6 pages, The quality of beef cattle stockmanship typically is evaluated through quantitative and qualitative measurements of animal behavior. The Stockman's Scorecard is an observation instrument that has been developed to directly measure the actions of beef cattle stockmen. This article documents a pilot project for determining the content validity, internal consistency, and intrarater reliability of the scorecard as an evaluation instrument. Our results show that the scorecard is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the actions of stockmen. The instrument can be a valuable tool for Extension educators in evaluating their stockmanship programming impacts.
Hendrickson, Lori (author), Jokela, Rebecca Hagen (author), Gilman, Janene (author), Croymans, Sara (author), Marczak, Mary (author), Zuiker, Virginia S. (author), and Olson, Patricia D. (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2010-08
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 179 Document Number: C35998
9 pages, via online journal, The U.S. university-based extension system model has been successful nationally, but not adopted globally. Various historical factors rendered the U.S. system a less attractive option for emerging post-WWII nations. However, current changes in education and extension landscapes are creating new opportunities for the globalization of U.S. Extension. Specifically, both the U.S. and Chinese extension systems now face the common challenge of delivering meaningful university-based extension under shifting conditions. This commonality creates opportunities for exploring long-term, synergistic university-based extension systems and potentially achieving associated benefits worldwide.
5 pages, Social media usage has precipitated changes in Cooperative Extension’s delivery of programs to amplify involvement with selected audiences and it is important that we craft relevant content for a variety of audiences. Current research tells us that social media and related content can enrich education and can create broader audiences for programming. Resources like blogs, podcasts, and geofilters have shown to be received positively by a wide range of audiences and have created greater rates of engagement.
Yet, one platform that has received limited attention is TikTok, perhaps due to TikTok’s mixed reviews in educational systems. With current trends showing that 48% of 18-29 year olds are using the app, we believe that TikTok has great potential for connecting audiences with research-based information and engaging previously unreached communities.
11 pages, Research suggests participating in youth hands-on cooking programs, like those offered by Extension and 4-H, can improve nutrition behaviors and reduce the risk for obesity. We surveyed [STATE] Extension professionals (n = 127) to explore factors (e.g., employee characteristics, resources, county demographics) related to offering youth hands-on cooking programs and curricula used. Over 2/3 of participants offer programs and reported creating their own curriculum. More years of experience, having received Extension Specialist training, and increased confidence were positively related to offering these programs. Results suggest training could increase confidence and program implementation and standard curricula may be needed.
Wilken, Carolyn S. (author / Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Adult Development and Aging, Extension Human Development and Family Studies, Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992
Published:
USA: Extension Journal, Inc.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 89 Document Number: C06297
James F. Evans Collection; original: Working with our publics : in-service education for cooperative extension. Edgar J. Boone. Raleigh, NC : North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service, 1987. National training project consists of eight multimedia modules funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
10 pages, Barriers to the successful implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education and outreach initiatives are being documented across higher education institutions as DEI policies and protocols are gaining attention. Despite growing attention to promote DEI in higher education institutions, there remains a need to examine barriers preventing DEI efforts in a systematic way, particularly in Extension education contexts to formulate strategies to promote DEI. We present an expert, consensus-based framework to identify the most salient barriers to successful DEI implementation in Extension. We also discuss opportunities for Extension practitioners to overcome salient barriers with tailored mitigation strategies.
8pgs, We conducted a survey of New Jersey’s nursery industry to understand the current levels of labor shortage, how this has affected specific tasks related to the production capacity of the industry, and the actual level of mechanization. Survey results identified priority areas needing mechanization. There is a need for greater mechanization in almost all areas of nursery production to reduce the reliance on labor and or improve the efficiency of labor. Other Implications related to Extension programming on nursery mechanization are also discussed.
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.
Northrop, Mr. Carey Andrew (author), Jamieson, Mrs. Katherine M. (author), Jones, Parker B. (author), Reilly, Mary A. (author), and Augst, Tyler (author)
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2022-06-16
Published:
United States: Clemson University Press
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 205 Document Number: D12602
6pgs, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE)’s annual conference, Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC), has served as a catalyst for entrepreneurial ecosystems across Michigan since 2012. Designed by MSUE for small towns, CEC has gained national interest as evidenced by the adoption of this conference model by four other Extension services. This article outlines the unique conference design, details the partnership between Extension and host communities, and explores conference evaluation data validating the need to continue this programming. Lessons learned and successes to date are provided to ensure readers learn the value this unique conference format has in Extension entrepreneurship programming nationally.
Israel, Glenn D. (author), Borger, Ruth H. (author), Greer, Kelly (author), Kelly, Susan (author), Byrum, Keri Leymaster (author), Pelham, Jennifer (author), Samuel, Norma (author), Singleton, Lloyd O. (author), Wells, Robert H. (author), and Momol, Timur (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2015-08
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 141 Document Number: D06342
4 pages., Article #: 3TOT7, via online journal., Extension professionals at all levels can use popular social media platforms to increase awareness of Extension. This article explores how our team of Extension professionals has used a blog in combination with Facebook on a weekly basis to better market Extension and our work. Every Extension professional can easily become part of a deliberate effort to more actively connect with stakeholders by using these tools.
7pgs, Community Food Assessments (CFAs) can be used to identify resources and gaps in how food is grown and distributed in a community, and develop action plans for improvement. This article shares the process for conducting these assessments and draws lessons from CFAs conducted across Oregon. Key themes and innovative projects are highlighted to share potential programming ideas. Extension can play a role in partnership development and networking that helps create sustainable projects that improve local food systems.
5 pages., Article # 5IAW3, via online journal., A storytelling session was successful in raising awareness and understanding of the types of changes in weather patterns farmers are experiencing in Maine, what impacts those changes are having on their operations, and the changes farmers are making in response. Using an outreach approach rooted in farmer stories allowed us to bypass the controversy that often surrounds topics related to climate change. Likewise, focusing on the farmers' experiences and avoiding corrective statements during this introductory session resulted in productive dialogue. We recommend replicating this approach within different agricultural sectors to increase understanding of sector-specific risks and strategies for adaptation.
8 pages, A whole-farm planning course in Idaho has evolved from an in-person course offered by a single instructor in one location to an online course to a hybrid learning course that combines online learning with in-person and webinar components offered simultaneously at multiple sites across the state. Evaluation data suggest that all three approaches have been effective at increasing knowledge and skills. The hybrid learning model allows for using technology to leverage faculty and farmer expertise and increase participant numbers while maintaining in-person interaction and experiential learning. Findings support the concept of the hybrid learning model as a tool for Extension audiences in rural states.
Gay, Geri (author / Associate Director, Video Communication Laboratory and Research Specialist, Department of Communication Arts, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1982-03
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 86 Document Number: C05668
James F. Evans Collection; See C05667 for original, Using video to communication between two opposing groups let each side work through the issue's emotional aspects and outline possible solutions.
6 pages, A growing number of farmers are excluding animal inputs from crop production, an approach commonly referred to as veganic or stockfree organic agriculture. This research-based article discusses the soil health and fertility strategies reported by a sample of U.S. veganic farmers. These approaches may be relevant beyond the veganic community to farmers seeking innovative methods for produce safety and nutrient cycling. Agricultural outreach professionals (AOPs), including Extension personnel, play a critical role in supporting veganic practices by serving as cross-pollinators between farmers and research institutions. Thus, the article endeavors to expand AOP familiarity with veganic practices and benefits.
Ingram, Dewayne L. (author), Israel, Glenn D. (author), and Israel: Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; Ingram: Professor and Chair, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
USA: Madison, WI : Extension Journal.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 92 Document Number: C06752
Kendall, Patricia A. (author), Loftis, Jim C. (author), and Lofatis: Professor, Extension Agricultural Engineering, Department of Agricultural and Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; Kendall: Associate Professor, Extension Specialist, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 86 Document Number: C05628
10 pages., Article # 5TOT4, via online journal., This article describes visual-based minimal-text food safety tools developed in Mandarin Chinese to educate Chinese-speaking food service workers about safe food handling practices. Ten posters and one PowerPoint presentation were developed, and their efficacy in conveying critical food safety messages was tested with Chinese-speaking food service workers in Iowa. Extension educators can use these tools for formal and informal food safety education, thereby contributing to protecting public health.
Heimlich, Joe E. (author), Winkle, Ed (author), and Heimlich: Assistant Professor, Environmental Education, Ohio State University, Columbus; Winkle: County Extension Agent, Warren County, Ohio
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1993
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 93 Document Number: C06980
13pgs, The Extension Service is one of many agencies charged with increasing awareness and knowledge of research-based agricultural conservation practices. A regional survey of Extension agents with agriculture and natural resources responsibilities was conducted to assess the need for in-service training on 11 water resource conservation topics. The highest priority training needs were for topics related to complex interactions and drivers of agricultural water pollution. This article highlights the implications of these results and offers broader perspective on bringing the Borich model of needs assessment into the agricultural and natural resources realm of subject matter expertise.
James F. Evans Collection; See C04120 for original, The study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks to determine how much a farmer will actually use his/her computer after purchase. The introductory study looked broadly at the farmers' background, environment, and personality. It set out to discover what focuses in farm life enhance or diminish a farmer's computer use. The variables suggested include: Complexity of Farm, Degree of External Support, Age, Views on Management, Time, Experience, network, Availability of Information, and Personality and Approach to Learning. Several implications are suggested by these preliminary findings that might facilitate the use of computers.
8 pages, Small-scale farmers face unique challenges. In this review, we conceptualize small farm success by aggregating and categorizing results from recent (post-2000) literature on small farm success factors and producer needs assessments. Our findings suggest that small farm success is multifaceted and not limited to profitability. We find that small farms have a diverse range of needs, though little has been done to rank their importance. We conclude that future research would benefit from increased methodological transparency and a systematic approach to needs evaluation. We consider the role of Extension professionals regarding the continued success of small farms.
Melin, Thomas L. (author / County Extension Agent and Associate Professor, Agriculture Extension Service, University of Minnesota) and County Extension Agent and Associate Professor, Agriculture Extension Service, University of Minnesota
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1987
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 75 Document Number: C03924
DeYoung, Bruce (author / Associate Professor and Extension / Sea Grant Program Leader, Cooperative Extension Service, Oregon State University - Corvallis) and Associate Professor and Extension / Sea Grant Program Leader, Cooperative Extension Service, Oregon State University - Corvallis
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 72 Document Number: C03365
Miller, James C., Jr. (author / College of Agricultural Science, Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson University) and College of Agricultural Science, Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson University
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 68 Document Number: C02754
Evans, James F. (author), Shih, Win-Yuan (author), and Office of Agricultural Communications and Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 87 Document Number: C05927
Long, Huey B. (author), Zoller, Dawn (author), and Oklahoma Research Center for Continuing professional and Higher Education, University of Oklahoma, Norman; Oklahoma Research Center for Continuing professional and Higher Education, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 76 Document Number: C04126
James F. Evans Collection; See C04120 for original; AGRICOLA IND 90027740, This study was designed to determine if the CES teleconference programs were viewed by a broad segment of Oklahoma's population or if the programs appealed only to a certain population segment. Variables include: age, education, income, economic activity, frequency of participation, and program topics. This study's findings indicate that CES teleconference participants in Oklahoma are older, better-educated, and more affluent than the general state population. They're also better-educated, more affluent, and older than the rural population. Viewer preferences indicate that about two-thirds of the desired program topics are nonagricultural. (AGRICOLA)
Elliott, Graydon Ed (author), Goode, Donald Z., Jr. (author), and Goode: Ground-Water Programs Coordinator and Computer Applications Specialist, Bureau of Plant Industry, Mississippi Dept of Agriculture, Mississippi State, MS; Elliott: Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 93 Document Number: C06987
Collins, Olivia P. (author / Doctoral student in Family Life Education and Consultation, College of Human Ecology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS) and Doctoral student in Family Life Education and Consultation, College of Human Ecology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 82 Document Number: C04902