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Journal of Extension

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Survey Results From Participants Of A Short Course For Dairy Herdsmen, Gerald E. Higginbotham, John H. Kirk Apr 2006

Survey Results From Participants Of A Short Course For Dairy Herdsmen, Gerald E. Higginbotham, John H. Kirk

Journal of Extension

A survey was conducted by University of California Cooperative Extension of past attendees of a dairy herdsman short course. The purpose was to determine to what degree course participants were applying course material to their respective position as dairy herdsmen. Overall, 41% of the attendees indicated that they had begun to apply information from the short course on the dairy farm for which they worked. Hispanic attendees appreciated simultaneous translations of presentations. Results from this survey demonstrate the need for a dairy herdsman short course in order for dairy employees to improve their practical skills in dairy herd management.

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African Americans' Views On Access To Healthy Foods: What A Farmers' Market Provides, Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, Louise I. Martinez, Ginnefer Cox, Anita Jayraj Apr 2006

African Americans' Views On Access To Healthy Foods: What A Farmers' Market Provides, Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, Louise I. Martinez, Ginnefer Cox, Anita Jayraj

Journal of Extension

The study reported here assessed African Americans' perceptions of a local farmers' market and access to healthy produce in their community. The majority of respondents were satisfied with several dimensions of the farmers' market, including location, cleanliness, variety, price, and quality of produce. Comparing the farmers' market to the local stores in terms of access to fresh produce, about twice the number of residents was satisfied with the farmers' market than with the local stores. This study has implications for Extension in terms of promoting farmers' markets in low-income minority communities.

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Direct Marketing Edamame (Glycine Max [L.] Merrill) To Professional Chefs, Dru N. Montri, Kathleen M. Kelley, Elsa S. Sanchez Feb 2006

Direct Marketing Edamame (Glycine Max [L.] Merrill) To Professional Chefs, Dru N. Montri, Kathleen M. Kelley, Elsa S. Sanchez

Journal of Extension

A consumer-research study was conducted in Metro-Philadelphia to determine professional chef demand for edamame (Glycine max [L.] Merrill). Cultivar preferences and partiality for shelled or inshell edamame were also investigated. The majority of chefs indicated that they were "very likely" to use edamame again, and many were interested in acquiring Pennsylvania-grown edamame from small-acreage growers. Most chefs "liked" all three cultivars, and the majority preferred shelled edamame. Using this methodology, Extension personnel can continue to investigate professional chef demand and preferences for specialty crops and provide grower clientele with information on how to best meet consumer needs.

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Revisiting State 4-H Mentoring Programs For County 4-H Professionals, R Dale Safrit Feb 2006

Revisiting State 4-H Mentoring Programs For County 4-H Professionals, R Dale Safrit

Journal of Extension

This article describes major aspects of mentoring programs being conducted currently by state Extension systems to support county 4-H Youth Development professionals. NAE4-HA Mentoring Task Force members developed a quantitative research methodology using a Web-based survey and census of State 4-H Leaders as of September 1, 2003, to collect data. Thirty-four respondents reported having some type of county 4-H mentoring program, including 12 reporting a formal program and 22 an informal program. However, a consistent, Web-based national 4-H professional development mentoring curriculum would better benefit county 4-H professionals and state 4-H programs in the U.S. and globally.

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Consumer Trust In Extension As A Source Of Biotech Food Information, Enefiok Ekanem, M Mafuyai-Ekanem, Fisseha Tegegne, Safdar Muhammad Feb 2006

Consumer Trust In Extension As A Source Of Biotech Food Information, Enefiok Ekanem, M Mafuyai-Ekanem, Fisseha Tegegne, Safdar Muhammad

Journal of Extension

A mail questionnaire survey was used to collect data on the sources that consumers used for gathering information about biotech food products and nutrition issues. Using responses from 250 randomly selected consumers from three states, this article (1) examines the media and sources from where consumers obtained food products and nutrition information and (2) estimates the level of trust that consumers put on Extension professionals as a source of information. Newspapers, television, magazines, and word-of-mouth were frequently used to gather food products and nutrition information. Extension professionals were ranked as the third most trusted source of information by consumers.

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Development And Formative Evaluation Of A Bilingual Interactive Multimedia Dietary Assessment Tool, Jamie Zoellner, Jennifer Anderson, Susan Martin Gould Feb 2006

Development And Formative Evaluation Of A Bilingual Interactive Multimedia Dietary Assessment Tool, Jamie Zoellner, Jennifer Anderson, Susan Martin Gould

Journal of Extension

A bilingual interactive multimedia dietary recall was developed for use in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. This recall was evaluated by nutrition professionals to determine effectiveness of the introduction, food groupings, graphics, audio, and program flow. Users first report food choices from 167 graphically represented foods. Then, food variety, cooking techniques, and portion sizes are displayed. Last, users can add and delete foods. A nutrient profile comprised of 20 dietary constituents is generated. This recall provides potential for stimulating food recall with audio and visual cues, promoting more honest reports of food intake and saving staff time.

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Food Pantries: Food And Nutrition Education In A Non-Traditional Setting, Angela Miyamoto, Lindi Chun, Naomi Kanehiro, Claire Nakatsuka Feb 2006

Food Pantries: Food And Nutrition Education In A Non-Traditional Setting, Angela Miyamoto, Lindi Chun, Naomi Kanehiro, Claire Nakatsuka

Journal of Extension

This article describes an informal approach to delivering nutrition education to a limited resource audience in a food pantry. Improving dietary quality by increasing vegetables and fruits, and safe food handling were the main focus of the education. Extension educators created simple and quick main dishes using foods only from the food pantry. Nutrition education materials focusing on food safety were distributed. Ability/flexibility to create a fast and easy main dish dependant upon foods available, developing trust and rapport with staff and clients, cultural appropriateness, and language barrier issues should be considered when delivering an Extension education program in food …

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Use And Evaluation Of A Statewide 4-H Volunteer Newsletter, Bruce P. Zimmer, Joyce A. Shriner, Scott D. Scheer Feb 2006

Use And Evaluation Of A Statewide 4-H Volunteer Newsletter, Bruce P. Zimmer, Joyce A. Shriner, Scott D. Scheer

Journal of Extension

The Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Connections newsletter is a statewide publication targeted for volunteers working with K - 2 youth. Two statewide surveys in Ohio were conducted with 4-H volunteers and 4-H Extension staff to measure the usefulness and utilization of the newsletter. Results indicated 4-H Cloverbud volunteers and 4-H staff utilize the newsletter and consider it a valuable resource. Ninety-seven percent of the 4-H Cloverbud volunteers and 4-H staff want the newsletter continued. Findings indicate the importance of 4-H Cloverbud activities for readers, need for more awareness of the newsletter Web site, and importance of 4-H Cloverbud volunteer training.

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Techniques For Establishing Educational Programs Through The African American Faith Community, Joyce M. Woodson, Millicent Braxton-Calhoun Feb 2006

Techniques For Establishing Educational Programs Through The African American Faith Community, Joyce M. Woodson, Millicent Braxton-Calhoun

Journal of Extension

In 1996, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension began to explore reaching the African American population through the faith community. The goal was to address the disproportionately high incidence of chronic disease in that population. Many meetings and discussions followed with clergy and their staff, which resulted in shared desire and concern for the health of their congregation. Through these experiences specific techniques are offered for effectively establishing educational programs for the African American community. This effort led to the development and implementation of other health and nutrition programs targeted to address life-threatening issues associated with the African American community.

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Extension Connection: Workforce Development And Cooperative Extension Working Hand-In-Hand, Ruth C. Jackson, Sharon Hoelscher Day Dec 2005

Extension Connection: Workforce Development And Cooperative Extension Working Hand-In-Hand, Ruth C. Jackson, Sharon Hoelscher Day

Journal of Extension

The Extension Connection enhances life skills to support workforce development of low-income families by providing education promoting self-sufficiency. This program helps develop life skills that provide structure within the family and community. Project STRIDE supports workforce development in a high-crime, at-risk area with education. Project STRIDE increases stability within the family, helps families be productive in their community, and helps them overcome barriers to entering the work force, achieve job stability and advance in life for themselves and their families. Families also learn nutrition for healthy living and money management.

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Attitudes And Practices Of Virginia Efnep And Fsne Educators Toward Teaching About Childhood Overweight, Elena Serrano, Ruby Cox Dec 2005

Attitudes And Practices Of Virginia Efnep And Fsne Educators Toward Teaching About Childhood Overweight, Elena Serrano, Ruby Cox

Journal of Extension

The main objective of the study reported here was to assess the attitudes, practices, and needs of Virginia EFNEP and FSNE educators toward addressing childhood overweight. Written questionnaires were administered to 40 educators. Nearly 80% considered childhood overweight a "growing problem"; however, only 12 indicated they had taught classes on childhood overweight and nearly one-third were considered in pre-contemplation or contemplation (based on Stages of Change). The biggest perceived barrier was lack of resources and information, followed by lack of interest of class participants. The findings demonstrate the need for curricula and a stage-based training on childhood overweight for Extension.

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Roads Scholar Tours: A Marketing Tool For Building Strong Campus/Community Relationships, Deborah J. Maddy, Jean A. Stilwell Dec 2005

Roads Scholar Tours: A Marketing Tool For Building Strong Campus/Community Relationships, Deborah J. Maddy, Jean A. Stilwell

Journal of Extension

Roads Scholar Tours are a marketing tool guaranteed to build strong campus/community relationships for any land-grant university. The tours give campus-bound colleagues an opportunity to actively engage with Extension faculty and staff, volunteers, learners, and community leaders. Over the years, the tours have earned prestige through the selective nature of the invitation and the high quality experience. Scholars report 1) increased understanding of Extension's vision, mission and values, and 2) incorporation of what they learned about Extension into their campus assignments.

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The Craft Of Cross-Cultural Engagement, Craig A. Hassel Dec 2005

The Craft Of Cross-Cultural Engagement, Craig A. Hassel

Journal of Extension

How might Extension professionals become proficient in engaging communities with knowledge that does not correspond to our own scientific understandings? Cross-cultural engagement (CCE) requires a commitment toward building trust as a foundation for greater relationship and asks us to think within other worldviews in order to understand divergent knowledge. This is quite different from learning about other worldviews from a familiar or scientific perspective. CCE brings diversity of perspective and with it new possibilities for innovation at land-grant universities.

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4-H Experiences Contributing To Leadership And Personal Development Of 4-H Alumni, Rama B. Radhakrishna, Megan Sinasky Dec 2005

4-H Experiences Contributing To Leadership And Personal Development Of 4-H Alumni, Rama B. Radhakrishna, Megan Sinasky

Journal of Extension

The study reported here examined the contribution of 4-H experiences on leadership and personal development of Pennsylvania 4-H alumni. A total of 168 4-H alumni responded to a mail survey. Stepwise regression analysis identified six variables (challenges and responsibilities, benefits of 4-H participation, number of years in 4-H, animal science projects completed, usefulness and total number of 4-H projects completed) contributing to leadership and personal development. The variables explained 69.5% of the total variance. Pennsylvania 4-H alumni view their 4-H experience as very beneficial. The experiences they had in 4-H continue to influence them in later life.

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Hearing Their Needs: Voices Of Underrepresented Populations, Patreese D. Ingram, Amy K. Syvertsen Oct 2005

Hearing Their Needs: Voices Of Underrepresented Populations, Patreese D. Ingram, Amy K. Syvertsen

Journal of Extension

The Plan of Work process provides an opportunity for Extension to review its educational objectives and consider the changing needs of its potential audiences. In Pennsylvania, a special effort was made to gain input concerning programs to be conducted in 2005-2009 from ethnic minority and low-income populations. This article shares the concerns and needs expressed during focus group interviews, summarizing issues related to youth, family, community, and nutrition and health. Results have important implications for the development of relevant programming with diverse audiences.

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Extension Programming For Food Entrepreneurs: An Indiana Needs Assessment, Maria I. Marshall, De Bush, Kirby Hayes Oct 2005

Extension Programming For Food Entrepreneurs: An Indiana Needs Assessment, Maria I. Marshall, De Bush, Kirby Hayes

Journal of Extension

The objective of the research reported here was to identify the needs of food entrepreneurs in the state of Indiana. To attain this objective, Purdue Extension educators from 86 counties in Indiana were surveyed. Topics of interest from the survey results included marketing, new business start-up, food regulations, and food safety. This assessment tool has directed Purdue Extension in developing a Food Entrepreneur Engagement Program. The survey results were used to develop a statewide workshop for food entrepreneurs. Resources provided by this program ultimately helped several food entrepreneurs create value-added food businesses in Indiana.

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Effectiveness Of A Program To Increase Fruit And Vegetable Consumption, Katherine L. Cason Aug 2005

Effectiveness Of A Program To Increase Fruit And Vegetable Consumption, Katherine L. Cason

Journal of Extension

Americans do not ordinarily consume the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, thereby placing them at risk for the development of chronic diseases. EFNEP and the South East Produce Council implemented a program designed to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by low-income audiences reached through EFNEP. Pre-program surveys provided a profile of the families' fresh produce purchases and consumption level. Post-program data indicates that the program participants made a significant increase in their consumption of fruits and vegetables.

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Assessing The Educational Needs And Interests Of The Hispanic Population: The Role Of Extension, Susan Farner, M Elena Rhoads, German Cutz, Barbara Farner Aug 2005

Assessing The Educational Needs And Interests Of The Hispanic Population: The Role Of Extension, Susan Farner, M Elena Rhoads, German Cutz, Barbara Farner

Journal of Extension

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United States and face unique problems concerning language and citizenship. However, institutions do not yet know how best to deliver services to this group or understand what services are needed. Although many programs designed for Hispanics exist, especially in urban areas, there is little documentation that they have been evaluated and are successful in serving the population they target. The focus group study described here was conducted to better understand what kind of information Hispanics in an urban setting are seeking and how best to disseminate information to them.

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Implementing A Needs Assessment For Long-Term Strategic Planning In 4-H Horticulture Programming, Elizabeth Phibbs, Diane Relf, Joseph Hunnings Aug 2005

Implementing A Needs Assessment For Long-Term Strategic Planning In 4-H Horticulture Programming, Elizabeth Phibbs, Diane Relf, Joseph Hunnings

Journal of Extension

A needs assessment was implemented for long-term strategic planning in 4-H horticulture programming. 4-H agents, Agriculture and Natural Resource agents, and Master Gardener Coordinators were surveyed regarding horticulture programs, areas for new programming, and available resources and resource needs. Interviews were conducted with staff of public gardens in Virginia indicating potential for programming partnerships. Directors of 4-H camps expressed interest in curriculum modified to their time constraints. Results identified areas for growth and needs for improved communication and resource sharing. A Web site was developed and new position recommended.

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Consumer Knowledge And Perceptions About Organic Food, Carolyn Raab, Deana Grobe Aug 2005

Consumer Knowledge And Perceptions About Organic Food, Carolyn Raab, Deana Grobe

Journal of Extension

Oregon food shoppers' knowledge and perceptions about organic food were assessed in a statewide phone survey conducted 3 months after adoption of USDA's National Organic Program standards. Of the 637 interviewees, 77% reported household purchase of organic food in the past 6 months. Those with household members in environmental organizations were significantly more likely to purchase organic food frequently. About two-thirds gave positive word associations with "organic." Forty percent were aware that the USDA standards had gone into effect. Trust in the accuracy of the USDA organic label varied. Environmentally minded consumers are a potential organic market if trust is …

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Selecting Recipes To Enhance Educational Programming--Application Of Formative Research Methods, Sharon Francey Robinson, William Wong, A Shanna Wright Rodgers, Mary Kinney Bielamowicz Aug 2005

Selecting Recipes To Enhance Educational Programming--Application Of Formative Research Methods, Sharon Francey Robinson, William Wong, A Shanna Wright Rodgers, Mary Kinney Bielamowicz

Journal of Extension

Recipe demonstration often accompanies educational programming. Formative research methods can be used when selecting recipes to enhance an educational experience. The use of recipes and food demonstrations should be consistent with identified educational goals. Our process resulted in a stepwise culling of recipes and the identification of recipe categories that supported our learning goal. We enabled input from peer educators, agents, and clients by soliciting informal and formal feedback through methods such as survey instruments, informal discussions, and structured interviews. This and similar approaches to recipe selection may engage educators in the judicious use of recipes to augment educational programming.

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Using A Nutrition Web Site As A Resource For County Educators: Evaluating Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service's Experience, Janice Hermann, Amber Carson, Glenn Muske, Kathryn Keim Aug 2005

Using A Nutrition Web Site As A Resource For County Educators: Evaluating Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service's Experience, Janice Hermann, Amber Carson, Glenn Muske, Kathryn Keim

Journal of Extension

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Web Site was evaluated by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service County Extension Educators in terms of Web site characteristics, information sections, information formats, and uses of the information immediately after and 6 months after an in-service training on the Web site. Immediately after training, educators appeared to be most interested in quickly using Web site information in educational programs. Six months after training, educators appeared to begin to use the Web site as a source of current information that could be used to address immediate consumer questions and be used for news releases.

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Evaluation Of Training Program For Caregivers To Aging Adults, Gloria J. Barrett, Patti Wooten Swanson, Anna V. Song Jun 2005

Evaluation Of Training Program For Caregivers To Aging Adults, Gloria J. Barrett, Patti Wooten Swanson, Anna V. Song

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals have a wealth of research-based information and expertise in nutrition, activities of daily living, and resource management. This knowledge is the basis for a new Extension program to train in-home caregivers. The purpose of the study described here was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Caregiver Training Program, designed and delivered by Cooperative Extension academic advisors to enhance the skills and knowledge of the in-home supportive service caregivers. Participants report positive changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, interest, and self-confidence. Extension is uniquely qualified and positioned to provide training for caregivers to aging adults.

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Leadership, Teaching, Self Efficacy, And Networking: Untapped Benefits Of Membership In Extension Volunteer Networks, Leone Ohnoutka, Linda Waybright, Allison Nichols, Patrick Nestor Jun 2005

Leadership, Teaching, Self Efficacy, And Networking: Untapped Benefits Of Membership In Extension Volunteer Networks, Leone Ohnoutka, Linda Waybright, Allison Nichols, Patrick Nestor

Journal of Extension

The Cooperative Extension Service has long been aware of the value of Extension service networks for developing women's skills in traditional home and family areas. Little is known about the relationship between leadership skills and these volunteer or service organizations. A study of Extension Homemakers/Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) groups was conducted to determine benefits of membership. Benefits can be categorized into four categories: leadership, teaching, personal efficacy, and networking. These surpass skill and knowledge gained about homemaking and parenting. Results suggest Extension should consider developing service groups throughout the country as "hothouses" for developing the leadership of volunteers, particularly …

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Burnout: How Does Extension Balance Job And Family?, Karen M. Ensle Jun 2005

Burnout: How Does Extension Balance Job And Family?, Karen M. Ensle

Journal of Extension

Avoiding burnout by balancing job and family is a necessity for Extension employees. This article reviews several state efforts regarding employee loss and retention. Keys to job satisfaction are discussed along with the coping skills needed to prevent burnout. Stress reduction ideas, a review of a successful wellness program, and a description of the young "Generation X" agent, and their challenges working for Extension are included. Suggestions for changes in the Cooperative Extension System to reduce stress and prevent burnout will challenge the reader.

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Serving The Public: The Academic Library And Cooperative Extension, Kornelia Tancheva, Michael Cook, Howard Raskin Jun 2005

Serving The Public: The Academic Library And Cooperative Extension, Kornelia Tancheva, Michael Cook, Howard Raskin

Journal of Extension

The article describes the successful design and implementation of various outreach services for Extension at the Albert R. Mann Library, Cornell University. It examines the outreach challenges facing an agricultural and life sciences library in an Ivy League institution, which is also part of the land-grant colleges and as such serves an extended New York State community.

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Nutrition Mission--A Multimedia Educational Tool For Youth Grades 4 - 6, Katherine L. Cason, Tionni R. Wenrich, Nan Lv Jun 2005

Nutrition Mission--A Multimedia Educational Tool For Youth Grades 4 - 6, Katherine L. Cason, Tionni R. Wenrich, Nan Lv

Journal of Extension

Nutrition Mission is a multimedia educational CD-ROM with an accompanying Web site designed to teach 4th - 6th grade students about making healthy food and activity choices. The CD-ROM incorporates a rich learning environment using graphics, audio, video, and interactive animations to excite students and make learning about nutrition fun. The CD includes lessons about the food guide pyramid, food labels, nutrient density, fast foods, snacking, physical activity, and food science experiments. Preliminary data indicates that the majority of youth acquire knowledge and skills related to foods, nutrition, and physical activity.

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Lighten Up Iowa: An Interdisciplinary, Collaborative Health Promotion Campaign, Ruth E. Litchfield, Joann Muldoon, Greg Welk, Jim Hallihan Apr 2005

Lighten Up Iowa: An Interdisciplinary, Collaborative Health Promotion Campaign, Ruth E. Litchfield, Joann Muldoon, Greg Welk, Jim Hallihan

Journal of Extension

In Iowa, obesity nearly doubled between 1990 (12.8%) and 2002 (22.9%). Rural areas, like Iowa, tend to have a higher prevalence of obesity and are difficult to reach with health promotion efforts. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Games, and Iowa State University Extension deliver Lighten Up Iowa, a friendly team competition promoting physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption. In 2003, Lighten Up Iowa reached 1,400 teams (12,000 Iowans in 99 counties) that logged 2.6 million miles of physical activity and lost 23.5 tons of weight. Pre- and post-surveys indicate significant (p<0.05) increases in physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption.

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Extent Of Positive Youth-Adult Relationships In A 4-H After-School Program, Jessica E. Paisley, Theresa M. Ferrari Apr 2005

Extent Of Positive Youth-Adult Relationships In A 4-H After-School Program, Jessica E. Paisley, Theresa M. Ferrari

Journal of Extension

It is widely recognized that relationships with caring adults are essential for youth to achieve their fullest potential. The study described here explored youths' relationships with adults in a 4-H after-school program setting. Methods used included a youth survey and observations of youth-adult interactions. All youth were found to be experiencing highly positive relationships with adults at the after-school program. Two major factors were found to contribute to such relationships: attendance and positive adult behaviors. Relationships with adults at the after-school program were significantly more positive than those with teachers or neighborhood adults. Implications for practice are discussed.

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The View From County Partners--Extension In Southwest Washington, Douglas M. Stienbarger Apr 2005

The View From County Partners--Extension In Southwest Washington, Douglas M. Stienbarger

Journal of Extension

Given increasing urbanization and economic transformation, how well does Extension serve its clientele? Using personal interviews, the study described here gauged the perceived accountability and relevance of Extension programs to county governments in southwest Washington State. The study has implications for other regions utilizing significant discretionary funding from county partners. County commissioners like Extension programming but express little ownership in programming often seen as antiquated. Commissioners do not see Extension meeting community needs and invest little time in the partnership. While closer alignment with county priorities will help improve the relationship with Extension, institutional constraints may also play an important …

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