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Journal of Extension

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Perception Map As A Tool For Program Evaluation, Marlene K. Rebori Nov 2025

Perception Map As A Tool For Program Evaluation, Marlene K. Rebori

Journal of Extension

Perception maps can be powerful tools for visually sharing and conveying program information with the general public and decision makers. A perception map is a common visual data tool used in the marketing and economics discipline, but not commonly used in Extension. A framework for developing a perception map and a step-by-step process for setting up evaluation metrics to create a perception map is provided using an example from a community leadership development program.


Extension Interest Assessment: An Evaluation Of Hispanics Residents Of Florida, John M. Diaz, Pablo Lamiño Jaramillo, Miguel A. Acevedo, Juan M. Campos Krauer, Elise S. Gornish, Alvaro Romero, Armando J. Ubeda, E. Hance Ellington Nov 2025

Extension Interest Assessment: An Evaluation Of Hispanics Residents Of Florida, John M. Diaz, Pablo Lamiño Jaramillo, Miguel A. Acevedo, Juan M. Campos Krauer, Elise S. Gornish, Alvaro Romero, Armando J. Ubeda, E. Hance Ellington

Journal of Extension

Our study examined the interests and preferences of Hispanic residents in Florida regarding extension services. We surveyed 481 adults, focusing on their interest in various topics, preferred information frequency, engagement modalities, and resource types. We found high interest in finance, health, food safety, and wildlife conservation, with a strong preference for online and hybrid resources. However, 66% were unaware of Cooperative Extension, highlighting potential for increased engagement. Our study emphasizes the need for expanded Spanish extension offerings and culturally tailored programs. Further research is recommended to generalize findings across states and better serve the Hispanic community nationwide.


Nebraska Extension Tractor And Equipment Safety Certification Course – Measuring Long-Term Impact And Implementing Improvements, Rebecca Bonacci, Ellen Duysen, Bri Parr, Susan Harris, Aaron Yoder Nov 2025

Nebraska Extension Tractor And Equipment Safety Certification Course – Measuring Long-Term Impact And Implementing Improvements, Rebecca Bonacci, Ellen Duysen, Bri Parr, Susan Harris, Aaron Yoder

Journal of Extension

Many jobs in agriculture have been deemed too hazardous for children younger than 16 years. A waiver allowing 14- and 15- year-old youth to work on farms requires safety course certification. [Redacted] Extension has partnered with a NIOSH funded Agricultural Safety Center to provide an annual tractor and equipment safety course across [Redacted]. To gauge impact, a survey addressed questions regarding the program's long-term impact, perceived value, injuries, close calls, recommendations for improvement and adoption and implementation of safety practices. The results have led to improved programming. The findings provide a roadmap to establish effective tractor and equipment certification programs.


Using Fermi Estimates Within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’S Guide, Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn D. Rider, Miranda R. Westfall Nov 2025

Using Fermi Estimates Within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’S Guide, Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn D. Rider, Miranda R. Westfall

Journal of Extension

Needs assessments are an important activity for Extension professionals, as they identify community assets and guide decisions about programs and services. A common challenge is a lack of needs assessment data. The Fermi Estimate Framework can help Extension professionals overcome the challenge of missing data by producing reasonable estimates to answer questions of interest. Here we share detailed, step-by-step instructions for using the Fermi Estimate Framework, accompanied by a real-world Extension example.


Agricultural Extension Agents’ Current Usage Of Social Media In Extension Work And Challenges They Face, Howard M. Wallace Ii, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Wendy Warner, J. Dara Bloom, Julia Mckeown Nov 2025

Agricultural Extension Agents’ Current Usage Of Social Media In Extension Work And Challenges They Face, Howard M. Wallace Ii, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Wendy Warner, J. Dara Bloom, Julia Mckeown

Journal of Extension

The purpose of this descriptive survey research study was to determine Agricultural Extension Agents’ (AEA) current usage and challenges faced when using social media in their work. AEAs primarily utilized social media to distribute announcements about upcoming events and programs, market extension programs, and share information with clients. They did not use social media to communicate with extension advisory groups, evaluate extension educational program impacts, or conduct needs assessments. This study identifies the major challenges AEAs face such as lack of organizational support when they use social media and makes recommendations to face those challenges proactively.


Public Support For New Agricultural Best Management Practices To Protect Florida Water Quality, Sadie Hundemer, Madison A. Dyment, Matthew Gold Nov 2025

Public Support For New Agricultural Best Management Practices To Protect Florida Water Quality, Sadie Hundemer, Madison A. Dyment, Matthew Gold

Journal of Extension

Recent research finds that changes to land management practices in geographically vulnerable areas of Florida could substantially reduce groundwater contamination; however, water quality improvement comes with tradeoffs. A change in land use or the adoption of new agricultural best management practices (BMPs) would have economic and cultural implications for farmers, rural communities, taxpayers, and the state as a whole. In two studies, we examined Florida residents’ support for alternative land management policy options, the considerations contributing to their policy preferences, and how preferences and considerations vary across demographic characteristics.


Bringing Lived Experience Into Curriculum Review: A Proposed Participatory Model, Monica M. Lobenstein, Stepha Velednitsky, Joanna Skluzacek Phd, Briley Rossiter Nov 2025

Bringing Lived Experience Into Curriculum Review: A Proposed Participatory Model, Monica M. Lobenstein, Stepha Velednitsky, Joanna Skluzacek Phd, Briley Rossiter

Journal of Extension

Processes for curriculum review and selection vary across Extension but often rest with educators, specialists, and leadership. For many topics, their educational leadership is appropriate. For topics relating to social, cultural, and/or political aspects of people’s lives, Extension professionals may be limited in essential perspectives to select suitable curricula. Curriculum Jams is a five-step process that engages community youth and adults in identifying relevant criteria, which are used to review existing curricula for use in Extension programs and beyond. While challenges exist, multiple process pilot tests illustrated the process's strengths with encouraging results, including responsive criteria and improved relevance in …


Is There An Extension Discount For Agricultural Economics Faculty?, Siun Lee, Jeffrey Hyde, Yangxuan Liu, Rodolfo M. Nayga Jr, Wendong Zhang Nov 2025

Is There An Extension Discount For Agricultural Economics Faculty?, Siun Lee, Jeffrey Hyde, Yangxuan Liu, Rodolfo M. Nayga Jr, Wendong Zhang

Journal of Extension

Salary is an important aspect of one’s decision to pursue a particular career. This work compares the salaries of Agricultural Economics faculty members with and without Extension responsibilities across 19 departments in the US. We find that mean salaries for those with Extension appointments are significantly less than those without Extension appointments, ranging from a difference of $5,065 for assistant professors to $14,532 for full professors. We encourage administrators to acknowledge this “Extension Discount” and, if desired, make intentional decisions to reduce it. Doing so would serve to address recruiting challenges for Agricultural Economics Extension positions.


What Covid-19 Taught Extension: Experiences Of Extension County Engagement Specialists Promoting Vaccinations In Meat Processing Plants In Rural Missouri., Wilson Majee, Ifeolu David, Lynelle Phillips, Rachel Buenemann, Kassandra Maturino Nov 2025

What Covid-19 Taught Extension: Experiences Of Extension County Engagement Specialists Promoting Vaccinations In Meat Processing Plants In Rural Missouri., Wilson Majee, Ifeolu David, Lynelle Phillips, Rachel Buenemann, Kassandra Maturino

Journal of Extension

Extension played a significant role, in collaboration with other key community organizations, by disseminating information that debunked COVID-19 myths, and promoting vaccinations at the community level. In this article we present insights from the experiences of Extension faculty at the University of Missouri who were engaged in promoting COVID-19 vaccinations for meat processing plant workers. Findings from this quality improvement project highlight opportunities for leveraging Extension field faculty, and challenges to consider in future public health promotion efforts.


A Rubric For Self-Assessment Of Extension Impact Statements, Gordon B. Jones, Mary L. Halbleib, Leanne S. Giordono Nov 2025

A Rubric For Self-Assessment Of Extension Impact Statements, Gordon B. Jones, Mary L. Halbleib, Leanne S. Giordono

Journal of Extension

Writing effective impact statements is key to documenting outcomes of extension programs, but the process can be a challenge for faculty and administrators. We created a rubric which faculty can use to guide their drafting of statements or for self-assessment of statements. We shared and demonstrated the rubric with Oregon State University Extension Service colleagues and found that it stimulated their thinking on the topic. We encourage Extension units to build on or revise this template to meet their own evaluation and assessment needs.


Developing A Program Theory To Guide Program Evaluation, Amanda D. Ali Aug 2025

Developing A Program Theory To Guide Program Evaluation, Amanda D. Ali

Journal of Extension

A program theory specifies how a program is intended to work. It is different from a logic model and bears importance in program evaluation by considering a program’s processes. This article shares an application for developing a program theory, a worksheet that assists with this process, and a graphical illustration that visually communicates program flow.


Unlocking Professional Success: The Power Of Workforce Resilience & Cooperative Extension, Rachel Brauner, Andrew Bronson Crocker, Lakshmi Mahadevan, L. Chris Plein Aug 2025

Unlocking Professional Success: The Power Of Workforce Resilience & Cooperative Extension, Rachel Brauner, Andrew Bronson Crocker, Lakshmi Mahadevan, L. Chris Plein

Journal of Extension

OneOp, a virtual professional development platform dedicated to bolstering the Department of Defense Military Family Readiness System, offers valuable insights into strategies that Cooperative Extension can adopt to enhance workforce resilience. Workforce resilience refers to the capacity of employees to effectively navigate challenging circumstances, cope with stress, adapt to new conditions, and sustain motivation within their work environment. An assessment based on the OneOp webinar series on resiliency delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic identifies best practices that Cooperative Extension can employ to impart essential resilience skills to both individuals and service providers, contributing to a more resilient and adaptable workforce.


Stress Management Is ‘In The Cards’ For Farmers And Ranchers: The Mental Wellness Conversation Curriculum, Alison L. Brennan, Katharine Sutphen, Parker T. Webb, Michelle U. Grocke-Dewey Aug 2025

Stress Management Is ‘In The Cards’ For Farmers And Ranchers: The Mental Wellness Conversation Curriculum, Alison L. Brennan, Katharine Sutphen, Parker T. Webb, Michelle U. Grocke-Dewey

Journal of Extension

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers need practical, culturally appropriate stress management resources. The Mental Wellness Conversation Curriculum (MWCC) is a novel approach to health promotion that relies on community facilitators to share stress management information using a customized deck of playing cards organized around specific wellness themes. We implemented and evaluated two facilitator trainings in 2023. Training participants reported increases in relevant knowledge, as well as improved confidence about leading mental wellness events. The MWCC is currently being adapted for use with additional, diverse audiences. Future research should explore the implementation and impact of this innovative health promotion modality.


Examination Of Cooperative Extension As A Bridging Organization To Enhance Cross-Boundary Collaborative Water Management, Mark E. Burbach, Stephanie M. Kennedy, Weston M. Eaton, Kathryn J. Brasier, Daran R. Rudnick, Walt Whitmer Aug 2025

Examination Of Cooperative Extension As A Bridging Organization To Enhance Cross-Boundary Collaborative Water Management, Mark E. Burbach, Stephanie M. Kennedy, Weston M. Eaton, Kathryn J. Brasier, Daran R. Rudnick, Walt Whitmer

Journal of Extension

We explored stakeholders’ familiarity with, the trustworthiness of, perceived competence of, and shared vision with Cooperative Extension on water-related issues in two states to determine the degree to which Extension is positioned to be an effective bridging organization. Results of surveys in Nebraska and Pennsylvania showed that overall neither agricultural producers nor non-farm households were very familiar with Extension. However, both stakeholder groups perceived Extension to be trustworthy, competent, and have similar goals on water-related issues. Extension should renew efforts to bolster their familiarity among these groups to enhance their effectiveness as a bridging organization.


Exploring Artificial Intelligence Powered Audio Transcription Tools For Extension Workplace Efficiency, Joshua T. Campbell Aug 2025

Exploring Artificial Intelligence Powered Audio Transcription Tools For Extension Workplace Efficiency, Joshua T. Campbell

Journal of Extension

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly advancing technology that has implications for nearly every workplace sector, including Cooperative Extension. While many of the uses and implications of artificial intelligence are not yet known, there are clear opportunities for Extension professionals to utilize artificial intelligence tools to increase their workplace efficiency. Extension professionals should be aware of the potential risks of this technology but should not shy away from utilizing it in their work. This article explores the use of audio transcription tools powered by artificial intelligence to aid in workplace efficiency for Extension professionals.


Periodic Evaluations Indicate Increased Effectiveness Of Oregon Master Woodland Manager Volunteer Program, Alicia Christiansen, Lauren Grand, Norma Kline, Tiffany Hopkins Aug 2025

Periodic Evaluations Indicate Increased Effectiveness Of Oregon Master Woodland Manager Volunteer Program, Alicia Christiansen, Lauren Grand, Norma Kline, Tiffany Hopkins

Journal of Extension

The Oregon State University Extension Service Master Woodland Manager (MWM) volunteer program trains landowners in core forestry and natural resource topics. Landowners participate in the MWM program to increase their forest management knowledge, improve their own management practices, and prepare them to volunteer in their community (Bowers, 2000). We surveyed MWM volunteers to understand the effectiveness of the program and what barriers exist to volunteering. Volunteers find the program to be increasingly adequate for personal management and answering questions, but time continues to be the biggest barrier for completing required volunteer hours.


Feedlot Willingness To Pay For Genomic Tested Feeder Cattle, Aisling G. Hagan, Karen L. Delong, Andrew P. Griffith, Christopher N. Boyer, Charley Martinez, Kimberly Jensen, Susan Schexnayder Aug 2025

Feedlot Willingness To Pay For Genomic Tested Feeder Cattle, Aisling G. Hagan, Karen L. Delong, Andrew P. Griffith, Christopher N. Boyer, Charley Martinez, Kimberly Jensen, Susan Schexnayder

Journal of Extension

Feeder cattle genomic tests assess the potential of economically important traits to feedlots such as residual feed intake and marbling. A survey was utilized to determine feedlot willingness to pay for genomic tested feeder cattle. Depending on test results, feedlots were willing to pay as much as 4.60% more for genomic tested cattle compared to untested cattle. Feedlots prioritize using genomic tests for marketing decisions and future purchases, despite reporting "poor" knowledge and perceived high costs associated with the tests. Findings can assist Extension personnel advising cattle producers about the potential uses and benefits of this technology.


Small Meat Processor Needs Are Similar Across Region, Jordan C. Wicks, Alexis Wivell, Thomas Archibald, David Gerrard Aug 2025

Small Meat Processor Needs Are Similar Across Region, Jordan C. Wicks, Alexis Wivell, Thomas Archibald, David Gerrard

Journal of Extension

This needs-based assessment provides insight into the challenges of small meat processors in two regions of the US. On-line surveys were provided to processors and despite regional differences, data show approximately 70% of processors in each state find retention of skilled labor the greatest challenge in maintaining current levels of operation and impede future growth. These findings suggest educational and certification programing may help improve small processor viability and mitigate local food security concerns. Given the disparity in animal production and livestock availability between these diverse states but similarity in responses, we posit this information is translatable across the US.


Transforming Text To Images: Prompt Engineering Principles For Generative Ai Use In Extension, Paul Hill, Xue A. Dong, Aubree L. Miller Aug 2025

Transforming Text To Images: Prompt Engineering Principles For Generative Ai Use In Extension, Paul Hill, Xue A. Dong, Aubree L. Miller

Journal of Extension

Generative AI (GenAI) systems facilitate the creation of visual images by utilizing extensive datasets to interpret text-based instructions. Effective prompt engineering is essential for optimizing the output of AI-generated images. This article examines various GenAI systems and their functionalities, explores text-to-image prompt engineering principles and their application in Extension work, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of visual content creation with respect to educational materials, data visualization, and promotional content. The article also provides guidance and examples to assist Extension professionals in leveraging GenAI for improved communication and engagement. Recommendations include crafting detailed prompts and continuously refining them for desired results, …


Exploring 360 Immersive Videos And Tours In Extension Landscape Design Workshops, Margaret C. Hoffman Aug 2025

Exploring 360 Immersive Videos And Tours In Extension Landscape Design Workshops, Margaret C. Hoffman

Journal of Extension

Immersive 360 technologies are increasing equity and inclusion, learning motivation and engagement of students in many educational disciplines. Extension stakeholders could also benefit from the use of this technology in educational settings. The affordability and ease of use adds a tool to the Extension repertoire to interest and engage stakeholders in the digital age. Surveys were conducted in two green industry workshops after the use of 360 immersive technology to determine the technology’s effectiveness and participant perceptions. Participants reported a positive response when assessing the technology as a learning tool and for ease of use.


Partial Budgets Quantify Economic Outcomes Of Soil Health Management For Farmers, Jessica A. Kelton, W. Archie Flanders, Emily P. Ball, Dianna K. Bagnall, C. Wayne Honeycutt Aug 2025

Partial Budgets Quantify Economic Outcomes Of Soil Health Management For Farmers, Jessica A. Kelton, W. Archie Flanders, Emily P. Ball, Dianna K. Bagnall, C. Wayne Honeycutt

Journal of Extension

Implementation of soil health management systems, such as reduced tillage and cover cropping, can reduce soil erosion, increase water infiltration, and improve soil productivity. Adoption of these practices can also improve net farm income, but effects vary based on region, commodity, and production methods. A partial budget analysis approach was used to evaluate impacts of adoption of soil health management systems on profitability from a regional, on-farm, perspective. The approach provides farmers with a resource to support decisions when considering the adoption of soil health management systems.


A Feasibility Study To Mitigate Arsenic Exposure In Well Water In Oregon, Christine Lucas-Woodruff, Veronic L. Irvin, Laura Nielsen, Meghan Megowan, Lilly Anderson, Julia Pavlosek, Molly Kile Aug 2025

A Feasibility Study To Mitigate Arsenic Exposure In Well Water In Oregon, Christine Lucas-Woodruff, Veronic L. Irvin, Laura Nielsen, Meghan Megowan, Lilly Anderson, Julia Pavlosek, Molly Kile

Journal of Extension

Approximately 13 million households in the United States rely on private wells for their drinking water. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to manage the quality of water in their private wells. There are many toxic contaminants that can be present private wells that can negatively impact health. Extension Agents are well positioned to assist homeowners in understanding how to manage toxics in private wells. This study demonstrated the feasibility that motivational education provided by an Extension Agent’ trained in motivational interviewing techniques is able to help homeowners with private wells mitigate their exposure to arsenic by adopting appropriate water treatment.


Economic Analysis Of Stockers Grazing Botanically Diverse Summer Annual Pasture, Kelly M. Mercier, Christopher D. Teutsch, S. Ray Smith, Kenneth H. Burdine, Eric S. Vanzant, Edwin L. Ritchey Aug 2025

Economic Analysis Of Stockers Grazing Botanically Diverse Summer Annual Pasture, Kelly M. Mercier, Christopher D. Teutsch, S. Ray Smith, Kenneth H. Burdine, Eric S. Vanzant, Edwin L. Ritchey

Journal of Extension

Economic analyses were performed to determine the feasibility of retaining weaned fall-born calves on summer annual pastures (a monoculture, a 3-species mixture, or a 12-species mixture). Average daily gain was reduced by 0.3 lbs/day in calves grazing the complex mixture in two out of three years. Enterprise budgeting illustrated that retaining calves on summer annual forages was not economical. Two-way net return tables indicated that this scenario would only be profitable when cattle prices are high and pasture establishment costs are low. Extension educators should be sure to emphasize the economic risks when discussing these systems.


Testing An In-Person Segmentation Approach To Enhance Conservation Partnerships Between Agencies And Private Landowners, Jared Messick, Christopher Serenari Dr., Jenn L. Idema, Kristy L. Daniel Aug 2025

Testing An In-Person Segmentation Approach To Enhance Conservation Partnerships Between Agencies And Private Landowners, Jared Messick, Christopher Serenari Dr., Jenn L. Idema, Kristy L. Daniel

Journal of Extension

Creating partnerships with private landowners will require agencies to identify and remove barriers to solidarity through targeted approaches to social interactions. This study provides a heuristic to segment landowners according to the decision-making the level of shared responsibility they associate with conservation outcomes on private lands. I segmented landowners at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department workshops and conducted interviews with participants to better understand the outcomes of the segmentation event. The results of the case study revealed that the segmentation heuristic effectively distinguishes between landowner types and that value alignment with landowners can supplement perceptions of interdependence.


Facilitating Farmer-To-Farmer Elearning: An Evaluation Of Climate And Wildfires Online Courses In California, Natalia Pinzon, Caitlin Brimm Aug 2025

Facilitating Farmer-To-Farmer Elearning: An Evaluation Of Climate And Wildfires Online Courses In California, Natalia Pinzon, Caitlin Brimm

Journal of Extension

This study assesses the effectiveness of two online courses tailored for farmers and ranchers in California, with a particular focus on the role of farmer-to-farmer pedagogies. Utilizing live sessions, a social-learning platform, and multimedia content, we draw insights from engagement metrics, lesson and end-of-course survey evaluations, and course outcomes. Key findings highlight the pivotal role of peer interactions, featuring farmers and completion incentives. Based on the findings, we advocate for the integration of farmer-to-farmer education methods within online learning environments to cultivate regional learning networks, and promote the timely exchange and co-creation of agricultural knowledge amid environmental change.


Evaluation Of South Carolina’S Extension And Outreach Agents’ Knowledge Of Harmful Algal Bloom Management And The Impacts Of One-Day Training, George Strickland, Debabrata Sahoo, Michael Vassalos, Heather Nix, Sarah White Aug 2025

Evaluation Of South Carolina’S Extension And Outreach Agents’ Knowledge Of Harmful Algal Bloom Management And The Impacts Of One-Day Training, George Strickland, Debabrata Sahoo, Michael Vassalos, Heather Nix, Sarah White

Journal of Extension

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) impact livestock producers. Most Extension agents have limited knowledge about HAB management. Our study goal was to assess agent readiness and training on HABs. We used data from in-person surveys of South Carolina (SC) Extension personnel. We examined how training influenced HAB knowledge using pre/post-tests. Training improved agent knowledge of HAB management, but water resource agents learned more. The results of this study can be used to identify Extension training shortfalls and drive policy to better prepare agents throughout the state. Further research should involve prioritizing additional extension topics and assessing knowledge in a similar manner.


Content Analysis Of Farm Population Mental Health Online Information Resources In The Ces Southern Region, Juliene Porciuncula, Michael Schulman, Andrew R. Smolski Aug 2025

Content Analysis Of Farm Population Mental Health Online Information Resources In The Ces Southern Region, Juliene Porciuncula, Michael Schulman, Andrew R. Smolski

Journal of Extension

Contemporary institutional emphasis on farm stress has led the Extension System to develop a variety of online information resources directed at the mental health of farm populations. We conducted a web-based search and content analysis of online materials on mental health and farm stress from Extension websites from thirteen Southern states and two territories. The content analysis showed that most online farm stress Extension resources emphasized self-help strategies and were directed at the general farming population. In conclusion, we provide recommendations for the development of online farm stress and mental health information resources.


Time To Talk: Facilitating Health Care Cost Conversations Between Patients And Providers, Christopher Sneed, Karen L. Franck, Lisa Washburn, Ann A. Berry Aug 2025

Time To Talk: Facilitating Health Care Cost Conversations Between Patients And Providers, Christopher Sneed, Karen L. Franck, Lisa Washburn, Ann A. Berry

Journal of Extension

Defined as discussions between patient and health care provider regarding costs patients face when obtaining care, cost of care conversations can help mediate financial challenges while improving health care decision-making. Few educational tools are available to help patients engage in cost conversations. This article chronicles the development of an Extension program, Time to Talk. Time to Talk provides community friendly tools that empower older adults and their providers to have cost of care conversations. Results demonstrate the program was successful. A summary of lessons learned are offered to assist others in their consideration and adoption of cost of care programming.


Using Economic Data To Understand Local Childcare Challenges, Andrew J. Van Leuven, Tessa Conroy Aug 2025

Using Economic Data To Understand Local Childcare Challenges, Andrew J. Van Leuven, Tessa Conroy

Journal of Extension

The childcare sector holds vital implications for community development. Overcoming barriers to access and affordability requires a nuanced understanding of this complex sector, a requirement which is further complicated by limited data availability. This paper reviews key data sources and uses historical business data to explore and analyze trends in childcare establishment availability by region. Supplementing the analysis is a discussion of the implications for community economic development Extension professionals, including the importance of data literacy and the need to support local childcare providers.


Caminos*: An Ethnographic Study Of Latino And Ally Leaders Serving Rural Latino Communities Before And During The Pandemic, Ruben Viramontez Anguiano, Melissa Martinez, Jorge Chavez, Sarah M. Harrison May 2025

Caminos*: An Ethnographic Study Of Latino And Ally Leaders Serving Rural Latino Communities Before And During The Pandemic, Ruben Viramontez Anguiano, Melissa Martinez, Jorge Chavez, Sarah M. Harrison

Journal of Extension

This study focused on rural Latino and ally leaders in the Midwest. The purpose of this study was to examine how Latino and ally leaders produced different forms of capital in serving and leading the Latino community over the decades prior to and during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 22 Latino and ally leaders. A culturally responsive ethnography and other qualitative methods were used to collect and analyze the data. The findings demonstrated that the rural leaders from different generations were generating social capital and other forms of capital to guide and serve the Latino community before and during …