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Journal of Extension

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Resources Inventory Of Beef And Dairy Operations For The Use Of Ethanol Coproducts, Julie I. Navarro, Lori J. Unruh Snyder, Ronald P. Lemenager, Matthew C. Claeys Apr 2011

Resources Inventory Of Beef And Dairy Operations For The Use Of Ethanol Coproducts, Julie I. Navarro, Lori J. Unruh Snyder, Ronald P. Lemenager, Matthew C. Claeys

Journal of Extension

To remain competitive in the industry, beef and dairy producers in the Midwest need to adapt to the use of alternative feeds and take advantage of the expected abundance and favorable pricing of biofuel coproducts. Integrating the coproducts as feed ingredients could make the livestock industry significantly more attractive and competitive in domestic and global markets. A survey instrument was created to inventory resources that currently limit (or enable) the use of biofuel coproducts by small and medium-sized beef and dairy producers in the state of Indiana. Seventy-eight of Indiana's 92 counties were represented in the survey results.


Preferred Educational Delivery Strategies Among Limited Income Older Adults Enrolled In Community Nutrition Education Programs, Stephany Parker, Laura Powell, Janice Hermann, Joshua Phelps Feb 2011

Preferred Educational Delivery Strategies Among Limited Income Older Adults Enrolled In Community Nutrition Education Programs, Stephany Parker, Laura Powell, Janice Hermann, Joshua Phelps

Journal of Extension

The study reported here explored educational delivery preference of limited income older Oklahomans. Sixty participants 60 years or older enrolled in Community Nutrition Education Programs observed three educational delivery strategies and participated in a group discussion. Two researchers independently coded focus group transcripts and frequency counts to identify common themes and patterns related to preferred educational delivery. Findings indicate that educational delivery preference was rooted in the inclusion of experiential and relational aspects of the presentations. A combination of preferences for educational delivery strategies was noted, supporting the use of multiple educational strategies when developing Extension programs for older adults.


Just Be It! Healthy And Fit Increases Fifth Graders' Fruit And Vegetable Intake, Physical Activity, And Nutrition Knowledge, Diana Delcampo, Jacqueline S. Baca, Desatee Jimenez, Paula Roybal Sanchez, Robert Delcampo Feb 2011

Just Be It! Healthy And Fit Increases Fifth Graders' Fruit And Vegetable Intake, Physical Activity, And Nutrition Knowledge, Diana Delcampo, Jacqueline S. Baca, Desatee Jimenez, Paula Roybal Sanchez, Robert Delcampo

Journal of Extension

Just Be It! Healthy and Fit reduces the risk factors for childhood obesity for fifth graders using hands-on field trips, in-class lessons, and parent outreach efforts. Pre-test and post-test scores from the year-long classroom instruction showed a statistically significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and nutrition knowledge for the students. Parents also gained nutrition knowledge. The program enables students who are at risk for childhood obesity to develop a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of health disorders such as diabetes and heart disease in childhood and in adulthood.


Behavior Change Strategies For Successful Long-Term Weight Loss: Focusing On Dietary And Physical Activity Adherence, Not Weight Loss, Nobuko Hongu, Martha P. Kataura, Linda M. Blcok Feb 2011

Behavior Change Strategies For Successful Long-Term Weight Loss: Focusing On Dietary And Physical Activity Adherence, Not Weight Loss, Nobuko Hongu, Martha P. Kataura, Linda M. Blcok

Journal of Extension

This article helps Extension professionals guide individuals in a successful long-term weight loss program. A program should focus on behavioral changes (improving eating habits and physical activity), not just weight loss. In order to do this, Extension professionals should implement behavior change strategies that motivate individuals to initiate and maintain healthy behaviors that fit their lifestyle in approachable and convenient ways. Behavior change strategies demonstrated here (self-efficacy and self management strategies) are examples that can be incorporated into a weight loss program and could help to maintain those healthy habits even after a program ends.


Now They Know: Helping New Mothers Gain Parenting Knowledge And Become Aware Of Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Programming, Ted G. Futris, H Marissa Stone Feb 2011

Now They Know: Helping New Mothers Gain Parenting Knowledge And Become Aware Of Family And Consumer Sciences Extension Programming, Ted G. Futris, H Marissa Stone

Journal of Extension

The Guide for New Parents is a cross-programmatic educational resource developed to help new mothers adjust to parenting and learn about Family and Consumer Sciences Extension (FACS) programming. Approximately 8,600 new mothers were reached, and responses from a diverse and representative sample of mothers revealed that this resource was perceived as useful and promoted public awareness of FACS Extension. Future educational resources that integrate content across Extension programs for targeted audiences can be useful in building greater public awareness and utilization of the various resources available from Extension


Factors Influencing Adoption And Implementation Of Cooking With Kids, An Experiential School-Based Nutrition Education Curriculum, Ann Diker, Lynn M. Walters, Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, Susan S. Baker Feb 2011

Factors Influencing Adoption And Implementation Of Cooking With Kids, An Experiential School-Based Nutrition Education Curriculum, Ann Diker, Lynn M. Walters, Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, Susan S. Baker

Journal of Extension

Little research has been conducted to examine factors leading to adoption and implementation of nutrition education curricula. Data from two Web-based surveys (n = 313) and 27 interviews were used to explore how Diffusion of Innovations' perceived attributes contributed to adoption and implementation of Cooking with Kids (CWK) food and nutrition education curriculum. Results suggest programs that create or adapt nutrition education curricula for use in schools should emphasize experiential methods and ease of use to increase adoption and implementation. Perceived simplicity predicted intended use. Ensuring that users have adequate information and planning time to overcome barriers is essential.


Piloting A Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program On First-Grade Children's Willingness To Try Foods Containing Legumes, Cassandra S. Edwards, Janice R. Herman Feb 2011

Piloting A Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program On First-Grade Children's Willingness To Try Foods Containing Legumes, Cassandra S. Edwards, Janice R. Herman

Journal of Extension

Many nutrition education campaigns targeting children in the United States focus on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, but most don't specifically promote legumes. The project described here sought to pilot the effect of an Extension nutrition education program on first grade children's willingness to try foods containing legumes. A significant difference was observed in the distribution of children who took snacks containing legumes from pre- to post- through follow-up education.


Increased Carrying Capacity With Perennial Forage Kochia, Linden K. Greenhalgh, Dale R. Zobell, Blair L. Waldron, Kenneth C. Olson, Burke W. Davenport Dec 2010

Increased Carrying Capacity With Perennial Forage Kochia, Linden K. Greenhalgh, Dale R. Zobell, Blair L. Waldron, Kenneth C. Olson, Burke W. Davenport

Journal of Extension

Carrying capacity can be increased on grass-dominated rangeland pastures by including perennial forage kochia (Kochia prostrata) as one of the plant components. The objectives of the study reported here were to compare the differences of traditional winter pastures versus pastures with forage kochia. Forage quality, production, and availability data were collected from pastures in Tooele County, Utah. Forage quality, production, availability, and carrying capacity were greater in pastures with forage kochia. Livestock winter grazing in the Great Basin is challenging for many reasons. Extension's role in assisting others to find solutions is as pertinent today as it has ever been.


Self-Evaluation Of A Statewide Conservation Planning Program: Perceptions Of An Extension Partner, Jeremy Murdock, Robert F. Brzeszek, Timothy J. Schauwecker Dec 2010

Self-Evaluation Of A Statewide Conservation Planning Program: Perceptions Of An Extension Partner, Jeremy Murdock, Robert F. Brzeszek, Timothy J. Schauwecker

Journal of Extension

Statewide organizations should use expert information gathered from their personnel to evaluate methods for reaching goals and objectives. As Extension personnel continue to partner on natural resource programs with other state and federal entities, they can improve information dissemination by learning about the conservation planning process. The study reported here was a statewide program evaluation of Natural Resource Conservation Service personnel and their opinions regarding conservation planning, incentive programs, and farmers' reasons for not adopting conservation programs. We recommend that Extension agencies study the perceptions and activities of partner entities that rely on them for information, materials, and programs.


Advantages Of Gardening As A Form Of Physical Activity In An After-School Program, Joshua Phelps, Janice R. Hermann, Stephany R. Parker, Barbara Denney Dec 2010

Advantages Of Gardening As A Form Of Physical Activity In An After-School Program, Joshua Phelps, Janice R. Hermann, Stephany R. Parker, Barbara Denney

Journal of Extension

Children who normally abstain from physical activity may view gardening as a viable non-competitive alternative. The study reported here evaluated the effect of an Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service after-school gardening program on self-reported physical activity level of children in 3rd through 5th grade using the ACTIVITY self-report instrument. The ACTIVITY instrument described and demonstrated three physical activity levels; non-moving, moving, and fast-moving. A significant difference between pre- and post-test scores of children's self-reported physical activity level was observed. The results of the study indicate gardening was an effective non-competitive way to increase children's self-reported physical activity level in an after-school …


"I Don't Know" And Multiple Choice Analysis Of Pre- And Post-Tests, Karen Spears, Mary Wilson Dec 2010

"I Don't Know" And Multiple Choice Analysis Of Pre- And Post-Tests, Karen Spears, Mary Wilson

Journal of Extension

Evaluation is an essential component of any Extension education program. One tool, the pre- and post-test, provides measurable evaluation data. Yet often the answer "I don't know" or all possible answers to a multiple choice question are not included in the repeated measure analysis. Because more than two answers are offered, the test of marginal homogeneity repeated measure analysis should be used, which takes into account all response sets when comparing a participant's pre- and post-test answers. This article provides an example of conducting and interpreting the test of marginal homogeneity.


A Method For Collaborative Assessment Of Fish Consumption Risks And Benefits, Susan Donaldson, Kerry Seymour Dec 2010

A Method For Collaborative Assessment Of Fish Consumption Risks And Benefits, Susan Donaldson, Kerry Seymour

Journal of Extension

Conflicting media messages about the health benefits of eating fish have increased during the past decade. Mercury concentrations in fish continue to be documented, while nutritionists promote the benefits of eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. A simple, low-cost method to assess consumption patterns by anglers was developed in collaboration with a mercury chemist and state wildlife officials. This information will help Extension professionals develop and deliver research-based recommendations about the risks and benefits of eating fish while incorporating local fish advisories.


Practical Application Of Theory-Driven Intervention To Extension Programming, Carolyn Bird, Jacquelyn Mcclelland Dec 2010

Practical Application Of Theory-Driven Intervention To Extension Programming, Carolyn Bird, Jacquelyn Mcclelland

Journal of Extension

For education to be effective, educators need to understand pertinent theories concerning behavior change and to apply them in programming. The study reported here sought to determine if the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) could be used to design, implement, and evaluate a brief educational session. Results show a significant increase in participants' intentions in six areas and should be encouraging to educators who need to show impact but do not always have the advantage of delivering and evaluating a series of programming. The study serves as a model for educators to show impact despite a low intervention dose.


The Influence Of Different Tomato Varieties On Acidity As It Relates To Home Canning, Richard Heflebower, Carolyn Washburn Dec 2010

The Influence Of Different Tomato Varieties On Acidity As It Relates To Home Canning, Richard Heflebower, Carolyn Washburn

Journal of Extension

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable for home canning. USDA Guidelines recommend lemon juice or citric acid be added to home-canned tomatoes to increase acidity. In 2007 and 2008, we grew and tested the pH of 15 tomato varieties. Three of the heirloom varieties had statistically lower acidity than the hybrid used as a standard for comparison. Canning tomatoes generally involves using different tomato varieties at various stages of ripening. Although some control of acidity can be exercised by variety selection, Extension agents should encourage those involved in home canning to follow USDA guidelines regardless of the tomato varieties used.


Mapping Food Stores & People At Risk For Food Insecurity In Lewiston, Maine, David E. Harris, Ahouel-Makarim Aboueissa, Michelle Vazquez Jacobus, Jigna Dharod, Kirsten Walter Dec 2010

Mapping Food Stores & People At Risk For Food Insecurity In Lewiston, Maine, David E. Harris, Ahouel-Makarim Aboueissa, Michelle Vazquez Jacobus, Jigna Dharod, Kirsten Walter

Journal of Extension

Food insecurity threatens health. To understand how food store location contributes to food insecurity in Lewiston, Maine, we visited all city food stores, determined availability and cost of healthy food in each, and mapped the stores against residence locations of at-risk groups (households with a single-parent, without a car, or with income


We Listen To Them: Assessing Natural Resource Perspectives And Priorities In A Tribal Community, David Wilsey, Susan Beaulieu Oct 2010

We Listen To Them: Assessing Natural Resource Perspectives And Priorities In A Tribal Community, David Wilsey, Susan Beaulieu

Journal of Extension

We sought to begin a natural resource-based partnership with a Minnesota Tribe, but gaining clear insights into environmental perspectives can be difficult for outsiders, and methods typically used are often ineffective or inappropriate. We introduce the Extension community to a method for assessment of Tribal community context, perspectives, and priorities. We present the method in the context of an emerging collaboration between the University of Minnesota Extension and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Finally, we summarize key lessons that emerged, namely, that disconnect, identified at multiple scales, frames the community's natural resource perspectives and priorities.


Nutrition Education Program Assistants: A Leverage Point For Collecting Authentic Program Data, Mary Mcferren, Nancy Franz, Michael Lambur Oct 2010

Nutrition Education Program Assistants: A Leverage Point For Collecting Authentic Program Data, Mary Mcferren, Nancy Franz, Michael Lambur

Journal of Extension

Extension administrators and educators wonder why low-income audiences refrain from participating or underparticipate in educational opportunities. This may be due to a gap between administrator or educator views of program participation barriers versus the lived experience of low-income audiences. Virginia Cooperative Extension worked to bridge this gap in perspectives by using Nutrition Program Assistants as a leverage point for recruiting and gathering authentic data on program participation from low-income individuals. Even though program assistants rarely serve in this role, their connection with low-income clientele and groups that serve them is invaluable for gathering authentic program data.


Promoting Dairy Intake In Rural Wisconsin By Empowering Youth, Margaretha Mclean, Kristina Penniston, Sherry Tanumihardjo Oct 2010

Promoting Dairy Intake In Rural Wisconsin By Empowering Youth, Margaretha Mclean, Kristina Penniston, Sherry Tanumihardjo

Journal of Extension

Only 30% of children in the U.S. are currently meeting the Dietary Reference Intake for calcium. A "3-A-Day of Dairy for Stronger Bones" campaign was promoted by older Scouts to younger Scouts in a small rural village in southern Wisconsin. The hypothesis was that by teaching the importance of dairy to younger children, the older children would be empowered to increase their own intake. Knowledge and intake improved for calcium and dairy products in the intervention group as compared with those who were not involved in teaching the younger children. Summer educational programs are needed to encourage dairy consumption.


Using A Market Segmentation Approach To Better Target Agricultural Extension Programs—Aligning Learner Needs With Learning Programs, Margaret Brown, Denise Bewsell Oct 2010

Using A Market Segmentation Approach To Better Target Agricultural Extension Programs—Aligning Learner Needs With Learning Programs, Margaret Brown, Denise Bewsell

Journal of Extension

Agricultural Extension has traditionally been based on the assumption that farmers' have similar learning needs and styles, whatever the subject matter. In this article we argue that undertaking market segmentation can greatly enhance the value of the Extension program by better aligning participant needs with program objectives and delivery modes. We outline a case study from New Zealand where market segmentation was used to inform the design of an Extension program for sheep and beef farmers on feed planning. A series of four differentiated workshops were developed. Early evaluation indicates that this approach is well received by farmers.


Community Leaders' Knowledge And Perceptions About Obesity: Implications For Outreach Educators In Designing Interventions, Norma L. Dawkins, Tryan Mcmickens, Henry J. Findlay, Ralphenia D. Pace Oct 2010

Community Leaders' Knowledge And Perceptions About Obesity: Implications For Outreach Educators In Designing Interventions, Norma L. Dawkins, Tryan Mcmickens, Henry J. Findlay, Ralphenia D. Pace

Journal of Extension

The study reported here examined the knowledge and perceptions of community leaders on overweight and obesity in two racially different counties. Data were collected from 126 individuals, including clergy, physicians, grocery store managers, school administrators, nurses, nutritionists, and university faculty and staff. Statistically significant differences were observed when community leaders were grouped according to race. Additionally, over 90% of community leaders were knowledgeable about obesity. Leaders associated obesity with high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. This article provides insights that can be useful for planning and implementing programs on obesity prevention and reduction.


Ready-To-Go Exhibits Expand Consumer Food Safety Knowledge And Action, Sandra M. Mccurdy, Shelly Johnson, Carol Hampton, Joey Peutz, Laura Sant, Grace Wittman Oct 2010

Ready-To-Go Exhibits Expand Consumer Food Safety Knowledge And Action, Sandra M. Mccurdy, Shelly Johnson, Carol Hampton, Joey Peutz, Laura Sant, Grace Wittman

Journal of Extension

Ready-to-go, interactive food safety exhibits were developed to allow Extension Educators the opportunity to communicate the magnitude of food safety risk and to prevent foodborne illness. Four food safety topics were chosen: 1) At‐Risk Groups, 2) Preserving Food, 3) Food Thermometers, 4) Kitchen Safety for Kids. Data collected showed an increase in food safety knowledge and planned behavior change.


Team Development And Beyond, Mary P. Wilson, Jamie A. Benedict, Gwenn Snow, Mike Havercamp Oct 2010

Team Development And Beyond, Mary P. Wilson, Jamie A. Benedict, Gwenn Snow, Mike Havercamp

Journal of Extension

Team development and leadership remain important roles for Extension. This article demonstrates how Tuckman's model for small group development can be used to examine the evolution of teams retrospectively for the purpose of improving future practice. Our experience leading Nevada's Nutrition Network serves as the example. Critical points in the evolution of this team are identified and alternative actions are cited.


Dissemination Of Outreach Education Programs: In-Person And Computer-Mediated Strategies, Alex Kudryatsev, Marianne E. Krasny, Joseph B. Walther Oct 2010

Dissemination Of Outreach Education Programs: In-Person And Computer-Mediated Strategies, Alex Kudryatsev, Marianne E. Krasny, Joseph B. Walther

Journal of Extension

In-person and computer-mediated strategies are used to disseminate Extension programs, but little is known about their relative effectiveness. Using educator surveys, we compared the effectiveness of program dissemination via educator workshops, short presentations, and a DVD in terms of rates and extent of implementation in an urban environmental education program. Workshop participants were more likely to implement programs with youth, although the number of implemented activities did not differ significantly among educator participating in various dissemination strategies.


The Influence Of Parenting Stress On Mealtime Behaviors Of Low-Income African-American Mothers Of Toddlers, Dawn A. Contreras, Mildred A. Horodynski Oct 2010

The Influence Of Parenting Stress On Mealtime Behaviors Of Low-Income African-American Mothers Of Toddlers, Dawn A. Contreras, Mildred A. Horodynski

Journal of Extension

Family stress theory provides a structure to obtain and analyze maternal perceptions of toddler feeding challenges within low-income African-American households. Focus groups, with a total of 20 mothers, were conducted in four counties in a Midwestern state in the United States. The following themes emerged from the data analysis: identification and appraisal of feeding challenges, child temperament, maternal psychological and physical states, and coping behaviors. Study conclusions provide suggestions related to child feeding that Extension educators should consider when offering culturally appropriate mealtime management interventions for African-American parents of young children.


Have You Used Clickers In Programming?, Carolyn Bird, Jacquelyn Mcclelland Oct 2010

Have You Used Clickers In Programming?, Carolyn Bird, Jacquelyn Mcclelland

Journal of Extension

Extension agents must provide pertinent programming to their audiences as well as show the impact of their programs. While understanding the audience is a basic tenet of effective public speaking, Extension audiences are not always homogeneous, and typically Extension Agents provide education to participants with different educational levels and life experiences. This article illustrates that Extension educators and their participants can benefit greatly through strategic use of clickers and extends the discussion to the advantages of use for heterogeneous audiences and in applied research. Techniques for using clickers to collect program impact data are discussed.


Worksite Wellness: Investing In Healthy Employees And Economies, Patricia Case Oct 2010

Worksite Wellness: Investing In Healthy Employees And Economies, Patricia Case

Journal of Extension

Worksites are structured environments with social norms and policies. These "norms" positively or negatively influence health habits such as physical activity and food choices. This article describes a worksite wellness program conducted and evaluated by Extension. The program demonstrated significant changes in body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, amount of exercise, and stages of change for exercise and intake of fruits and vegetables. This article challenges Extension to partner with employers who have a growing interest in contributing to a healthy work force. Also included are suggestions and tools for conducting worksite wellness programs.


Speaking The Same Language In Paraprofessional Staff Development, Susan S. Baker, Meredith Pearson Oct 2010

Speaking The Same Language In Paraprofessional Staff Development, Susan S. Baker, Meredith Pearson

Journal of Extension

Literacy is an important consideration in the development of new staff orientation and ongoing training programs for Extension paraprofessional educators. In a project to develop core competencies for nutrition paraprofessionals, investigators learned that some of the competencies, (developed by a panel of Extension professionals) were not expressed using terminology understood by paraprofessionals. Implications for developing effective training programs include using terminology understood by paraprofessionals, engaging in intentional dialog with paraprofessionals to determine common language, and teaching paraprofessionals new terminology when necessary.


Local Area Agency On Aging Supports In-Home Nutrition Education For High-Nutritional Risk Seniors, Shelly Johnson Aug 2010

Local Area Agency On Aging Supports In-Home Nutrition Education For High-Nutritional Risk Seniors, Shelly Johnson

Journal of Extension

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and University of Idaho Extension created the Senior Extension Nutrition Program (SENP) to help high-nutritional risk seniors understand the importance of using food to better manage their health and/or health conditions. Paraprofessionals from Food Stamp Nutrition Education are funded using AAA funds and provide in-home visits to at risk seniors. Paraprofessionals receive oversight from UI faculty and a registered dietitian. A retrospective pre-test survey indicates behavior changes in fruit, vegetable, dairy, and water consumption and food frequency intake. The program gives these seniors an increase confidence in how to manage their health.


The Viability Of Podcasts In Extension Education: Financial Education For College Students, Lori Hendrickson, Rebecca Hagen Jokela, Janene Gilman, Sara Croymans, Mary Marczak, Virginia Zuiker, Patricia D. Olson Aug 2010

The Viability Of Podcasts In Extension Education: Financial Education For College Students, Lori Hendrickson, Rebecca Hagen Jokela, Janene Gilman, Sara Croymans, Mary Marczak, Virginia Zuiker, Patricia D. Olson

Journal of Extension

The article examines the viability of podcast use to provide financial education for college students by Extension educators. A focus group study of college students was conducted by a team of Extension educators from the University of Minnesota Extension related to the potential use of podcasts. Eight focus groups were conducted at a variety of colleges throughout the upper Midwest. Researchers found podcasts are not a stand-alone educational approach, but potentially a tool in a blended learning approach. Implications for using podcast and other technologies in Extension education are discussed.


Food Safety For 4-H Youth: A Survey Of Interests And Educational Methods, David C. Diehl, Dale W. Pracht, Larry F. Forthun, Amy H. Simonne Aug 2010

Food Safety For 4-H Youth: A Survey Of Interests And Educational Methods, David C. Diehl, Dale W. Pracht, Larry F. Forthun, Amy H. Simonne

Journal of Extension

Improper food safety practices cause numerous illnesses and cost Americans billions of dollars each year. The study reported here addressed food safety issues by analyzing data from surveys with 4-H youth about their food safety attitudes, behaviors, and preferred methods of educational delivery. Analyses of gender differences indicate that males and females have distinct attitudes, behaviors, and preferences, necessitating more tailored educational approaches. Youth are most interested in food safety information that is fun, interactive, and built around cooking demonstrations. 4-H staff and others in Extension can optimize youth learning and practice change by approaching food safety from this experiential …