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Journal of Extension

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Going The Distance Part 3: Teaching An Extension Course Using A Combination Of Distance-Delivery Methods, Heidi Rader, Glenna Gannon Feb 2015

Going The Distance Part 3: Teaching An Extension Course Using A Combination Of Distance-Delivery Methods, Heidi Rader, Glenna Gannon

Journal of Extension

Extension could rely more on distance education to expand its outreach with deflating budgets. In Alaska, where people are few and far between and even inaccessible by road, opportunities for distance-delivered outreach are particularly significant. In this article, we explore the efficacy of a mixed-method teaching approach that combined three distance-delivery methods: Elive, Blackboard, and teleconference. We share course impacts, completion rates, and satisfaction. We surmise that providing more than one way for students to participate in a distance course increases student satisfaction.

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Evaluation Of On-Farm Food Safety Programming In Pennsylvania: Implications For Extension, Roshan Nayak, Daniel Tobin, Joan Thomson, Rama Radhakrishna Feb 2015

Evaluation Of On-Farm Food Safety Programming In Pennsylvania: Implications For Extension, Roshan Nayak, Daniel Tobin, Joan Thomson, Rama Radhakrishna

Journal of Extension

Penn State Extension conducted on-farm food safety workshops statewide to train fruit and vegetable growers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). These workshops were evaluated using pre- and post-tests to assess the impact of the training on participating growers. Results indicate overall increases in produce growers' knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and intentions on GAP-related activities. However, few respondents (20%) intended to seek third-party certification (TPC) for their farms. Future evaluations should collect information on the challenges that growers face in implementing GAPs on their farms. Extension should tailor its food safety programs to meet growers' GAPs needs.

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The Voice Of Low-Income Adolescent Mothers On Infant Feeding, Mildred A. Horodynski, Kristen J. Mills Dec 2014

The Voice Of Low-Income Adolescent Mothers On Infant Feeding, Mildred A. Horodynski, Kristen J. Mills

Journal of Extension

Adolescent mothers' feeding practices impact infant weight gain. Infant obesity, especially in low-income families, is rapidly increasing. The aim of the exploratory study reported here was to identify factors affecting low-income African American and non-Hispanic White adolescent mothers' infant feeding practices and useful learning modalities. Two focus groups were conducted by a trained facilitator using a semi-structured topic guide. Three themes emerged: (1) feeding decisions related to introduction of solid foods; (2) feeding information/advice provided by others; and (3) useful learning strategies. These themes can be used by Extension professionals in designing nutrition education programs for adolescent mothers.

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Feed Efficiency: An Assessment Of Current Knowledge From A Voluntary Subsample Of The Swine Industry, Josh R. Flohr, Mike D. Tokach, Joel M. Derouchey, Robert D. Goodband, Steve S. Dritz, Jim L. Nelssen, John F. Patience Dec 2014

Feed Efficiency: An Assessment Of Current Knowledge From A Voluntary Subsample Of The Swine Industry, Josh R. Flohr, Mike D. Tokach, Joel M. Derouchey, Robert D. Goodband, Steve S. Dritz, Jim L. Nelssen, John F. Patience

Journal of Extension

A voluntary sample of pork producers and advisers to the swine industry were surveyed about feed efficiency. The questionnaire was designed to accomplish three objectives: (a) determine the level of knowledge related to feed efficiency topics, (b) identify production practices used that influence feed efficiency, and (c) identify information gaps requiring additional knowledge to further improve feed efficiency. Results suggest that many practices that improve feed efficiency are used in production, but gaps in information and knowledge exist across demographics of respondents. Extension education should be expanded to provide more information in an easy-to-access format for the swine industry.

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Face Time Is Still Critical To Effective Extension In Commercial Agriculture, Justin Waggoner, Chris Reinhardt Dec 2014

Face Time Is Still Critical To Effective Extension In Commercial Agriculture, Justin Waggoner, Chris Reinhardt

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 …

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Personal Food System Mapping, David Wilsey, Sally Dover Dec 2014

Personal Food System Mapping, David Wilsey, Sally Dover

Journal of Extension

Personal food system mapping is a practical means to engage community participants and educators in individualized and shared learning about food systems, decisions, and behaviors. Moreover, it is a useful approach for introducing the food system concept, which is somewhat abstract. We developed the approach to capture diversity of personal food systems within a community food system and to better understand how it might inform program development. We found mapping to be a useful tool with beneficial applications outside our intended domain. Aggregated map data also provided a useful approximation of the community food system.

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Eagle Adventure: School-Based Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program Results In Improved Outcomes Related To Food And Physical Activity, Angelina Stovall-Amos, Stephany Parker, Sara Mata, Jill Fox, Teresa Jackson, Sarah Miracle, Janice Hermann Dec 2014

Eagle Adventure: School-Based Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program Results In Improved Outcomes Related To Food And Physical Activity, Angelina Stovall-Amos, Stephany Parker, Sara Mata, Jill Fox, Teresa Jackson, Sarah Miracle, Janice Hermann

Journal of Extension

The Eagle Adventure program was designed as a semester-long, SNAP-Ed program to address food and physical activity choices important for prevention of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases. The program was developed for implementation in Grades 1-3. This article presents findings from two participating grade centers inclusive of Grades1-2. The elementary school-based program not only addresses health-related behaviors in a culturally relevant and responsive way, but also serves as a potential model for promoting diversity inclusion in Extension programming.

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Sugar Free With Justin T.: Diabetes Education Through Community Partnerships, Justin B. Thomas, Joseph L. Donaldson Dec 2014

Sugar Free With Justin T.: Diabetes Education Through Community Partnerships, Justin B. Thomas, Joseph L. Donaldson

Journal of Extension

This article describes the design, development, and delivery of an Extension community cable television program, Sugar Free with Justin T., in Roane County, Tennessee. The program targets diabetics, pre-diabetics, and those who care for them, with practical information and demonstrations to improve dietary quality. In addition to television, program videos are posted to the county Extension Facebook page for greater exposure. This innovative approach is the result of extensive Extension and community partnerships, and the article highlights the roles of these varied partners, including the local community college that films, edits, and produces Sugar Free with Justin T.

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Putting A Face On Hunger: A Community-Academic Research Project, Nancy Coffey, Mary K. Canales, Emily Moore, Melissa Gullickson, Brenda Kaczmarski Dec 2014

Putting A Face On Hunger: A Community-Academic Research Project, Nancy Coffey, Mary K. Canales, Emily Moore, Melissa Gullickson, Brenda Kaczmarski

Journal of Extension

Food insecurity is a growing concern for Eau Claire County residents in Western Wisconsin. A community-academic partnership studied food insecurity through the voices of families struggling to access food and institutions that assist with hunger related problems. Data were collected through focus groups held in urban and rural parts of the county. Participants reported that food insecurity affected all aspects of daily life, increasing stress and reducing coping abilities. Results indicate that when Extension and campus-based staff partner with community groups, they can increase community awareness of and find innovative solutions to pressing community needs, such as food insecurity.

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Cooking Up Innovation: A Guide To Creating A Shared Commercial Kitchen Facility, Laurelyn Sandkamp Dec 2014

Cooking Up Innovation: A Guide To Creating A Shared Commercial Kitchen Facility, Laurelyn Sandkamp

Journal of Extension

Interest in locally grown food has skyrocketed in recent years. Those planning to enter this growing industry must comply with strict health and safety codes at the federal, state, and county level. One promising innovation for start-up food businesses is the creation of local shared commercial kitchen facilities, licensed spaces dedicated to the processing and production of food for retail sale. In 2014 University of Wisconsin-Extension - Eau Claire County opened a shared commercial kitchen facility at the Eau Claire County Exposition Center. This guide summarizes important lessons learned in order to facilitate replication by Extension professionals around the country.

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Extension Must Adopt Mobile-Friendly Websites, J Matthew Jones, David Doll, Owen Taylor Dec 2014

Extension Must Adopt Mobile-Friendly Websites, J Matthew Jones, David Doll, Owen Taylor

Journal of Extension

Mobile phones and tablets have become important tools for accessing information on the Web. We have found visitors to The Almond Doctor Extension blog and AgFax.com are increasingly using smart phones and tablets rather than desktop computers. However, only 40% of Extension websites have mobile-friendly layouts, and websites that are frustrating to use on mobile devices may be a deterrent to Web traffic and use of services. Therefore, it is critical for Extension websites to develop mobile-friendly designs to increase Extension's presence on the Internet and maintain its relevance to current and future clientele.

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New Jersey 4-H Goat Extravaganza: Efficiently Meeting The Educational Needs Of 4-H Goat Project Members, Volunteers, And Parents, Chad Ripberger Dec 2014

New Jersey 4-H Goat Extravaganza: Efficiently Meeting The Educational Needs Of 4-H Goat Project Members, Volunteers, And Parents, Chad Ripberger

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.

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Job Satisfaction In The North Dakota State University Extension Service, Bill Hodous, R Brent Young, Mari L. Borr, Rachelle Vettern Oct 2014

Job Satisfaction In The North Dakota State University Extension Service, Bill Hodous, R Brent Young, Mari L. Borr, Rachelle Vettern

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.

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Extension Community Development: Building Strong, Vibrant Communities, Lionel J. Beaulieu, Sam Cordes Oct 2014

Extension Community Development: Building Strong, Vibrant Communities, Lionel J. Beaulieu, Sam Cordes

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.

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An International Short Course For Training Professionals As Effective Science Communicators, Dilshani Sarathchandra, Karim M. Maredia Oct 2014

An International Short Course For Training Professionals As Effective Science Communicators, Dilshani Sarathchandra, Karim M. Maredia

Journal of Extension

Scholars have recognized a need for educational programs that prepare scientists, Extension practitioners, and other stakeholders to communicate science effectively. Such programs have the potential to increase public awareness and aid policy development. Having recognized this need, faculty at Michigan State University (MSU) developed an "international short course in science and technology communication" that was offered at MSU from 2010 to 2012. This article provides an overview of the design, implementation, and impact assessment of the course. We also share lessons learnt from this program and provide suggestions for other similar programs.

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Improving Participation Of Non-Traditional Extension Audiences: The Empower Ocala Garden Project, Austen Moore, Norma Samuel, Glenn Israel Oct 2014

Improving Participation Of Non-Traditional Extension Audiences: The Empower Ocala Garden Project, Austen Moore, Norma Samuel, Glenn Israel

Journal of Extension

Marion County Extension created the Empower Ocala Garden project to increase participation among low-income minority populations and address "food desert" conditions around its office. The project built trusting relationships, created a community garden for 12 households, and provided bi-weekly garden skills trainings. Participation, attitudinal changes, and knowledge gains were evaluated using pre- and post-project questionnaires. On average participants attended 53.4% of sessions. Attitudes improved by 9.82% across four gardening-related indicators, while knowledge increased by 19.57% across eight indicators. Overall, the project successfully engaged new clients, positively changed attitudes and knowledge, and may benefit other Extension professionals serving these audiences.

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The Cooperative Extension System's Use Of Usda's Online Food And Physical Activity Tracker–Supertracker, Nobuko Hongu, Cathy L. Martinez, Natalia N. Billias, Melissa A. Wyatt Oct 2014

The Cooperative Extension System's Use Of Usda's Online Food And Physical Activity Tracker–Supertracker, Nobuko Hongu, Cathy L. Martinez, Natalia N. Billias, Melissa A. Wyatt

Journal of Extension

Nutrition professionals within the Cooperative Extension system use the USDA's interactive online tool SuperTracker, which is designed to help individuals track diet and physical activity (PA) to apply healthy eating patterns and improve PA. An investigation of all 50 states' Extension websites and interviews of Extension of educators revealed that SuperTracker information was posted at state or county level Extension websites. SuperTracker is being used for nutrition workshop, nutrition educators' training, weight management, and PA planning and assessment in community based programs.

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Are You Ready To Flip? A New Approach To Staff Development, Connie S. Burns, Mary M. Schroeder Oct 2014

Are You Ready To Flip? A New Approach To Staff Development, Connie S. Burns, Mary M. Schroeder

Journal of Extension

A modified flipped classroom model was used to present content on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) to Community Nutrition Educators (CNEs). CNEs read the DGA prior to discussions at staff meetings. The purpose of the readings and discussions was to increase knowledge of the DGA and offer strategies for applying these concepts professionally and personally. Ninety-two percent agreed or strongly agreed the readings and discussions were relevant to their work and life. This modified flipped classroom process enhances CNE understanding and application of new information. Current staff development opportunities now include this modified flipped classroom model.

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Factors Influencing Latino Participation In Community-Based Diabetes Education, Sarah L. Francis, Amber Noteman, Ruth Litchfield Oct 2014

Factors Influencing Latino Participation In Community-Based Diabetes Education, Sarah L. Francis, Amber Noteman, Ruth Litchfield

Journal of Extension

An Extension diabetes program (DP) was revised for Latinos; however, participation was limited. Factors influencing low participation rates were examined. Five Latinos interested in the DP participated in a focus group discussion. Transcripts were analyzed for themes. Preferred education programs were multi-session, local, group classes led by an engaging teacher during the summer. Participants learned of the DP through friends and Extension; preferred marketing strategies were Spanish radio, local health clinics, and Spanish-print media. Attendance barriers included scheduling conflicts. Limited use of culturally preferred marketing and scheduling conflicts were likely barriers. Culturally appropriate programs should use culturally preferred marketing strategies …

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Positive Quality Of Life Factors Identified From Efnep Participant Stories, Wanda M. Koszewski, Megan Hlavacek, Kathryn Yerxa, Sandra B. Procter Aug 2014

Positive Quality Of Life Factors Identified From Efnep Participant Stories, Wanda M. Koszewski, Megan Hlavacek, Kathryn Yerxa, Sandra B. Procter

Journal of Extension

EFNEP collects stories from participants and educators regarding the program's impacts. The objective of the study reported here was to qualitatively analyze these stories in the context of quality of life. Researchers analyzed 1,057 stories by identifying key words and developing codes to best describe the information. After analysis, codes were grouped into themes. The research demonstrated that EFNEP is perceived to have positively affected the quality of life of participants. These results not only confirm broader EFNEP benefits, but suggest an additional variable (quality of life) to consider as a measureable outcome.

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Parenting Needs As Perceived By Agency Personnel Working With Parents And Young Children In Southern Nevada, Yaebin Kim Aug 2014

Parenting Needs As Perceived By Agency Personnel Working With Parents And Young Children In Southern Nevada, Yaebin Kim

Journal of Extension

Extension educators have used different methods to collect information for a needs assessment, including advisory committees, survey questionnaires, focus groups, interviews with key informants, or a combination of the former. This article describes the use of key informant interviews (agency personnel working with parents and young children) that investigated concerns about parents and needs of parents in their community, and summarizes issues uncovered related to family, agency, and community. Results identify important implications for the development of parenting programming with parents of young children and more in-depth future parenting education research.

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A Participatory Approach To Fcs Food, Nutrition, And Wellness Program Planning, Elena Serrano, Alicia Powell, Donna H. Mcbride, Kathryn Strong Aug 2014

A Participatory Approach To Fcs Food, Nutrition, And Wellness Program Planning, Elena Serrano, Alicia Powell, Donna H. Mcbride, Kathryn Strong

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.

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Exploring Extension Involvement In Farm To School Program Activities, Matthew C. Benson Aug 2014

Exploring Extension Involvement In Farm To School Program Activities, Matthew C. Benson

Journal of Extension

The study reported here examined Extension professionals' involvement in farm-to-school program activities. Results of an online survey distributed to eight state Extension systems indicate that on average, Extension professionals are involved with one farm to school program activity, with most supporting school or community garden programs. Results also indicate that Extension professionals are interested in being involved with an average of four farm to school program activities. Results demonstrate that each Extension program area is currently involved and is interested in supporting farm to school through a variety of different activities.

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Hybrid Food Preservation Program Improves Food Preservation And Food Safety Knowledge, Sarah L. Francis Aug 2014

Hybrid Food Preservation Program Improves Food Preservation And Food Safety Knowledge, Sarah L. Francis

Journal of Extension

The growing trend in home food preservation raises concerns about whether the resulting food products will be safe to eat. The increase public demand for food preservation information led to the development of the comprehensive food preservation program, Preserve the Taste of Summer (PTTS). PTTS is a comprehensive hybrid food preservation program comprised of online lessons and corresponding in-person workshops. PTTS participants reported increases in knowledge about food preservation food safety and recommended food preservation techniques after participating.

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Low Vitamin D Status And Inadequate Nutrient Intakes Of Elementary School Children In A Highly Educated Pacific Northwest Community, Simone Frei, Balz Frei, Gerd Bobe Aug 2014

Low Vitamin D Status And Inadequate Nutrient Intakes Of Elementary School Children In A Highly Educated Pacific Northwest Community, Simone Frei, Balz Frei, Gerd Bobe

Journal of Extension

Are Extension healthy youth programs needed in highly educated U.S. communities? To answer this question, 175 children from four public elementary schools in Corvallis, Oregon, self-reported in a cross-sectional study their dietary intake, and 71 children provided a blood sample for measuring vitamin D concentrations. Most children had insufficient blood vitamin D and reported a diet insufficient in fiber, essential fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin E and excessive in saturated fatty acids and sodium. Our data indicate a need for Extension to provide youth programs in highly educated U.S. communities to improve nutrient intakes and vitamin D status in children.

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The Use Of Energizers To Reinforce Nutrition Concepts And Encourage Physical Activity, Kathleen Lovett, Betsy Johnson, Mary Caskey, Christopher Pleasants Aug 2014

The Use Of Energizers To Reinforce Nutrition Concepts And Encourage Physical Activity, Kathleen Lovett, Betsy Johnson, Mary Caskey, Christopher Pleasants

Journal of Extension

Given the importance of including daily physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle, Extension educators should do as much as they can to incorporate physical activity into their educational programming. A University of Minnesota Extension team has created a set of activities that incorporate motion to reinforce nutrition concepts, which can be adapted by educators to almost any topic. Initial evidence suggests incorporating these activities is both effective and reasonably easy. With appropriate time and space, these energizers can be used to increase participants' physical activity, as well as reinforce lesson concepts and make class more fun.

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I-Walk: An Innovative Approach To Community Walkability, Christopher J. Seeger, Catherine J. Lillehoj, Alan D. Jensen, Suzy Wilson Aug 2014

I-Walk: An Innovative Approach To Community Walkability, Christopher J. Seeger, Catherine J. Lillehoj, Alan D. Jensen, Suzy Wilson

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.

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Feedlot Nutritionist Boot Camp: An Intensive Short-Course For Commercial Agriculture Graduate Students, Chris Reinhardt, Mike Hubbert Aug 2014

Feedlot Nutritionist Boot Camp: An Intensive Short-Course For Commercial Agriculture Graduate Students, Chris Reinhardt, Mike Hubbert

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.

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Taking Care Of You: Body, Mind, Spirit—A Unique Stress Management Program That Improves Lifestyle Behaviors, Molly Vetter-Smith, Vera Massey, Linda Rellergert, Mary Wissman Aug 2014

Taking Care Of You: Body, Mind, Spirit—A Unique Stress Management Program That Improves Lifestyle Behaviors, Molly Vetter-Smith, Vera Massey, Linda Rellergert, Mary Wissman

Journal of Extension

Taking Care of You: Body, Mind, Spirit is a multi-session group program developed by University of Missouri Extension that provides a unique and practical approach to helping adults better managing their stress and bounce back from life's challenges while improving lifestyle behaviors. The program combines mindfulness and a variety of other research-based positive psychology concepts and strategies as well as holistic wellness concepts. As a result of the program, participants' stress levels significantly decreased and health behaviors significantly improved. This is one of very few stress management programs to show significant improvements in lifestyle behaviors.

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A Guide To Help Consumers Choose Apps And Avoid App Overload, Ellen Schuster, Lynda Zimmerman Aug 2014

A Guide To Help Consumers Choose Apps And Avoid App Overload, Ellen Schuster, Lynda Zimmerman

Journal of Extension

Mobile technology has transformed the way consumers access and use information. The exponential growth of mobile apps makes finding suitable, easy-to-use nutrition and health-related apps challenging. A guide for consumers helps them ask important questions before downloading apps. The guide can be adapted for other Extension disciplines.

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