Our Memorandum of Understanding documents the ongoing partnership between Iowa State University and County Agricultural Extension Districts to provide research-based or evidence-based educational programming to Iowans. Each County Agricultural Extension District signs both a general Memorandum of Understanding, as well as an addendum, based on which staff model they have selected for their extension district.
The MOU review committee has completed its review of the document and addendums, and officially submits the drafts for comment from extension councils.
Key Changes
There are some key changes to note in the new MOU draft:
- The MOU will be effective for one year rather than three.
In light of funding uncertainty for both the county agricultural extension district levy and Iowa State University appropriation from the Iowa Legislature, the MOU renewal committee recommends a one-year term for the upcoming MOU. The term would begin July 1, 2026, and end June 30, 2027. Traditionally, the MOU is signed for a three-year period. The intent is to return to a three-year period beginning in FY28 (July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2030) in hopes that traditional funding will be clearer a year from now. - Proposed County Shared Support Services Fee: 3.7% for FY26
- Proposed Regional Director Cost Share Fees:
- Model 1: Change from 1% to 1.5%
- Model 2: Change from 80% to 85%
- Model 3: Remain 1%
- Recommendations to guide councils that house program specialists in their county office.
The committee reviewed the Guiding Principles for Housing a Program Specialist. It is suggested that councils and the program area meet to identify needs and responsibilities, followed by an annual review of the relationship. - Removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion references as required by Iowa law.
- Removal of the requirement to evaluate performance of both parties related to the MOU.
- Added a section on revenue generation (#16).
- Improve the overall clarity of the document with minor wording changes.
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MOU Renewal Committee
A committee comprised of county extension council members, county extension staff, state extension staff, and program area representatives is in the process of reviewing the current Memorandum of Understanding and preparing for the 2026-2027 MOU. IECA Executive Director Jennifer Vit and Assistant Vice President for County Services Andrea Welchans are facilitating the group.
- 2026-2027 MOU Renewal Committee Members
County Extension Council Members
Adam Batschelet, Clay County Extension Council
Tyler Burton, Hamilton County Extension Council
Dennis Goering, Polk County Extension Council
Dennis Hammen, Calhoun County Extension Council
Roger Helmrichs, Delaware County Extension Council
Kirk Phelps, Mitchel County Extension Council
Christy Sayler, Taylor County Extension Council
Sara Kuboushek, Winneshiek County Extension CouncilMOU Committee Facilitators/Leadership
Jason Henderson, Vice President for Extension and Outreach
Andrea Welchans, Assistant Vice President for County Services
Jennifer Vit, Executive Director for Iowa Extension Council AssociationExtension Staff
Andrea Lutter, Senior Manager of Budget and Finance, Extension and Outreach
Janet Smith, Director of Field Operations, South
Greta Giese, Regional Director, Region 1
Q Richardson, Region Director, Region 28
Himar Hernandez, Community and Economic Development Extension Assistant Program Director, Community Development Specialist
Tim Christensen, Farm Management Specialist
Samantha Culver, Scott County Director
Chris Freland, Johnson County Director
Nichol Kleespies, Youth Program Specialist
Allie McIntyre, Winneshiek County Program Director
Kate Olson, Cass County Director
Ryan Stuart, Health and Human Sciences Educator- Timeline
- Now - November 30, 2025 | The MOU Committee will meet and review the existing document, making edits and updates. Extension council members and staff will provide their feedback and suggestions.
- December 2025 - Early January, 2026 | Review by extension council legal counsel Whitfield & Eddy Law and ISU's legal counsel
- Late January - Early February, 2026 | Extension Councils will receive the final MOU document and addenda.
- May 1, 2026 | All county extension councils will have their MOU and addendum signed and submitted.
- Organizational Structure
- Financial Relationship
- Reference Documents
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Documents
The following documents are from the current MOU (2023-2026):
MOU - Effective July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026
Partnerships
- Iowa Code Chapter 176A | Outlines the partnership between Iowa State University and County Agricultural Extension Districts
- ISU and USDA MOU from 1955 | Outlines the partnership between Iowa State University and the United States Department of Agriculture