Digital Commons Network^™

Comparing Participant Recruitment Methods For Statewide Needs Assessment Surveys, Amy Harder, Diane D. Craig, Karlibeth Leitheiser

Journal of Extension

Contracting with a paid survey vendor can be costly; are free and low-cost survey recruitment methods a sound option for Extension? The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of using free or low-cost recruitment methods as a substitute for contracting with a paid survey vendor when conducting a statewide needs assessment. The demographic characteristics and responses from paid survey panelists were compared with the same data from participants recruited via Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Observed differences suggest that Extension professionals should carefully consider whose perspectives are needed for a needs assessment and make survey recruitment decisions accordingly.

Adult Teaching Practices Of Exemplary Extension Agents, T. Grady Roberts, Amy Harder, Matt Benge

Journal of Extension

Teaching is an important part of an Extension agent’s duties; however, little is empirically understood about effective teaching practices in an Extension context. The purpose of this study was to explore the adult teaching practices of exemplary extension agents. Through a nomination process, seven agents in Florida were interviewed. The analysis revealed four themes: (a) approach to teaching adults, (b) awareness of learners, (c) planning, and (d) learning to teach. Each theme had several sub-themes. Recommendations for practice and additional research are provided.

A Forest Management Evaluation System For Small Private Forest Landowners, Pete Bettinger, Taeyoon Lee, Krista Merry, Daniel Drummond

Journal of Extension

When small private forest landowners have a need to address jointly economic and sustainability objectives, efficiency in both respects becomes important given limitations on the land, budget, time, and other resources that are available. The suite of forest management options available to a landowner may be vast and complex, therefore a tool to assist and inform their potential management activities can be of value. The eYield model was developed as an application (app) to assess forest management options on many different computing devices, from cellphones to desktop computers. Within eYield, a person can define a management situation, specify prices and …

Using Virtual Platforms To Convene And Engage Diverse Sectors Of The Emerging Seaweed Aquaculture Industry, Anoushka Concepcion, Gabriela Bradt, Meg Chadsey, Antoinette Clemetson, Melissa Good, Catherine Janasie, Stephanie Otts, Joshua Reitsma, Jaclyn Robidoux

Journal of Extension

Engaging relevant stakeholders, specifically those with opposing views, is a challenge many Extension professionals face. Employing practical methods to engage opposing sectors is critical in implementing projects to ensure long-term success. Advocacy-driven messaging has fueled interest in seaweed farming, however, existing practical challenges have led to frustration from relevant sectors. The National Seaweed Hub serves as a central clearinghouse for available science-based, non-advocate, and practical resources related to the emerging domestic seaweed aquaculture industry. Through facilitated sector-driven work groups and other engagement activities, seaweed sectors collaborated and strategized to generate implementable projects, ideas and resources targeting barriers to industry expansion.

Program Instructional Profile (Pip): A User-Friendly Tool To Support Program Development And Implementation For Extension Professionals, Amy M. Leman, Rebecca Mott, John Tummons

Journal of Extension

Not all Extension professionals enter the workplace with knowledge and experience in program development. Some may possess extensive expertise in their subject matter but need additional training in teaching-related competencies for adult or youth audiences. Even educators with extensive skill and experience benefit from thoughtful and intentional program planning and implementation design. This article describes the Program Instructional Profile (PIP), created for Extension professionals to design and outline the program delivery processes. We explain how to use the PIP and provide insight into the benefits and challenges of the uses for program development and implementation purposes.

Using Focus Groups In Delphi Method To Conduct Participatory Research: Implications For Extension, Yulia Lamoureaux, Julia Van Soelen Kim, Vikram Koundinya

Journal of Extension

In this article, we describe an innovative way of using the Delphi method with community stakeholders. We modified the traditional Delphi method by conducting three consecutive virtual focus groups in combination with anonymous surveys at the end of each round. Focus groups provided a safe environment to exchange perspectives, express divergence of opinions, and explore areas of agreement, while surveys allowed the opportunity to express opinions anonymously. Extension practitioners can employ this innovative approach to the Delphi method to facilitate knowledge exchange, discussion, and dialogical consensus-seeking in an interactive focus group setting to gain more nuanced qualitative results.

Segmenting Stakeholders For Effective Extension Education: A Case Study Of Sustainable Forestry Practices, Eli Typhina, Omoyemeh Ile, Robert E. Bardom

Journal of Extension

The article describes a participatory segmentation strategy, called the Actor Diagramming and Tracing Method, that enables Extension agents to tailor education initiatives. Using a case study, the authors demonstrate the method by segmenting North Carolina family forest landowners based on resources needed for sustainable forestry management. Instead of surveying select participants, as previous researchers have, the authors engage a diverse set of stakeholders through interviews, in-situ observations, and diagramming. Three segments emerged with explicit steps to engaging forest owners’ barriers and motivations, as well as a key factor to adoption of sustainable forestry practices: owners’ relationships/social networks.

Buzzworthy Messaging: Assessing Residents’ Perceptions Of Labels To Better Promote Pollinator Gardening, Colby J. Silvert, Laura A. Warner, Cody Gusto, John M. Diaz, Rachel E. Mallinger

Journal of Extension

Consumers appear more likely to purchase plants with labeling indicating pollinator-friendly production or high pollinator resource value. No standardized label for pollinator-supporting plants or landscape practices exists in the United States, which has proliferated the variety of labels used by the industry. This mixed-methods study aims to provide insight into residents’ preferred pollinator-related labelling for plants and landscape practices in order to help Extension professionals and green industry stakeholders improve outreach, marketing, and communications efforts. Findings suggest a butterfly-friendly label would be most effective for marketing while residents would accept and favorably perceive labels emphasizing either pollinator-friendly or bee-friendly attributes.

Invasive Species Common Names: Working Towards More Inclusive Invasive Species Education And Outreach, Megan M. Weber, Angela Gupta, Nicholas B.D. Phelps, Douglas A. Jensen, Robert C. Venette

Journal of Extension

Invasive species harm natural and managed ecosystems. Awareness and management of these species depends on effective education and outreach. Traditional common names, including those with geographic references, for many invasive pests may perpetuate slanderous terms or stigmatize people from that place. To create more inclusive invasive species educational materials, the University of Minnesota Extension’s Invasive Species Community of Practice developed guidelines for selection of common names. Suggested names were shared with others involved in invasive species communications, leading to broader adoption. These guidelines may be useful to others who struggle to find descriptive, non-alienating common names for invasive species.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Development Of A Calculator To Evaluate The Economic And Dietary Impact Of Edible Gardens, Sofia O. Sanchez, Katie Funderburk, Erin Reznicek, Sondra M. Parmer

Journal of Extension

Edible gardens can increase fruit and vegetable availability and access. Weighing produce is a method to evaluate gardens, however there are limited methods that translate garden yields to dietary yields and that document Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) garden yields. We developed a Garden Harvest Calculator to evaluate edible garden economic and dietary impact. Over three spring-to-summer growing seasons, 12 – 18 gardens produced 6,499 pounds of produce worth $11,606.95. This equates to 24,922 cups, enough for 4,984 adults to meet dietary recommendations. SNAP-Ed supported gardens may positively contribute to dietary needs while reducing barriers to food access.

Civil Leadership For Vibrant Communities: Building Bridges Through Deliberative Dialogue, Victoria Solomon, Jessica Beckendorf, David Kay

Journal of Extension

Polarization is increasingly impacting Extension’s work in communities. Extension has untapped potential to address division and lack of civility by building civic infrastructure and skills for constructive dialogue. We describe a pilot program that began as a one-off event and grew into a series organized by University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension in partnership with Braver Angels, a national organization applying research-based skills to building bridges. We report on the series structure and content, its goals, and the impacts on participants. We suggest that Extension has the mission, capacity, opportunity, and responsibility to engage in skill-building for Public Issues Education.

Tracing Atlantic Sea Scallops Using Radio Frequency Identification (Rfid) Technology, Will Shoup, David Rudders, Jonathon Peros

Journal of Extension

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) represents a technology that has the potential to enhance many aspects of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery. Driven by fishery management and market forces, fishery product traceability benefits fisheries managers, consumers, and fishermen. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of RFID technology in the scallop fishery, a solution is proposed that would help establish clear Chain of Custody (CoC) so that the scallop supply chain can be better documented. Implementation and acceptance of any new technology will hinge on effective communication and extension efforts that can leverage the multi-benefit aspects of adopting RFID into the fishery.

Mobile Podcast Production: How To Educate And Engage Through Online Audio, Jacqueline V. Aenlle, Whitney Stone, Peyton N. Beattie, Jamie Loizzo

Journal of Extension

The use of podcasts in Cooperative Extension programs continues to grow. Ongoing research shows the benefits of podcasting for formal education, non-formal education, connecting with distance learning, and reaching a broader audience. This article will provide readers with steps to create an educational podcast. This article will be of interest for Extension agents and Extension programs that are moving to, or can be complemented by, a digital platform. Extension professionals can consider using podcasts and podcast analytics to complement existing programming, impact reporting, and promotion.

Learning Extension Through Firsthand Experiences Of Graduate Students In An Amish Community, Raul Villanueva, Yaziri Gonzalez, Izabela Gomes

Journal of Extension

Two graduate students and a faculty member of the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky developed and implemented a two-year extension program aimed to train Amish farmers on identification and management of their major agricultural problems. Students conducted periodical visits to the community, inquired about farmers’ needs, and identified relevant issues, which were outlined to plan two field days offered in their properties. Amish farmers gained knowledge on diverse topics and were eager to receive handouts and publications. Amish were open to apply new technologies and implement them without main changes in their traditional methods of agriculture. The …

The 2021 Kansas Rural Grocery Survey: Revaluating Extension’S Role In Rural Grocery Issues, Jacob A. Miller-Klugesherz, Jessica Ramirez, Rial Carver, Erica Blair, Leah J. Tsoodle, Lauren Scheufler

Journal of Extension

Kansas State University’s Rural Grocery Initiative, housed under research and extension, surveyed rural Kansas grocery stores in 2021 (N = 48). This is the second RGI survey, following up on the ownership and customer surveys in 2008. This survey broadly assesses owner characteristics, store features, and challenges. Using descriptive and thematic analyses, we identified two topline conclusions for grocers and their respective Extension services. First, grocers need to identify transition plans earlier and more often. Second, grocers can overcome competition and distribution challenges by diversifying their sourcing, supply, and offerings.

Documenting The “So What?” Of Evidence-Based Programs: Communicating Results To Stakeholders With Research-Based Visual Tools, Deirdre J. Avery, Kara Haberstock Tanoue, Michele E. Walsh

Journal of Extension

As part of developing the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension 4-H Common Measures system, we created resources for communicating results to stakeholders with research-based visual tools. We outline the creation of two tools that may be useful to CE personnel to use evaluation findings to better “tell their story” to a variety of stakeholders. Effectively telling this story often means addressing the question “so what?”. These tools, 1) Outcome Linkages and 2) Infographics can translate the program’s “so what?” in easily interpretable and visually engaging ways. Step by step processes are reviewed to guide creation and use of both tools.

Andragogical Tendencies Of Excellent Extension Educators, T. Grady Roberts, Matt Benge, Amy Harder

Journal of Extension

Extension agents frequently teach adult audiences, who require a different approach than youth audiences. Andragogy has been frequently used to frame research in Extension. However, it is not clear if Extension professionals apply andragogical principles in practice when teaching programs. We used Knowles’ theory of andragogy and the Personal Adult Learning Style Inventory to investigate the andragogical tendencies of Extension agents who were nominated as exceptional teachers in [State]. Our study results suggest that the agents viewed as exceptional teachers in [State] embrace an andragogical philosophy when it does not conflict with their understanding of their job responsibilities.

Understanding Consumer Belief Of Locavorism On Food Consumption At Farmers’ Markets: Implications For Extension Professionals, Youngdeok Lee, Christopher Sneed, Michelle L. Childs

Journal of Extension

Using an intercept method at two local farmers’ markets (n= 192), this study found the notion that local foods taste better and are more nutritious (i.e., lionization) and the notion that buying locally supports and contributes to the local economy and community (i.e., communization), positively influences consumers’ attitude towards shopping at their local farmers’ market. This positive attitude subsequently influences consumer purchase behavior. Extension professionals can utilize these data-driven results to aid in effective farmers’ market promotion by communicating micro-benefits (e.g., nutrition, taste) and macro-benefits (e.g., economic impact) to potential and current farmers’ market consumers.

A Step By Step Shoreline Attribute Analysis For Selected Waterbodies In The Gulf Of Mexico To Promote The Use Of Living Shorelines, Christoper Boyd, Xutong Niu, Taylor R. Horn

Journal of Extension

Living Shorelines are being promoted by coastal extension professionals as a more resilient nature-based solution to control shoreline erosion. The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences Living Shorelines Suitability Model was run in selected waterbodies within the Gulf of Mexico.

The locations of the selected water bodies, coastal data sets used, and shoreline protection recommendations generated by the Model are presented. A step-by-step statistical analysis conducted through ArcGIS Pro from these selected coastal shorelines will illustrate how extension professionals with novice GIS experience can use the model output to promote living shorelines to coastal property owners, city managers, and developers.

Cooperative Extension’S Role In Addressing The Opioid Overdose Crisis: Best Practices From The Heart Initiative Model, Hailey Judd, Alise Williams Condie, Ashley C. Yaugher, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Gabriela Murza, Timothy Keady, Sadie Wilde, Rachel Myrer, Maren Wright Voss

Journal of Extension

Cooperative Extension is in a unique position to address health and wellness concerns across the country, particularly in rural areas with local Extension services. One innovative model, the Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching (HEART) Initiative, unites Extension, community organizations, and community members in collaborative activities to address the complex, multifaceted components of substance use disorder. The model utilized a multidisciplinary team and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach with evidence-based practices to increase Extension’s abilities to guide and tailor programming to local needs and to create significant impacts. Cooperative Extension’s long history of engagement in the community, with state and …

Nebraska Conventional Farmers’ Perspectives Toward Agricultural Hemp: A Qualitative Insight Guided By The Diffusion Of Innovations Theory, Blake C. Colclasure, Nicholas Gray, Laura E. Young

Journal of Extension

The legalization of hemp cultivation in the United States has provided opportunities for farmers to grow a new crop. Despite these opportunities, significant social, economical, and technical challenges to growing hemp have been well documented. The purpose of this research was to explore Nebraska conventional farmers’ perceptions toward hemp cultivation. Using the diffusion of innovations theory as a framework, one-on-one interviews were conducted with seven conventional farmers in Nebraska. Data were analyzed using deductive coding methods. Results are presented in four emergent themes describing farmer perceptions: 1) limited prior exposure; 2) perceived technical challenges; 3) advantages; and, 4) impartial feelings.

Health Rocks!: An 11-Year Evaluation, Dan Wang, Yan Xia, Maria Rosario De Guzman, Jeong-Kyun Choi, Yunqi Wang, Zhenqiao Yang

Journal of Extension

This study examined the program effectiveness of Health Rocks!, a youth substance use prevention program. Merging data from 128,544 youth participants in 21 states between 2009 and 2021, this study compared self-reported levels of knowledge, skills, and internal and external assets before and after the program. Youth reported significant increases in substance use knowledge, stress-coping skills, and assets to make healthy life decisions across eleven years. The magnitude of effects varied by individual characteristics, including gender, school grade level, race, ethnicity, and residence. We provide recommendations for the evaluation of substance use prevention program effectiveness.

Extension Efforts To Address The Current National Housing Crisis, Michael J. Dougherty, Melissa B. Hamilton, Bradley Neumann

Journal of Extension

Housing is a basic need. The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP), Land Use Planning Community of Practice held a virtual forum in December 2021 on the national housing crisis. The session revealed common challenges communities face when addressing these issues locally. As a follow-up to that session, this paper summarizes Extension perspectives on community housing issues discussed during the session, reviews the literature on Extension programs related to housing, and makes the case for a national peer learning and communications network to address these difficult and urgent community housing challenges.

Heirs Property And The Necessary Role Of Extension In Preventing Land Loss Through Partitioning, Kurt Smith

Journal of Extension

Land loss in the United States continues to be a threat to our inventory of natural resources. The problem of co-tenancy or heirs’ property is a particular and persistent problem throughout the United States leading to fragmentation of property, and the complete loss of forest and farmland. Maintaining enough forest and farmland is essential to local, regional, and international economies. Much can be done to ameliorate the problem through education about the value of successional planning and the requirements of your state regarding the legal practice known as partitioning.

Recentering Community Nutrition Education: A New Framework For Food Insecurity Understanding, Chasity Tompkins

Journal of Extension

While strategies may differ across geographical regions, FACS Extension professionals work to enhance nutrition education and increase food security in their communities. The four dimensions of food security developed by The Food and Agricultural Organization were reconceptualized to understand food security on an individual or at a community level. Using experiences from a summer internship with two urban counties, the EEUESA Model described here was designed to aid FACS Extension professionals in their efforts for nutrition education and to better understand how programming targets food security in their communities.

Incorporating Subjective Measures Of Problematic Money Issues In Extension Workshops, Lucy M. Delgadillo Ph.D, Luke Erickson

Journal of Extension

This study highlights the importance of incorporating subjective measures of identifiable problematic money issues in financial education workshops conducted by extension specialists. Addressing problematic money behaviors such as overspending, financial infidelity, and financial enabling empowers individuals to overcome harmful financial habits and improve basic money management practices such as paying bills on time and saving. The distinction between problematic money issues and money disorders, as well as overspending and compulsive buying, is clarified. The study uses empirical testing on problematic money behaviors and their association with fundamental money management practices to inform the development of comprehensive financial training and counseling …

Perceived Beef Producer Challenges And Competencies For A Value-Added Beef Extension Program, Sarah J. Al-Mazroa Smith, Greg Miller

Journal of Extension

As markets are changing in the beef industry, producers are seeking new opportunities for value-added beef production. A select group of beef industry experts and experienced beef producers have come to consensus regarding challenges that producers face in the current marketplace. They identified competencies that would be a positive addition to a value-added beef Extension program. Competencies and challenges were organized to enable Extension specialists to create a new Extension program framework.

Educator Feedback On A Farm Tractor And Machinery Safety Training Program: Implications For Program Content And Success, Linda Fetzer, Brenna Butler, Judd Michael

Journal of Extension

This article provides results from a survey of instructors who have offered the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) to youth planning to work in agriculture. Youth younger than age 16 who wish to be employed on non-family farms are required to complete an approved safety training program to operate tractors and other powered machinery. A survey of educators who offered the NSTMOP program was conducted to learn more about their successes, challenges, and feedback related to the instructor training course and program materials. Results provide direction to the instructors’ programmatic needs with respect to teaching safety-related topics.

Workshop Wine Wednesdays: Improving Knowledge And Motivations About Local Wines., Aude A. Watrelot, Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, Sarah L. Francis

Journal of Extension

The grape and wine industry in Iowa is based on non-Vitis vinifera grapes, which are not well-known by consumers and come with their own set of challenges, such as promotion. The Wine Wednesdays workshop focused on promoting awareness and knowledge of local wines and grapes. Results indicate gain in self-perceived knowledge and intention of behavior changes toward local grapes and wines. These workshops also participate in the development of relationships among wineries, which is overall beneficial for the local grape and wine industry.

Program Development Approaches And Influences, Boyd Rossing

Journal of Extension

No abstract provided.