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Journal of Extension

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Veg Out! Use Of An Infomercial-Style Format In A Produce Awareness Program, Morgan Bahl, Sarah L. Francis, Mary Krisco Feb 2021

Veg Out! Use Of An Infomercial-Style Format In A Produce Awareness Program, Morgan Bahl, Sarah L. Francis, Mary Krisco

Journal of Extension

Veg Out! is an infomercial-style produce awareness session. We use image-focused rather than content-focused slides to highlight the health benefits associated with produce consumption. This image-focused approach is helping participants become more familiar with produce serving sizes and increasing the likelihood of their consuming more produce. Our findings suggest that an image-focused education session is an effective strategy for promoting familiarity with the topic being presented and increasing the likelihood of behavior change.

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Go Among The People: Travel As Nontraditional Professional Development, Stephen G. Bramwell Feb 2021

Go Among The People: Travel As Nontraditional Professional Development, Stephen G. Bramwell

Journal of Extension

Extension agents obtain professional development (PD) through a variety of means, some of which have been critiqued as lacking in creativity or involvement of experiential learning approaches. As Extension engages in reinvention and reimaging in response to competition in the information marketplace, direct and candid connections with a changing clientele are essential. In this article, I propose the value of travel as a form of nontraditional PD, present an approach to manufacturing relevant encounters, and include a case study to illustrate the application of this approach. Nontraditional PD allows professionals to creatively adapt programming to community need and character.

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Creating A Suicide Prevention Program For Farmers And Farmworkers, Don Mcmoran, Kate Seymour, Shannon Bachtel, Sylvi Thorstenson Feb 2021

Creating A Suicide Prevention Program For Farmers And Farmworkers, Don Mcmoran, Kate Seymour, Shannon Bachtel, Sylvi Thorstenson

Journal of Extension

In 2018 the Washington State legislature passed Substitute House Bill 2671 to address suicide in the agriculture industry, and Washington State University Skagit County Extension was selected by the Washington State Department of Health to develop a suicide prevention pilot program for farmers and farmworkers. In the initial stage from March to September 2019, program efforts included collaborating with suicide prevention and behavioral health experts, building institutional capacity (bilingual English–Spanish material and website creation), and leveraging the Extension platform. We provide a roadmap for other Extension entities looking to create suicide prevention programs.

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Preparing Extension Educators For Community-Based Research And Grant Partnerships, Cheryl Eschbach, Holly Tiret, Erin Carter, Cathy Newkirk Feb 2021

Preparing Extension Educators For Community-Based Research And Grant Partnerships, Cheryl Eschbach, Holly Tiret, Erin Carter, Cathy Newkirk

Journal of Extension

Two trainings to prepare Extension educators for research and grant partnerships were designed, implemented, and evaluated. These trainings further national goals to address health disparities, gain partnerships in the health care sector, and support health extension. The workshop Are You Research Ready? prepares Extension educators to participate in community-based human health research. Evaluations indicated that attendees gained a self-assessment of research readiness and felt more confident to position themselves for grants. Program evaluations also showed that educators needed additional training on how to create partnerships. A second workshop, Are You Partnership Ready?, addresses this need, increasing participants' confidence and skills …

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Landowner And Natural Resources Professional Perceptions Of Silvopasture In Central And North-Central Minnesota, Madeline M. Ford, Diomy S. Zamora, Charles R. Blinn, Sophia Vaughan, Eleanor Burkett Feb 2021

Landowner And Natural Resources Professional Perceptions Of Silvopasture In Central And North-Central Minnesota, Madeline M. Ford, Diomy S. Zamora, Charles R. Blinn, Sophia Vaughan, Eleanor Burkett

Journal of Extension

Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that combines trees, forage, and livestock in an intensively managed system. We surveyed landowners and natural resources professionals in Minnesota to determine their perceptions of silvopasture. Although most respondents had heard of silvopasture, few knew a lot about it. We concluded that there is a need for more educational programming that expands the knowledge of and provides technical assistance to landowners and natural resources professionals who want to add silvopasture to their management toolboxes.

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Sowing Seeds Of Evaluation: A Pilot Study Measuring Master Gardener Program Public Benefit, Tamekia Wilkins, Melissa Gable, Kit Alviz, Katherine Webb-Martinez, Melissa Womack Feb 2021

Sowing Seeds Of Evaluation: A Pilot Study Measuring Master Gardener Program Public Benefit, Tamekia Wilkins, Melissa Gable, Kit Alviz, Katherine Webb-Martinez, Melissa Womack

Journal of Extension

We conducted an evaluation pilot study to measure the influence of the statewide University of California Master Gardener Program on participants who attended its public education events. We discuss (a) steps for developing a statewide evaluation and (b) findings from the event follow-up survey we used to evaluate public education participants' self-reported behavior changes. Our findings suggest that volunteer-led public education events resulted in participants improving science-based gardening practices. Our approach has implications for other states' Extension programs; sharing program evaluation measurement strategies and data across states can facilitate better communicating Extension's benefit to the public, thereby addressing a need …

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Community Climate Conversations: Engaging And Empowering Local Action In A Changing World, Thomas Beery, Kristen Schmitt, Julie Mcdonnell, Tansey Moore Feb 2021

Community Climate Conversations: Engaging And Empowering Local Action In A Changing World, Thomas Beery, Kristen Schmitt, Julie Mcdonnell, Tansey Moore

Journal of Extension

We examined how the Twin Ports Climate Conversations (TPCC), a community-based climate communication project, is influencing local climate awareness and response. A survey of TPCC participants and subsequent roundtable discussion event were used to explore program impacts, outcomes, and future directions. Results showed that the TPCC project has been effective at increasing awareness and facilitating contacts and may be leading to actions that range from information sharing to personal behavioral changes. Future directions include engaging new audiences and promoting more on-the-ground climate action. TPCC can serve as a model to help other communities start cross-sectoral climate conversations.

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Paving The Way: A Plan For Tackling Urban Forestry Challenges And Gaining Public Support, Lauren Nicole Dupéy, Megan R. Dettenmaier, Mike Kuhns, Darren Mcavoy, Mark Brunson Feb 2021

Paving The Way: A Plan For Tackling Urban Forestry Challenges And Gaining Public Support, Lauren Nicole Dupéy, Megan R. Dettenmaier, Mike Kuhns, Darren Mcavoy, Mark Brunson

Journal of Extension

The benefits of urban trees are well known; however, tree roots often damage sidewalks, requiring root cutting, tree removal, and sidewalk replacement. We used alternative materials that allowed for tree retention and sidewalk replacement at two sites in northern Utah. From these projects, we developed a plan to help Extension professionals build support for novel urban forestry techniques and tools by forming collaborative partnerships, conducting public and professional outreach, and evaluating public opinions through the use of drop-off/pick-up surveys. Our project highlights the importance of having a proactive outreach plan when conducting Extension programming that involves new practices and products.

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Narrative Analysis Research: A Tool For Extension Educators, Tina Cowger, Julie Tritz Feb 2021

Narrative Analysis Research: A Tool For Extension Educators, Tina Cowger, Julie Tritz

Journal of Extension

Within the qualitative research community, narrative analysis research is a common method that is used to better understand a person's experiences or a collective experience. The use of narratives in Extension has been limited. Extension professionals primarily have used narratives as tools for conveying the value of Extension programs or, more recently, as one aspect of a broader program evaluation effort. This article focuses on benefits of narrative analysis research and its potential for practical application by those in Extension.

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Tools For A Statewide Performance Appraisal System For Extension Professionals, Joseph L. Donaldson Feb 2021

Tools For A Statewide Performance Appraisal System For Extension Professionals, Joseph L. Donaldson

Journal of Extension

In response to research demonstrating that Tennessee Extension agents desired a performance appraisal system that better reflected their jobs and provided for appraisers' professional development, a committee of University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University personnel undertook a 2-year initiative to revise the performance appraisal system. The committee produced a performance appraisal form and a performance appraisal rubric delineating performance factors, criteria, and performance-level descriptions; a comprehensive appraisal guide; and case studies and training guides for Extension professionals to use in learning about effective performance appraisal. Extension professionals conducting similar efforts in other states may benefit from using these tools.

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Demonstrating The Public Value Of Extension Forestry Programming Through Benefit Transfer Analysis, Daniel L. Goerlich, John F. Munsell, Heather H. Boyd, Klaus Moeltner Feb 2021

Demonstrating The Public Value Of Extension Forestry Programming Through Benefit Transfer Analysis, Daniel L. Goerlich, John F. Munsell, Heather H. Boyd, Klaus Moeltner

Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension produces public value through educational programming that benefits the greater community. Forests provide numerous valuable benefits to society through the provision of ecosystem services. Cooperative Extension educational programming positively affects forest owners, who, in turn, conduct actions that enhance ecosystem services. An understudied relationship exists between Cooperative Extension and ecosystem services that can be drawn on to document Extension's public value. Applying ecosystem services values to Extension natural resources–related programmatic outcomes through benefit transfer provides an avenue through which Extension can potentially make significant advancements in monetizing its public value.

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Senior Access Points: Increasing Awareness Of Aging-Related Resources, Sue Schneider, Allyson Brothers Feb 2021

Senior Access Points: Increasing Awareness Of Aging-Related Resources, Sue Schneider, Allyson Brothers

Journal of Extension

As the United States' population ages, connecting older adults to supportive resources is more important than ever. Colorado State University Extension has played a central role in implementing Senior Access Points, a program that delivers community outreach and education regarding aging-related resources available to older adults and caregivers. This article outlines four key components of development of the program: building a website, producing outreach materials, training volunteer ambassadors, and establishing a county-wide, coordinated outreach effort designed to break down resource access barriers. With outreach strategies tested and established in one county, the program is now being replicated by Extension professionals …

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Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Receptiveness To Innovative Caregiving Programming, Kristopher M. Struckmeyer, Gina Peek, Paula J. Tripp, Alex J. Bishop, Sarah R. Gordon Feb 2021

Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Receptiveness To Innovative Caregiving Programming, Kristopher M. Struckmeyer, Gina Peek, Paula J. Tripp, Alex J. Bishop, Sarah R. Gordon

Journal of Extension

Communities can adapt to residents' needs through innovative citizen-led initiatives. Extension can facilitate these innovation initiatives, but are Extension agents always receptive to such change? We conducted a study to examine the association between organizational change and personal factors and Extension family and consumer sciences agents' innovativeness regarding caregiving programming. Respondents rated their receptiveness to change and answered questions regarding psychosocial health factors. We found that years in current position, leadership self-efficacy, interoffice support, and social support were significant predictors of innovativeness. Results suggest that personal factors rather than organizational change factors may be the more crucial mechanisms for driving …

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Animal Disaster Training: Assessing Disaster Preparedness And Perceptions Of Responders, Carla L. Huston Feb 2021

Animal Disaster Training: Assessing Disaster Preparedness And Perceptions Of Responders, Carla L. Huston

Journal of Extension

Extension has an important role in addressing animal issues in communities. An evaluation of animal disaster preparedness and perceptions of participants in a large-animal emergency training course was conducted through precourse and postcourse surveys, and survey data from first responders were compared to those of other participants. Few participants had personal disaster plans that included animals. After taking the course, participants demonstrated greater appreciation for collaborating agencies and better recognition of the importance of animal handling, animal behavior, and animal first aid/triage. Overall, participants identified equipment safety and personal protective equipment as the most important topics for which training is …

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Thinking Globally About Universities And Extension: The Convergence Of University-Based And Centralized Extension Systems In China, Louis E. Swanson Jr., Kuoray Mao Feb 2021

Thinking Globally About Universities And Extension: The Convergence Of University-Based And Centralized Extension Systems In China, Louis E. Swanson Jr., Kuoray Mao

Journal of Extension

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.

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#Passthemicyouth Multimedia Program: Setting The Stage To Amplify Youth Voices, Maru Gonzalez, Katherine E. Mckee, Michael Kokozos, Luke Shealy, Sam Chan Feb 2021

#Passthemicyouth Multimedia Program: Setting The Stage To Amplify Youth Voices, Maru Gonzalez, Katherine E. Mckee, Michael Kokozos, Luke Shealy, Sam Chan

Journal of Extension

The #PassTheMicYouth multimedia program is a youth-centered, youth-led podcast and blog that amplifies the voices and lived experiences of young people across social identity groups. Grounded in a positive youth development framework and informed by a critical pedagogical tradition, #PassTheMicYouth shines a spotlight on sociopolitical issues important to young people and provides a platform that supports creativity and candor. Archived podcast episodes and blog posts are accompanied by lesson plans Extension professionals and other educators can use to promote dialogue and critical reflection among youth and adult audiences. This article introduces the #PassTheMicYouth program and examines potential applications for youth-serving …

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Barriers To And Strategies For Engaging Extension Educators In Family Caregiver Education, Kristopher M. Struckmeyer, Emily Roberts, Sarah R. Gordon, Brandon M. Raczkoski, Chitra Singh Feb 2021

Barriers To And Strategies For Engaging Extension Educators In Family Caregiver Education, Kristopher M. Struckmeyer, Emily Roberts, Sarah R. Gordon, Brandon M. Raczkoski, Chitra Singh

Journal of Extension

Oklahoma Extension educators encountered barriers related to trainings and program delivery for a caregiver education program produced by Oklahoma State University Extension. Oklahoma family and consumer sciences educators were interviewed about perceived barriers to attending trainings and delivering the program. Findings indicated that staff shortages, program prioritization, challenges in developing an audience, and communication issues with the program team made it difficult for educators to engage with the program. Strategies for improvement based on the findings were devised.

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Identifying Barriers To Forage Innovation: Native Grasses And Producer Knowledge, Patrick Keyser, Susan Schexnayder, Adam Wilcox, Gary Bates, Christopher N. Boyer Feb 2021

Identifying Barriers To Forage Innovation: Native Grasses And Producer Knowledge, Patrick Keyser, Susan Schexnayder, Adam Wilcox, Gary Bates, Christopher N. Boyer

Journal of Extension

Adoption of native warm-season grasses (NWSGs) in the tall fescue belt is limited despite studies documenting the potential contribution of these forages to profitable beef production. On the basis of two surveys conducted in Tennessee, a survey of beef producers and a survey of agricultural professionals, we evaluated perceptions of NWSG forages and how those perceptions could influence their adoption. Although agricultural professionals were more familiar with NWSGs than producers, both populations had limited knowledge regarding these forages, indicating that additional Extension education is needed. Our results provide useful guidance for developing NWSG forage educational programs for producers and agricultural …

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"I Wish I Had Known"—Understanding Barriers To Accessing Aging-Related Resources, Sue Schneider, Allyson Brothers Feb 2021

"I Wish I Had Known"—Understanding Barriers To Accessing Aging-Related Resources, Sue Schneider, Allyson Brothers

Journal of Extension

There is a growing imperative to ensure that aging-related resources and information are accessible to older adults and caregivers as the population ages. Extension can play an important role in associated education and outreach. We report on the results of a community assessment conducted in Larimer County, Colorado, that addressed barriers to information access. The results of our assessment demonstrated that many people were not finding the right entry point to access the services they needed. These findings inform strategies being applied in Senior Access Points of Larimer County, a program that encompasses a coordinated, county-wide outreach campaign.

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Existing Data Sources As Tools For Entry-Stage Extension Professionals, Olivia Caillouet, Matt Benge, Amy Harder Dec 2020

Existing Data Sources As Tools For Entry-Stage Extension Professionals, Olivia Caillouet, Matt Benge, Amy Harder

Journal of Extension

Due to the nature of Extension, work across counties differs because efforts are grounded in the needs of a community and intentional programming helps address these needs. A common competency required for entry-stage Extension professionals is program development, which includes planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. Understanding a community's needs is a crucial aspect of the program planning process, yet new Extension professionals may not know where to locate existing information about their communities. Before creating Extension programs, Extension professionals should understand local communities and identify existing data to facilitate the needs assessment phase of program development.

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Farewell And December Joe Highlights, Debbie Allen Dec 2020

Farewell And December Joe Highlights, Debbie Allen

Journal of Extension

As JOE enters a new phase of its existence beginning in 2021, I will leave my position as editor in chief. In the Farewell section of this Editor’s Page, I anticipate JOE’s bright future and reflect on what my time with JOE has meant to me. In December JOE Highlights, I focus on the power and utility of JOE Ideas at Work and Tools of the Trade articles and spotlight some of the most important articles in the issue’s other sections.

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Impact Of Covid-19 On Missouri 4-H State Fair Participation And Implications For Youth Development Programs, Maria L. Calvert, Maria G. Fabregas Janeiro Dec 2020

Impact Of Covid-19 On Missouri 4-H State Fair Participation And Implications For Youth Development Programs, Maria L. Calvert, Maria G. Fabregas Janeiro

Journal of Extension

For University of Missouri Extension, facilitation of Missouri 4-H's participation in the Missouri State Fair (MSF) during the COVID-19 era was a challenge and an opportunity for improvement. In a time when positive youth development experiences are more necessary than ever, Extension professionals must consider how to uphold the foundations of positive youth development and maintain a sense of program normalcy while ensuring new levels of safety and security. We describe lessons learned before, during, and after Missouri 4-H made the decision to open the MSF 4-H building in the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and issue a call …

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Assessing And Responding To Covid-19 Pandemic Nutrition And Wellness Impacts On Iowans, Morgan Bahl, Sarah L. Francis, Ruth Litchfield, Shannon Coleman, Anirudh Naig Dec 2020

Assessing And Responding To Covid-19 Pandemic Nutrition And Wellness Impacts On Iowans, Morgan Bahl, Sarah L. Francis, Ruth Litchfield, Shannon Coleman, Anirudh Naig

Journal of Extension

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for indirect Extension programming. To ensure a consumer-focused response, we gathered data from 452 survey respondents regarding how the pandemic was affecting their food-related and health behaviors. The majority reported obtaining their food from a grocery store as they had prior to the pandemic, albeit less frequently, and having increased their home food preparation. Due to the pandemic, respondents were less physically active and more stressed and were seeking reliable nutrition and wellness information. We describe how we were able to facilitate an immediate response by repackaging and adapting existing programming to meet …

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Determining The Professional Development Needs Of Florida Integrated Pest Management Extension Agents, Matt Benge, Xavier Martini, Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Hugh A. Smith Dec 2020

Determining The Professional Development Needs Of Florida Integrated Pest Management Extension Agents, Matt Benge, Xavier Martini, Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Hugh A. Smith

Journal of Extension

With agriculture as the second largest economic industry in Florida, the state's Extension agents need subject matter expertise necessary for disseminating the latest in agricultural research information to agricultural producers. Using an exploratory sequential design coupled with a Borich model, we determined the professional development needs of Florida Extension agents working in integrated pest management (IPM). Through our needs assessment, we identified 16 IPM competencies and found that the highest priority relative to needed professional development was for the competency "determining pest thresholds." Extension personnel can use the list generated to assess perceptions of importance and ability level regarding IPM …

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Comparing Linkages Between Descriptive Norms And Current And Intended Outdoor Water Conservation, Laura A. Warner, Savanna Turner, Lisa Lundy Dec 2020

Comparing Linkages Between Descriptive Norms And Current And Intended Outdoor Water Conservation, Laura A. Warner, Savanna Turner, Lisa Lundy

Journal of Extension

The study presented here was used for evaluating how theory of planned behavior variables (attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms) and perceptions of others' outdoor water conservation (descriptive norms) related to individuals' own conservation and intent to conserve. The theory of planned behavior predicted current and intended conservation similarly. Descriptive norms from close-peer and state referent groups improved predictions of current practices but not behavioral intentions. Descriptive norms may be more influential when Extension clients are establishing routines pertaining to outdoor water conservation (e.g., installing a new landscape). Extension professionals should strategically communicate a conservation norm at similar opportune times.

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Social Media Use For Farmers Market Communications In Illinois, Dandan Tao, Taylor Kathryne Ruth, Janie Maxwell, Hao Feng Dec 2020

Social Media Use For Farmers Market Communications In Illinois, Dandan Tao, Taylor Kathryne Ruth, Janie Maxwell, Hao Feng

Journal of Extension

Social media has been recognized as a powerful tool supporting communication of many topics in the agriculture industry. We explored the use of social media platforms among farmers market managers and specialty crop growers in Illinois through an online survey. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were platforms used by the majority of respondents. We found that social media was used primarily for communicating with consumers for marketing purposes. We identified major training needs of farmers market stakeholders related to using social media to promote business and convey food safety information.

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4-H International Camp United Program And The 2025 4-H Strategic Vision, Alayne Torretta, Matthew Newman, Sharon Kinsey Dec 2020

4-H International Camp United Program And The 2025 4-H Strategic Vision, Alayne Torretta, Matthew Newman, Sharon Kinsey

Journal of Extension

Building on existing relationships with international youth development colleagues, we created the 4-H International Camp United Program (4-HICUP) as a leadership opportunity for international and U.S. teens. In 2019, teenagers from Azerbaijan, Italy, Russia, and the United States came together to build personal cross-cultural relationships, further develop leadership skills, and increase understanding of their role as global citizens. The program was inspired by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture 2025 Strategic Vision for 4-H suggesting that "youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change." With the success of 4-HICUP, we want to include more …

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Ten Steps For Establishing A Succession Plan Addressing Volunteer Disengagement, Laura Brumbaugh Robertson Dec 2020

Ten Steps For Establishing A Succession Plan Addressing Volunteer Disengagement, Laura Brumbaugh Robertson

Journal of Extension

What happens when volunteers disengage from an Extension program? What steps should Extension professionals take to fill a vacated role? There is a robust amount of research regarding best retention practices once volunteers are plugged into a program. However, there is a gap in current volunteer literature regarding practical applications to prepare existing volunteers to take on new roles. Incorporating proven strategies through practical applications would allow Extension professionals to address volunteer disengagement before it happens. Extension professionals can consider 10 steps to develop a succession plan to address volunteer disengagement.

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Remote: Office Not Required—A Book Review, Paul Hill, Andrea Schmutz Dec 2020

Remote: Office Not Required—A Book Review, Paul Hill, Andrea Schmutz

Journal of Extension

Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson offers a novel perspective into the modern workplace practice of remote work. This book provides an outline for becoming an expert in remote work, both as a leader and as a practitioner. Fried and Hansson describe tools and methods that help practitioners find success when implementing remote work and explain how to avoid common obstacles. Although drawbacks and challenges exist, the authors maintain that remote work is likely more compatible with organizations than leaders might think, maintaining that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

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Message From The Journal Of Extension Editorial Committee, Theresa M. Ferrari Dec 2020

Message From The Journal Of Extension Editorial Committee, Theresa M. Ferrari

Journal of Extension

This editorial addresses upcoming changes to the Journal of Extension. These changes are intended to facilitate more efficient editorial processes and continued enhancement of the scholarly and editorial strengths of the journal. The new editorial model will involve associate editors who will be an integral part of the manuscript review process. In addition, a new publishing arrangement with Clemson University Press will be effective January 1, 2021. The commitment to publishing a high-quality journal and supporting author development remains a priority.

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