our communities.
"Recruiting Season"
Successful teams are always recruiting. Extension must also attract and retain talented professionals who can serve communities in the future. Creating sustainable structures helps ensure we can recruit top talent and provide meaningful career opportunities. We have some positions open right now. Share these opportunities with anyone you believe would be a good fit for our team.
"Winning in the Trenches"
Fans often notice the touchdowns, but coaches know games are won in the trenches. And I, as a mom of a lineman at Halstead High, home of the fighting Dragons, understand that there is more to a play than just the touchdown at the end. Extension's behind-the-scenes work, board service, volunteers, office professionals, local councils and community partners are often the foundation that makes visible successes possible. Let them know you appreciate what they do.
"The Long Season"
Football teams don't win championships in September. Success comes from consistent effort over an entire season. Similarly, Extension's impact often develops over months or years as research-based education helps individuals, businesses, farms and communities make lasting improvements. It’s a marathon, not just a sprint to the endzone.
"Game Film"
Coaches review game film to learn what worked and what didn't. Extension continually evaluates programs, gathers feedback, and measures outcomes to improve and ensure we're providing value to Kansans.
"Home Field Advantage"
Every football team loves playing at home. One of extension's greatest strengths is its local presence. We live and work in the communities we serve, creating a strong home-field advantage for local problem-solving.
At the end of the day, K-State Extension isn't chasing touchdowns. We're helping youth develop leadership skills, supporting farm and ranch families, strengthening communities, and improving the lives of Kansans. But like any winning football team, success starts with preparation, teamwork and a vision for the future. …and putting information into PEARS.
Go Team!
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