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The Signal And The Noise: Libraries & Institutional Data Analysis, Elizabeth Ten Have
The Signal And The Noise: Libraries & Institutional Data Analysis, Elizabeth Ten Have
NASIG Newsletter
No abstract provided.
Face Time Is Still Critical To Effective Extension In Commercial Agriculture, Justin Waggoner, Chris Reinhardt
Face Time Is Still Critical To Effective Extension In Commercial Agriculture, Justin Waggoner, Chris Reinhardt
The Journal of Extension
Even in the digital era, face-to-face meetings still have impact. Employees and managers must have a similar understanding of the challenges facing their industry. The meeting series described here was designed to allow workers and managers to learn side-by-side. A total of 622 workers and managers representing 75 companies (which have the combined annual capacity to feed approximately 1.8 million cattle, or 9% of the entire U.S. cattle feeding industry) attended seven meetings across western Kansas in which both overarching industry challenges and specific best management practices were communicated. Meeting face-to-face remains an effective way to communicate with commercial agricultural …
Using Survey Responses To Determine The Value-Added Features Of A Webinar Portal System For Adoption By Natural Resource Professionals, Laurie Gharis, Robert E. Bardon, William Hubbard, Eric Taylor, Grizel Gonzalez-Jeuck
Using Survey Responses To Determine The Value-Added Features Of A Webinar Portal System For Adoption By Natural Resource Professionals, Laurie Gharis, Robert E. Bardon, William Hubbard, Eric Taylor, Grizel Gonzalez-Jeuck
The Journal of Extension
This article presents the findings of a recent survey of natural resource webinar providers. Respondents were asked a range of questions regarding their webinar services. Findings showed that respondents most commonly marketed their webinars through email or websites and targeted an audience of professionals. Respondents noted that the greatest challenge in offering webinars was the time commitment, whereas access to high-quality speakers added the most value to a webinar portal. Although the majority of responding webinar providers do not currently charge for their webinars, over one third noted that they would be willing to pay a fee per participant.
Marijuana Legalization & Extension: A Growing Dilemma, Kathryn E. Dodge
Marijuana Legalization & Extension: A Growing Dilemma, Kathryn E. Dodge
The Journal of Extension
The legalization of marijuana is gaining momentum. Twenty-three states and D.C. have legalized medical marijuana, and two are considering it. Four states have legalized recreational marijuana, and another 11 are considering following their lead. Extension brands itself as extending research to help families and small farmers grow crops. However, because Extension receives federal funding, Extension has decreed that we not help patients, caregivers, growers, processors, or retailers raise and harvest this finicky crop. We seek to be relevant. Do we need to find a way to help our urban and rural clients deal with this complicated, current, and controversial issue?
New Jersey 4-H Goat Extravaganza: Efficiently Meeting The Educational Needs Of 4-H Goat Project Members, Volunteers, And Parents, Chad Ripberger
New Jersey 4-H Goat Extravaganza: Efficiently Meeting The Educational Needs Of 4-H Goat Project Members, Volunteers, And Parents, Chad Ripberger
The Journal of Extension
The 4-H Goat Extravaganza maximizes limited resources to help youth and adults develop knowledge and skills in goat care and management. It capitalizes on the talents and interests of volunteers to efficiently combine a goat-themed art show, team presentation contest, quiz bowl, skillathon, and adult workshop into 1 day. This article outlines the Extravaganza and includes the results of a survey of participants from the program's first 9 years. While the Extravaganza has been effective in meeting most short-term objectives, organizers are exploring ways to increase youth awareness and understanding of career opportunities and current issues in the animal industry.
Risk And Emergency Communications: How To Be Heard When The Message Counts Most, Heather N. Kolich
Risk And Emergency Communications: How To Be Heard When The Message Counts Most, Heather N. Kolich
The Journal of Extension
To cope with disasters and emergencies, agricultural producers need specific information addressing livestock care, disease containment, secure storage of volatile chemicals, and other unique concerns. Effective risk and emergency communications result from a time- and resource-intensive process that begins well before emergencies occur. To influence our agricultural clients to engage in risk-mitigation and emergency-preparedness behaviors, Extension agents must build trust with the community, provide information through a variety of channels, and convey an image of professional emergency response competency.
The North Dakota Beef Industry Survey: Implications For Extension, Carl R. Dahlen, Joleen C. Hadrich, Gregory P. Lardy
The North Dakota Beef Industry Survey: Implications For Extension, Carl R. Dahlen, Joleen C. Hadrich, Gregory P. Lardy
The Journal of Extension
A portion of the North Dakota Beef Industry Survey was developed to determine how educational programs can evolve to meet future needs of North Dakota beef producers. Of the 2,500 surveys mailed out to beef producers, 527 responses were completed and returned. Results highlight the level of education of North Dakota beef producers, anticipated use of technology in the next 1 to 5 years, educational meeting attendance, and preferred methods of receiving educational programming. Future programming efforts should be developed and delivered using a multi-faceted approach to ensure acceptance and utilization by producers with varying degrees of technology reliance.
Creating The Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Advisory Group, Ken Culp Iii, Harriett C. Edwards, Jenny W. Jordan
Creating The Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Advisory Group, Ken Culp Iii, Harriett C. Edwards, Jenny W. Jordan
The Journal of Extension
The SR4-HVAG combines the efforts of states to provide quality educational programming for volunteers and Extension professionals using an advisory group system. An advisory group rather than a council was created because the group provides programmatic input rather than sets policy. The purposes of the SR4-HVAG are to: provide a mechanism for volunteer input and perspective regarding educational, programmatic and developmental needs of volunteers and strengthen communication and delivery systems that provide for the continued sharing of resources and programmatic efforts in the Southern Region. Each state is represented by two volunteers and is facilitated by a state volunteerism specialist.
Interdependence: Ninth And Newest Critical Element For 4-H Positive Youth Development, Kirk A. Astroth
Interdependence: Ninth And Newest Critical Element For 4-H Positive Youth Development, Kirk A. Astroth
The Journal of Extension
For the past 15 years, a list of eight critical elements has provided a strong foundation for articulating the positive youth development focus of 4-H programs and efforts. Now it is time to revisit this list and update the critical elements for positive youth development. Interdependence is proposed as a ninth critical element that should be included. Research is cited for the importance of this element that was not included in the original list in 1998, and a call is made for a national think tank to update the critical elements.
Extension Community Development: Building Strong, Vibrant Communities, Lionel J. Beaulieu, Sam Cordes
Extension Community Development: Building Strong, Vibrant Communities, Lionel J. Beaulieu, Sam Cordes
The Journal of Extension
Extension community development (CD) became part of the work of the Cooperative Extension Service in the mid-1950s, but the seeds of the CD program were planted with the release of the Country Life Commission in 1909. This article traces a brief history of Extension CD, along with the current priorities of this program area. Key issues that the Extension system and the CD program must address in the years ahead are discussed, as well.
Impact Of 4-H On Alumni's Community Involvement, Kyle Merten, Darlene Locke, Montza Williams, Meredith Carter, Kelli Lehman
Impact Of 4-H On Alumni's Community Involvement, Kyle Merten, Darlene Locke, Montza Williams, Meredith Carter, Kelli Lehman
The Journal of Extension
The quantitative, non-experimental descriptive study reported here sought to measure how being alumni of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program influenced their decisions toward community involvement and leadership positions within communities. Former Texas 4-H alumni at least 18 years of age were the assessable population. The study confirms former 4-Hers are using what they learned in the 4-H program by staying involved in their community organizations and holding leadership positions. Organizations listed at the top by most volunteers included: 4-H Volunteer, Church Organization, and Fair Board/Livestock Association/Group. Leadership positions most frequently held include president and secretary.
Acquisition, Custody, And Storage Of Firearms Used In 4-H Shooting Sports Programs, David J. White, Jedediah D. Smith
Acquisition, Custody, And Storage Of Firearms Used In 4-H Shooting Sports Programs, David J. White, Jedediah D. Smith
The Journal of Extension
Shooting sports has been a 4-H program offering since the 1930's. Tragic events related to the use of firearms as weapons have caused public and private entities to evaluate and consider the appropriateness of youth access to and usage of firearms. 4-H educators have the primary responsibility for managing the risk associated with shooting sports programs. All 4-H educators should follow protocols for the acquisition, custody, and storage of firearms. In Oregon, 4-H educators and volunteers must follow an Oregon-centric risk management plan. This Tools of the Trade article focuses on Oregon's precautionary system used to administer its 4-H Shooting …
Job Satisfaction In The North Dakota State University Extension Service, Bill Hodous, R Brent Young, Mari L. Borr, Rachelle Vettern
Job Satisfaction In The North Dakota State University Extension Service, Bill Hodous, R Brent Young, Mari L. Borr, Rachelle Vettern
The Journal of Extension
Retirement rates are on the increase. Levels of job satisfaction and changing demographics raise concerns about attrition in the North Dakota State University Extension Service system. The study reported here examined data provided from the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire to describe the overall job satisfaction of employees in the North Dakota State University Extension Service as well as their satisfaction based on the 20 job satisfaction scales of the MSQ. Determining levels of satisfaction, especially in relation to specific aspects of the job, is a necessary priority in recruiting and retaining new employees.
Prevalence And Effectiveness Of Technology Use Among Family & Consumer Sciences Agents, Stephanie C. Toelle, Victor W. Harris
Prevalence And Effectiveness Of Technology Use Among Family & Consumer Sciences Agents, Stephanie C. Toelle, Victor W. Harris
The Journal of Extension
Extension agents are encouraged to use new technologies to reach and teach their clientele. To uncover the prevalence and effectiveness of technology use, a survey was conducted among family and consumer sciences agents in the southern region of the United States. The results show that there is not much deviation from PowerPoint presentations, though some additional multimedia is incorporated. Barriers and advantages of using educational technology are discussed.
The New Agent: A Qualitative Study To Strategically Adapt New Agent Professional Development, Lauri M. Baker, Gregg Hadley
The New Agent: A Qualitative Study To Strategically Adapt New Agent Professional Development, Lauri M. Baker, Gregg Hadley
The Journal of Extension
The qualitative study reported here assessed the needs of agents related to new agent professional development to improve the current model. Agents who participated in new agent professional development within the last 5 years were selected to participate in focus groups to determine concerns and continued needs. Agents enjoyed networking and struggled with the time away from their home counties. Recommendations for improvement include integrating the idea of pre-entry competencies, developing online new agent professional development sessions, introducing new agents to existing communities of practice, developing new communities of practice, and developing more resources for new agents.
Benchmarking Professional Development Practices Across Youth-Serving Organizations: Implications For Extension, Barry A. Garst, Sarah Baughman, Nancy Franz
Benchmarking Professional Development Practices Across Youth-Serving Organizations: Implications For Extension, Barry A. Garst, Sarah Baughman, Nancy Franz
The Journal of Extension
Examining traditional and contemporary professional development practices of youth-serving organizations can inform practices across Extension, particularly in light of the barriers that have been noted for effectively developing the professional competencies of Extension educators. With professional development systems changing quickly, particularly through online education and blended learning opportunities, benchmarks need to guide new research around best practices in professional development. Although many program providers have not established benchmarks for professional development, a few cases exist. This article examines the current state of professional development practices of youth-serving organizations and offers recommendations for improving Extension professional development practices.
Bridging Formal And Informal Learning Environments, Bradley S. Barker, Kim Larson, Michelle Krehbiel
Bridging Formal And Informal Learning Environments, Bradley S. Barker, Kim Larson, Michelle Krehbiel
The Journal of Extension
Out-of-school time programs that provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational content are promising approaches to develop skills and abilities in students. These programs may potentially inspire students with engaging hands-on, minds-on activities that encourages their natural curiosity around STEM content areas. However, it is also important to align out-of-school time learning activities with what is being taught in the formal classroom so that the experiences are congruent. Two examples of congruent programs are described in this article.
Acquisitions Institute At Timberline, 2014, Rhonda Glazier, Rachel A. Erb
Acquisitions Institute At Timberline, 2014, Rhonda Glazier, Rachel A. Erb
NASIG Newsletter
No abstract provided.
Merriman Winner Interview: Kathleen Mcgrath
The Role Of Evaluation In Determining The Public Value Of Extension, Nancy K. Franz Dr., Mary Arnold, Sarah Baughman
The Role Of Evaluation In Determining The Public Value Of Extension, Nancy K. Franz Dr., Mary Arnold, Sarah Baughman
The Journal of Extension
Extension has developed a strong evaluation culture across the system for the last 15 years. Yet measures are still limited to the private value of programs, looking at problems in a linear way and at isolated efforts. Across the country, Extension evaluators and administrators need to step up to help answer the "so what?" question about complex issues and related programming through stronger evaluation that leads to articulating the public value of Extension work.
A Global Worldview Among Extension Professionals: A Case Study Of Best Practices For Study Abroad Programs, Landry Lockett, Lori Moore, Gary Wingenbach
A Global Worldview Among Extension Professionals: A Case Study Of Best Practices For Study Abroad Programs, Landry Lockett, Lori Moore, Gary Wingenbach
The Journal of Extension
Globalization and diversifying communities in the United States mandate internationally minded Extension professionals and programming. The knowledge necessary for successfully working in international agricultural and Extension education is vast and takes time to acquire. A catalyst for this learning process is participation in university- or Extension-led study abroad programs. The study reported here affirms the value of best practices for study abroad programs. A Texas A&M University study abroad program to Guatemala provided additional activities before, during, and after the experience to enhance best practices in study abroad programs and to promote the preparation of future and current Extension professionals.
Buffering Negative Impacts Of Divorce On Children: Evaluating Impact Of Divorce Education, Jennifer K. Crawford, Jane Riffe, Dominic A. Trevisan, Olusola O. Adesope
Buffering Negative Impacts Of Divorce On Children: Evaluating Impact Of Divorce Education, Jennifer K. Crawford, Jane Riffe, Dominic A. Trevisan, Olusola O. Adesope
The Journal of Extension
Following the call for more stringent evaluation methodology and recently documented national Extension presence in the field of divorce education for parents and children, the study reported here describes a local multi-level evaluation to capture program impact of a stakeholder-accepted divorce education program. Using a post-then-pre retrospective scale and validated measures of inter-parental conflict and child adjustment, participants showed significant gains in key co-parenting and community resources knowledge and significant decreases in inter-parental conflict. Selected components of the evaluation design are applicable to Extension faculty working in divorce education programs.
Learnings And Recommendations To Advance 4-H Science Readiness, Lynn Schmitt-Mcquitty, Ramona Carlos, Martin H. Smith
Learnings And Recommendations To Advance 4-H Science Readiness, Lynn Schmitt-Mcquitty, Ramona Carlos, Martin H. Smith
The Journal of Extension
The case study investigation reported here assessed California 4-H professionals' understanding of the essential components of effective 4-H Science programming as established by the National 4-H Science Mission Mandate. Using the 4-H Science Checklist as the basis for defining 4-H Science Readiness, academic and program staff were surveyed and interviewed to determine their understanding of what constitutes effective science programming in 4-H and their capacity to deliver science professional development and programs. Results indicated a need to build staff capacity relative to 4-H Science in California and outcomes may have implications for 4-H professionals nationally.
A Participatory Approach To Fcs Food, Nutrition, And Wellness Program Planning, Elena Serrano, Alicia Powell, Donna H. Mcbride, Kathryn Strong
A Participatory Approach To Fcs Food, Nutrition, And Wellness Program Planning, Elena Serrano, Alicia Powell, Donna H. Mcbride, Kathryn Strong
The Journal of Extension
To help fill programming gaps in a more organized and collaborative manner, a participatory approach to program planning was tested in Virginia. Programming gaps related to food, nutrition, and wellness programs were filled through a participatory process that involved: an online needs assessment survey; a systematic review of evidence- and practice-based programs; a webinar providing an overview of possible programs for adoption; a program ranking survey; development of an evaluation template; a training; and feedback survey. Our results indicate that a systematic, team-based approach to program planning may be beneficial in guiding trainings and dissemination of programs within Extension.
Feedlot Nutritionist Boot Camp: An Intensive Short-Course For Commercial Agriculture Graduate Students, Chris Reinhardt, Mike Hubbert
Feedlot Nutritionist Boot Camp: An Intensive Short-Course For Commercial Agriculture Graduate Students, Chris Reinhardt, Mike Hubbert
The Journal of Extension
In the digital age, face-to-face meetings combining didactic and experiential learning are valuable. Beef cattle nutrition graduate students (n = 33) from 11 universities attended a 5-day feedlot nutrition and management short-course. Topics included nutrition, veterinary medicine, feedmill maintenance, and management of the financial and human aspects of the feedyard business. Practicing feedlot industry professionals provided the training. In addition, students completed an interactive, team-oriented assignment. Students gleaned a greater comprehension of the intersection between the scientific theory learned in the university and the very application of that theory.
I-Walk: An Innovative Approach To Community Walkability, Christopher J. Seeger, Catherine J. Lillehoj, Alan D. Jensen, Suzy Wilson
I-Walk: An Innovative Approach To Community Walkability, Christopher J. Seeger, Catherine J. Lillehoj, Alan D. Jensen, Suzy Wilson
The Journal of Extension
One way of combating rising obesity rates and decreasing physical activity levels among children is to promote active transportation to and from schools. The award-winning I-WALK program provides a comprehensive framework for addressing community walkability and related infrastructure. The program uses a unique and innovative methodology that combines volunteer data collection workshops; classroom-based teacher tallies; and a dynamic Web-based survey that brings parents and children together to discuss school transportation issues. The program's success demonstrates the benefits of coalition-building and community-based participatory research approaches to designing healthy and safe local environments.
Developing An On-Farm Research Network: Published Work For Peers And Producers, Wm. Bruce Clevenger, Harold D. Watters
Developing An On-Farm Research Network: Published Work For Peers And Producers, Wm. Bruce Clevenger, Harold D. Watters
The Journal of Extension
The Ohio State University Extension Agronomic Crops Team has a committee providing leadership to coordinate an on-farm research network. The network has been developed to provide needs assessment, peer review, and reporting of on-farm research. The research protocols originate from locally driven needs and stakeholder focus groups. The network includes county-based Extension professionals working with cooperating farms, county-owned farms operated by Extension professionals, and university-owned research facilities. The network uses team members for their strengths and specializations to fortify the research effort. The research results are online and searchable by Extension professionals and farmers. The team website is: http://agcrops.osu.edu
4-H Youth Development: The Past, The Present, And The Future, Lynne M. Borden, Daniel F. Perkins, Kyle Hawkey
4-H Youth Development: The Past, The Present, And The Future, Lynne M. Borden, Daniel F. Perkins, Kyle Hawkey
The Journal of Extension
The 4-H Program within Cooperative Extension is more than 100 years old. As we celebrate 100 years of Cooperative Extension, the foundation built by the 4-H Program serves as grounds to meet the needs of today's youth. The diversity of the youth who participate continues to grow, families continue to become less traditional, potential volunteers' time continues to shrink, and the growing number of digital devices steal time. These changes demand 4-H adapt and innovate to remain relevant. This commentary examines the role that 4-H Youth Development will play in the next 100 years to face these challenges.