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2. An evaluation of website usability for a cover crops resource in the southern region
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Cabrera, Emily (author), Holt, Jessica (author), and Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) University of Georgia
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- United States: New Prairie Press
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 131 Document Number: D11309
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Applied Communications
- Journal Title Details:
- 104(1)
- Notes:
- 14 pages., via online journal, With shifting demographics of agricultural professionals, online educational resources present opportunities for Extension and other natural resources faculty and personnel to use various tools for supporting agricultural producers in the 21st century using more modern technology. Traditionally, Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Extension programming has used a variety of hands-on methods for teaching new, more sustainable farming practices, such as on-farm field days, workshops, farm visits, and demonstrations. While these traditional teaching methods are preferred among farmers, online support tools play a critical role in the overall decision-making process for farmers who are considering making changes to their current farming practices. Online educational resources, with mobile-friendly versions, can be used to assist Extension and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) agents meet the needs of their clients using more modern forms of technology, whether from the office or on-farm. This study employed two focus group discussions with Extension and NRCS agents and university faculty members to evaluate the usability of a cover crop website that could be used as a support tool for a variety of agricultural professionals. Four themes emerged from this study with reference to a simple, clean appearance; efficient browsing; process-thinking design; and mobile- friendly. This research will be used to inform the continued development of website tools to benefit farmers, producers, agents, and other stakeholders.
3. Comparison of presentation method effectiveness for dissemination of pesticide-free turfgrass management information
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Campbell, Julie H. (author), Henderson, Jason J. (author), Wallace, Victoria H. (author), and University of Georgia University of Connecticut Department of Extension, University of Connecticut
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-08
- Published:
- United States: American Society for Horticultural Science
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 11 Document Number: D10327
- Journal Title:
- HortTechnology
- Journal Title Details:
- 28(4) : 536-542
- Notes:
- 7 pages., Via online journal., This study examined how different presentation formats affected knowledge gain among school grounds managers. Results indicate large-group participants (presentation to ≈50 participants at a turfgrass field day) had greater knowledge retention than small-group participants (presentation to 6–10 participants at an interactive workshop). Small-group attendees had more flexibility to discuss issues that affected them directly and may have focused on those issues instead of the targeted information. Large-group meetings were more ridged in format and attendees were less able to deviate from the main subject matter being presented. However, the value of the small-group meeting should not be discounted, especially when athletic field grounds managers and staff require information specific to their situation. When disseminating more general information, the large-group meeting format is a better means of delivery.
4. Evaluating the impact of Cooperative Extension outreach via Twitter
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- O'Neill, Barbara (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2014-10
- Published:
- USA
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 140 Document Number: D06034
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 52(5) : 5TOT1
- Notes:
- 3 pages.
5. Extension Master Gardener volunteers of the 21st century: Educated, prosperous, and committed
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Dorn, Sher T. (author), Newberry III, Milton G. (author), Bauske, Ellen M. (author), Pennisi, Svoboda V. (author), and University of Georgia
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-08
- Published:
- United States: American Society for Horticultural Science
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 11 Document Number: D10332
- Journal Title:
- HortTechnology
- Journal Title Details:
- 28(2) : 218-229
- Notes:
- 12 pages., Via online journal., This present quantitative study documented the demographic base of 21st century Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers in the United States. As the EMG program approaches its fifth decade and momentum builds for national leadership, collaborative programming, and innovative impact reporting, it is important to understand the characteristics of the current volunteers and their coordinators. A national study of EMG coordinators and volunteers was conducted in Fall 2016. Response was strong, representing 71.4% of state programs and 7498 volunteers. Responding state coordinators are primarily white females, have a mean age of 51.2 years, and have served in their position an average of 7.2 years. Most state coordinators (94.1%) have a graduate degree (master’s or higher). Responding local coordinators are primarily white females, have a mean age of 51.9 years, and have served in their position 7.5 years. Some local coordinators (57.4%) have a graduate degree (master’s or higher). EMG volunteers responding were primarily female, white, educated, retired, and of economic means; have a mean age of 64.8 years; and have served an average of 7.7 years. Four generations [Traditionalist (born 1925–42), Baby Boomer (born 1943–60), GenX (born 1961–81), and GenY (born 1982–2000)] were represented in survey responses. EMG volunteers were 14.5% Traditionalists, 73.2% Baby Boomers, 11.5% GenX, and 0.9% GenY. There were significant differences in the age, age at initial training, years of active service, and service hours reported in 2015 (the prior complete program cycle) among four generations of EMG volunteers. Responses from EMG volunteers and their coordinators represented all six extension programmatic regions established by the EMG National Committee. Significant differences in age, years of service, and number of volunteer service hours reported in 2015 exist among EMG volunteers across extension programmatic regions. The majority of EMG volunteers responding to the survey indicated they volunteered in an urban county (80.5%), whereas 17.2% of respondents served in a suburban county and 2.1% were connected with rural counties. There were no significant differences in the average age, years of service, and number of volunteer service hours reported in 2015 for EMG volunteers in urban, suburban, and rural programs. Historical data and the present study share similar trends within demographics, including age, income, gender, education, and race/ethnicity, yet offer important considerations for future program growth and development.
6. Model Integrated Pest Management Program Delivery for Community Gardeners
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Barrett, Eric (author / Ohio State University Extension), Kowalski, Jacqueline (author / Ohio State University Extension), and Ohio State University
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2018-12
- Published:
- USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 151 Document Number: D10117
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 56(7)
- Notes:
- 5 pages., via online journal, The growth of community gardens has created new opportunities for urban Extension personnel at a time when staffing resources continue to decline. To serve the integrated pest management (IPM) needs of community gardening populations, Extension educators in two urban counties developed an on-site program involving a demonstration kit and planning protocol that Extension educators, program staff, and master gardener volunteers can use to teach IPM. The program provides practical, research-based information to community gardeners, allows Extension to maintain a presence in urban centers, and provides outreach to audiences who may not have used Extension resources historically.
7. Quantifying the effectiveness of extension delivery methods on practice change - the experience of the Grazing BMP [Best Management Practices] Extension Support Project
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Moravek, Timothy (author), Nelson, Brigid (author), Anderson, Angela (author), and Reid, David (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2017
- Published:
- Australia: Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN)
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 124 Document Number: D11208
- Journal Title:
- Rural Extension and Innovation Systems Journal
- Journal Title Details:
- 13(2) : 70-75
- Notes:
- Addressed the effectiveness of extension delivery methods used by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries beef extension team in enabling change in producer practice. Findings were based on a survey of randomly selected producers who had engaged with the project from 2011 to 2015. "This analysis has shown the value in conducting a robust evaluation program both for demonstrating practice change and informing future extension programs."
8. Understanding factors that support well-functioning community coalitions
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Jacobs, Laurel (author), Orzech, Kathryn (author), Goodman, Greg (author), LeGros, Theresa (author), and Martinez, Stephanie (author)
- Format:
- Online journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2020-02
- Published:
- Extension Journal, Inc.
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 132 Document Number: D11350
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 58(1)
- Notes:
- 10 pages., Article #: v58-1rb1, via online journal., Coalitions are central to Extension's community-based programs. To assess characteristics that support well-functioning coalitions and to support coalitions in which Extension stakeholders participate, we used the Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory to assess 10 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education coalitions on the basis of research-tested collaboration success factors. Overall, the 103 coalition members who responded reported strengths related to communication and shared purpose and weaknesses in the areas of resources and process and structure for achieving the coalitions' aims. Our project represents a low-burden method for assessing Extension coalitions to understand the characteristics that are likely to support the achievement of collective goals.
9. Use of demonstration gardens in Extension: challenges and benefits
- Collection:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
- Contributers:
- Glen, Charlotte D. (author), Moore, Gary E. (author), Jayaratne, K.S.U. (author), and Bradley, Lucy K. (author)
- Format:
- Journal article
- Publication Date:
- 2014-08
- Published:
- USA
- Location:
- Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 140 Document Number: D06047
- Journal Title:
- Journal of Extension
- Journal Title Details:
- 52(4) : 4FEA6
- Notes:
- 11 pages.