Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 4 of 4
Full-Text Articles in Education
Needs Assessment Tool For A Value-Added Beef Extension Program For Small Farmers, Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, Greg Miller
Needs Assessment Tool For A Value-Added Beef Extension Program For Small Farmers, Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, Greg Miller
The Journal of Extension
As beef industry trends have evolved, beef producers are looking for value-added beef practices and marketing strategies. To ensure that a new value-added beef Extension program framework at [University] aligns with beef producers’ needs, a needs assessment instrument was created. We developed a needs assessment tool focused on program objectives and delivery method preferences. This tool can be used to adapt the program to meet specific needs and preferences of participants.
Prioritizing Professional Development At The Interface Of Natural Resources And Agriculture, Katherine J. Starzec
Prioritizing Professional Development At The Interface Of Natural Resources And Agriculture, Katherine J. Starzec
The Journal of Extension
Continuous professional development is critical for Extension staff, and many agriculture-focused Extension employees are tasked with outreach related to a wide variety of natural resource topics. The purpose of this study is to help prioritize trainings needed by Kansas Extension agents and specialists based on their current level of knowledge and interest in staying up to date on 18 different natural resource topics. Responses to a statewide survey were analyzed using the Borich model. Results indicate priority professional development needs related to soil health; effects of climate; invasive species, harmful algal blooms; and groundwater, surface water, and air quality.
Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Andrea T. Schmutz, Tyson M. Riskas, Debra M. Spielmaker
Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Andrea T. Schmutz, Tyson M. Riskas, Debra M. Spielmaker
The Journal of Extension
Compared to urban counties, Utah's rural counties experienced high levels of unemployment. Informed by a statewide needs assessment, Utah State University Extension developed a remote work leadership course to equip business leaders with knowledge and skills to create remote jobs as a solution to rural unemployment. This descriptive evaluation study collected data from course participants (N = 62). Findings showed short-term outcomes were achieved; participants experienced increases in knowledge and skills and had more positive intentions toward creating remote jobs and hiring employees from rural counties. Extension professionals can design and evaluate their programs using the framework in this study.
Scenario Planning For Resilient Agricultural Systems: A Process For Engaging Controversy, Crystal A. Powers, Tyler Williams, Rick R. Stowell
Scenario Planning For Resilient Agricultural Systems: A Process For Engaging Controversy, Crystal A. Powers, Tyler Williams, Rick R. Stowell
The Journal of Extension
Resiliency to weather extremes is already a part of farming in the North Plains, but now climate change is adding new uncertainties. Engaging farmers on this often controversial topic can be challenging given the wide range of beliefs farmers hold about climate change. Scenario planning provides a framework for Extension and agricultural system stakeholders to come together using the latest climate science to discover robust adaptive management options, prioritize Extension programming needs, and provide an open forum for starting the discussion.