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2021

Clemson University

The Journal of Extension

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Articles 1 - 30 of 31

Full-Text Articles in Education

A Case Of Shifting Focus Friction: Extension Directors And State 4-H Program Leaders’ Perspectives On 4-H Lgbtq+ Inclusion, Jeremy Elliott-Engel, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Eric Kaufman, Megan Seibel, Rama Radhakrishna Dec 2021

A Case Of Shifting Focus Friction: Extension Directors And State 4-H Program Leaders’ Perspectives On 4-H Lgbtq+ Inclusion, Jeremy Elliott-Engel, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Eric Kaufman, Megan Seibel, Rama Radhakrishna

The Journal of Extension

Contemporary Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth are identifying and communicating their identities earlier in childhood than generations before as a result of more awareness and more acceptance of gender identity and sexual minorities by society. A qualitative study of U.S. 4-H program leaders and Extension directors generated an emergent theme around the importance of serving LGBT youth and the resulting implementation challenges. The administrators of 4-H, the largest youth serving organization in the country, recognize the presence of LGBTQ+ youth in 4-H and believe the organization must be inclusive. But challenges remain in ensuring youth experience inclusion at …


Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Professional Night For Youths, Emily N. Henry Dec 2021

Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Professional Night For Youths, Emily N. Henry

The Journal of Extension

Extracurricular science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities are an engaging way to introduce historically-minoritized youths to STEM. In this article, I describe one such event, a Women in STEM Professional Night, designed to connect eighth-grade girls with women in STEM careers. This interactive event provides a personalized connection to STEM, helps combat gendered stereotypes, and builds girls’ self-identification with STEM. Best practices include a carefully structured event, inviting a diverse group of women STEM professionals, and intentional preparation of all participants to set expectations. These insights serve as a guide for Extension professionals interested in creating a similar event.


Improving Extension Curriculum Design Using Learner-Centered Templates, Mary L. Halbleib Nov 2021

Improving Extension Curriculum Design Using Learner-Centered Templates, Mary L. Halbleib

The Journal of Extension

Extension professionals’ use of learner-centered instructional practices can maximize engagement and more effectively address expressed needs within their diverse communities. The Outcome-Based Extension Education Design and Facilitating Teaching and Learning templates enable educators to effectively implement curricula that identify context-specific learner needs, activities that increase learner engagement, and assessment tasks that gather evidence of essential knowledge construction and skills development. Using these two practical tools, Extension professionals can streamline the creation of compelling and efficacious programs that focus on the intended learning outcomes.


Parent Perceptions Of Outdoor Learning In The Kids In The Woods Program, Mary Mazyck, Michael Andreu, L. Annie Hermansen-Báez, M. David Miller Oct 2021

Parent Perceptions Of Outdoor Learning In The Kids In The Woods Program, Mary Mazyck, Michael Andreu, L. Annie Hermansen-Báez, M. David Miller

The Journal of Extension

Research shows that exposure to the outdoors is beneficial to children and can improve the learning experience for students. The Kids in the Woods program in Gainesville, Florida provides 6th grade students with opportunities to learn science through a series of outdoor activities during their regular science classes. The article reports on an evaluation of the Kids in the Woods program. We surveyed parents/guardians of students participating in the program to examine the impacts of the program and to better understand parent/guardian perceptions of the program and of outdoor learning in general. Results indicate that parents/guardians observed positive changes in …


Developmental Evaluation For Extension Programs, Joseph L. Donaldson, Karen Franck Oct 2021

Developmental Evaluation For Extension Programs, Joseph L. Donaldson, Karen Franck

The Journal of Extension

Logic models have garnered acclaim for their usefulness and disdain for the time required to create good ones. We argue that the orderly, analytical nature of logic models is opposed to many Extension programs, and we explain developmental evaluation, an approach that highlights ongoing development, adaptations, and rapid response. We use our recently completed evaluation of the 4-H Science: Building a 4-H Career Pathway Initiative to demonstrate developmental evaluation’s key principles. Recommendations for Extension include the need to embrace developmental evaluation for program planning and evaluation and for Extension evaluators to conduct case studies using developmental evaluation and other approaches.


Engaging Corporate Partners To Build Your 4-H Program: Tips For Success, Marissa Staffen, Amanda Meek, Beth Hecht, Patricia Anderson Oct 2021

Engaging Corporate Partners To Build Your 4-H Program: Tips For Success, Marissa Staffen, Amanda Meek, Beth Hecht, Patricia Anderson

The Journal of Extension

This article discusses best practices learned from a corporate partnership between Bayer, 4-H county programs in Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; and National 4-H Council. This corporate partnership has blossomed into a multi-level engagement that is offering unique opportunities for both Bayer and 4-H programs at the local and state level. Authors share lessons learned that can be utilized for colleagues to leverage mutually beneficial corporate partnership to expand their work in the community.


School Pantry Cook-Off: An Approach To Educate Youth On Food Insecurity, Siew Guan Lee, Gretchen Manker, Nav Ghimire, Laura Foist, Julie Buck Oct 2021

School Pantry Cook-Off: An Approach To Educate Youth On Food Insecurity, Siew Guan Lee, Gretchen Manker, Nav Ghimire, Laura Foist, Julie Buck

The Journal of Extension

The “School Pantry: Mystery Food Box Cook-Off” is a program designed to increase awareness of food insecurity among youth and teach strategies to prepare healthy foods on a budget. A pre-and-post survey showed a statistically significant difference in participants’ overall knowledge, skills, and confidence level after the program compared to before the program. Findings revealed a hands-on nutrition education strategy via cook-off could educate youth on food insecurity and increase their knowledge and confidence to make healthy and affordable meals at home. Other Extension educators seeking to address food insecurity and food preparation skills among youth can replicate this program.


Using Extension As A Vehicle To Reduce Elementary Student Food Waste, Rebecca Koetz, Rod N. Williams Oct 2021

Using Extension As A Vehicle To Reduce Elementary Student Food Waste, Rebecca Koetz, Rod N. Williams

The Journal of Extension

Extension can play a key role in providing food waste education nation-wide. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of environmentally focused lesson plans on elementary student knowledge and perceptions regarding food waste. Herein we provide suggestions on concepts to teach students for the greatest impact on food waste reduction. We also provide avenues to incorporate food waste education into existing Extension programming. We hope the study can inspire and inform further food waste program development, assessment, and implementation through Extension.


Engaging Stakeholders In Extension Strategic Planning, Jeremy Elliott-Engel, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Chelsea Corkins Oct 2021

Engaging Stakeholders In Extension Strategic Planning, Jeremy Elliott-Engel, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Chelsea Corkins

The Journal of Extension

Strategic planning is the deliberative, disciplined effort to produce decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does, and why. [State] Cooperative Extension invested considerable time and effort in conducting a statewide process to engage internal and external stakeholders and nonusers. The strategic planning steering committee balanced negotiations in defining the process, determining who should be involved, and how to develop goals. The semi-structured interviews with the steering committee members, generated three themes: effectiveness of the team enhanced results; context and process can inhibit stakeholder participation, the steering committee needs a commitment to diverse voices.


Kentucky Equestrians: Defining Socioeconomic Contexts For Extension Programming, Kimberly I. Tumlin, Karin Pekarchik, Steven Claas Sep 2021

Kentucky Equestrians: Defining Socioeconomic Contexts For Extension Programming, Kimberly I. Tumlin, Karin Pekarchik, Steven Claas

The Journal of Extension

Understanding relationships between demographic and economic factors and equestrian participation could improve horse program design. We implemented an online survey that characterized associations of participation in equine activities, socioeconomic factors, and economic factors with age. Seventy-five percent of respondents ride, and 34% are recreational, non-competitive participants. Respondents were mostly female, and many participate in the sport throughout life. Many respondents indicated they overspent on equestrian activities. Horse programs should incorporate information and activities that address issues unique to females, should develop skills required by amateur or recreational riders, and should incorporate information on financial wellness.


Evaluating The Structure, Demographics, And Effectiveness Of The Mississippi Master Naturalist Program, Sarah Cunningham, Eric Sparks, Adam Rohnke Sep 2021

Evaluating The Structure, Demographics, And Effectiveness Of The Mississippi Master Naturalist Program, Sarah Cunningham, Eric Sparks, Adam Rohnke

The Journal of Extension

The purpose of our evaluation was to assess the structure, demographics, and effectiveness of the Mississippi Master Naturalist Program (MMNP) from 2015-2019. Results show that racial diversity within the MMNP was low and offering basic training courses during the work week attracts more retirees. Subsequently, an average retiree completed nearly three times more annual volunteer service hours than a non-retiree. Therefore, targeting retirees may be the most effective means of enhancing environmental stewardship within this program. Additionally, the results of this evaluation highlight that active recruitment of underserved populations is necessary to increase the diversity of participants in Extension programs.


What Does It Take To Lead Extension Master Gardener Volunteers?, Charlotte D. Glen, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Gary E. Moore, Lucy K. Bradley, Harriett Edwards Sep 2021

What Does It Take To Lead Extension Master Gardener Volunteers?, Charlotte D. Glen, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Gary E. Moore, Lucy K. Bradley, Harriett Edwards

The Journal of Extension

We investigated the importance of volunteer engagement competencies to successful master gardener volunteer administration. We used a web-based survey to collect data from a census of North Carolina Extension agents with master gardener volunteer administration responsibilities. Respondents indicated 52 of the 55 competencies were important to the administration of master gardener volunteers. We concluded that although traditional volunteer management skills are essential, a more comprehensive model encompassing personal and leadership skills is needed to inform development of training and resources that will support attainment of competencies required for successful master gardener volunteer administration.


Building Capacities To Conduct Respirator Fit Testing For Pesticide Applicators, Michael R. Wierda, Janet R. Hygnstrom, Natalie Hoidal, Thia Walker, Jessica Wilburn, Robin Tutor Marcom, Dean Herzfeld, Kay Sargent, Kerry Richards, Rachel Maccini, Candace Bartholomew Sep 2021

Building Capacities To Conduct Respirator Fit Testing For Pesticide Applicators, Michael R. Wierda, Janet R. Hygnstrom, Natalie Hoidal, Thia Walker, Jessica Wilburn, Robin Tutor Marcom, Dean Herzfeld, Kay Sargent, Kerry Richards, Rachel Maccini, Candace Bartholomew

The Journal of Extension

The 2015 revision of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) mandates requirements for medical evaluation, fit testing, and respirator training when the pesticide label requires a respirator. An ad-hoc group of Extension pesticide safety educators came together to address a lack of training and infrastructure for respirator compliance. In the ensuing years, programs of varied audiences and formats were hosted. Errors and shortcomings were realized, knowledge was gained, and lessons were learned. Those lessons are summarized here with links, resources, and suggestions for the implementation of similar efforts by Extension professionals.


Geocaching: A New Instructional Tool For Natural Resources Extension And Outreach, Jacob Smith, Dave Coyle, John Thomason, Todd Matthews, John J. Riggins Sep 2021

Geocaching: A New Instructional Tool For Natural Resources Extension And Outreach, Jacob Smith, Dave Coyle, John Thomason, Todd Matthews, John J. Riggins

The Journal of Extension

Nonnative pests and pathogens severely affect forest health and are often spread in firewood. Our objectives were to create an extension education program using “Don’t Move Firewood”-themed geocaches and travel bugs which were placed near campgrounds across Mississippi, and to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of this outreach method. Interactions with caches and travel bugs were monitored over nearly one year and summarized to provide a measure of outreach success. With a one-time per-unit cost of $45.95 for caches and $6.75 for travel bugs, these tools provide ongoing, cost-effective educational approaches well suited to augment existing or launch new outreach …


Leadership Life Skills Development In 4-H Teen Leadership Programs, Amy M. Leman, Junfeng Wang Sep 2021

Leadership Life Skills Development In 4-H Teen Leadership Programs, Amy M. Leman, Junfeng Wang

The Journal of Extension

This study introduces a framework for 4-H leadership competencies and explores the relationship between 4-H leadership programs and participant leadership life skills development. Illinois 4-H members aged 15-18 completed an online survey about their 4-H experiences and skills. Participants reported local programs exhibited the characteristics in the leadership competencies framework. Members participating in leadership competency programs reported higher leadership life skills scores than those in other 4-H non-leadership oriented programs. Females reported higher leadership life skills scores in comparison to males. However, spending more years in leadership programs was only related to a significant change in skills development for some …


Extension Administrators’ Perspectives On Employee Competencies And Characteristics, Jeremy Elliott-Engel, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Megan Seibel, Eric Kaufman, Rama Radhakrishna Jul 2021

Extension Administrators’ Perspectives On Employee Competencies And Characteristics, Jeremy Elliott-Engel, Donna Westfall-Rudd, Megan Seibel, Eric Kaufman, Rama Radhakrishna

The Journal of Extension

Extension administrators discussed the competencies and characteristics of Extension professionals as they explored how Extension will need adapt to changing clientele, both in who they are and how they want to receive information. Extension education curriculum is not fully preparing future Extension employees in all required competencies, falling short on use of technology, diversity and pluralism, volunteer development, marketing, and public relations, risk management, and the community development process. Additionally, the Extension educator workforce development pipeline is not preparing a demographically representative population, leaving state administrators struggling to hire prepared professionals, especially those with in-culture competency (e.g., racial and ethnic …


Integrating Underutilized Black Volunteers In 4-H Youth Development Programs, Maurice Smith Jr., Shannon Wiley Jul 2021

Integrating Underutilized Black Volunteers In 4-H Youth Development Programs, Maurice Smith Jr., Shannon Wiley

The Journal of Extension

4-H Youth Development prides itself on providing essential resources to reach underserved minority populations. 4-H provides programming and professional development for volunteers to include diverse hands-on training, and cultural competency workshops. This article provides best practices for the inclusion of African American volunteers in 4-H programming efforts that could help extension educators better understand the need to include minority volunteer roles and responsibilities. These strategies include strengthening diverse volunteer make-up, increasing participation and trust among African American youth, and engaging volunteers working in educational organizations that could provide real world experiences for youth.


4-H Youth Development Programming In Indigenous Communities: A Critical Review Of Cooperative Extension Literature, Joshua Farella, Mike Hauser, Amy Parrott, Joshua D. Moore, Meghan Penrod, Jeremy Elliott-Engel Jul 2021

4-H Youth Development Programming In Indigenous Communities: A Critical Review Of Cooperative Extension Literature, Joshua Farella, Mike Hauser, Amy Parrott, Joshua D. Moore, Meghan Penrod, Jeremy Elliott-Engel

The Journal of Extension

A literature review was conducted using the key words relating to Native American Youth and 4-H to assess the current state of 4-H youth programming serving First Nation/ Indigenous populations to inform future Extension initiatives. A systematic and qualitative review determined what level of focus the conducted programming efforts placed on broadly accepted elements of cultural identity as noted in the Peoplehood Model. A very small number of articles (N=13) were found pertaining to 4-H and Indigenous Communities. Fewer demonstrated emphasis on the peoplehood elements of language, place, traditional ceremony or calendars, and history. This work investigates a continuing inequity …


Scenario Planning For Resilient Agricultural Systems: A Process For Engaging Controversy, Crystal A. Powers, Tyler Williams, Rick R. Stowell Jul 2021

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.


Preparing Undergraduates For Agriculture And Food Research Careers: An Internship Paradigm, Rebecca Mott, Todd Lorenz, Jo Britt-Rankin Jun 2021

Preparing Undergraduates For Agriculture And Food Research Careers: An Internship Paradigm, Rebecca Mott, Todd Lorenz, Jo Britt-Rankin

The Journal of Extension

The University of Missouri Integrated STEM Internship Program (MU-ISIP) is a 9-week internship experience that helps prepare undergraduates for the workforce or graduate school in four AFRI areas: (a) plant health and production, (b) animal health and production, (c) food safety, nutrition and health, and (d) agricultural economics and rural communities. This program helps address the need for the next generation of agriculturalists and food scientists through experiential learning. Additionally, it exposes undergraduates to Extension as a career option. This article outlines our approach to MU-ISIP and lessons learned during the program’s inception.


4-H Engineering Design Challenge Program: Engaging Youth In Stem Learning, R.Michael Compton, Rebecca L. Meyer, Anne Stevenson, Somongkol Teng Jun 2021

4-H Engineering Design Challenge Program: Engaging Youth In Stem Learning, R.Michael Compton, Rebecca L. Meyer, Anne Stevenson, Somongkol Teng

The Journal of Extension

The University of Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge program is an experiential learning opportunity in which youth work with adult volunteers to create Rube Goldberg influenced machines to address real-world issues. The program components are designed to help youth develop STEM work skills using an Engineering Design Process, increase interest in STEM content knowledge, and explore STEM career interests/aspirations. Evaluation indicates a majority of participants learn the engineering design process, principles of mechanical engineering, teamwork, public speaking, and problem solving. Programmatic outcomes and supports provide for the successful replication, adaptation, and implementation in both formal and non-formal learning environments.


Understanding Milk Consumption Habits Among College Students In Order To Redesign Outreach, Stacey F. Stearns, Adam N. Rabinowitz Jun 2021

Understanding Milk Consumption Habits Among College Students In Order To Redesign Outreach, Stacey F. Stearns, Adam N. Rabinowitz

The Journal of Extension

College students consume less dairy milk than in the past. Increased competition in the beverage aisle influences their choices. However, much of the population is not meeting the recommended intake guidelines for calcium. A survey of undergraduate college students with university dining plans focused on milk consumption habits, beverage choices, and student attitudes toward healthful foods and nutrition. Results are guiding Extension program educational outreach campaigns to college students. By focusing on the healthful and nutritional benefits of milk, Extension educators could increase consumption among college age consumers, and their long-term healthful outcomes.


Value Of Assessing Personal, Organizational, And Community Impacts Of Extension Volunteer Programs, Rebecca Harrington, Tillie Good, Kandi O'Neil, Samantha Grant, Sarah Maass, Rachelle Vettern, Patricia Mcglaughlin Jun 2021

Value Of Assessing Personal, Organizational, And Community Impacts Of Extension Volunteer Programs, Rebecca Harrington, Tillie Good, Kandi O'Neil, Samantha Grant, Sarah Maass, Rachelle Vettern, Patricia Mcglaughlin

The Journal of Extension

Extension volunteers demonstrate personal, organizational, and community benefits. Our group of Extension professionals in the North Central Region applied these three levels of benefit to gather quantitative and qualitative data in a comprehensive evaluation of volunteer impact. Survey responses were received from 2,978 4-H youth development volunteers in 12 states. A mixed-methods approach, such as the one we used, can provide Extension professionals with evidence to communicate the value of volunteer programs and improve their practice in volunteer systems management.


Testing Social Media Water Conservation Messages That Convey Extension Evaluation Results, Laura A. Warner, Colby Silvert, Jamie Loizzo, Jarred A. Shellhouse Jun 2021

Testing Social Media Water Conservation Messages That Convey Extension Evaluation Results, Laura A. Warner, Colby Silvert, Jamie Loizzo, Jarred A. Shellhouse

The Journal of Extension

In this study, we tested frames Extension professionals could use to promote residential water conservation through social media. We randomly assigned Florida residents to view one of six visual messages with water conservation facts or stories and then measured willingness to engage with education programs and conservation behaviors. There were clear differences in message frame performance, but better performance was highly dependent on outcome metrics used. Therefore, we were unable to identify a preferred frame. These findings need to be further examined in an authentic social media environment to inform best practices in social media message framing for Extension professionals.


Assessing The Value Of Video Resources In Extension-Led Natural Resources Management Continuing Education Programs, Eli S. Sagor, Marcella A. Windmuller-Campione, Madison G. Rodman Jun 2021

Assessing The Value Of Video Resources In Extension-Led Natural Resources Management Continuing Education Programs, Eli S. Sagor, Marcella A. Windmuller-Campione, Madison G. Rodman

The Journal of Extension

Effective delivery of continuing education programs can improve their impact. Using the first of four two-week modules of a professional short course, we tested outcomes of a flipped classroom approach, comparing professional foresters’ completion rates, preference for, and perceived value of pre-module content delivered via video and reading. Participants in the National Advanced Silviculture Program self-reported significantly higher pre-module completion rates, preference for, and perceived value of video over reading. This simple study suggests the potential for video to serve as an accessible and preferred format for delivery of key content to supplement an in-person continuing education program.


Empowering Teens To Make A Difference In Their At-Risk Community, Lisa Rothenburger, Alayne Torretta Jun 2021

Empowering Teens To Make A Difference In Their At-Risk Community, Lisa Rothenburger, Alayne Torretta

The Journal of Extension

When identifying problems and creating solutions that support the community culture of health, youths provide a unique perspective. This article describes how staff from Somerset County, NJ 4-H partnered with staff from Middle Earth, an at-risk youth service provider, to organize a group of teens who identified and implemented projects that affect the health and wellness of their community of Bound Brook, NJ.  Extension professionals can replicate a sustainable and synergistic youth-adult partnership by creating the opportunities, making the initial connections within the community, and following the 4-H club model to ensure teens experience the essential elements.


Rentwise: An Updated Tool For Meeting The Needs Of Renters, Lori A. Hendrickson, Rebecca A. Hagen Jokela, Shawna F. Thompson Apr 2021

Rentwise: An Updated Tool For Meeting The Needs Of Renters, Lori A. Hendrickson, Rebecca A. Hagen Jokela, Shawna F. Thompson

The Journal of Extension

Housing education is critical in the context of today’s economy. This article details the current need for rental education for both consumers and practitioners. We discuss the importance of housing education resources for Extension educators across the United States, describe the updated curriculum RentWise, and provide information related to accessing the curriculum.


Eating Smart And Moving More For Head Start: A Pilot Study, Virginia C. Stage, L Suzanne Goodell, Susan Chase, Stephanie Mcdonald, Archana V. Hegde, Jocelyn Bayles, Lorelei Jones Mar 2021

Eating Smart And Moving More For Head Start: A Pilot Study, Virginia C. Stage, L Suzanne Goodell, Susan Chase, Stephanie Mcdonald, Archana V. Hegde, Jocelyn Bayles, Lorelei Jones

The Journal of Extension

Our study examined the relationship between improved personal health behaviors of Head Start teachers’ and the promotion of positive health behaviors in their classroom. Thirty-three Head Start teachers across 7 centers received six 30-minute nutrition education lessons. Dietary intake, physical activity, and self-efficacy for promoting positive health behaviors in the classroom were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Significant improvements were observed for dietary intake and physical activity. Self-efficacy for promoting health behaviors in the classroom did not significantly improve. Additional education is needed to improve health promotion practices. Lessons learned contributed to program refinement. Implications for Extension are discussed.


Developing A Comprehensive Leadership Program For Extension County Directors, Brandi C. Berven, Allisen Penn, Janet C. Cluck, Shirley W. Hastings Mar 2021

Developing A Comprehensive Leadership Program For Extension County Directors, Brandi C. Berven, Allisen Penn, Janet C. Cluck, Shirley W. Hastings

The Journal of Extension

This article provides an overview of the development and components of LEAD95, UT Extension’s comprehensive leadership program for county-level leaders. The program was designed using results from a Delphi study, which identified critical skills and resources for new county directors to be successful. The program consists of face-to-face workshops, mentoring, a multi-rater assessment, online learning opportunities, and an online resource toolkit. Expected outcomes include increased competency, increased job satisfaction, and more consistent leadership and direction among county-level leaders in the UT Extension system.


Young Cattle Producers Conference Develops Leaders In Idaho, Carmen J. Willmore, Meranda Small, Sarah Baker, Jim Church Mar 2021

Young Cattle Producers Conference Develops Leaders In Idaho, Carmen J. Willmore, Meranda Small, Sarah Baker, Jim Church

The Journal of Extension

The need for young leadership in the beef industry has become a rising concern as the average age of primary operators increases. Extension educators developed a leadership conference for beef producers with the primary objective to educate and develop leadership qualities in young cattle producers. To achieve the objective participants, age 18-40 years old, had opportunities to learn all aspects of the industry through presentations, hands-on learning and industry tours. A post-conference survey revealed that participants planned to utilize what they learned and had a better understanding of the beef industry at the conclusion of the program.