14 pages, The implementation of urban school-based agricultural education programs has been a topic of growing interest. The literature indicates that urban programs are increasing in numbers and yet also presents unique challenges in implementation and programming. This case study examined a program which had traditional programmatic elements but in an urban community. The program utilized some traditional elements such as a barn with livestock and greenhouse focused on floral production. The program also layered elements of non-traditional programs including an emphasis on DEI work, deemphasizing the FFA, and curriculum to food production in the greenhouse. The implications of this case study for urban program design are important in that there is no one size fits all in programming for urban programs.
10 pages, The legalization of hemp cultivation in the United States has provided opportunities for farmers to grow a new crop. Despite these opportunities, significant social, economical, and technical challenges to growing hemp have been well documented. The purpose of this research was to explore Nebraska conventional farmers’ perceptions toward hemp cultivation. Using the diffusion of innovations theory as a framework, one-on-one interviews were conducted with seven conventional farmers in Nebraska. Data were analyzed using deductive coding methods. Results are presented in four emergent themes describing farmer perceptions: 1) limited prior exposure; 2) perceived technical challenges; 3) advantages; and, 4) impartial feelings.
8 pages, The purpose of this project was to evaluate the Virginia Cooperative Extension internship program from the perspective of student participants and their supervisors. Three focus groups were conducted with internship supervisors from the summer of 2019. Student survey data was used to identify concerns from the student perspective to inform the supervisor focus group questions. In addition to the questions, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was also used to collect qualitative data within the supervisor focus groups. Findings suggest areas of strength that can be used in marketing as well as opportunities for program improvement.
