Vermont

Staff Changes

The University of Vermont said goodbye to George Cook as he retired September 28.

George was with the extension service for 39 years, starting off as a county agent in Lamoille County, teaching farm safety, and teaching EMT's what to do when first arriving on the scene of a farm accident. George was principal investigator on five million dollars' worth of grants, many of them safety related, and for vocational rehabilitation counselors to be co-located in Extension offices. He was PI for Vermont AgrAbility Project for three grants. National and international farm safety institutes elected him as their leader. He also worked with the National Institute of Farm Safety (now ISASH), serving one year as president.

George taught sugar makers in the United States and Canada about grading changes and advancements in technology. He authored a chapter in the North American Maple Syrup Producers Manual, North American Maple Syrup Counsel, titled "Safety in the Sugaring Operation", and for the same manual co-authored chapters on maple syrup production and maple sugarbush lease agreements.

George taped over 50 "Across the Fence" shows, appeared on television and radio, wrote dozens of articles, and created training videos and DVDs.

Arriving at the University of Vermont in 1970, he earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees, then began as Extension instructor in 1978,served on more than 30 Extension and university committees, and became an Extension professor in 2013.

The Vermont AgrAbility project will sorely miss George in the coming years. He has been an inspiration to all of us as well as a faithful leader. We thank you for your service to farmers with disabilities in Vermont, and we wish you the best of luck, health, and fun in your retirement.

Submitted by Tom Younkman