Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 299

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Opportunities And Best Practices To Support Sustainable Production For Small Growers And Post-Harvest Processors In Southern California, Fissore Cinzia, Daniel F. Duran, Robert Russell Dec 2015

Opportunities And Best Practices To Support Sustainable Production For Small Growers And Post-Harvest Processors In Southern California, Fissore Cinzia, Daniel F. Duran, Robert Russell

The Journal of Extension

This article describes current practices and needs associated with water and gas conservation among Southern California greenhouse growers, Post-Harvest Processors (PHPs), and agricultural associations. Two communication forums were held with the goal of educating the local gas company and small growers and PHPs on the most compelling needs and best practices to support sustainability while improving profit. While some growers and PHPs have made significant investment in energy and water conservation advanced technologies, all participants expressed the desire to work with local utilities towards greater water and energy conservation opportunities that are customized to specific needs.


Perspectives Of Extension Agents And Farmers Toward Multifunctional Agriculture In The United States Corn Belt, John W. Doudna, Matthew E. O’Neal, John C. Tyndall, Matthew J. Helmers Dec 2015

Perspectives Of Extension Agents And Farmers Toward Multifunctional Agriculture In The United States Corn Belt, John W. Doudna, Matthew E. O’Neal, John C. Tyndall, Matthew J. Helmers

The Journal of Extension

We surveyed the perspectives of farmers, crop professionals, and Extension agents and found that they have positive perspectives concerning multifunctional agriculture, including a positive effect of a nearby prairie to cropland productivity. The survey was conducted in central Iowa and included individuals predominantly from Iowa involved in commodity research and production. Our results are preliminary and provide a baseline for further research into the perspectives of change agents in the U.S. Corn Belt. They also provide insight into similarities among key links in the diffusion of innovation chain.


Systematic Approach To Food Safety Education On The Farm, Angela Shaw, Catherine Strohbelhn, Linda Naeve, Paul Domoto, Lester A. Wilson Dec 2015

Systematic Approach To Food Safety Education On The Farm, Angela Shaw, Catherine Strohbelhn, Linda Naeve, Paul Domoto, Lester A. Wilson

The Journal of Extension

Food safety education from farm to end user is essential in the mitigation of food safety concerns associated with fresh produce. Iowa State University developed a multi-disciplinary three-level sequential program ("Know," "Show," "Go") to provide a holistic approach to food safety education. This program provides knowledge on GAP (Know); guides development and documentation of food safety practices (Show); and aids in grower's readiness for third party auditing (Go). Evaluations suggest this program is effective in changing long term food safety knowledge, attitude, and behaviors. The multi-disciplinary sequential approach can be used by other Extension programs to reach.


Use Of Interactive Electronic Audience Response Tools (Clickers) To Evaluate Knowledge Gained In Extension Programming, Patrick Gunn, Dan Loy Dec 2015

Use Of Interactive Electronic Audience Response Tools (Clickers) To Evaluate Knowledge Gained In Extension Programming, Patrick Gunn, Dan Loy

The Journal of Extension

Effectively measuring short-term impact, particularly a change in knowledge resulting from Extension programming, can prove to be challenging. Clicker-based technology, when used properly, is one alternative that may allow educators to better evaluate this aspect of the logic model. While the potential interface between clicker technology and Extension programming has been a topic of discussion, the successful use and stakeholder attitude towards such technology in an Extension setting is not well known. This article addresses this gap in understanding and provides an assessment of clicker use in Extension programming.


July 23, 2015 Conference Call Dec 2015

July 23, 2015 Conference Call

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Keeping Up With The Flow: Electronic Resource Workflow And Analysis Dec 2015

Keeping Up With The Flow: Electronic Resource Workflow And Analysis

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Cpc Update Dec 2015

Cpc Update

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Profile Of The Site Selection Committee, Sharon Dyas-Correia Dec 2015

Profile Of The Site Selection Committee, Sharon Dyas-Correia

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Profile Of Carol Ann Borchert, Sharon Dyas-Correia Dec 2015

Profile Of Carol Ann Borchert, Sharon Dyas-Correia

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Committee Updates Dec 2015

Committee Updates

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Ppc Update Dec 2015

Ppc Update

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Fall 2015 Treasurer's Report, Beverly Geckle Dec 2015

Fall 2015 Treasurer's Report, Beverly Geckle

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


President's Corner, Carol Ann Borchert Dec 2015

President's Corner, Carol Ann Borchert

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


New Nasig Logo Dec 2015

New Nasig Logo

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Free Student Membership To Nasig Dec 2015

Free Student Membership To Nasig

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


August 27, 2015 Conference Call Dec 2015

August 27, 2015 Conference Call

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


December 2015 Full Issue Dec 2015

December 2015 Full Issue

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


Call For Volunteers Dec 2015

Call For Volunteers

NASIG Newsletter

No abstract provided.


The Youth Writers: Developing Curriculum For Their Peers, Michelle Krehbiel, Melissa S. Fenton, Patricia J. Fairchild Dec 2015

The Youth Writers: Developing Curriculum For Their Peers, Michelle Krehbiel, Melissa S. Fenton, Patricia J. Fairchild

The Journal of Extension

Curricula designed for youth are often lacking a young person's influence and perspective. In order to provide engaging, "fresh" materials for youth, 4-H professionals can recruit youth as curriculum writers. Youth are given an opportunity to form positive partnerships with adults, produce engaging and creative materials for their peers, and develop leadership skills. Positive youth development is promoted through youth-adult partnerships, involvement in decision making, and contributing to projects. A model for implementing a youth writers program is described in this article.


Best Practices In Community Garden Management To Address Participation, Water Access, And Outreach, Luke Drake, Laura Lawson Dec 2015

Best Practices In Community Garden Management To Address Participation, Water Access, And Outreach, Luke Drake, Laura Lawson

The Journal of Extension

As community gardens expand across the U.S., Extension professionals can support them not only in horticultural education but also in planning and organization. Knowledge of community garden management is helpful in this regard. Existing research focuses on outcomes and criteria for successful gardens, but is less clear about how community gardens work. We use ethnographic methods to examine community garden management in New Jersey. Spatial and social contexts shape key issues such as water access, participation, and horticultural techniques. Extension professionals can more effectively support community gardens by tailoring their advice to these contexts.


Incorporating Nutrition Education Classes Into Food Pantry Settings: Lessons Learned In Design And Implementation, Annie Hardison-Moody, Sarah Bowen, J Dara Bloom, Marissa Sheldon, Lorelei Jones, Brandi Leach Dec 2015

Incorporating Nutrition Education Classes Into Food Pantry Settings: Lessons Learned In Design And Implementation, Annie Hardison-Moody, Sarah Bowen, J Dara Bloom, Marissa Sheldon, Lorelei Jones, Brandi Leach

The Journal of Extension

The project reported here evaluated the effectiveness of nutrition education at food pantries. We offer best practices for future Extension-based nutrition programming with this clientele. Three classes were offered at food pantries through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Entry and exit surveys were collected for each series, including 24-hour food recalls. Seventy-three percent of participants reported an increase in vegetable consumption, and 82% reported positive changes in consumption of at least one food group. Nutrition education in food pantries is promising, particularly for Extension-led programs like SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, to address nutrition behaviors among food insecure populations.


Cost Effectiveness Ratio: Evaluation Tool For Comparing The Effectiveness Of Similar Extension Programs, Ksu Jayaratne Dec 2015

Cost Effectiveness Ratio: Evaluation Tool For Comparing The Effectiveness Of Similar Extension Programs, Ksu Jayaratne

The Journal of Extension

Extension educators have been challenged to be cost effective in their educational programming. The cost effectiveness ratio is a versatile evaluation indicator for Extension educators to compare the cost of achieving a unit of outcomes or educating a client in similar educational programs. This article describes the cost effectiveness ratio and its application in Extension. The major implications are 1) learning ways to reduce the cost of educational programming, 2) making Extension educators aware of the cost of educational programming and guiding ways to maximize the cost effectiveness, and 3) promoting pro-evaluation organizational culture.


Whither Leadership, Whither Extension?, Steven B. Johnson Dec 2015

Whither Leadership, Whither Extension?, Steven B. Johnson

The Journal of Extension

Management and leadership in Extension have long been discussed. Leadership within Extension may not have evolved at the same rate as current issues. The current approach may not ensure success in future years. A new perspective on the current leadership approaches may be overdue. Leadership needs to go hand in hand with management, but one without the other rarely results in success. Weak or absent leadership forces the void to be filled by multiple individuals, leading to a lack of organizational cohesion. Worse yet, a dysfunctional organization may result. Many may have already recognized this and are leading from within.


Youth Representation On County Government Committees: Youth In Governance In Kenosha County, Wisconsin, Matthew Calvert, John De Montmollin, Tedi Winnett Dec 2015

Youth Representation On County Government Committees: Youth In Governance In Kenosha County, Wisconsin, Matthew Calvert, John De Montmollin, Tedi Winnett

The Journal of Extension

The Kenosha County Youth In Governance program was created to build leadership skills and civic engagement opportunities for high school-aged students by placing two youth representatives on each of the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors standing committees. In reviewing data from 3 years of youth participants, the program was effective in increasing civic engagement and leadership skills of young people. Respondents reported specific increases in knowledge of county government, connection to community, empowerment, communication skills, and confidence. Effective program practices were also identified from reviewing statements made from youth participants.


Extension Professionals And Community Coalitions: Professional Development Opportunities Related To Leadership And Policy, System, And Environment Change, Carol A. Smathers, Jennifer M. Lobb Dec 2015

Extension Professionals And Community Coalitions: Professional Development Opportunities Related To Leadership And Policy, System, And Environment Change, Carol A. Smathers, Jennifer M. Lobb

The Journal of Extension

Community coalitions play an important role in communitywide strategies to promote health and wellbeing, and Extension professionals may provide leadership, technical assistance, and other support to coalitions. Extension professionals across a Midwestern state were invited to participate in an online survey about their coalition involvement and related training needs. The results of the study reported here describe the nature of Extension professionals' work within community coalitions; identify gaps in knowledge particularly related to policy, system, and environment change (PSEC) strategies; and point to professional development opportunities that will improve Extension's ability to work effectively within community coalitions.


Cooking Matters At The Store: A Case Study Of Three Missouri Counties, Melissa M. Bess Dec 2015

Cooking Matters At The Store: A Case Study Of Three Missouri Counties, Melissa M. Bess

The Journal of Extension

Cooking Matters at the Store is a grocery store tour where participants learned about healthy eating and tips for saving money on food purchases. Participants learned how to read food labels, compare unit prices, find whole grains, and three ways to purchase produce. Evaluations revealed that participants planned to use the information they learned and enjoyed the tour. A partnership with a grocery store manager is vital for the success of the program. The program incentives and working with a store that serves limited-resource audiences helped reach the intended audience.


From Kickoff To Handoff: Coaching Teens To Tackle Stem Literacy, Chad Ripberger, Lydia B. Blalock Dec 2015

From Kickoff To Handoff: Coaching Teens To Tackle Stem Literacy, Chad Ripberger, Lydia B. Blalock

The Journal of Extension

This article discusses how intensive, content-rich, multiple-day conferences for teams of youth and their adult coaches can be used to initiate the training and planning needed for teens to successfully serve as STEM teachers. The concepts are based on three 4-H "teens as teachers" projects that included 29-36.5 hour initial training conferences. Teenagers (173) completed pre/post surveys on STEM knowledge, skills, careers, resources, and teaching ability. The teenagers exhibited increases in these areas for all three conferences. The authors discuss the common elements of these conferences, provide implementation examples and suggest resources that support this type of training.


Infographics: An Innovative Tool To Capture Consumers" Attention, Kelly Niebaum, Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, Ja.N Carroll, Laura Bellows Dec 2015

Infographics: An Innovative Tool To Capture Consumers" Attention, Kelly Niebaum, Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, Ja.N Carroll, Laura Bellows

The Journal of Extension

Using infographics as educational tools has emerged as a strategy to reach consumers in today's information-saturated environment. Through the use of engaging and informative graphics, educators can deliver meaningful messages tailored to targeted audiences. Varying types of effectively designed infographics can be used to capture the attention of consumers by: telling a story, clarifying complex information with evidence-based information or research findings, using innovative design, and reaching targeted audiences in easily accessible places. Combining innovative infographic design and targeted dissemination strategies, Extension educators can capture consumers' attention and deliver clear messages to improve communication with consumers.


Colorado's Agrability Project's Effects On Kasa And Practice Changes With Agricultural Producers And Professionals Dec 2015

Colorado's Agrability Project's Effects On Kasa And Practice Changes With Agricultural Producers And Professionals

The Journal of Extension

Disability rates resulting from work-related injuries remain steadily high among farmers and ranchers. To address the gap in services within this population, USDA implemented AgrAbility nationally. Using part of Bennett's hierarchical model, the current study evaluated the KASA and practice change levels of 401 farmers and ranchers and compared them to the levels of 401 AgrAbility professionals who participated in Colorado AgrAbility Project workshops (1998-2013). Results indicated that although KASA and practice change levels decreased somewhat from immediately following the workshop to follow-up, 90%-98% of participants reported KASA improvements 4 months afterwards. Implications are discussed.


Evaluating The Mentor-Mentee Relationship In The 4-H Tech Wizards Program, Andy Toelle, Bryan D. Terry, Brent Broaddus, Heather Kent Dec 2015

Evaluating The Mentor-Mentee Relationship In The 4-H Tech Wizards Program, Andy Toelle, Bryan D. Terry, Brent Broaddus, Heather Kent

The Journal of Extension

Youth rely on mentors to provide camaraderie, encouragement, and guidance. The authors asserted that the measurement of youth-mentor relationship would vastly improve the reaching effects of mentorship and expose areas of potential improvement. A questionnaire was given to youth at the beginning and end of a small group mentoring program. The Mentor-Youth Inventory survey exposed levels of emotional engagement, revealed satisfaction levels, and uncovered the breadth of relationships within the program. The study provides evidence that measuring and establishing a benchmark for the quality of youth-mentor relationships facilitates the opportunity to increase the value of small group mentoring in Extension.