Audrey K. McCrary, L. Burger, Laura Downey, B. Baker
The Extension Service is one of many agencies charged with increasing awareness and knowledge of research-based agricultural conservation practices. A regional survey of Extension agents with agriculture and natural resources responsibilities was conducted to assess the need for in-service training on 11 water resource conservation topics. The highest priority training needs were for topics related to complex interactions and drivers of agricultural water pollution. This article highlights the implications of these results and offers broader perspective on bringing the Borich model of needs assessment into the agricultural and natural resources realm of subject matter expertise.
{"title":"Water Conservation: Extension Agents’ Perceptions of Issue Importance, Professional Abilities, and Landowner Needs","authors":"Audrey K. McCrary, L. Burger, Laura Downey, B. Baker","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.17","url":null,"abstract":"The Extension Service is one of many agencies charged with increasing awareness and knowledge of research-based agricultural conservation practices. A regional survey of Extension agents with agriculture and natural resources responsibilities was conducted to assess the need for in-service training on 11 water resource conservation topics. The highest priority training needs were for topics related to complex interactions and drivers of agricultural water pollution. This article highlights the implications of these results and offers broader perspective on bringing the Borich model of needs assessment into the agricultural and natural resources realm of subject matter expertise.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46579063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Gray, Jennifer E. Cushman, Miriah Kelly, M. Gaudio, E. J. Gubbins
Youth in grades 4 to 6 were presented with healthy living topics through a two cycle, 11-week 4-H after school curriculum designed for low income, urban populations. Pre- and post-surveys were used to measure knowledge of healthy homes topics such as mold and moisture, lead poisoning, pests, asthma triggers, smoking, and food safety. Daily journaling activities designed to measure youth engagement also added to the mixed data set. Lessons learned about program efficacy, youth knowledge, and youth engagement are presented.
{"title":"Tools for Healthy Living: Lessons Learned About Program Efficacy, Youth Knowledge, and Youth Engagement","authors":"S. Gray, Jennifer E. Cushman, Miriah Kelly, M. Gaudio, E. J. Gubbins","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.16","url":null,"abstract":"Youth in grades 4 to 6 were presented with healthy living topics through a two cycle, 11-week 4-H after school curriculum designed for low income, urban populations. Pre- and post-surveys were used to measure knowledge of healthy homes topics such as mold and moisture, lead poisoning, pests, asthma triggers, smoking, and food safety. Daily journaling activities designed to measure youth engagement also added to the mixed data set. Lessons learned about program efficacy, youth knowledge, and youth engagement are presented.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48323954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The issues families in the military experience have been exacerbated by 20 years of continuous war. Families in the military across all the service branches are families first, sharing similar struggles as their civilian counterparts. Like many families, families in the military have day-to-day concerns about health, financial management, parenting and building positive relationships. Cooperative Extension is positioned to bridge the gap between building support systems and providing quality education, services and care to service members and their families–but are we ready to serve?
{"title":"Ready to Serve: Opportunities for Cooperative Extension to Support Military Families","authors":"Rachel Brauner, Andrew B. Crocker","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.18","url":null,"abstract":"The issues families in the military experience have been exacerbated by 20 years of continuous war. Families in the military across all the service branches are families first, sharing similar struggles as their civilian counterparts. Like many families, families in the military have day-to-day concerns about health, financial management, parenting and building positive relationships. Cooperative Extension is positioned to bridge the gap between building support systems and providing quality education, services and care to service members and their families–but are we ready to serve?","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47780751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A partial enterprise budget simply evaluates the costs and returns profile of the agricultural firm. The simplicity in the partial enterprise budget comes with a cost that it lacks accuracy as it uses fixed single estimates and ignores potential variation in the components of the agricultural production processes. We study risk-rated returns from southern highbush blueberry production using a drip irrigation system under 5 scenarios of the blueberry prices and yields. The risk-rated return analysis gauges the returns over total costs under different specified situations addressing possible uncertainty. We show the chance of profit from southern highbush blueberry in Georgia is 69% in any full production year with the expected returns over costs of $952 per acre. This approach is helpful to minimize risk at the farmer’s production level and policy formation level.
{"title":"Economic Analysis of Southern Highbush Blueberry Production Using Drip Irrigation and Frost Protection in Georgia, USA","authors":"S. Kunwar, E. Fonsah","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.12","url":null,"abstract":"A partial enterprise budget simply evaluates the costs and returns profile of the agricultural firm. The simplicity in the partial enterprise budget comes with a cost that it lacks accuracy as it uses fixed single estimates and ignores potential variation in the components of the agricultural production processes. We study risk-rated returns from southern highbush blueberry production using a drip irrigation system under 5 scenarios of the blueberry prices and yields. The risk-rated return analysis gauges the returns over total costs under different specified situations addressing possible uncertainty. We show the chance of profit from southern highbush blueberry in Georgia is 69% in any full production year with the expected returns over costs of $952 per acre. This approach is helpful to minimize risk at the farmer’s production level and policy formation level.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44644966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Community Food Assessments (CFAs) can be used to identify resources and gaps in how food is grown and distributed in a community, and develop action plans for improvement. This article shares the process for conducting these assessments and draws lessons from CFAs conducted across Oregon. Key themes and innovative projects are highlighted to share potential programming ideas. Extension can play a role in partnership development and networking that helps create sustainable projects that improve local food systems.
{"title":"Using Community Food Assessments to Improve Local Food Systems","authors":"R. Maille","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.13","url":null,"abstract":"Community Food Assessments (CFAs) can be used to identify resources and gaps in how food is grown and distributed in a community, and develop action plans for improvement. This article shares the process for conducting these assessments and draws lessons from CFAs conducted across Oregon. Key themes and innovative projects are highlighted to share potential programming ideas. Extension can play a role in partnership development and networking that helps create sustainable projects that improve local food systems.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46230278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christopher J. Eck, K. D. Layfield, C. Dibenedetto, Jacqueline Jordan, Sarah Scott, Weatherly Thomas, M. Parisi, T. Dobbins
Traditional delivery of Extension programming changed overnight in March 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak forced switching traditional methods to virtual delivery. Extension professionals across South Carolina quickly adapted to online delivery. Concerns over instructor preparedness to use online tools, including functions to assure accessibility, did arise. Findings from this non-experimental, descriptive research study suggested Extension professionals used online tools (primarily Zoom). The majority were not comfortable using many of the features that would enhance instruction, including polling, file transfer, and live-streaming media platforms. Additionally, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint skills to assure accessibility for clientele were lacking.
{"title":"Assessing Awareness and Competence of Best Practices in Synchronous Online Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic for Clemson Cooperative Extension Professionals","authors":"Christopher J. Eck, K. D. Layfield, C. Dibenedetto, Jacqueline Jordan, Sarah Scott, Weatherly Thomas, M. Parisi, T. Dobbins","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.09","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.09","url":null,"abstract":"Traditional delivery of Extension programming changed overnight in March 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak forced switching traditional methods to virtual delivery. Extension professionals across South Carolina quickly adapted to online delivery. Concerns over instructor preparedness to use online tools, including functions to assure accessibility, did arise. Findings from this non-experimental, descriptive research study suggested Extension professionals used online tools (primarily Zoom). The majority were not comfortable using many of the features that would enhance instruction, including polling, file transfer, and live-streaming media platforms. Additionally, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint skills to assure accessibility for clientele were lacking.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46373005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Steven M. Worker, Jennifer McCambridge, Anne Stevenson, Jane Fields, Alexa Maille, C. Meehan, A. Mondl, Charles Malone, Martin Smith
There are many environmental issues surrounding the global production and use of plastics. Three science curricula (Grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8) were developed to introduce youth to the past, present, and future of plastics. Designed using research-based methods and grounded in effective science pedagogy, the curricula provide young people opportunities to explore viable alternatives to plastics and develop knowledge and skills necessary to help mitigate environmental impacts associated with the production, use and disposal of plastics. Evaluation results demonstrated that youth improved their understanding of polymers and intention to help reduce impacts of plastics on the environment.
{"title":"Sustainable Polymers: New 4-H STEM Curricula","authors":"Steven M. Worker, Jennifer McCambridge, Anne Stevenson, Jane Fields, Alexa Maille, C. Meehan, A. Mondl, Charles Malone, Martin Smith","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.01","url":null,"abstract":"There are many environmental issues surrounding the global production and use of plastics. Three science curricula (Grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8) were developed to introduce youth to the past, present, and future of plastics. Designed using research-based methods and grounded in effective science pedagogy, the curricula provide young people opportunities to explore viable alternatives to plastics and develop knowledge and skills necessary to help mitigate environmental impacts associated with the production, use and disposal of plastics. Evaluation results demonstrated that youth improved their understanding of polymers and intention to help reduce impacts of plastics on the environment.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42685427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Hennessy, Alexander Lindsey, Yuyuan Che, L. Lindsey, M. Singh, H. Feng, Elizabeth Hawkins, S. Subburayalu, R. Black, E. Richer, Daniel S Ochs
Selecting optimal corn and soybean seeding rates are difficult decisions to make. A survey of Ohio and Michigan farm operators finds that, although generally keen to learn from others, they tend to emphasize their own experience over outside information sources. Soybean growers declare university and extension recommendations as more important than do corn growers. In response to direct queries and in free comments, growers place more emphasis on understanding the agronomic and technological problems at hand than on adjusting to the market environment. Given the decision environment, we argue that these responses are reasonable.
{"title":"Characterizing the Decision Process in Setting Corn and Soybean Seeding Rates","authors":"D. Hennessy, Alexander Lindsey, Yuyuan Che, L. Lindsey, M. Singh, H. Feng, Elizabeth Hawkins, S. Subburayalu, R. Black, E. Richer, Daniel S Ochs","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.03","url":null,"abstract":"Selecting optimal corn and soybean seeding rates are difficult decisions to make. A survey of Ohio and Michigan farm operators finds that, although generally keen to learn from others, they tend to emphasize their own experience over outside information sources. Soybean growers declare university and extension recommendations as more important than do corn growers. In response to direct queries and in free comments, growers place more emphasis on understanding the agronomic and technological problems at hand than on adjusting to the market environment. Given the decision environment, we argue that these responses are reasonable.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42723048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lillian Nabwiire, Angela Shaw, G. Nonnecke, D. Minner, E. Johnsen, L. Petersen
Extension materials that are sensitive to changing demographics and culture increase relevance and compliance with food safety practices. Produce safety extension materials were developed for U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) produce growers to help with compliance with a new food safety rule. We developed employee training materials based on a needs assessment and behavioral change was evaluated six months after dissemination. The original materials were not seen as culturally appropriate but after modifications, improvements in food safety practices and behavior changes were observed. These results suggest that extension educators should seek feedback from target populations about potential interventions before implementation.
{"title":"Cultural Sensitivity: A Requirement When Developing Food Safety Interventions","authors":"Lillian Nabwiire, Angela Shaw, G. Nonnecke, D. Minner, E. Johnsen, L. Petersen","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.04","url":null,"abstract":"Extension materials that are sensitive to changing demographics and culture increase relevance and compliance with food safety practices. Produce safety extension materials were developed for U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) produce growers to help with compliance with a new food safety rule. We developed employee training materials based on a needs assessment and behavioral change was evaluated six months after dissemination. The original materials were not seen as culturally appropriate but after modifications, improvements in food safety practices and behavior changes were observed. These results suggest that extension educators should seek feedback from target populations about potential interventions before implementation.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48538823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this article, I review Donaldson's (2020) Community Engagement for Extension Professionals: 21st Century Program Planning, Evaluation, and Professionalism. This guidebook is relevant to several audiences including undergraduate and graduate students, Extension professionals, and faculty who work with students and advisees on program planning research and practice. This article highlights the primary contributions of the guidebook, with special emphasis on proactive and reactive Extension programming models.
{"title":"Community Engagement and Programming Models for the 21st Century Extension Professional","authors":"Laura Downey","doi":"10.34068/joe.60.01.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.02","url":null,"abstract":"In this article, I review Donaldson's (2020) Community Engagement for Extension Professionals: 21st Century Program Planning, Evaluation, and Professionalism. This guidebook is relevant to several audiences including undergraduate and graduate students, Extension professionals, and faculty who work with students and advisees on program planning research and practice. This article highlights the primary contributions of the guidebook, with special emphasis on proactive and reactive Extension programming models.","PeriodicalId":47627,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF EXTENSION","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45699204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}