Agricultural Education Commons^™

Barriers, Roles, And Information Source Preferences For Utilizing Agricultural Science Projects Among Utah 4-H Extension Professionals, Aleigh Aurin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Agriscience is the growing study of biotechnology, business, and economics within the agriculture industry. Through 4-H, youth can experience hands on learning through different program areas. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers, roles, and how Utah 4-H personnel preferred to learn about new programs. The study showed time and available volunteers were a barrier for 4-H Extension personnel to implement Agriscience projects. Other results included internet and workshops as the top choices for training programs. The Extension personnel agreed it was their job to involve and educate youth. Yet, need training in how to integrate Robotics; …

Twenty-First Century Skills: A Needs Assessment Of School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers, Kisia J. Weeks

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Preparing students to be career and work ready is a concern of educators and schools nationwide. Twenty-first century skills prepare students to enter the workforce or higher education with the ability to think critically and creatively, collaborate with others, take the initiative when approached with a task, and use technology to its fullest potential. If students are not learning the skills needed for success, it is because educators and schools are not teaching them. When students possess these skills, they are prepared to work in teams, think critically and creatively about a problem, display leadership and social skills, and communicate …

Organization Of A Community Garden Program Through Utah State University Food $Ense And Master Gardener Extension Programs For Low-Income Families In Logan, Utah, Jackie Hendrickson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Nearly 12.3% of American households are food insecure. In Cache County, Utah, specifically, the rates of food insecurity are even higher (15%). Addressing the issue of food insecurity improves physical/mental health outcomes, childhood cognitive/physical development, family environments, and decreases healthcare costs. Evidence-based strategies to improve food security include increasing one’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables and improving self-efficacy. Community gardens are recognized as an initiative that improve participant’s levels of food security. In Utah, a number of community gardens exist, but none focus on food insecure individuals or include a curriculum of basic gardening and nutrition skills. Utah State …

A Needs Assessment Of Arizona Agricultural Education Equine Science Curriculum, Emily Tobler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Like any other agricultural industry, many different career paths in the equine field are becoming more technologically advanced. To adapt to technological progress, current standards need to be integrated into school-based agricultural education courses to properly train and teach students about current industry standards. In addition to equine science curriculum development, emphasis must also be focused on providing assistance to secondary-school-based agriculture teachers so they can effectively teach industry-based equine science objectives in their programs.

The equine curriculum objectives were measured in terms of perceived importance by equine professionals and post-secondary equine educators as well as Arizona school-based agriculture teachers. …

Usu Careers In Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Grades 9-12, Tyson Sorensen, Olivia Horning, Joshua Dallin

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These are brochures (three currently have been completed) that were developed as part of this grant to promote AFNR careers among high school-aged students. These brochures were developed with a focus on careers related to Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. The brochures were distributed to participants of the workshop and with invitations for them to also distribute the brochures to their school's career/guidance counselors. The goal of the brochures is to help students learn about and see the pathway to get to their agriculture, forestry, or natural resources career of interest.

Brochure titles:

Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences (BS): Biotechnology Emphasis …

Assessing Homeowners' Lawn Management Practices And Preferred Sources Of Educational Information, Candace J. Schaible

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Prior to the development of programing and outreach materials it is important for Extension outreach and education professionals to assess the educational needs and preference of the communities they serve. Survey data was gathered from residents of Cedar City, UT, in an effort to gain an understanding of current lawn management practices and the resources homeowners utilize when making management decisions. In addition, soil samples were collected from a subset of participants to compare nutrient levels to management practices.

Survey results found that homeowners accessed multiple sources, with preferences leaning towards the use of friends and family members, the internet, …

Framing Contemporary U.S. Wild Horse And Burro Management Processes In A Dynamic Ecological, Sociological, And Political Environment, J. Derek Scasta, Jacob D. Hennig, Jeffrey L. Beck

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFRHBA) of 1971 established all “unbranded or unclaimed” equids on U.S. public lands as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.” Today, >72,000 feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) and burros (E . asinus ; WHB) live on western U.S. public rangelands. The number of WHBs exceeds the Bureau of Land Management’s maximum Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 26,715 by a factor of approximately 2.7 and has nearly doubled from 2007–2015. The AML was set to balance WHB numbers with rangeland health and support other uses such as wildlife habitat …

Curriculum: Careers In Urban Agriculture (Grades 7-12), Tyson Sorensen, Kelsey Hall, David Francis, Joshua Dallin

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Materials were created for school-based agricultural educators (7th-12 grade) to use for students in Utah. This curriculum covers multiple days of instruction but 3-5 (50-minute sessions) days is what it is intended for. Includes a unit plan for the instructor, presentation slides (PPT and PFD), worksheets, and other materials. This curriculum focuses on careers in urban agriculture.

Survey Data From Utah Urban Agricultural Workshop, Tyson Sorensen, Kelsey Hall, David Francis, Joshua Dallin

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Forty-two teachers who attended the Urban Agriculture Workshop were surveyed after the workshop to assess the value of various aspects of the workshop and to measure pre-post gains in knowledge, ability, and importance. Also to measure attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral controls, and behavioral intention. Demographics were also collected. Data show the results. Survey Instrument is attached. Scaling varies (see instrument).

Survey Data From Ecochallenge Workshop, Tyson Sorensen, Kelsey Hall, David Francis, Joshua Dallin

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The Borich calculator analyzed the data from the EcoChallenge (Explore) workshop to determine professional development needs of educators for future workshop planning. The calculator takes into account IMPORTANCE and PERCEIVED COMPETENCE of each item and calculates Mean Weighted Discrepancy Scores (MWDS). Those are then ranked and the data shows those results. The survey instrument is attached. The workshop was student-centered but allowed for educational professionals to engage with the materials (Exploring careers in AFNR).

Curriculum: Alternative Animals In Agriculture (Grades 7-12), Tyson Sorensen, Kelsey Hall, David Francis, Joshua Dallin

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Materials were created for school-based agricultural educators (7th-12 grade) to use for students in Utah. This curriculum covers multiple days of instruction but 3-5 (50-minute sessions) days is what it is intended for. Includes a unit plan for an instructor, presentation slides (PPT and PFD), worksheets, and other materials.

Evaluating Utah 4-H Stem Curricula Used To Promote Stem In Utah 4-H Programs, Michelle D. Simmons

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah 4-H strives to ensure that youth receive the best that positive youth developmental programming has to offer in an endeavor to provide 4-H youth with the knowledge and skills that will given them an advantage in the workforce. The purpose of this study was to determine if Utah's Discover 4-H STEM curricula that is being used to promote STEM in Utah 4-H program met the outcomes of the National 4-H STEM logic model.

The Role Of Utah Farmers In Farm To School Programming, John L. Hawley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This purpose of this study was to describe Utah farmers’ role in farm to school (FTS) programming and their interest in institutional marketing of local foods. The researcher sent a survey to farmers belonging to the Utah Farm Bureau to discover the role they play in FTS in Utah.

Respondents held positive attitudes toward FTS programming and agreed that building relationships with community members and increasing awareness of local food were benefits. They cited a lack of information about schools seeking to purchase local products and restriction of growing seasons as barriers to their participation in FTS. They displayed their …

Effects Of Integrating Mathematical Concepts Into A Nutrition Unit In The Animal Science Curriculum, Andrea R. Gardner, Brian K. Warnick, Rebecca G. Lawver

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

Achievement test scores in mathematics have been a concern among educators for many years. Teaching contextualized mathematics has been found to be effective and includes providing a direct application to real-life scenarios rather than teaching linear equations and algebraic principles in isolation. This study measured the effects of integrating mathematical skills in one instructional unit in an animal science curriculum. Students from eight schools participated in the research study. Students completed a pretest measuring their existing mathematical skills and self-efficacy in math. All students were taught a unit of instruction about animal nutrition and feeding. The control group received a …

Engaging Educational Professionals And Students On The Viability Of Afnr Careers, Denton Perkins, Tyson Sorensen, Kelsey Hall, Joshua Dallin, Dave Francis

Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education Student Research

Between 2015 and 2020, an average of 57,900 annual job openings are expected in careers related to agriculture, food, and natural resource (AFNR) areas. With an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates annually that have expertise in these areas, a large gap is present between the number of expected job openings and the number of well-qualified graduates to fill those positions (Goeker, Smith, Fernandez, Ali, & Theller, 2015). Due to this shortage, employers will have to look elsewhere to fill the remaining thirty-nine percent of job openings. Parents and counselors are often more willing to support agriculture than people believe; …

Identifying Professional Development Needs Of Secondary Education Professionals, Denton Perkins, Kelsey Hall, Tyson Sorensen, Joshua Dallin, Dave Francis

Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education Student Research

The increasingly important issues and top U.S. priorities of food security, sustainable energy, and environmental quality demand highly qualified graduates with expertise in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR). Despite demand, a recent study found 32% of U.S. employers report difficulties filling job vacancies due to a lack of skills and training among potential employees (ManPower, 2015). Between 2015 and 2020, an average of 57,900 annual job openings are expected in careers related to AFNR areas. With an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates annually with expertise in these areas, a large gap exists between the number of expected job …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Utah Farm Field Days, Paige Wray

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah farm field day events seek to increase agricultural literacy among elementary students. Although these events are occurring statewide, no formal evaluation has been conducted to determine student increases in agricultural literacy related to these events. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two such events to see what students knew about agriculture before they attended the farm field day, what they wanted to learn about concerning agriculture, and what they learned after attending the event. Results showed that these children were below average for expected grade level understandings or agricultural awareness before the event. However, after the event, …

Utah Regional Differences In Respirator Use And Fit Testing Among Pesticide Applicators, Michael Pate, F. Richard Beard, Kelsey L. Hall

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine regional differences within Utah in response to piloting a mobile respirator training and fit assessment program for pesticide applicators. The objectives were to describe worker perceptions of respirator use and training experiences. Pilot trainings were offered in two southern counties and two northern counties of Utah. A total of 141 individuals completed the post-training questionnaire regarding use and fit testing experience with respirators as well as perceptions of the benefits to protecting respiratory health. The majority of respondents were male (95.7%, f = 112). The proportion of participants in the southern counties …

Engaging Educational Professionals Towards Training The Next Generation Within The Food, Agricultural, And Natural Resources Career Areas, Tyson Sorensen

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Examining The Utah 4-H Volunteer Program: The Effects Of Donation And Motives In Relation To Volunteer Recruitment And Retention, Kelsey W. Romney

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah 4-H is a volunteer driven, youth development program. The success of Utah 4-H depends on the recruitment and retention of volunteers. The purpose of this study was to identify recruitment and retention motivators and how those motivators related to the unique cultural demographics of Utah 4-H volunteers. Results show that volunteers did not begin volunteering because of their religious affiliation; however, those who were religious were more likely to remain active volunteers for Utah 4-H. The underlying motive of 4-H volunteers, related to all types of involvement in the program, was an altruistic desire to help others.

Factors Influencing Farmers' Utilization Of Auto-Guidance Technology In Northern Utah, Thomas A. Bleazard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Few studies have documented the use of auto-guidance technologies in the western United States. This study sought to discover farmers’ training preferences and what drives adoption of auto-guidance systems in northern Utah. A presentation of auto-guidance systems was made to crop school attendees. Afterwards an auto-guidance simulator was used to demonstrate to participants how these systems worked and let them engage in an experiential learning experience with laptops. A survey was administered to collect information on farmers’ training preferences and use of auto-guidance technologies. Results of the survey showed that farmers have a large interest in learning about auto-guidance technologies, …

Effects Of Animal Science Agricultural Education Course Completion On Urban High School Students' Career Choice, Kristina Gowans

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study focused on testing the effects of agricultural education on urban high school students’ career choices. It looked into how students view agriculture, how they perceive their peers view agriculture, how their demographics are related to career choice, and if their career choice was changed to a different career upon completion of the study. The study showed a positive relationship between completing an agricultural education class in animal science and interest in going into an agricultural career. Further, females in the study were more likely to choose an agricultural career. After the completion of a school-based agricultural education program, …

Injury Risk Assessment For Supervised Agricultural Experiences (Saes) Informational Packet, Michael Pate, Rebecca Lawver

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

This instructional packet is designed to serve as a reference for individuals involved with students' production based SAEs to use while evaluating worksites and assessing the risks associated with those worksites.

The Effect Of Black Plastic Mulch Alone And In Combination With Various Types Of Plastic Row Covers On Production Of Sweet Corn, Morteza Jabalameli

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects of black polyethylene (PE) mulch alone and in combination with plastic film tunnels (Agronet, Reemay, whiteperforated, clear, and clear-slitted) were studied on morphology and yield of sweet corn in North Logan, Utah. Yields of "Miracle" sweet corn (Zea mays L.) were increased significantly by using black PE mulch and with a combination of various types of plastic row covers, as compared to unmulched soil. Standard-growth analysis procedures were conducted to verify responses among treatments. Treatment effects were determined by measuring days to first flowering, ear weight, number of side tillers, cob length, cob circumference, cob fill length, number …

The Feasibility Of Concurrent Enrollment Of High School Students In College-Level Introductory Plant Science, Gregory H. Egan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of allowing concurrent enrollment in the College of Agriculture to selected high schools in the state of Utah. "Introduction to Agricultural Plant Science" (Plant Science 100) was the course being tested. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify four vocational agriculture programs to participate. There were 86 high school students in the study and 38 college students who took the course on campus at Utah State University.

In this study, 47.7% of the high school students passed the course with a 70% average or above. Comparisons between high school …

The Feasibility Of Artificial Insemination Of Dairy Cattle Managed By Fulani Tribesmen In Kaduna State, Nigeria, Christian Olafimihan Ojomo

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study sought to determine: (a) the essential elements of a viable artificial insemination program for the Fulani Tribesmen in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and (b) to determine if the essential elements of a viable artificial insemination program exist in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted from April 15 to May 15, 1985, in the Artificial Insemination (AI) Subcenters of Zaria, Katsina, Kabomo, Kaduna, Ikara, Zonkwa, Kurmin-Biri, and Kauranjuli.

The data presented in this study were collected by personal interviews with Fulani Tribesmen. The population of this study was from a partial list of Fulani Tribesmen who have had AI …

A Manpower Study Of The Utah Feed, Grain, And Seed Industry And The Idaho Seed Industry, Earl Ray Thomsen

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

As the farmers of Utah and the nation become more highly trained and more efficient in adapting new technological knowledge in their farming enterprises, farms increase in size and the number of workers needed to produce food for our state and nation decreases. A concurrent yet opposite change occurs in those businesses which perform services for farmers or which market, process, and distribute the farmer's product. Farmers are demanding more skilled services while consumers are demanding that the farms' products receive more processing and distribution services which must be performed off the farm. We, thus, have a growing network of …

Migration Patterns Of High School Vocational Agricultural Graduates Of Utah In 1949 And A Comparison With Ohio Graduates, Keith L. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of the study was to determine the migration patterns of vocational agricultural graduates in Utah during the first 5 years following their high school graduation in 1969, and compare these patterns with Ohio graduates of 1963. Former graduates of 23 of the qualifying 28 departments were included in this study. A random sample of students were surveyed.

Forty percent of the 1969 graduates were engaged in agricultural occupations or agricultural study in college. A total of 30.6 percent of the graduates had moved from their home communities since graduating from high school. More than 88 percent of the …

Cooperative Extension Service Organization And Administration In Utah And Thailand, Sommart Chinoim

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Thailand is an agricultural country with about 80 percent of the population operating farms. Agriculture is the main source of national income and 90 percent of all exports are agricultural products. The farms are small and a high percent of the farmers are illiterate which accounts for so many people remaining on farms. Even though agricultural development is under the National Economic and Social Development Plan, new methods of farming are not easily accessible to the small farmers. They still follow their ancestor's methods of cultivating, irrigating, and harvesting their crops. Most farmers operate subsistent farm units. They plant enough …

An Evaluation Of The Farm Machinery Market In Utah, Paul J. Stuart

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the farm machinery distribution system in Utah using market structure analysis. Questionnaires to farm machinery firms as well as to farmers were used to gather data on market structure and conduct. The traditional market structure theory was used as an analytical framework. Examining the efficiency of factor markets revealed possible avenues for savings to farmers.