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Journal of Extension

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Ohio Pasture For Profit Schools: Designing A Successful Format For Grazing Courses, Mark L. Bennett, Christopher D. Penrose, Henry M. Bartholomew Apr 1997

Ohio Pasture For Profit Schools: Designing A Successful Format For Grazing Courses, Mark L. Bennett, Christopher D. Penrose, Henry M. Bartholomew

Journal of Extension

Improved grazing systems offer a profitable sustainable alternative for livestock producers in Ohio. In 1994, Extension agents and state specialists formed an Integrated Forage Management Team and designed regional "Pasture for Profit Schools" for Ohio. Ten teaching outlines were developed that included text and scripts to present in a series of two to three classes. Notebooks and fact sheets were developed, and an on-farm case study would be provided. Twenty-five schools from 1994-96 have been attended by over 700 participants providing an instructor to student ratio of 1:15. Several states have requested the program for implementation.

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An Investment In The Future: Employee Wellness, Cindy S. Oliveri, Deanna Tribe, Elaine Collins, Rebecca Culbertson Apr 1997

An Investment In The Future: Employee Wellness, Cindy S. Oliveri, Deanna Tribe, Elaine Collins, Rebecca Culbertson

Journal of Extension

The Take Charge of Your Health Conference gave employees in one Ohio Extension district access to a major medical facility and also helped develop a partnership between the University Medical Center and Extension. As a group, employees were found to be at risk due to mean values outside the ideal range for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Diastolic Blood Pressure, and Body Mass Index. Wellness programs such as this one can demonstrate an organization's commitment to employee's mental and physical well-being.

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Profitability Plus Environmental Sustainability Equals Modified Relay Intercropping, Steven C. Prochaska Feb 1997

Profitability Plus Environmental Sustainability Equals Modified Relay Intercropping, Steven C. Prochaska

Journal of Extension

To address the issues of farm profitability and environmental protection, a modified relay intercropping (MRI) system has been studied. In this system, soybeans are planted into wheat at or past the heading stage of growth. A modified relay intercropping system can effectively utilize farm labor, time and equipment, while at the same time reducing herbicide usage in the soybean crop. A descriptive study was conducted to measure the effects of variable wheat nitrogen fertilizer rates on soybean yield. The two year soybean yield in the MRI system average was 33.9 bushels per acre. There were significant differences in soybean yield …

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Balancing Work And Family In Cooperative Extension: History, Effective Programs, And Future Directions, Robert J. Fetsch, Mary S. Kennington Feb 1997

Balancing Work And Family In Cooperative Extension: History, Effective Programs, And Future Directions, Robert J. Fetsch, Mary S. Kennington

Journal of Extension

Balancing family and work is a continuous struggle for many Cooperative Extension faculty. In 1981 ECOP formulated a position paper recommending that managers critically examine policies and practices and their effects on the family life of Extension employees. Research findings are reported on Extension Agents' stress levels and their effects on family life from six states. Program effects are reported from four different workshops in three states. Components of effective programs are described. To reduce Extension faculty's stress and strain levels, modify organizational policies and management strategies and support faculty who take proactive steps to balance their work and family.

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Instrument Development For Low Literacy Audiences: Assessing Extension Program Personnel Teaching Effectiveness, Laryssa Lackman, Ruben D. Nieto, Rosemary Gliem Feb 1997

Instrument Development For Low Literacy Audiences: Assessing Extension Program Personnel Teaching Effectiveness, Laryssa Lackman, Ruben D. Nieto, Rosemary Gliem

Journal of Extension

Performance evaluation plays an important role in providing feedback for self improvement and in assisting administrators with personnel decisions. The main purpose of the study was to develop an appropriate evaluation instrument to be used by low literacy audiences for the assessment of Extension program personnel teaching effectiveness. After content and face validity checks, a nine-item instrument using a pictorial scale and an open-ended statement were selected for the instrument. Items selected reflected six dimensions of teaching: learning, enthusiasm, organization, group interaction, individual rapport, and overall. The low literacy instrument confirms Extension administration's views of serving a wide variety of …

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Evaluating Evaluation -- What We've Learned, K Chapman-Novakofski, Ls Boeckner, R Canton, Cd Clark Feb 1997

Evaluating Evaluation -- What We've Learned, K Chapman-Novakofski, Ls Boeckner, R Canton, Cd Clark

Journal of Extension

Impact evaluation will be an important part of establishing program accountability within future Extension systems. Telephone interviews with Extension field staff and nutrition specialists who participated in field testing evaluation instruments highlight the benefits and barriers of evaluation processes. Perceived importance of general program evaluation processes are reported. Points to consider for the implementation of effective evaluation process are presented.

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Drawings As A Method Of Program Evaluation And Communication With School-Age Children, William Evans, Jackie Reilly Dec 1996

Drawings As A Method Of Program Evaluation And Communication With School-Age Children, William Evans, Jackie Reilly

Journal of Extension

This paper presents a projective drawing activity developed to incorporate children's perceptions into program evaluation. The activity is being used as part of a five-year, multi-modal evaluation of a school-age child care program that includes qualitative and quantitative components. This school-age educational program targets low income at-risk children and their families to prevent early school drop-out and sexual activity, violent behavior, and drug and alcohol abuse. The curriculum focuses on promoting school involvement, and enhancing conflict resolution, self-responsibility and communication skills. Implications of the drawing activity for Extension specialists are discussed.

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Implementing A Wellness Weekend Program, Berdine Maginnis, Linda S. Boeckner Dec 1996

Implementing A Wellness Weekend Program, Berdine Maginnis, Linda S. Boeckner

Journal of Extension

Using a weekend retreat format, a seven-year educational effort has successfully reached rural Extension audiences with topics that address national extension health and wellness priorities. Major objectives of the program are to encourage participants to adopt healthy lifestyle practices by reducing high risk behaviors and taking responsibilities for health decisions. Program evaluation data gathered from participants in the sixth year indicated that positive lifestyle behaviors have been adopted. Program planners have continued to adapt program format and direction to meet clientele needs and attract new audiences.

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An Analysis Of Supermarket Pricing, Beverly J. Keil, E Linda Ferris Oct 1996

An Analysis Of Supermarket Pricing, Beverly J. Keil, E Linda Ferris

Journal of Extension

Does it matter which supermarket you shop for groceries? Does it make a difference which week of the month you shop? Do supermarkets raise their prices and feature more junk food the first of the month when Food Stamps are distributed and have more specials on basic foods at the end of the month when many low income people are out of money? These were the beliefs of Extension clientele in Eastern Ohio. This study was conducted to see if these assumptions were correct and to identify shopping strategies to maximize grocery budgets.

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Developing Skills And Expertise To Program In Latino Communities Using Satellite Technology, Rebecca Escott, Claudia Mincemoyer, Debra Nauman, Michelle Rodgers Oct 1996

Developing Skills And Expertise To Program In Latino Communities Using Satellite Technology, Rebecca Escott, Claudia Mincemoyer, Debra Nauman, Michelle Rodgers

Journal of Extension

Extension faculty and staff in Pennsylvania participated in a satellite training to increase their skills and confidence in programming in Latino communities. The conference was a combination of regional site activities and satellite programming. At local sites, participants experienced the culture through food, music, discussions with local Latino community members, and hands-on exploration of resources. During the satellite portion of the program, demographic issues, programming concerns, and information about the Latino culture were discussed. In addition, county Extension staff shared successful programs being conducted in Latino communities.

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Public Perception Of Extension, Paul D. Warner, James A. Christenson, Don A. Dillman, Priscilla Salant Aug 1996

Public Perception Of Extension, Paul D. Warner, James A. Christenson, Don A. Dillman, Priscilla Salant

Journal of Extension

This article addresses the issues of how people's perception and use of Extension have changed over a 13-year period. Telephone surveys of the U.S. population in 1982 and again in 1995 asked about the awareness and use of Extension. In addition, the 1995 study documented desired spending support for the seven base programs. Awareness of Extension has remained high, although buoyed by 4-H's high visibility. Annual use of Extension registered a decline. Funding support was found to be the greatest for programs in youth and family issues, as well as in natural resources.

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Enriching The Future: Extension Youth Program In Summertime Learning, Dennis Flyod Jones Jun 1996

Enriching The Future: Extension Youth Program In Summertime Learning, Dennis Flyod Jones

Journal of Extension

This article introduces Project YES, a collaborative summer intervention program for youth. The history of the program is followed by a description, using the Summer, 1993 incarnation as an example. It describes the multi-dimensional nature of the program, as well as how the program improves through quantitative evaluation. Project YES is presented as an opportunity for Extension to become involved with the current activity and debate in year-round schooling.

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Body Power: School-Based Weight Management For Adolescents, Raeann Pourrroy, Phyllis M. Dennee, Andrea L. Pagenkopf Jun 1996

Body Power: School-Based Weight Management For Adolescents, Raeann Pourrroy, Phyllis M. Dennee, Andrea L. Pagenkopf

Journal of Extension

Body Power! is a 20-lesson, school-based curriculum for adolescents that focuses on weight management. Activity-oriented lessons strive for improvement of body image, inclusion of regular activity, and better decision-making for healthy food choices. The program was piloted in a rural middle school by an Extension county agent and a health/physical education teacher. Participant knowledge, attitude, and food behavior was measured. Parent and community involved was encouraged. The program has been replicated in other settings and the complete package is available.

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Nutrition Education Needs Of Elders In Illinois, Karen M. Chapman, Deshanie Ganessunker, Bruce Steiner Apr 1996

Nutrition Education Needs Of Elders In Illinois, Karen M. Chapman, Deshanie Ganessunker, Bruce Steiner

Journal of Extension

This project's goal was to determine specific nutrition education needs of the elderly in Illinois through a cooperative effort between the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Respondents to the Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey 65 and older were asked additional nutrition-related questions to clarify hypertension/hypercholesterolemia-related behavior, obesity, fruit/vegetable, and dairy intake issues. Data from the 472 seniors were analyzed relative to sociodemographic variables and the U. S. Dietary Guidelines. Results suggest that the elderly in Illinois are at nutritional risk and should be targeted for education programs directed at cardiovascular health …

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Cooperative Extension System Creates Common Ground Through Search Workshops, Carol L. Anderson, Peter Bloome, John Bottum, Irene Lee Apr 1996

Cooperative Extension System Creates Common Ground Through Search Workshops, Carol L. Anderson, Peter Bloome, John Bottum, Irene Lee

Journal of Extension

The National Strategic Framework identified "common ground" on which the Cooperative Extension System has some agreement. Future search workshops engaged staff, volunteers, and customers in co-creating an ideal future. A sense of shared meaning emerged from the interests, values, and visions of individual participants.

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Cutting Evaluation Costs By Reducing Sample Size, Satish Verma, Michael F. Burnett Feb 1996

Cutting Evaluation Costs By Reducing Sample Size, Satish Verma, Michael F. Burnett

Journal of Extension

If sample size can be reduced without undermining validity of results, then the cost of evaluating Extension programs can be reduced. To test this hypothesis, three sample sizes at 1%, 3%, and 5% margins of error were drawn from the data of two doctoral dissertations. Comparison of the three sample sizes showed that evaluations with a descriptive purpose could drop sample size from a 1% to a 5% error margin, while evaluations with a comparative purpose could reduce sample size from 1% to 3% error margin without affecting validity of the results. As a result, it is conservatively estimated that …

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Extension Agents' Use Of Information Sources, Rama B. Radhakrishna, Joan S. Thomson Feb 1996

Extension Agents' Use Of Information Sources, Rama B. Radhakrishna, Joan S. Thomson

Journal of Extension

This article describes the extent of information use by Extension agents in the United States. A random sample of 191 agents responded to a three-part questionnaire. The major findings were: (a) Extension agents need an item for information the same day to answer a client's inquiry; and (b) agents frequently communicate with a number of information sources--clients, other agents, Extension specialists, local news agencies, and local business organizations. Significant differences were found between demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, and primary are of program responsibility) and information sources used. Staff development and Extension information services should use these findings to …

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Promoting Programs In Aging Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Stephen F. Duncan, Ralph Foster Feb 1996

Promoting Programs In Aging Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Stephen F. Duncan, Ralph Foster

Journal of Extension

This article describes the formation and work of an interdisciplinary aging team (IAT). As an example of the team's effort, the article describes how the popular Senior Series program was adapted to meet the needs of limited resource seniors, in response to a needs assessment conducted at five senior centers. Findings suggested the need to expand certain Senior Series program guides and/or add new ones. Written materials were added/adapted and training was held. It is evident that lowering disciplinary and organizational barriers and working together to target materials is a more effective way to meet the educational needs or seniors.

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News Reporters As A Target Audience For Extension Food Safety Programs, Jamie Benedict, Paul Baker, Charlotte Brennand, Howard Deer Dec 1995

News Reporters As A Target Audience For Extension Food Safety Programs, Jamie Benedict, Paul Baker, Charlotte Brennand, Howard Deer

Journal of Extension

This article describes the development and evaluation of a food safety resource manual for news reporters. The manual, prepared by a multi-disciplinary team of Extension faculty, was distributed to news reporters/directors affiliated with print and broadcast media in three Western states. Program evaluation showed that over half had used the manual and found it helpful, easy to use, and timely. These findings suggest that a proactive approach may be an effective way to work with the news media and may increase the impact of Extension's efforts.

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Marketing Extension In Louisiana: Image And Opportunity, Satish Verma, Alvin C. Burns Dec 1995

Marketing Extension In Louisiana: Image And Opportunity, Satish Verma, Alvin C. Burns

Journal of Extension

This image survey supports a marketing Extension strategic plan of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. Samples of rural and urban publics were surveyed by telephone and compared on key variables. The general public was somewhat aware of Extension, a majority of users were satisfied, and nine Extension programs were perceived to be potentially useful. The rural audience had a more favorable image than the urban audience. Specific recommendations to boost Extension's image include complementary mass media and grass-roots identity strategies, and capitalizing on recognized programs.

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The Philadelphia Efnep Volunteer Program, John Byrnes Dec 1995

The Philadelphia Efnep Volunteer Program, John Byrnes

Journal of Extension

The article describes Philadelphia EFNEP's attempt to expand programming and support their Nutrition Education Advisors through a new volunteer training program. The design of this program is outlined and results of 1995's first training session are discussed. Results suggest that a systematic approach to volunteer training can be effective, but not without the efforts of the entire EFNEP team, especially EFNEP Nutrition Education Advisors themselves.

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The Effect Of Nutrition Education On Improving Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Of Youth, Linda Ryan, Jennifer Anderson, Bonnie M. Sherman Oct 1995

The Effect Of Nutrition Education On Improving Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Of Youth, Linda Ryan, Jennifer Anderson, Bonnie M. Sherman

Journal of Extension

The ability of a nutrition education program in K-6 schools to improve fruit and vegetable intake was assessed. School intervention focused on grade school children and was designed as hands-on nutrition education. Community intervention consisted of news articles, information and education at health fairs, PTA meetings, and the county fair. Evaluation included a pre- and post-random telephone survey to heads of households to measure intake of fruits and vegetables, and 24-hour food recalls and knowledge tests of the students. Changes were measured before and after intervention and compared to a control community not receiving education. School children increased fruit and …

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Evaluating Extension Program Effectiveness: Food Safety Education In Texas, Peggy Gentry-Van Laanen, Joyce I. Nies Oct 1995

Evaluating Extension Program Effectiveness: Food Safety Education In Texas, Peggy Gentry-Van Laanen, Joyce I. Nies

Journal of Extension

This article describes how program outcomes can be assessed and used to determine Extension program effectiveness, using on evaluative study as an example. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which program participants changed their food handling or food preservation behaviors after attending Extension programs. Two hundred three telephone interviews with program participants were completed. Results indicated that programs were effective in increasing the adoption of safe food handling and safe food preserving behaviors. Evaluative data such as this is critical for Extension personnel, as they prepare accountability reports, funding requests, and program plans.

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Master Gardeners And Youth Gardeners Raise Vegetables To Help Needy, Gary Gao, Walt Bumgarner, Amy Doran Buettner Oct 1995

Master Gardeners And Youth Gardeners Raise Vegetables To Help Needy, Gary Gao, Walt Bumgarner, Amy Doran Buettner

Journal of Extension

Master gardeners and youth gardeners raise vegetables to help the needy in Clermont County. This is a joint effort involving two Extension agents, 20 master gardeners, 15 4-H members and their parents, Clermont County commissioners, local businesses, and The Freestore/Foodbank to address this need in our community. Our master gardeners will be able to implement the theoretical knowledge that they have gained by teaching a new generation of gardening enthusiasts--our 4-H members. This should prove to be a rewarding experience for our volunteers as they will be providing those in need of quality vegetables. It is a win-win situation for …

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Assessing Producer Awareness Of The Impact Of Swine Production On The Environment, Brian T. Richert, Mike D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen Aug 1995

Assessing Producer Awareness Of The Impact Of Swine Production On The Environment, Brian T. Richert, Mike D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Journal of Extension

Pork producer's were surveyed about their knowledge of waste production and management to help better focus future Extension educational programs. Results suggest that many producers are not concerned with swine waste as an environmental issue. However, younger producers, who have a better educational background, tend to realize the importance of waste management and adopt management practices to reduce swine waste. Tiered Extension education programs may be a means of delivering information about the importance of waste management to swine producers.

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Improving Independent Living For Older Americans, Sarah D. Kirby, Edwina Douglas Aug 1995

Improving Independent Living For Older Americans, Sarah D. Kirby, Edwina Douglas

Journal of Extension

This article describes the evaluation results of a housing educational program that focused on major and minor safety and design changes that can be made in the homes of older persons to increase independent living. Survey results from participants revealed that those changes that are less complicated or costly to make such as checking facilities, removing items, or rearranging items, are more likely to be implemented. Changes that require installation and renovation are more likely to be considered for a future home and not implemented in their current home. The specific changes made by the participants are also described.

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Garnishing Watermelon Enhances Promotions And Educational Programs, James M. Dangler Jun 1995

Garnishing Watermelon Enhances Promotions And Educational Programs, James M. Dangler

Journal of Extension

Garnishing can be used to increase the effectiveness of watermelon promotions and educational programs. The manuscript describes sources of training materials such as kits containing plastic tools ideal for children, professional tools for adults, and stencils that can be used to acquire a general knowledge of garnishing. Combining garnishing with recipe cards, watermelon with different rind patterns and flesh colors, and information on harvesting and storing watermelon are suggested for obtaining maximum impact on targeted audiences.

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Garnishing Watermelon Enhances Promotions And Educational Programs, James M. Dangler Jun 1995

Garnishing Watermelon Enhances Promotions And Educational Programs, James M. Dangler

Journal of Extension

Garnishing can be used to increase the effectiveness of watermelon promotions and educational programs. The manuscript describes sources of training materials such as kits containing plastic tools ideal for children, professional tools for adults, and stencils that can be used to acquire a general knowledge of garnishing. Combining garnishing with recipe cards, watermelon with different rind patterns and flesh colors, and information on harvesting and storing watermelon are suggested for obtaining maximum impact on targeted audiences.

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Florida's Organic Farmers: A Profile, Me Swisher, P Monaghan Jun 1995

Florida's Organic Farmers: A Profile, Me Swisher, P Monaghan

Journal of Extension

A survey of Florida's commercial organic vegetable and citrus producers was undertaken to characterize their production practices and problems, identify production practices that could potentially be applied by conventional producers, and identify areas where researchers and Extension programs could serve the needs of both organic and conventional producers. Survey results indicated that organic and conventional producers do share some common problems. Continued interchange between Extension and organic producers can be useful for organic and conventional producers.

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Florida's Organic Farmers: A Profile, Me Swisher, P Monaghan Jun 1995

Florida's Organic Farmers: A Profile, Me Swisher, P Monaghan

Journal of Extension

A survey of Florida's commercial organic vegetable and citrus producers was undertaken to characterize their production practices and problems, identify production practices that could potentially be applied by conventional producers, and identify areas where researchers and Extension programs could serve the needs of both organic and conventional producers. Survey results indicated that organic and conventional producers do share some common problems. Continued interchange between Extension and organic producers can be useful for organic and conventional producers.

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