Digital Commons Network^™

Perceived Benefits And Barriers To Livestock Mortality Composting, Rachel Wieme, Lynne Carpenter-Boggs

The Journal of Extension

We conducted webinars in 2020 about livestock mortality composting (LMC). Forty-five attendees completed a survey to evaluate the webinar and help define future educational needs. Major barriers to LMC were lack of experience, public and neighbor perceptions, and environmental management. Most respondents indicated convenience, cost, biosafety, use of product, and environmental management as benefits. An unexpected emotional theme indicated that LMC also supports the “circle of life” and “respect for the animal.” We propose that this theme may be a uniting message to improve public and producer perception of LMC, increase use of LMC, and improve public-producer relationships overall.

An Evaluation Of A Cooperative Extension Internship Program, Lisa Ellis Mccormick, Karen A. Vines, Subrato Kumar Kuri

The Journal of Extension

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.

Teens Teach Nutrition Virtually To Youth During Covid-19: Improved Leadership Skills And Health Behaviors, Wendy S. Wolfe, Jacqueline Davis-Manigaulte, Dana M. Wheeler, Emma R. Dhimitri, Josie G. Ford, Kieu A. Phan, Dylan G. Ratnarajah

The Journal of Extension

The Choose Health Action Teens (CHAT) program of Cornell Cooperative Extension engages teens to teach a nutrition curriculum to younger youth, with the goal of enhancing the leadership skills and health behaviors of the teen teachers. Due to COVID-19, an in-person CHAT program in New York City was converted to virtual and implemented online during Summer 2020. Twelve teens, mentored by eight college interns, taught youth virtually in their homes. Quantitative and qualitative assessments demonstrated improvement in teen leadership and facilitation skills and health behaviors, and suggest that converting this type of programming to a virtual environment can be successful.

An Exploration Of Learning And Teaching Methods In Agricultural Extension, Jeremy Levinson, Dave Lamie, Michael Vassalos, Chris Eck, Juang Chong, Francis P. F. Reay-Jones

The Journal of Extension

Abstract

The Train-the-Trainer approach is widely used in Cooperative Extension education to efficiently disseminate research-based information to many clientele groups, including farmers. This paper compares the traditional Train-the-Trainer model to a comprehensive Collaborative Train-the-Trainer model and discusses weaknesses of the traditional model that are addressed in the Collaborative model. Sources of information used by farmers (growers) and overall effectiveness were measured through a survey instrument created and distributed to farmers in South and North Carolina. The Collaborative Train-the-Trainer model, which emphasizes peer-to-peer interaction and feedback loops, represents an enhanced approach for conceptualizing and implementing Extension educational programs.

Hay Inventory And Purchasing Calculator For Horse Owners, Robyn L. Stewart, Brooklyne M. Wassel

The Journal of Extension

The Hay Inventory and Purchasing Calculator for Horse Owners is an Excel-based tool for estimating hay needs and expenses for horse owners. Challenges with hay quality and availability can result in higher than expected costs for horse owners as they attempt to purchase enough horse-quality hay to meet their needs. Estimating intake requirements and creating a budget for hay purchasing is key for the effective management and profitability of equine operations. This tool can be used regardless of geographic location and will benefit a diverse audience including Extension educators, equine business owners, and horse owners.

Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program Generates Economic Value Through Body Mass Index Improvement: A Cost-Benefit Analysis, Andrea Leschewski, M. Catalina Aragon, Dave Weatherspoon, Karen Barale, Garry Auld, Richard Acquah-Sarpong, Susan S. Baker

The Journal of Extension

Prior economic evaluations of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) perform cost-benefit analyses (CBA) reliant on self-reported behavioral data and unvalidated criteria for disease prevention. This study aims to conduct a CBA of Colorado and Washington EFNEP using an objective biomarker, Body Mass Index, to monetize program benefits. A longitudinal study of a convenience sample of EFNEP participants was conducted utilizing a single-group pretest-posttest design. Results indicate Colorado and Washington EFNEP generates $9.23 of benefits per $1.00 of costs and demonstrate the feasibility and value of using biomarkers in economic evaluations of nutrition education interventions delivered through Extension.

On-Farm Hog Processing Demonstration For Teenage Exhibitors: Blending Academic, Laboratory, And Farm-Based Learning, Katherine A. Wells, Chris L. Bruynis, Lyda G. Garcia

The Journal of Extension

COVID-19 challenges induced a U.S. meatpacking industry bottleneck. [University] Extension identified the need and responded by creating a three-step hands-on training for teenage junior fair exhibitors. [University] Extension Meat Scientist and graduate students assisted in demonstrating an on-farm hog harvest and processing event in collaboration with a local Extension office for 4-H and FFA teenagers. To add a practical perspective, a local hog-producing and harvesting family was asked to assist with the event. An online post-survey reflected 90-100% gains in five educational areas and 100% said they would a similar event in the future and recommend it to a friend.

College Students’ Domestic Kitchen Food Safety Perceptions And Knowledge, Kailing Chen, Zhihong Lin, Isabelle Do Prado, Zahra Mohammad, Karla M. Acosta, Sujata A. Sirsat

The Journal of Extension

This study investigates college students’ current food safety knowledge and food-handling perceptions and utilized an online survey which designed based on previous studies as method. The questionnaire measured respondents’ food safety knowledge and perception, and were divided into knowledge, attitudes and perception categories. The results show that college students significantly lacked in basic food safety knowledge as well as food handling skills and implies a high need to develop enhanced food safety resources for college students, especially on topics related to cross-contamination prevention, correct food preparation procedures, time and temperature control, and awareness of pathogens that cause foodborne illness.

Developing Economic Injury Levels For Thrips (Frankliniella Occidentalis) In Idaho Alfalfa Under Controlled Pest Populations, John Reed Findlay, Joseph Sagers

The Journal of Extension

Thrips are a new pest of alfalfa in Eastern Idaho. University of Idaho Extension Educators studied the yield losses associated with this pest in a controlled greenhouse experiment. This data has been used to calculate the economic injury level (EIL) of thrips in alfalfa. The EIL represents the level of insect infestation at which control measures will begin to be economically viable. We calculate that for the 2021 growing season conditions the EIL was approximately 20 thrips per six stems. We also calculated EIL curves that growers and consultants can use as spray costs and hay values change.

Consumer-Focused Meat Science Extension Program Increase Consumer Confidence And Knowledge Of Meat Selection And Preparation, Stacy Zuelly, Yufei Guo, Melinda Dennis, Emily Ford, Melissa Davis

The Journal of Extension

Science-based, meat science education is often limited outside of universities, creating possibilities to develop Extension activities to educate and impower consumers in principles of meat science. The Indiana BBQ Bootcamp was developed to provide consumers information on meat selection, proper cooking techniques, food safety, and meat seasoning (spice rubs and marinades) through demonstrations and product sampling. Attendees were surveyed before and after the program to report their confidence in their ability to perform basic meat science techniques. Responses to all survey questions showed significant increase in the attendees’ confidence demonstrating improvement in their meat science knowledge.

Using Multimedia To Help Agricultural Producers Communicate With Consumers About Gmos, Stacey F. Stearns, Jennifer E. Cushman, Joseph A. Bonelli, Bonnie E. Burr

The Journal of Extension

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their uses are often misunderstood. Consumers are regularly unsure what GMOs are, or if they are safe for consumption and the environment. Contradictory and sometimes inaccurate information is available from numerous sources, and challenges consumers and others to separate the facts from sensationalized stories. Agricultural producers often communicate with consumers, neighbors, and members of the general public; however, they do not have information to share about GMOs. Multimedia resources can provide agricultural producers with science-based information to share with consumers. Agricultural communicators and Extension educators can create science-based multimedia resources to bridge the communication gap.

The Need For A Chainsaw Safety Training Program For Female Forest Landowners, Patrick Hiesl, Janet Steele, Susan T. Guynn

The Journal of Extension

Female forest landowners (FFLO) are increasing in numbers but have been marginalized in technical training programs in the past. We conducted chainsaw safety training programs geared towards FFLO and compared program evaluation results with results from male-dominated chainsaw training workshops. FFLO are limited in their technical knowledge at the beginning of a workshop, are more likely to own different types of chainsaws than male participants, and generally liked having a women-only workshop. The takeaway is that FFLO strive in a women-only environment and that more women-focused extension training programs are needed to provide with a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Offering Collegiate Livestock Judging As A Student Organization, Maryfrances Miller, Don W. Edgar, Lyle Logemann

The Journal of Extension

Resource constraints have lowered the number of collegiate livestock judging teams, dropping the number of opportunities for collegiate judging, even though interest among students remains high. These opportunities can be provided for less expense through student-led extracurricular organizations. This approach increases the student initiative required, but also provides an increased opportunity for developing and demonstrating leadership skills.

Factors Affecting Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera L.) Health As Perceived By South Georgia Commercial Beekeepers, Kimberly Post

The Journal of Extension

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are critical to the pollination of many crops. Bee-oriented organizations survey beekeepers annually to gather information about colony loss and contributing factors. Unfortunately, these surveys provide insufficient data from sideliner and commercial beekeepers in Georgia. Through a survey to better understand South Georgia beekeepers’ perceptions of honey bee health, this project engaged a previously underrepresented group of sideliner and commercial beekeepers.

Beyond Translation: Increasing Accessibility To Nutrition Education For Foreign-Born Latine Adults, Karen L. Franck, Jennifer Ward, Lisa Fuller, Egla Delvo-Lopez, Chanta'l Rose

The Journal of Extension

About 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Latine. To engage these audiences, many Extension nutrition education programs have translated curricula and other resources into Spanish. Culturally responsive programs need to move beyond translation and address critical issues and needs specific to Latine audiences. We conducted focus groups with 118 foreign-born Latine adults across one state. Participants were interested in nutrition education programs involving the entire family including children offered by bilingual educators. They also wanted programs that focused on healthy meals that included foods from their culture of origin with common US foods.

Extending Knowledge On Biosecurity In Small-Scale And Backyard Systems In The United States, Juliette Di Francesco, Amber Itle, Craig Mcconnel, Ragan Adams, Roselle Busch, Richard Van Vleck Pereira, Terry W. Lehenbauer, Beatriz Martínez-López, Alda F. A. Pires

The Journal of Extension

The number of small-scale and backyard operations has increased in the United States during the past decade, but there is currently a lack of outreach efforts and readily-available educational materials targeting these farming systems. We developed a webinar series on biosecurity to provide training for small-scale and backyard producers, and training tools that can be used by local veterinarians and extension educators to disseminate knowledge and consistent recommendations more effectively. Fewer people attended the webinars than registered, suggesting a gap between interest in biosecurity and commitment to the topic. Participants in the webinar series reported a high level of satisfaction …

Supporting Information For “Using Drones Equipped With Thermal Cameras To Locate And Count Quail Individuals And Coveys: A Case Study Using Northern Bobwhite Colinus Virginianus In Mississippi, Usa”, Jared A. Elmore

Publications

Drone flights were conducted over bobwhite individuals and coveys and information was collected on the date, time of flight, number of individuals estimated in the covey, and number of individuals flushed from the covey (i.e., actual number of individuals). We also report season of flight and the thermal sensor used for each flight. NA denotes that flush or capture was not attempted.