Agricultural Education Commons^™

An Evaluation Of U.S. Horseback Riding Instruction Certifications: Availability, Acquisition, Barriers, And Industry Need, Makenna L. Osborne

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to analyze the U.S. equine industry’s availability of riding instruction certification options, describe the relationship between professional certification and the self-efficacy of horseback riding instructors in the U.S., and explore the expectations that consumers have of instructors and instructor selection criteria. Two surveys were developed and sent out to instructors and consumers aligned with the research objectives designed to collect information on instructors’ self- perception of self-efficacy after certifying their perceived barriers to receiving certification, and consumers’ selection criteria for instructors. The average certified instructor was extremely satisfied with their decision to pursue …

Student Perceptions Of Male And Female Instructors In A Post-Secondary Welding Course, S. Kjersti R. Decker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Agricultural mechanics and welding have traditionally been perceived to be careers reserved for males, yet more females have entered professions using welding such as agricultural education. This research was developed because of the lack of gender research in welding. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of learning from a male instructor versus a female instructor in a post-secondary welding course. We examined associations and differences between students’ preference of a male and a female welding instructor as well as individual self-efficacy and perceptions towards using welding technology. The population for this study was undergraduate students and …

Parents' Perceptions Of Life Skill Development And Satisfaction With Utah 4-H, Oakley G. Perry

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The 4-H program is the nation’s largest youth development program with near six million members nationwide. Utah 4-H provides this program to the residents of Utah through Utah State University’s Extension Service. The program focuses on teaching life skills to youth to prepare them for their future using hands on educational programs tied to project areas, or particular topics like equine science or fine arts. Utah 4-H has many different stakeholders, one of which being the parents of its members. For youth programs to continue to be successful, these programs must show stakeholders their significance and ensure that its audience …

Socioscientific Issues In School-Based Agricultural Education: Describing And Exploring Factors Of Integration, Michelle S. Burrows

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Socioscientific issues (SSI) are complex issues which are scientific in nature and have societal impacts. Many SSI have connections to agriculture and as such should be included in agricultural education curriculum. A clear understanding of what school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers know about SSI is needed. The purpose of this research was to explore the knowledge and integration of SSI among SBAE teachers by describing and explaining the factors that influence integration. This quantitative survey research was guided by the SSI-based instruction framework and the three-component model of agricultural education. The population for this study was all SBAE teachers in …

Leadership Styles And Barriers To Leadership For Women In Agriculture: A Mixed Methods Study, Erica Ramsey Louder

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Women are a growing demographic in agriculture, yet women holding positions in agricultural leadership is limited. This research sought to identify the ways women in agriculture lead by examining their leadership styles and the barriers they face as they strive to advance within their professions.

The results show that women are relationship-based leaders and that there are significant barriers that inhibit women’s advancement in agriculture. Many of these barriers are related to gender bias, self-perception, and life issues such as stress and workload.

Perceptions And Behavioral Intentions Of Utah 4-H Equine Program Leaders In Teaching Equine Safety To Youth, Katelyn M. Huffman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

There is an inherent risk associated with working with youth and large equine. The Utah 4-H Equine program is a volunteer-based program that seeks to properly educate youth on equine husbandry, this includes the topic of safe equine handling practices. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and behavioral intentions of Utah 4-H Equine Program leaders about teaching equine safety, including attitudes, perceived behavioral controls and subjective norms. The survey instrument consisted of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and six-point Likert scale questions regarding personal demographics, experience teaching equine safety, attitudes towards safety, perceived behavioral controls, …

A Case Study Comparing The Life Skills Development And Knowledge In Youth Participants Of Horseless And Traditional Horse Programs In Utah, Haley M. Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Traditional horse 4-H programs develop life skills and knowledge in youth. Horseless horse programs lack evaluation for the same benefits. This study evaluated and compared four horseless and seven traditional horse participants from Washington County 4-H in Utah for gains in horse knowledge and development of 10 life skills that are commonly found in 4-H curriculum today: leadership, teamwork, self-responsibility, personal safety, problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, goal setting, communication, and concern for others.

The researcher conducted interviews to learn about life skill experiences of the horse program participants and discover what barriers prevented horseless youth from participating in …

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 …

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; …

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. …

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, …

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 …

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, …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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.

Market Structure Analysis Of Fertilizer Distribution In Utah, John C. Welty

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this paper was to ascertain the contribution of various structural variables to a growing, efficient system of fertilizer distribution in the state of Utah. A questionnaire to survey the fertilizer distributors was used as a source of data. Information was obtained about structural changes in a five-year period, 1965 to 1970. A multiple regression program was used to synthesize these data to determine which variables were most significant and how much they contributed to an increase in total value of fertilizer sales. While empirical data were obtained only for structural dimensions of the industry, marketing theory was …

Vocational Agricultural Curriculum Study In Utah County, Loren J. Phillips

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A questionnaire containing 69 curriculum areas for a vocational agricultural program in Utah County, Utah, and a proposed rating scale was mailed to 720 students who had graduated in vocational agriculture from eight high schools; to 14 agricultural teachers, and to 22 secondary school administrators and supervisors from Utah County; and to 28 other agricultural teachers selected at random in the state. Each person was asked to evaluate each curriculum area according to four suggested rating values: no value, has value, recommended, or essential.

The rating from each respondent was tabulated for each curriculum area by total points by numerical …

Need For Post-High School Technical Training In Ornamental Horticulture In Davis, Salt Lake, And Utah Counties, Paul Peterson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The need for a technician training program in Ornamental Horticulture was studied in Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties utilizing interviews and mailed survey instruments.

The greatest job increase during the next five years is anticipated for nursery workers, landscape helpers and greenhouse workers. The smallest anticipated increase is for florists, floor foreman and nursery technicians.

Skills requiring the highest degree of competency for workers in ornamental horticulture, according to employers, are retail salesmanship, plant identification and disease and insect control.

Courses receiving the highest rating in an ornamental horticulture technician curriculum, as given by owners and managers and by …

Factors Affecting Length Of Tenure Of Vocational Agriculture Teachers Who Are Recent Graduates Of Utah State Agricultural College, John M. Oglesby

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Since its beginning well over a quarter of a century ago, the Vocational Agriculture program has become an integral part of the American school system. The legislative groundwork for Vocational Agriculture, as well as all other vocational programs, was set in 1917 with the passing of the Smith-Hughes Act. Further related legislation was passed in 1929 and 1934, but the program received its greatest federal boost with the passing of the George-Deen Act in 1936 and the George-Barden Act in 1946, both of which provided for the annual expenditure of federal funds in support of vocational education. The George-Barden Law, …

Salt Movement And Forage Crop Establishment In A Saline-Alkali Soil As Influenced By Ridges And Furrows, Sprinkler Irrigation, And Soil Amendments, D. C. Purnell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An estimated two to four million acres of irrigable saline and alkali soils of the United States return very little income to land owners (17,19). Increased needs for forage crops, and the relatively high salt and alkali tolerance of some improved forage species, once established, suggests a way of increasing revenue from some of these lands without costly reclamation.

The Effects Of Fertilizers On The Yield, Carotene Content And Tocopherol Content Of Ranger Alfalfa Hay In Utah, Charles Wm. Jones

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Alfalfa is generally regarded as one of the world's most valuable cultivated forage crops. Few crops, if any, are equal to it in capacity to produce heavy yields of highly nutritious, palatable feed. A combination of desirable attributes as a forage plant and adaptation to a wide diversity of soil and climatic conditions has led to the use of alfalfa in the world to an extent probably exceeding that of any other single legume or grass. Alfalfa constantly proves itself as a valuable feed for most types of livestock. This is especially true in the states where a large amount …

The Consumptive Use Of Water In Milford Valley, Utah, Terrel R. Tovey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Consumptive use, as used in this thesis, is defined as the sum of the volumes of water used by the vegetative growth of a given area in transpiration and building of plant tissue and that evaporated from adjacent soil, snow, or intercepted precipitation of the area in any specified time, divided by the given area. If the unit of time is small, the consumptive use is expressed in acre-inches per acre or depth in inches, whereas, if the unit of time is large, such as growing season or a 12-month period, the consumptive use is expressed as acre-feet per acre …

Attitudes Of School Administrators And Instructors Of Vocational Agricultural Education In Utah, Horace L. Morrill Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Whether or not to provide post-high school education for the farm youth and adult is a highly controversial issue facing many school administrators and teachers of vocational agriculture in Utah today. If one is to start farming and make continuous progress until he becomes a full-fledged farmer it requires several years of training beyond the high school vocational agricultural period. This is because of a lack of maturity and a lack of time, during the high school period, when the individual must and should get a general education.

Many of our present day high schools do not build their curriculum …